Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Overview

The Psychology program is designed to empower and affirm students through broad-based training in the foundations of psychology. The program emphasizes the need to understand human behavior through critical thinking and scientific endeavors as well as the importance of practice that is informed by science. Students will gain knowledge of current theory and data in the science of psychology, including research and analytical skills to critically evaluate and conduct ethical psychological research. They will develop written and oral presentation skills sufficient to effectively communicate psychological information, enabling them to better serve the college and the community as informed and concerned citizens. Following successful completion of the program, students will be prepared for transfer to a Baccalaureate program in psychology or enhanced entry options into occupations that utilize knowledge of human behavior.

Graduation Requirements (61-63)

Graduates of the Psychology – AS will have demonstrated/obtained:

• Knowledge of current theory and data in the discipline of psychology
• Advanced self-understanding as well as an understanding of self in relation to society.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to issues that affect the quality of life in society
• Critical thinking skills and information literacy
• Research and analytical skills to critically evaluate and conduct ethical psychological research
• Preparation for employment or further study

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General Education Requirements

In pursuing post-secondary education, students are expected to gain a mastery of their subject of choice, be it in the liberal arts, sciences, or one of a number of professional disciplines. However, it is also one of the primary purposes of post-secondary education to broaden a student’s perspective of the world. This involves exposure to new ideas, challenges to established or previously-held viewpoints, and introduction to unfamiliar and exciting ways of looking at and dealing with thought. It is through this exposure to a broader general education that students establish skills that provide a foundation for further study and work. Such skills include critical thinking, analysis of an argument, appropriate methodological approaches, diversity in understanding, incorporation of technology, and fundamental work habits. Such a foundation also gives students a framework against which they can better understand and appreciate their chosen field of study.

It was in this spirit that the SUNY Board of Trustees approved a General Education requirement in December 1998. This requirement calls for at least thirty (30) credits of study in different key academic areas for all students who are to graduate from a SUNY institution with a baccalaureate degree. To that end, SUNY has established the following ten Student Learning Outcomes:

In addition to these, successful degree candidates must also demonstrate competency in two areas:

Critical Thinking (Reasoning)
Information Management

A Student Learning Outcome in Critical Thinking is included in each General Education course for which credit is awarded for Student Learning Outcomes two through seven (2-7) and Student Learning Outcome 10. Information Management is taught across the curriculum.

SUNY General Education requirements initially took effect for all students who began their studies in the Fall of 2000 or later. In 2010, the SUNY Board of Trustees amended General Education requirements and, in 2013, further included specific recommendations for their implementation to community colleges that are intended to facilitate seamless student transfer to SUNY 4-year institutions. SUNY Sullivan is committed to assisting its students in meeting the current General Education requirements stipulated by SUNY. Toward that end, SUNY SULLIVAN requires that each student who graduates with an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or an Associate in Science (AS) degree complete thirty credits in a minimum of seven of the ten General Education areas and demonstrate competency in critical thinking and information management. In terms of practical application this policy requires that each AA and AS degree recipient will have demonstrated:

1. Knowledge and skills in two required areas, Basic Communication and Mathematics;
2. Knowledge and skills in five of the following eight areas: Natural Science, Social Science, American History, Western Civilization, Other World Civilizations, Humanities, the Arts, and Foreign Languages; and
3. Competency in two required areas, Critical Thinking and Information Management.

Tuition