Washington Community Colleges
Psychology Programs
Psychology programs at community colleges in this state. Intro psych, abnormal, developmental, and transfer-track coursework for four-year programs.
29 colleges · 99 sections · 48 unique courses · Fall 2026 · Updated today
Intro and developmental psychology are among the highest-enrollment sections at Washington community colleges — partly because most college students take at least one psych course as a general-education requirement, and partly because the field is a popular transfer-track major. 99 sections across 29 SBCTC colleges this term cover general psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psych, and statistics for psychology.
A psychology associate is almost entirely transfer-prep. Direct career roles in psychology (clinical, counseling, school) require a graduate degree, but the CC associate completes the first two years of a four-year psychology bachelor's at lower tuition. Adjacent career paths — social services case manager, behavioral technician, mental-health technician — open up with just the associate plus relevant certifications.
Colleges offering Psychology
Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.
Psychology is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
Psychology Availability Snapshot
How psychology sections are being offered across 29 colleges in Washington this term (99 sections total).
Delivery format
- hybrid42 (42%)
- online40 (40%)
- in person17 (17%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)19
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)11
- Evening (5 PM and after)3
- Asynchronous / TBA66
Start dates
Sections begin on 8 distinct dates. 3 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 68 distinct instructors across 29 colleges.
Degree requirements by college
Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.
Centralia College1 program
Edmonds College1 program
Plan all required courses
Term 1 (13-15 credits)
13 credits- ELEC XXXCareer and College Successnot offered+ plan
- CCS 100 - Career and College Success: Liberal Arts11 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXHumanities Distribution (choose one, discuss with advisor)not offered+ plan
- COMM 101 - Intercultural Communication: CD4 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXModern Language 5.0 credits (discuss with advisor to determine how many quarters of foreign language are required)not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXSocial Science Distributionnot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXGeneral Elective (discuss with advisor)not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXModern Language Grammar Lab 2.0 Creditsnot offered+ plan
Term 2 (15 credits)
15 creditsTerm 3 (15 credits)
15 creditsTerm 4 (15 credits)
15 creditsTerm 5 (15 credits)
15 creditsTerm 6 (15 credits)
15 credits- ELEC XXXNatural Science Distribution (choose one, discuss with advisor)not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXSpecified Electivenot offered+ plan
- PSYC 208 - Human Sexualitynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXGeneral Elective (choose one, discuss with advisor)not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXX5.0 credits - Choose courses not yet taken from this program mapnot offered+ plan
Source: College catalog
Green River College2 programs
Olympic College1 program
Plan all required courses
Fall - First Year
Winter - First Year
Spring - First Year
Winter - Second Year
Spring - Second Year
Source: College catalog
Pierce College District1 program
Plan all required courses
1. College Success
- COLLG 110College Success34 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXNote: Successfully completing either COLLG 110 or COLLG 115 will fulfill the College Success requirement.not offered+ plan
2. Research Essentials
3. English Composition I
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Career pathways in Psychology require you to develop skills in reading, writing, and communication. This course will provide the foundational skills in these areas.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXNote: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.not offered+ plan
4. General Psychology
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides an introduction to the discipline and a broad overview of the study of human interaction. It is required for the major.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXTransfer Note: PSYC& 100, with a minimum of 2.0, is a prerequisite for UWT’s Psychology, B.A. program, transfers as TPSYCH 101. Students interested in the Psychology, B.A. at UWT must have at least 45 transferable credits completed before enrolling in the major.not offered+ plan
6. English Composition Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need to be able to research best practices and be able to write and communicate in argumentative discourse. This course also reinforces APA and MLA style of documentation and provides you with research tools. This course is strongly recommended for those who pursue the basic research-focused path.not offered+ plan
