60 Credits AA3190/AA2190, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
A psychology degree provides students with a solid understanding of how humans think and behave and is a firm foundation for a large number of potential career tracks such as counseling and therapy, social work, education, and research. The Minnesota State Psychology Transfer Pathway program allows students to take the first two years of a psychology degree at South Central College and then transfer to any Minnesota State university as a junior to complete the degree.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,867
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,867 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Courses (12 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
BIOL100 Introduction to Biology (4 credits)
Introduction to Biology familiarizes students with fundamental biological principles and processes occurring within our natural world. This course engages students in the methodology and practice of scientific investigation, and emphasizes molecular and cellular processes, systems of the human body, and human impact on the environment. Discussions of organisms are framed by the sciences of ecology and evolution with a focus on the relationship between biological structure and function. Lecture and a 2 hour lab are included. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
CAP250 Associate of Arts Capstone Class (1 credits)
This course should be taken by students seeking the Associates of Arts degree during their final semester at SCC. It assesses fulfillment of the program's Learning Outcomes (Communication, Critical Thinking, Research Proficiency, Global Perspective and Social Responsibility), and allows students to demonstrate their readiness to take junior-level classes at a four-year institution. (Prerequisite: Unless instructor grants special permission, students must be in their last semester of the Associate in Arts program at SCC) (MNTC 2: Critical Thinking)
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
FYE100 First Year Experience (1 credits)
First Year Experience is a course created to support students making the transition to college, to empower students to take control of their educational lives, and to help students be successful. The course will promote the development of critical thinking skills and positive educational values. Students will enhance their understanding of communication and learning styles, and lifestyle risks; learn to identify and use appropriate resources both on campus and within the community; acquire skills needed to promote study, personal wellness, goal setting and achievement; develop strategies to manage money, time and stress wisely; and in general develop the necessary skills to be a successful college student. (Prerequisite: None)
HHP101 Health and the Environment (3 credits)
This course will examine the impact of complex environmental challenges on human health. This course focuses on the ecological model of health and wellness, a framework that addresses the interrelationships between individuals and their environment, and how these relationships influence the choices that affect health. The course will address the impact of the environment on human risk for common health concerns, to include cancer, heart disease, mental health, infectious disease, and nutrition/fitness. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 10: People and the Environment)
MATH154 Elementary Statistics (4 credits)
This course introduces the essential mathematical elements of statistics, applying them to a broad range of areas, including business, economics, and the physical, biological and social sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, variability, graphical displays, normal and t-distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, estimation, linear regression, correlation, and other selected statistical topics. Math 154 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisite: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0099, OR Completion of MATH 0099 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher, OR NextGen score of 250-300 QAS, OR ACT score of 19+, OR MCA score of 1148+, OR an Accuplacer test score of 56 or above in Arithmetic AND a score of 76 or above in Elementary Algebra)
PHIL105 World Religions (4 credits)
This course is a basic introduction to the major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It also explores related issues in the Philosophy of Religion. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 6, 8: Humanities and Fine Arts, Global Perspective)
PSYC100 Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)
This course will introduce the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and how they are affected by physical and mental states, and external environments and social forces. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences)
PSYC110 Lifespan Psychology (3 credits)
This is an introductory course examining human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on normal physical, cognitive, and social development. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
PSYC230 Abnormal Psychology (4 credits)
In this course, students will increase their awareness and understanding of mental illness and psychological disorders. Students will become familiar with the history of the field, clinical descriptions, classification, etiology, course of onset, and typical treatment regimens specific to various disorders and mental illness. Abnormal behavior will be explored from various theoretical perspectives including psychological, biological, and socio-cultural approaches. (Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 110 or PSYC 140 or instructor approval.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) Goal Areas to fulfill (21 Credits)
Options for the MNTC goal areas below are included on the MNTC page.
