Psychology at MxCC

Discipline Coordinator: Andrea G. Levy, PhD, MBe

Overview of Psychology major at Middlesex Community College

Woman counsels another woman.

The Psychology Studies major at MxCC prepares students for entry-level positions in the mental health field as well as for transfer to a 4-year university.  The degree is designed for students interested in a fulfilling career helping others in a wide variety of professional environments.

Students pursuing their Associate degree in Psychology Studies will complete 30 credits of General Education requirements (History, English, Science, etc courses) and 30 credits of Program requirements (General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, etc) – see graduation checklist here. Upon completing the degree, students will be eligible to transfer seamlessly through the Transfer Articulation Program to one of the four state universities (Southern, Eastern, Central, Western), or to apply for transfer to any other college or university.

What can I do with an associate degree in Psychology?

Having an associate degree is valued by employers in fields from child care to human services.

Human Services Careers: Although some positions may require licenses or certifications, or a higher degree, students with an associate degree in Psychology should find a job working as a social service clerk or an assistant in welfare agencies, detention centers, or group homes.

Mental Health Careers: Associate degree graduates cannot diagnose illnesses, but they can find positions in mental health, including as mental health technicians in a treatment center, counselor assistant, operator for a crisis hotline, or as a medical record keeper in a medical facility.

Business Careers: With an associate degree, Psychology students can find many opportunities in business, such as jobs in human resources, sales, and customer service.

Careers in Education: Many public schools, daycare centers, head start programs, and preschools hire individuals with a Psychology background to work with students.  Positions include paraprofessional or teacher’s assistants, or jobs working with special needs students.

Other positions for students with an associate degree in Psychology include: Psychiatric nursing assistant, youth counselor, case technician, home care aide, and rehabilitation assistant.

What is the difference between a bachelor’s and associate degree in Psychology?

  • An associate degree prepares you for a bachelor’s degree program, though it is not required for application to a bachelor’s program.
  • You can earn an associate degree in 1.5-2 years, while it takes an additional 2+ years to complete a bachelor’s degree. You may be required to complete an internship for a bachelor’s degree, but it is unlikely that you will encounter such a requirement for an associate degree.
  • With a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to pursue more and higher paying jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015), you may be able to earn between $40,000 and $60,000 (or more), per year, depending on your location and experience, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2015). Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Bachelor’s in Psychology

A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete and involves extensive course work in various topics in Psychology. Many students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology enter the workforce as a specialist or technician in human and social services, or education.  A few of the most common job titles in these areas include:

Graduate programs in Psychology

Upon completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, students are eligible to apply for graduate programs in Psychology. With a master’s degree (two years) or doctoral degree (4+ years), students enter positions such as:

  • Mental Health Counselors
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School Counselors
  • Probation Officers/Correction Specialists
  • Geriatric Clinical Psychologist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Licensed Counselor
  • Psychology professor
  • Clinical Psychologist

Helpful links

MxCC Psychology Studies graduation checklist  http://www.ct.edu/files/tap/PSY.MXCC.pdf

TAP transfer ticket  http://www.ct.edu/transfer/tickets#major

American Psychological Association www.Apa.org

American Psychological Association career guide https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx

Bureau of Labor Statistics on jobs and salary for Psychologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

Becoming a Psychologist Careers & Salary Outlook https://universityhq.org/how-to-become/psychologist-careers/#advancement

For more information, please contact the Psychology Discipline Coordinator:

Andrea Gurmankin Levy

Professor & Program Coordinator, Psychology
Phone: 860-343-5815
Email: alevy@mxcc.edu Indicates Email address
Office Location: Snow Hall 508
Schedule an appointment

Student testimonial 

Written by a Psychology Studies graduate (Spring 2017):

“During my time at MXCC and taking social Psychology with Dr. Levy as well as other courses I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent there. In Dr. Levy’s class in specific was an atmosphere of learning and discussion to where I felt as a student that I could grasp all of the information I needed in a fun and enjoyable manner. Learning is supposed to be fun isn’t it? It sure was fun for me here. Other students and I engaged in great dialogue about different aspects and topics within Social Psych as we watched videos, took notes and learned from Dr. Levy’s curriculum and expertise. This experience prepared me well for Central Connecticut State University, which is where I attend now. I took a Personality Psych class simultaneously at CCSU at the time and I remember times where there was material presented to us in this class that I had already covered and known from Dr. Levy’s class. I was ahead of the game and benefitted greatly from it. Even now as a full-time student at CCSU I am taking more Psychology courses in which the material I learned at MXCC still rings loudly in my mind and helps me to digest new material even more thoroughly. I would highly recommend MXCC as a school to any student seeking higher education; and to all Psychology Majors or even for those who just have an interest in Psych, I would highly recommend taking a Psych course with Dr. Levy. I don’t think anyone would regret it, as I myself can testify, this was one of the most proficient, enjoyable and excellent classes I have ever taken in my educational career.”