Psychology
Program Description:
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and of mental processes. Psychologists study a broad range of behavior,
which includes the development of language, thinking and physical skills, abnormal behavior, brain functioning, health
and well-being, as well as social, cross-cultural and gender perspectives. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Psychologists also investigate behaviors in species other than humans in an effort to better understand humans.
Unlike Anthropology and Sociology, which are other social sciences, the field of Psychology focuses on the individual
and the biological, cognitive and social processes that impact an individual’s behavior.
The YVCC Psychology Program is pleased to have a variety of expertise represented in our faculty. Their backgrounds
include clinical practice, research, and interdisciplinary scholarship.
The Psychology Program at Yakima Valley Community College offers courses that are suited for freshman and
sophomore students, who want greater insight into themselves and others, and who might be interested in majoring in
Psychology.
Course Offerings
Course Number:
Course Title:
Credits:
PSYC& 100
General Psychology
PSYCH 198/298
Experimental/Exploratory Study
VC*
PSYCH 199/299
Independent Study/Field Experience
VC*
PSYC& 200
Lifespan Psychology
5
PSYCH 209
Fundamentals of Psychological Research
5
PSYC& 220
Abnormal Psychology
5
PSYCH 230
Social Psychology
5
5
* Can only be applied for elective credit VC- Variable Credit
NOTE: To ensure that your degree requirements for graduation have been met, you need to review your Degree Audit
with an advisor or counselor. Please refer to the Academic Progress Standards.
Yakima Valley Community College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin,
disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and
activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource
Services, YVCC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call (509) 574-4670.
Associate in Arts - Psychology Major
Basic Requirement
Credits
Group A
ENGL& 101
5
ENGL 102
5
Group B
Intermediate Algebra Proficiency:
Provide method of fulfilling requirement
Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning
5
MATH& 146
5
Communications Requirement
3-5
Humanities - (three different subject areas)
15
Natural Sciences - (three different subject areas)
15
Lab:
Social Sciences - (three different subject areas)
15
PSYC& 100
5
Core Electives: Select from the distribution of courses listed in Quantitative/Symbolic
Reasoning, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Minimum of 15-17 credits.
15-17
General Electives: Any college level courses numbered over 100. These may include additional
Core Electives as well as courses from the Restricted List. Maximum 10-12 credits.
10-12
Total Credits
90
Advice regarding specific course recommendations will vary depending on a student’s choice of subfield.
Therefore, it is crucial that students work closely with their assigned academic advisor if pursuing a
bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
www.yvcc.edu/psychology
Faculty Contacts
Heidi Shaw, PhD
509.574.4812
[email protected]
Tom Mount
509.574.4962
[email protected]
For assistance with course selection or additional information on careers in this major, contact the department faculty.
To insure requirements for graduation, review your Degree Audit with your advisor. If you have additional questions
contact the Counseling and Advising Center at 509.574.4956.
2/23/16