3 answers
Paulina
Student
Chula Vista, California
2
Questions
Asked
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Can I get an associate's in psychology and transfer to a four-year university to receive a bachelor's degree?
I'm planning on attending community college for 2 years and doing another 2 years at university. I'm hoping I can get an associate's degree in psychology while at community college and then transfer to a university. Can I get an associate's in psychology and transfer to a four-year university to receive a bachelor's degree?
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3 answers
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
86
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Paulina,
As someone who was a psychology major & a transfer student, I am so excited to answer this question! A little info about me before I answer your questions: I am a first-generation college student who went to community college in the Bay Area, CA (where I grew up) and successfully transferred to UCLA's psychology program after two years. So, from experience, I can say that it is 100% possible! One thing to note is that you do NOT need an associate's degree to transfer. I didn't get mine as it required me to take extra classes that wouldn't transfer over so I figured I didn't want to waste my time with it. I do have some tips for you when it comes to the transfer process:
1. Your major in community college might not directly line up with your major when you transfer. My community college (De Anza in Cupertino), did not have a psychology program so I was listed as a liberal arts major. Because I had no intention of getting my associate's degree and only wanted to transfer, it really didn't matter. The only thing that matters is making sure you're completing the right transferable prerequisites.
2. If you're looking to transfer into the UC or CSU system, Assist (https://assist.org/) will become your bible. Follow it religiously! It shows every community college in CA and which classes at that college will transfer. For instance, I knew I wanted to go to a school in the UC system so I checked to see which classes De Anza offered that were transferable but also helped me complete my prereqs. Please note that while most schools have similar requirements, there are some differences to be sure to look at all of them.
3. Counselors are helpful, but ALWAYS do your own research. I've heard horror stories of students having to wait an extra year before transferring because their counselor gave them the wrong information. That's not to say that you shouldn't trust them, but always fact-check what they say against the university's website.
4. Pick a community college with a high transfer rate. Not only do these schools tend to be more knowledgeable about the transfer process, but they also tend to have more workshops dedicated to transferring. It's also important because you will be surrounded by people who have similar goals, which will help push and motivate you. We all know people who got "stuck" in community college and its way less likely to happen if you go somewhere with a high transfer rate.
5. You are starting with a blank slate, so take advantage of it! My GPA from high school was average (3.5) and didn't help me stand out to universities, but my community college GPA was stellar (4.0). I found that college was a lot easier for me than high school because I was able to pick my classes and choose the day/time I took classes, and I didn't have a mountain of homework to do every single day. This helped me find what worked best for me, and once I figured that out, I was able to improve my study habits and grades drastically.
6. Learn the transfer requirements as soon as you can! For instance, I knew that I would need to answer two prompts for the UC transfer application, one of which asked why I chose my field of study and wanted me to demonstrate my passion for psychology. Because I knew this was a question I needed to answer, I made sure to get involved in volunteer opportunities and classes that helped demonstrate that passion so that when the time came to write the personal statement, it was super easy because I had prepared for it in advance!
I know this is a lot of info, but I am SUPER passionate about transfer students, so please let me know if you have any other questions :)
As someone who was a psychology major & a transfer student, I am so excited to answer this question! A little info about me before I answer your questions: I am a first-generation college student who went to community college in the Bay Area, CA (where I grew up) and successfully transferred to UCLA's psychology program after two years. So, from experience, I can say that it is 100% possible! One thing to note is that you do NOT need an associate's degree to transfer. I didn't get mine as it required me to take extra classes that wouldn't transfer over so I figured I didn't want to waste my time with it. I do have some tips for you when it comes to the transfer process:
1. Your major in community college might not directly line up with your major when you transfer. My community college (De Anza in Cupertino), did not have a psychology program so I was listed as a liberal arts major. Because I had no intention of getting my associate's degree and only wanted to transfer, it really didn't matter. The only thing that matters is making sure you're completing the right transferable prerequisites.
2. If you're looking to transfer into the UC or CSU system, Assist (https://assist.org/) will become your bible. Follow it religiously! It shows every community college in CA and which classes at that college will transfer. For instance, I knew I wanted to go to a school in the UC system so I checked to see which classes De Anza offered that were transferable but also helped me complete my prereqs. Please note that while most schools have similar requirements, there are some differences to be sure to look at all of them.
3. Counselors are helpful, but ALWAYS do your own research. I've heard horror stories of students having to wait an extra year before transferring because their counselor gave them the wrong information. That's not to say that you shouldn't trust them, but always fact-check what they say against the university's website.
4. Pick a community college with a high transfer rate. Not only do these schools tend to be more knowledgeable about the transfer process, but they also tend to have more workshops dedicated to transferring. It's also important because you will be surrounded by people who have similar goals, which will help push and motivate you. We all know people who got "stuck" in community college and its way less likely to happen if you go somewhere with a high transfer rate.
5. You are starting with a blank slate, so take advantage of it! My GPA from high school was average (3.5) and didn't help me stand out to universities, but my community college GPA was stellar (4.0). I found that college was a lot easier for me than high school because I was able to pick my classes and choose the day/time I took classes, and I didn't have a mountain of homework to do every single day. This helped me find what worked best for me, and once I figured that out, I was able to improve my study habits and grades drastically.
