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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Psychology

Psychology

Overview

Folsom Lake College's psychology program studies behavior and mental processes. Part of its appeal and fascination is the fact that it involves both pure science and the practical application of science to matters of everyday life. Those pursuing psychology as a field of study will find many career options centering around helping others understand, predict, and control or modify behavior.

Degrees Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Psychology
  • A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • A.A. in Psychology
  • Division Dean Dr. Rose Giordano
  • Department Chair Danielle Beck
  • Phone (916) 361-6330
  • Email giordar@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Psychology

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Psychology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.


This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) Cal-GETC the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences 3
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
List A: Select one course from the following: (4 units)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
List B: Select one course from the following: (3 units)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
List C: Select one course from the following, or any course from List A or B not already used: (3 units)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
Total Units: 19

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
  • evaluate the influence of biological and environmental factors on behavior and mental processes.
  • apply psychological concepts and theories to personal and social issues.
  • apply basic research methods to evaluate psychological issues.
  • demonstrate the appropriate use and interpretation of various descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to psychology.

Career Information

The Psychology degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to four-year Psychology programs which prepare students for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for entry level positions in a variety of careers such as sales, marketing, teaching, and law enforcement. Psychologists with graduate degrees and professional certificates have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients. Research psychologists work in a range of fields associated with the study of human behavior, including biomedical, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319 Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
   or ECON 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 345 Law and Society (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
ECON 307 Global Issues in the Political Economy (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
HIST 314 Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
KINES 416 Psychology of Sport (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

A.A. in Psychology

The psychology degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to BA programs, completion of which prepares them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs. Psychologists with graduate degrees and professional certificates have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients. Research psychologists work in a range of fields associated with the study of human behavior, including biomedical, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology 4
PSYC 320 Social Psychology 3
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences 3
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
PSYC 495 Independent Studies in Psychology (1 - 3)
PSYC 499 Experimental Offering in Psychology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 19

The Psychology Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
  • evaluate the influence of biological and environmental factors on behavior and mental processes.
  • apply psychological concepts and theories to personal and social issues.
  • apply basic research methods to evaluate psychological issues.
  • demonstrate the appropriate use and interpretation of various descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to psychology.

Psychology (PSYC) Courses

PSYC 10 Support for Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:PSYC 330
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides intensive instruction and practice in the core skills, competencies, and concepts necessary for success in PSYC 330, Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. You must be enrolled in the corresponding section of PSYC 330 while taking this course. Topics and homework assignments are connected to the assignments in PSYC 330. Students will be expected to use technology for data analysis including a scientific calculator and SPSS. This class is graded on a pass/no pass basis and does not meet math competency.

PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as PSYC 300 General Principles.

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students
focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and
cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. PSYC C1000 was formerly known as PSYC 300. Students may not receive credit for both PSYC 300 and PSYC C1000.

PSYC 312 Biological Psychology

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will focus on how the brain produces thought and behavior. It will explore the physiological, biochemical, genetic, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying fundamental human capacities such as sensory perception, movement, sleep, dreaming, emotion, motivation, memory and language. Students will explore the broader ethical and societal implications of recent advances in neuroscience, as well as the variety of research methods used to achieve these advances. Students will dissect brains and other nervous tissue and record psychophysiological signals to provide a deeper understanding of nervous system anatomy and physiology. This is a basic course for psychology, biological science and allied health majors.

PSYC 320 Social Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 170
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the scientific study of human interaction, with an emphasis on the individual within a social context. Study includes: social perception, social cognition, attitudes and attitude change, the self and social identity, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social influence, prosocial behavior, aggression, and group behavior.

PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra or equivalent (e.g. Integrated Math 3) with a grade of "C-" or better, OR or placement into transfer-level mathematics through the Los Rios Placement process.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: 330 and STAT 300 combined: maximum credit, one course)
  • General Education:Local GE L2; Cal-GETC Area 2
  • C-ID:C-ID MATH 110; C-ID SOCI 125
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses upon the concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Topics include: descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, hypothesis testing, statistical inference and power; correlation and regression; chi-square; t-tests; and analysis of variance procedures. Application of both hand-computation and statistical software to data in a social science context will be emphasized to include the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings.

PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 and 330 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 200
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the basic principles and methods of conducting psychological research. The course is designed to expose students to the different experimental and non-experimental research methods used by psychologists to study human behavior and thought processes. In this course, students will engage in each step of the research process including developing a hypothesis, conducting a literature review, designing a study, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing up and presenting the results.

PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an exploration of the broad questions of normality and abnormality. It includes an investigation of specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties as viewed from the biological, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and socio-cultural perspectives. Current approaches to psychological assessment and treatment modalities will be covered, including current community mental health practices. Students will learn research methodology in psychopathology including descriptive, epidemiological, experimental, and single-subject approaches.

PSYC 356 Human Sexuality

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers a balanced scientific understanding of human sexuality from birth through adulthood. The course provides factual, up-to-date nonjudgmental information designed to dispel myths, facilitate problem identification and possible solutions, and enable students to make healthy and responsible decisions throughout their lives. Sexuality is explored from historical, cultural, psychological, physiological, and sociological perspectives. Topics include sexual anatomy and physiology, conception and childbirth, contraception, sexual development, sexual orientation, sexual arousal and response, sex research, sexually transmitted infections, intimacy and relationships, variations in sexual behavior, and sexual coercion.

PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:PSYC C1000
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the impact of cultural influences on the psychological and individual development of ethnic group members. Emphasis will be placed on integrating traditional theoretical approaches and current cross-cultural statistical research and theory in the study of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, gays & lesbians, the elderly, and the disabled. This course is not open to those who have completed SWHS 331.

PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (ECE 312, FCS 324, PSYC 370 and PSYC 372: maximum credit, two courses )
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 180
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an overview of human development across the lifespan, from conception through death. Students will be introduced to theoretical and practical applications of developmental principles from the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. Included in these broad developmental areas are topics such as temperament, attachment, learning, self-esteem, gender and sexuality, family and peer influences, parenting, work and achievement, and death and bereavement. This course should help you apply knowledge about human development to your life, caregiving, and careers in psychology, education, nursing, medicine, and social work. This course is not open to those who have previously completed FCS 324.

PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an investigation of the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with death and dying. Topics such as life-threatening illness, suicide, bereavement, euthanasia, and philosophical views on the phenomenon of death are explored.

PSYC 495 Independent Studies in Psychology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

PSYC 499 Experimental Offering in Psychology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog