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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
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AA in Psychology/Sociology
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition | |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| BIO 100 | Biology Concepts (recommended) | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options (or check Transfer tab above)
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition | |
| PSY 270 | Social Psychology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ARH 141 | Survey of World Art 1 (recommended) | 3 | GE-Arts |
| PHI 105 | Intro to Ethics (recommended) | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| BIO 160 | Intro to Anatomy & Physiology Concepts (recommended) | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 281 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 230 | Social Problems | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 230 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| SOC 160 | Close Relationships (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral |
| CIS 120 | Intro to Computer Information Systems (recommended) | 3 | GE-Additional Course |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 290 | Intro to Research Methods | 4 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 240 | Racial/Ethnic Relations | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 170 | Human Sexuality (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral |
| PSY 238 | Human Development (recommended) | 3 | General Elective |
| SPC 110 | Intro to Speech Communications (recommended) | 3 | GE-Additonal Course |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY / LOCATION | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University – multiple locations | BA, BS | see specific program | |
| Northern Arizona University – multiple locations | BS | see specific program | |
| University of Arizona – multiple locations | BA, BS | see specific program |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Career Overview & Job 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 |