- ENGL 107Research and Argumentation about Literature2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need to be able to understand the inner workings and motives of human beings. This course also reinforces APA and MLA style of documentation and provides you with research tools.not offered+ plan
7. Psychology Course Recommendation
- PSYC 210Social Psychologynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXTransfer Note: Two psychology foundation courses chosen from the following list, with a minimum of 2.0, are prerequisites for UWT’s Psychology, B.A. program: PSYCH& 200, PSYCH& 220 or PSYC 230, PSYC 210 and transfer as TPSYCH 220, TPSYCH 210 or TPSYCH 212, or TPSYCH 240, respectively. Students interested in the Psychology, B.A. at UWT must have at least 45 transferable credits completed before enrolling in the major.not offered+ plan
- PSYC 230Intro to Personalitynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Social Psychology and Personality Psychology are courses where you are introduced to core areas of the major, and where the focus on psychology as a major is woven into the content and presentation of the course. PSYC& 200 and PSYC& 220 would work as well and are required or recommended for Allied Health and other pro-tech degrees.not offered+ plan
8. English Course Recommendation
- ENGL 205Introduction to Mythologynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: These courses help you to develop empathy and also have the ability to understand the nuanced perspectives and experiences of others. Fiction and poetry give you a unique entry into the minds of others. You will also improve writing skills in these courses.not offered+ plan
9. Natural Science Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need an understanding of physiological concepts and issues. This course covers concepts in cellular function that are related to neuroscience research and understanding actions of psychotropic prescriptions. Neuroscience is the largest growing area of psychology.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need an understanding of epidemiology and the role of human health. This course examines human health with respect to essential nutrients, factors that affect eating habits, food advertising, and disease. The course may offer background to psychology of health and medicine.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: If you chose MATH& 107 in step 4, you are encouraged to take MATH& 146 to prepare for entrance to Psychology major.not offered+ plan
10. Sociology Course Recommendation
11. Social Science Course Recommendation
- ANTH 240Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectivesnot offered+ plan
- SOC 235Race and Ethnicity3 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Choose one of these courses to expand your multicultural competency, and to apply critical, creative and reflective thinking to the experiences of different genders and ethnicities in the US. Psychologists need an understanding of the complex interaction of biology, physiology, environment and culture.not offered+ plan
12. Psychology Course Recommendation
- PSYC 230Intro to Personalitynot offered+ plan
- PSYC 210Social Psychologynot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Social Psychology and Personality Psychology are courses where you are introduced to core areas of the major, and where the focus on psychology as a major is woven into the content and presentation of the course. PSYC& 200 and PSYC& 220 would work as well and are required or recommended for Allied Health and other pro-tech degrees.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXTransfer Note: Two psychology foundation courses chosen from the following list, with a minimum of 2.0, are prerequisites for UWT’s Psychology, B.A. program: PSYCH& 200, PSYCH& 220 or PSYC 230, PSYC 210 and transfer as TPSYCH 220, TPSYCH 210 or TPSYCH 212, or TPSYCH 240, respectively. Students interested in the Psychology, B.A. at UWT must have at least 45 transferable credits completed before enrolling in the major.not offered+ plan
13. Humanities Course Recommendation
- HUM 105Black American Thought and Cultures2 sections+ plan
- HUM 106Ethnic Thought and Culture3 sections+ plan
- HUM 107Latin American Thought and Culturesnot offered+ plan
- HUM 109Introduction to The Harlem Renaissance1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Choose any of these Humanities courses as a way to develop your multicultural skills. Exploring rich cultures outside of their own or deepening their knowledge of their own culture allows the psychology student to become more self-aware and aware of other experiences. Exploring race, privilege and oppression are also included in these courses, and are essential for the psychology major.not offered+ plan
14. Biology Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: If you have a specific interest in Neuropsych, you will need separate advising and should consider being a biochemistry major with a minor in psychology. Both courses provide the kind of background that will help you understand neuroscience that is presented in psychology courses that are not neuroscience, and meet the lab requirement.not offered+ plan
