Psychology/Sociology


Program Description


An Associate of Arts degree in Psychology/Sociology will prepare students for an entry-level position in human services or social work. The program will give students a basic understanding of psychology and sociology and will allow them to pursue further education at a university in either field. 

Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of psychology 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of various mental health disorders
  • Demonstrate an understanding about the relationship between individuals and groups
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological discipline 
  • Identify the consequences of current social problems
  • Apply sociological principles to better understand racial and ethnic issues 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of social science research methodology 

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Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Psychology/Sociology - A.A. Transfer Degree

Career Outlook


Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Psychiatric Technicians
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
$34,110
Rehabilitation Counselor
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
$34,120
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
$34,930
Counselors
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
$41,820
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 
Counsel and advise individuals, families, or groups to prevent or treat substance abuse problems, behavioral disorders, or a broad range of mental health issues in order to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
$45,100
Marriage and Family Therapists 
Diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems, using individual, child, family, and group therapies. May design and implement behavior modification programs.
$65,400
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
$49,870
Sociologists
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
$66,640
Postsecondary Psychology Teachers 
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
$79,330
Postsecondary Sociology Teachers 
Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
$82,230
Psychologists
Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.
$89,810
Psychiatrists
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
$270,890
Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Contact Information


Department Contact(s)

Social Sciences


Hours of Operation
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
Name Title Phone Email
Stuart Gibson Associate Dean of Business, Education, Socials and Behavioral Sciences (928) 317-6417 Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu
Daniel Marron Professor of Psychology (928) 317-6052 Daniel.Marron@azwestern.edu
Dawn Whinnery Professor of Psychology (928) 317-6444 Dawn.Whinnery@azwestern.edu