Programs of Study

First Semester - 14 SCH

ENGL 1301 - Composition I
HIST 1301 - United States History I
PSYC 2301 - General Psychology
PSYC 1100 - Learning Framework
BIOL 1408 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Second Semester - 16 SCH

ENGL 1302 - Composition II
HIST 1302 - United States History II
MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods
COSC 1301 - Introduction to Computing
BIOL 1409 - Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Third Semester - 15 SCH

SPCH 1321 - Business and Professional Communication
GOVT 2305 - Federal Government
PSYC 2314 - Lifespan Growth and Development
SPAN 2311 - Intermediate Spanish I
ENGL 2331 - World Literature

Fourth Semester - 15 SCH

DRAM 1310 - Introduction to Theater
GOVT 2306 - Texas Government
PSYC 2319 - Social Psychology
COMM 1307 - Introduction to Mass Communication
SPAN 2312 - Intermediate Spanish II

Marketable Skills

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems as they pertain to physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.
• Empirical and Quantitative Skills - Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions regarding various research methods, and their characteristics, used in the scientific study of psychology and accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding objective variables that contribute to why people think, feel, and behave as they do.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people, promote prosocial behaviors, and increase altruism.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Comprehension - the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times to increase tolerance, appreciation of diversity, and, overall, understanding of human mental processes and behaviors.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical perspectives in psychology.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret what constitutes valid research in the field of psychology.
• Identify differences and commonalities within diverse cultures and the effects of cultural forces on human behavior and mental processes.

Expected Salary

Texas wage data: workers on average earn $68,040; 10% of workers earn $44,130 or less; 10% of workers earn $101,050 or more. US wage data: workers on average earn $79,820; 10% of workers earn $46,410 or less; 10% of workers earn $138,550 or more.

Career Opportunities

AA Minimum: Social Services Assistant, Psychiatric Technician, Teacher’s Aide, Home-Care Aide, Family/Victim Advocate, Research Assistant, Correctional Officer, Community Service Manager, Administrative Service Manager. BA Minimum: Substance Abuse Counselor, Career/Employment Counselor, Activities Director, Probation/Parole Officer, Teacher, Social Worker, Public Relations Specialist, Family Intervention Apecialist, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, Human Resources Specialist. MA Minimum: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychological Associate, School Psychologist, Psychology Professor, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Social Psychologist, Experimental/Research Psychologist, Sports Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Developmental Psychologist.

High School Endorsements

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Transfer Path / Requirements

For Texas A&M Commerce

• A student completing the PJC curriculum is considered Core complete at Texas A&M Commerce.
• No more than 60-66 sch from PJC will be applied to a bachelor degree at TAMU-Commerce.  Another 60 or more must be completed at TAMU-Commerce.
• For the Psychology major, thirteen advanced courses are required by TAMU-Commerce: Psychology Core courses, plus Psychology Natural Science Core, Psychology Social Science Core, Psychology Development Core, Psychology Applied Core, Psychology Special Topic and Psychology Independant Study.