15. Psychology/World Language Course Recommendation
- PSYC 201Psychology of Personal Growth2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides you an introduction to the discipline and a broad overview of the study of human interaction.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This is a common prerequisite for upper division courses in psychology.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXTransfer Note: Two psychology foundation courses chosen from the following list, with a minimum of 2.0, are prerequisites for UWT’s Psychology, B.A. program: PSYCH& 200, PSYCH& 220 or PSYC 230, PSYC 210 and transfer as TPSYCH 220, TPSYCH 210 or TPSYCH 212, or TPSYCH 240, respectively. Students interested in the Psychology, B.A. at UWT must have at least 45 transferable credits completed before enrolling in the major.not offered+ plan
16. Biology Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need an understanding of physiological concepts and issues. This course covers concepts in cellular function that are related to neuroscience research and understanding actions of psychotropic prescriptions. Neuroscience is the largest growing area of psychology.not offered+ plan
17. Psychology Course Recommendation
- PSYC 201Psychology of Personal Growth2 sections+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: These courses are common prerequisites for upper division courses in psychology.not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXTransfer Note: Two psychology foundation courses chosen from the following list, with a minimum of 2.0, are prerequisites for UWT’s Psychology, B.A. program: PSYCH& 200, PSYCH& 220 or PSYC 230, PSYC 210 and transfer as TPSYCH 220, TPSYCH 210 or TPSYCH 212, or TPSYCH 240, respectively. Students interested in the Psychology, B.A. at UWT must have at least 45 transferable credits completed before enrolling in the major.not offered+ plan
18. Humanities Course Recommendation
- JOURN 125The Documentary: A Social Forcenot offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course offers the psychology student different ways of looking at the world from the eye of the camera and narrator. It also offers you a way to develop empathy along with critical thinking since typically the documentary presents a unique perspective.not offered+ plan
- ENGL 214Screenwriting 1not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course offers the psychology student the opportunity to develop empathy by creating nuanced experiences of others. It also helps them develop writing skills that are needed in the field of psychology for research and report writing.not offered+ plan
- HUM 204American Popular Culture1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides the psychology student a way to apply critical thinking to the world they occupy. It allows them to understand ways of being in the world – growth-oriented and psychopathology - from the perspective of cultural impact on the individual and group psyche.not offered+ plan
19. Humanities Course Recommendation
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: Psychologists need to be effective communicators. This course provides a broad overview of communication while also teaching you to read and understand body language and the impact of culture on communication.not offered+ plan
- ENGL 214Screenwriting 1not offered+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides another perspective into the human psyche in situated context – creating characters and scenes.not offered+ plan
- HUM 204American Popular Culture1 section+ plan
- ELEC XXXCourse purpose: This course provides another perspective into the human psyche in situated context.not offered+ plan
Source: College catalog
Shoreline Community College1 program
General Education Requirements - 20 Credits
20 creditsSee catalog for course list
Communication (10 Credits)
10 creditsSee catalog for course list
Multicultural Understanding (5 Credits)
5 creditsSee catalog for course list
Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (5 Credits)
5 creditsSee catalog for course list
Distribution Requirements - 45 Credits
45 creditsSee catalog for course list
Humanities (15 Credits)
15 creditsSee catalog for course list
Natural Sciences (15 Credits)
15 creditsSee catalog for course list
Social Sciences (15 Credits)
15 creditsSee catalog for course list
General Electives - Minimum 25 Credits
25 creditsSee catalog for course list
Source: College catalog
Skagit Valley College1 program
Spokane Community College1 program
Associate in Arts (AA) is the community college degree designed to transfer to most bachelor's of arts degrees at all public and many private Washington four-year institutions. A candidate for the AA-DTA degree must complete 90 quarter credits in academic courses numbered 100 and above with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and meet specific distribution requirements.
