Explore the Human Mind and Build a Meaningful Career
The human mind is fascinating, and if you want to understand how people think, feel, and behave, a career in psychology could be your perfect fit. Whether you aspire to be a counselor, advocate, educator, or researcher, the Psychology Transfer Major degree at Iowa Lakes provides the ideal foundation for your journey into the field of psychology.
Earning your Psychology Transfer Major degree at Iowa Lakes will prepare you to transfer seamlessly to Iowa’s Regent Universities, including the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University.
Explore introductory psychology and dive into courses on social science, human behavior, and cognitive processes, gaining the critical knowledge needed to excel in future studies. This program fulfills general education prerequisites, ensuring a smooth academic transition to a Bachelor’s in Psychology program at your chosen four-year institution.
By completing this transfer major, your transcripts will reflect your field of study, helping you stand out as a dedicated student ready to continue your path toward a rewarding career. Our advisors are here to guide you, ensuring you take the right courses and meet the specific transfer requirements of your future university.
Explore career opportunities and salary expectations in psychology through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start your journey toward a career in psychology!
Find Your It!
Your Path to a Future in Psychology
A Degree That Opens Many Doors
Psychology offers diverse career opportunities in mental health, counseling, social work, research, business, and education. Whether you pursue graduate studies, enter the workforce, or specialize in clinical, forensic, or industrial-organizational psychology, Iowa Lakes provides the foundation to succeed.
Seamless Transfer for Advanced Study
Completing your Associate in Arts degree at Iowa Lakes ensures that you meet your intended transfer institution’s general education and major-specific requirements. Because transfer pathways can vary, working closely with an advisor will help you create a clear academic plan for your future studies in psychology.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
ALL Campuses
Additional Information
Term 1
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Term 2
BIO 105 – Introductory Biology
Introduction to all biology, ecology, physiology, and biological principles. Intended for non-science majors. Lecture and laboratory.
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
PSY 121 – Developmental Psychology
Studies human development from conception through the lifespan. Physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral aspects are studied in the classroom, by lecture, file/video, projects, and observation and by reading the literature.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
Choose either SPC 101 or SPC 112
Term 3
PHI 101 – Intro to Philosophy
Considers broad fundamental ideas about knowledge, the nature of reality, human nature and society. It is also concerned with words and concepts, their meaning and their logical relationship to each other.
PSY 251 – Social Psychology
The study of interpersonal relations, social attitudes, group dynamics, inter-group relations, class and cultural influences in a psychological context.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Tiffany A. Nolta Academic Advisor 712-362-6833 | tnolta@iowalakes.edu |