The Career
Psychology is a rich and diverse scientific field of study. The discipline examines two important relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior.
Individuals who pursue careers in psychology may conduct behavior research, serve as consultants to communities or organizations, or diagnose and treat people with mental health problems. They may assess personality, intelligence, mental health and well-being.
The field brings important knowledge and skills to understand diverse cultures. The study of psychology is also good preparation for many other professions. Many employers are interested in the knowledge and skills that psychology majors bring to the workplace.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in psychology should:
- Be active listeners
- Anticipate and prevent problems
- Have excellent written and oral communication abilities
- Be mature, empathetic and possess high ethical standards
Employment and Salary Information
To be a practicing psychologist, most state laws require professionals to hold a postbaccalaureate degree (specialist, master’s or doctorate). They must also be licensed or certified by an official accrediting organization such as the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
The number of psychologist jobs is expected to increase by 12 pecent by 2022, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for psychologists was $69,280 as of May 2012. The two primary fields and their median annual earnings were:
| |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: |
$83,580 |
| |
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: |
$67,650 |
The Program
ECC students who earn their Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology are prepared to enter an undergraduate major leading to further training and careers in this discipline. Through the psychology program, available at both the Union campus and Rolla site, students obtain quality instruction from faculty with varied and extensive work experience in the field.
Students have several course options and electives available. Assuming appropriate placement scores, psychology is a two-year degree, with flexibility to customize the program toward the student’s chosen career.
This academic plan consists of the 43-credit hour general education core required of all transfer degrees plus the necessary electives in psychology and the other social sciences. In addition, ECC provides various student activities, organizations and practicum experiences related to the discipline.
Admission Requirements
To enter the program, students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
This curriculum is intended for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. These decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution.
Students seeking to transfer should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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