Psychology Department

The goal of the psychology program at Saddleback College is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the science of psychology for both students whose major is psychology and those taking psychology courses to fulfill general education requirements. We provide high quality instruction in courses which meet transfer requirements for many four year institutions. Further, personal growth and insight fostered through coursework in psychology will provide students with a repertoire of skills to relate to the culturally diverse world in which they live...

Why Major in Psychology?

A psychology major is a good choice for students who want to work with people and are interested in understanding human behavior and mental processes. Helpful skills for psychology majors include open-mindedness, critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication abilities.

Different Fields of Psychology: Educational, Clinical, Industrial-Organizational, Social, Sports, and Biopsychology.

Faculty

Full-Time Faculty

Czerniawski, Jennifer, Ph.D.
Office BGS 303
(949) 582-4847

Damm, Kathryn, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Office BGS 323
(949) 582-4816

Gee, Caroline, Ph.D.
Office BGS 307
(949) 582-4595

Leppien-Christensen, Kris, Ph.D.
Office BGS 307
(949) 582-4827

Wegenek, Amira, Ph.D.
Office BGS 323
(949) 582-4407

SAMPLE OF SUB-FIELDS OF PSYCHOLOGY

Biological or Physiological Psychology or Neuropsychology

study of relationship between brain systems and human behavior.

Developmental Psychology

study of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes humans undergo throughout life.

Cognitive Psychology

study of experimentation about how humans perceive, think and solve problems.

Social Psychology

study of human social interaction by understanding the influence of behavior, beliefs and feelings amongst people.

Educational and School Psychology

study of factors, behavior, processes and problems of learning.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who complete this program will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in psychology.
2. Differentiate psychology from pseudoscience.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods for gathering and evaluating data.
4. Apply the principles of psychology to the diverse world in which they live.

Student Learning Outcomes

PSYCHOLOGY COURSES

Core Courses

• PSYC 1 or 1H INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 2 or 2H RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 3 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 44 STATISTICS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

         Electives

• PSYC 4 INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 5 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN SEXUALITY
• PSYC 7 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY - CHILDHOOD THROUGH ADOLESCENCE
• PSYC 16 INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 21 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN
• PSYC 25 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING
• PSYC 30 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
• PSYC 33 PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT
• PSYC 37 ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR

Psychology Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)

The curriculum in the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an Associate degree.  Please see graduation requirements for Psychology AA-T degree.

PSYCHOLOGY RESOURCES

Information for our Department Faculty