Field of Interest
Psychology explains general principles that govern behavior while recognizing individual differences. Psychology spans all aspects of human development, from prenatal development to addressing the needs of an aging population. Future psychologists can envision prospective work environments in anything from educational settings to private practices, human resources to not-for-profit community agencies, and scientific research centers to mental healthcare organizations.
The Psychology program will help you gain the skills to identify interrelationships between biological, psychological, and socio-cultural processes and utilize scientific findings and theories to generate new ideas and problem solve. For a truly limitless future, the study of psychology prepares you for endless career paths.
Start your journey toward psychology and helping others today!
University Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Psychology program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Psychology |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Psychology program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$49.12
Annual Median Wage
$102,174
Number of People Employed
5,125
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.7%
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$60.43
Annual Median Wage
$125,709
Number of People Employed
2,680
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.9%
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.12
Annual Median Wage
$62,660
Annual Job Openings
1,595
Number of People Employed
15,042
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 8.2%
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$62.84
Annual Median Wage
$130,714
Number of People Employed
25
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 20.0%
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.75
Annual Median Wage
$63,965
Annual Job Openings
1,700
Number of People Employed
13,047
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.9%
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.64
Annual Median Wage
$51,260
Number of People Employed
6,299
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 24.2%
Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to diagnose and treat disorders of higher cerebral functioning.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$34.95
Annual Median Wage
$72,704
Number of People Employed
835
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 22.0%
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$29.88
Annual Median Wage
$62,160
Number of People Employed
1,221
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.6%
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$18.52
Annual Median Wage
$38,538
Number of People Employed
5,627
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.5%
Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$115.07
Annual Median Wage
$239,356
Number of People Employed
298
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 27.5%
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$17.91
Annual Median Wage
$37,253
Number of People Employed
3,607
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 20.5%
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.51
Annual Median Wage
$53,061
Number of People Employed
115
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 26.1%
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$37.15
Annual Median Wage
$77,278
Number of People Employed
336
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 23.5%
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$27.43
Annual Median Wage
$57,064
Number of People Employed
95
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.2%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
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