Psychology

Mission 

The mission of the Texas Southmost College Psychology program is to facilitate student knowledge in the study of human behavior and the scientific study of mental processes to prepare students for employment or further study in the field of psychology. For students who plan to pursue careers in psychology, earning an associate’s degree in psychology from Texas Southmost College will equip them with a strong academic foundation needed to pursue advanced degrees. TSC’s Psychology program fosters commitment to the community through exploring, disseminating, and applying knowledge relevant to the psychological and behavioral sciences.

Program Overview

The department has five basic goals based on the American Psychological Association’s primary competencies that provide the foundation for being psychologically literate, which include:

• Provide students with the core theories and theoretical perspectives that influence human behavior with foundations in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology, as well as the ability to apply concepts to simple behavioral phenomena
• Provide students with evidence-based evaluations of psychological theories and decision-making skills
• Help students develop the skill of evaluating the literature about psychology and applying the best evidence-based research
• Educate and involve students in ethical principles and social responsibility in a diverse world
• Provide students with opportunities to demonstrate effective communication skills, both oral and written, and develop interpersonal communication skills
• Emphasize career preparation and work habits, such as problem-solving from evidence-based literature, how psychology content relates to business and workplace settings, research for solutions, and teamwork

Throughout the program, students will be able to research human behavior with technological tools and resources that will strengthen their awareness of human behavior. Students will have opportunities to engage in scientific thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They will learn to recognize and foster respect for diversity and how to be insightful about their own and others’ behavior and mental processes. Potential career opportunities include entry-level work in a crisis center or community services center, as well as classification or intake process clerks for state prisons.