Psychology Concentration
Program Description
The Psychology Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related behavioral science field.
This concentration provides a foundation in the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students explore topics such as development, learning, cognition, personality, social behavior, and psychological research methods. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, research literacy, and the application of psychological principles to real-world contexts.
The program combines a broad behavioral science foundation with focused preparation in psychology, equipping students for upper-level academic study and a wide range of professional pathways.
Transfer Information
The Psychology concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in psychology and related disciplines such as counseling, human services, education, neuroscience, and behavioral health.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure their coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Because many professional roles in psychology require graduate study, early academic planning and strong academic performance are strongly recommended.
Career Information
The A.S. in Behavioral Science and Public Service – Psychology Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level roles in related fields, and many careers in psychology require graduate or doctoral study.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Counselor or Therapist (with advanced degree and licensure)
- Behavioral Health Specialist
- Human Resources Professional
- Case Manager
- Research Assistant
- School or Community Services Professional
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to explore long-term academic and professional pathways. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research psychology-related careers and transfer options.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 1 | 2 | |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications | 3 |
| PSYC 271 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 278 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| Choose one of the following Lecture and Lab pairs: | 4 | |
| Principles of Biological Science Lecture and Principles of Biological Science Lab | ||
| Science and the Human Body Lecture and Science and the Human Body Lab | ||
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| PHIL 190 or PHIL 191 | Introduction to Critical Thinking or Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PSYC 173 | Child Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 174 | Personality Theory | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| PSYC 273 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| POLI 101 | Global Issues | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives to meet 60 credits | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available.