6. Learn the transfer requirements as soon as you can! For instance, I knew that I would need to answer two prompts for the UC transfer application, one of which asked why I chose my field of study and wanted me to demonstrate my passion for psychology. Because I knew this was a question I needed to answer, I made sure to get involved in volunteer opportunities and classes that helped demonstrate that passion so that when the time came to write the personal statement, it was super easy because I had prepared for it in advance!
I know this is a lot of info, but I am SUPER passionate about transfer students, so please let me know if you have any other questions :)
Astrid Gonzalez, MBA
42
Answers
Pearland, Texas
Updated
Astrid’s Answer
Hi Paulina!
Yes you can!
Many students opt for a 2 year college and then transfer to a bachelor’s program- this helps save money while you work through your basics.
Work with your academic advisor regarding transferring credits. Some colleges have special initiatives where students are set up for transfers to bachelors programs at partner institutions.
Schools tend to have transfer scholarships and if you are part of an honor society such as NSCS of PTK they also have transfer student specific scholarship opportunities.
Best of luck in your journey!
Yes you can!
Many students opt for a 2 year college and then transfer to a bachelor’s program- this helps save money while you work through your basics.
Work with your academic advisor regarding transferring credits. Some colleges have special initiatives where students are set up for transfers to bachelors programs at partner institutions.
Schools tend to have transfer scholarships and if you are part of an honor society such as NSCS of PTK they also have transfer student specific scholarship opportunities.
Best of luck in your journey!
Yisel Andujar
Pharmacy
63
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hi Paulina,
A world of opportunity awaits you in the field of psychology, and it's all accessible from the comfort of your home. Many esteemed institutions offer two-year associate degrees in psychology entirely online. These comprehensive programs equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to kick-start their careers in psychology or lay a strong foundation for a four-year degree.
As an associate student, you'll delve into the fascinating world of psychology theory and practice, and gain valuable insights into hands-on work. Depending on the program, you can earn an associate of science, an associate of arts in psychology, or an associate of arts in applied psychology. Each of these degrees paves the way for a rewarding career as a psychology technician or an aide, roles that are projected to grow by 6% between 2016 and 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But the journey doesn't stop there. With your associate degree, you can go on to earn a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology. While both degrees are similar, they each have a unique focus. The bachelor of arts emphasizes theories, history, and the application of principles in psychology, while the bachelor of science delves deeper into physical science and mathematics.
A bachelor's degree in psychology opens up a multitude of career paths. You could find yourself working as a mental health counselor or community healthcare worker, or using your knowledge of human behavior in market analysis and human resources. If you're interested in further study, a bachelor's degree also sets you up for success in graduate psychology programs.
Applying for undergraduate online psychology programs is straightforward. You'll typically need to meet the school's overall application requirements, which may include ACT or SAT scores, GPA guidelines, and possibly some previous coursework. This is especially relevant for transfer students joining a new school or university.
For those considering psychology graduate programs, it's important to ensure your bachelor's degree aligns with departmental admission requirements. Some schools require a bachelor's degree in psychology, while others are more flexible. Admission may also consider your undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and any prior experience in the psychology field. If you're eyeing a program that specializes in a specific branch of psychology, such as clinical psychology, you might need to have completed relevant coursework.
Remember, the journey to a fulfilling career in psychology starts with a single step. Embrace the opportunity and let your passion guide you.
A world of opportunity awaits you in the field of psychology, and it's all accessible from the comfort of your home. Many esteemed institutions offer two-year associate degrees in psychology entirely online. These comprehensive programs equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to kick-start their careers in psychology or lay a strong foundation for a four-year degree.
As an associate student, you'll delve into the fascinating world of psychology theory and practice, and gain valuable insights into hands-on work. Depending on the program, you can earn an associate of science, an associate of arts in psychology, or an associate of arts in applied psychology. Each of these degrees paves the way for a rewarding career as a psychology technician or an aide, roles that are projected to grow by 6% between 2016 and 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But the journey doesn't stop there. With your associate degree, you can go on to earn a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology. While both degrees are similar, they each have a unique focus. The bachelor of arts emphasizes theories, history, and the application of principles in psychology, while the bachelor of science delves deeper into physical science and mathematics.
A bachelor's degree in psychology opens up a multitude of career paths. You could find yourself working as a mental health counselor or community healthcare worker, or using your knowledge of human behavior in market analysis and human resources. If you're interested in further study, a bachelor's degree also sets you up for success in graduate psychology programs.
Applying for undergraduate online psychology programs is straightforward. You'll typically need to meet the school's overall application requirements, which may include ACT or SAT scores, GPA guidelines, and possibly some previous coursework. This is especially relevant for transfer students joining a new school or university.
For those considering psychology graduate programs, it's important to ensure your bachelor's degree aligns with departmental admission requirements. Some schools require a bachelor's degree in psychology, while others are more flexible. Admission may also consider your undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and any prior experience in the psychology field. If you're eyeing a program that specializes in a specific branch of psychology, such as clinical psychology, you might need to have completed relevant coursework.
Remember, the journey to a fulfilling career in psychology starts with a single step. Embrace the opportunity and let your passion guide you.