Plan all required coursesQuarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 5
Quarter 6
Foreign Language Electives
General Electives
- ANTH& 100Survey of Anthropology(5 cr)2 sections+ plan
- ASL& 122American Sign Language II(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- BUS& 101Intro to Business(5 cr)7 sections+ plan
- GEOG& 100Introduction to Geography(5 cr)1 section+ plan
- POLS 125Introduction to Global Issues(5 cr)1 section+ plan
- POLS& 202United States Government(5 cr)5 sections+ plan
- PSYC& 180Human Sexuality(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- PSYC 204Research Methods in Social Science(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- PSYC& 220Psychological Disorders(5 cr)1 section+ plan
- SOC& 101Intro to Sociology(5 cr)5 sections+ plan
- SOC 230Sociology of Gender(5 cr)not offered+ plan
- SPAN& 122Spanish II(5 cr)1 section+ plan
Humanities Group B Electives
Math Electives
Math/Science Group A Electives
Psychology Electives
Source: College catalog
Tacoma Community College1 program
Plan all required courses
Psychology Specialization Requirements (30 credits)
Distribution Requirements (60 credits)
5 creditsElectives (25 credits)
Multicultural Course (5 credits)
5 creditsSee catalog for course list
Source: College catalog
Common Psychology courses
- PSYC 209Fundamentals of Psychological Research(8 sections)
- PSYC 201Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare IV(7 sections)
- PSYC 202Introduction to Physiological Psychology(6 sections)
- PSYC 203Cognitive Psychology(4 sections)
- PSYC 215Psychosocial Issues in Healthcare II(4 sections)
- PSYC 116Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity(4 sections)
- PSYC 240Social Psychology(3 sections)
- PSYC 220Psychosocial Issues In Healthcare IV(3 sections)
- PSYC 150Psychosocial Issues in Health Care I(3 sections)
- PSYC 250Psychosocial Issues in Health Care II(3 sections)
- PSYC 132Psychosocial Issues In Healthcare I(3 sections)
- PSYC 205Theories of Personality(2 sections)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I become a therapist or psychologist with a CC degree?
- No. Clinical and counseling psychology require at least a master's degree (Licensed Professional Counselor) and often a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) plus state licensure. The CC associate is the first two years of the path; expect 6+ more years of education after the bachelor's to practice clinically.
- What jobs are available with just an associate in psychology?
- Direct-service roles that benefit from psych foundations but don't require licensure: behavior technician (especially in autism / ABA settings), mental-health technician at residential facilities, social-services case manager, school paraprofessional, and intake or admissions specialist at human-services agencies. Pay is modest but the work is meaningful and the field has steady openings.
- Does psychology credit transfer to a four-year program?
- Yes — intro psych, developmental, abnormal, social, and psychology statistics all transfer cleanly to Washington state universities under the standard articulation agreement. The structured associate-of-science-in-psychology pathway is the safest route to ensure every credit applies toward the major.
- Is community college a good place to start psychology?
- Often yes — the intro psychology sequences are the same content at CC and four-year, taught at substantially lower tuition with often smaller class sizes. Students serious about clinical careers should plan for the bachelor's and graduate work to follow; students considering related applied fields (social work, counseling, education) can use the associate as a flexible foundation.
Compare Psychology programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Washington’s psychology programs stack up.
Psychology in AlabamaPsychology in ArizonaPsychology in ArkansasPsychology in CaliforniaPsychology in ColoradoPsychology in FloridaPsychology in GeorgiaPsychology in HawaiiPsychology in IdahoPsychology in IllinoisPsychology in IowaPsychology in KansasPsychology in KentuckyPsychology in LouisianaPsychology in MainePsychology in MarylandPsychology in MassachusettsPsychology in MichiganPsychology in MinnesotaPsychology in MississippiPsychology in MissouriPsychology in NebraskaPsychology in NevadaPsychology in New HampshirePsychology in New JerseyPsychology in New MexicoPsychology in New YorkPsychology in North CarolinaPsychology in North DakotaPsychology in OhioPsychology in OklahomaPsychology in OregonPsychology in PennsylvaniaPsychology in South CarolinaPsychology in TennesseePsychology in TexasPsychology in VirginiaPsychology in Wyoming
Other programs in Washington
NursingBusiness AdministrationComputer ScienceAccountingEarly Childhood EducationCriminal JusticeLiberal ArtsEngineeringBiologyWelding TechnologyAutomotive TechnologyHistoryMathematicsEnglishArt
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.