Choose 3 credits from MNTC Goal Area 3 other than BIOL
PSYC or SOC Elective Course. Choose 1 course from the following list
PSYC140 Psychology of Positive Adjustment (4 credits)
The Psychology of Positive Adjustment introduces students to the scientific literature on positive adjustment to modern life. We will examine the questions: What is well-being and happiness? Who achieves it? Why does it elude some people? Which practices foster well-being and happiness? We will draw from the research in social psychology, neuroscience, personality psychology, cognitive psychology and sociocultural psychology. The course will incorporate the concepts of ethical living, values clarification, and civic responsibility as part of the mature development of psychological well-being. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
PSYC250 Industrial Organizational Psychology (4 credits)
Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology is the scientific study of the workplace. Students will be introduced to a variety of issues of relevance to business and industry, including selection and placement of employees, the importance of training and development, organizational development and evaluation, employee motivation and productivity, and the importance of fostering work-life balance. Diversity among organizations and cultures in how they approach these issues will be emphasized. (Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or consent of instructor) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Sciences, Human Diversity, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
PSYC280 Special Topics in Psychology: (4 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of a special topic within the field of psychology. Key theoretical and historical underpinnings will be presented to prepare a foundation of understanding. Attention will be focused on how the topic has or may add to the knowledge base of psychology and, if applicable, other academic disciplines. Students will explore the actual or potential applicability of the topic to self, others, and society at large. The course will have a research component. Course may address one of Goal Areas 7-10 depending on the topic. (Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or consent of instructor) (MNTC 5: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences)
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
The world is a far more diverse place than you might think! This course is a broad survey of sociology and its practical uses for all of us. In this course, students are introduced to a variety of topics, emphasizing breadth rather than depth. After learning about the basic theories and methods of sociology, students will cover topics such as race, gender, education, religion, social class, work, family, the environment, government and politics, organizations and bureaucracy, and other topics. Students will learn about the nature of all of these areas and their effects on individuals and their broader implications for society. In the end, students will leave with a far greater understanding of how society is organized and what that means for where we have been, where we are, and where we are going as a people. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC Goal Areas 5 & 8: History and Social Sciences, Global Perspective)
SOC201 Marriage and Family (3 credits)
The Sociology of Marriage and Family will help students understand this dynamic institution as an important variable in our contemporary society. Students will be exposed to the various sociological perspectives, methods of study, and core concepts related to the institution of Marriage and Family. Simultaneously, students will also learn how the diverse institution of Marriage and Family continues to affect and inform the society at the local, national and global level. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5 - History/Social & Behavioral Science, MNTC 7a - Human Diversity, MNTC 7b - Race/Power/Justice)
SOC205 Special Topics in Sociology: (3 credits)
Special Topics in Sociology is a course that is used to cover a specific sociological area that is not otherwise covered by the other sociology courses offered. This course will explore the basic principles, theories, methodologies, and contemporary research and issues of the topic indicated in the course title on the registration page. Students should expect this course to be a survey of topics in the given sociological sub-discipline. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Science, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
SOC259 Drugs and Society (3 credits)
This course focuses on drug use and abuse as a social rather than as a medical or psychopathological phenomenon. Specifically, the course deals with the history of drug use and regulatory attempts in the United States and around the world; the relationship between drug use and race/social class; pharmacology and use patterns related to specific drugs; perspectives on the causes of drug abuse; AIDS prevention and harm reduction interventions; drug-using subcultures; drug policy, drug dealing and street gangs, drug legislation, and drug enforcement; and the promotion and condemnation of drug activities in the mass media. Each week, students can expect to discuss one of these issues and also view an episode of a program from the popular media used as a basis for discussion. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 5, 9: History/Social & Behavioral Science, Ethical & Civic Responsibility)
Choose at least 3 credits from MNTC Goal Area 6 other than PHIL
Choose one more MNTC Goal Area 5 course other than PSYC or SOC
Choose an additional 8 credits of MNTC Goal Areas electives
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
