Current Program

Courses in Psychology, which reflect the goals of the college's Mission Statement, include General Psychology, Child Psychology, the Psychology of Women and Principles of Group Dynamics. Students enroll in these classes for personal enrichment and to meet transfer requirements. Factors that have caused a change in program within the past ten years include changes in population, economic conditions, college budget conditions, student interests, technology, the increasing use of technology and the addition of weekend classes.

Degrees and Certificates - No degrees or certificates are offered.

Personnel - At this time the department employs two full-time faculty members and three part-time faculty members.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture, lecture/demonstration and large lecture/student groups (including critical thinking exercises such as journal reviews and case studies) are the primary teaching methods used in Psychology.

Technology - Five online courses are offered in the department at this time.

Equipment - Department televisions/VCRs need repair, and typewriters need to be replaced. Desk computers are needed.

Facilities - Current facilities are adequate to support lecture-format classes, but need to be improved as other types of instruction come online.

Future Program

In the next ten years the department will need to adapt to changes in student academic preparation, technology, teaching methods and curriculum development. Impacted by demographics as well as employment trends, enrollment in the program will likely increase at the same rate as the college's enrollment in both the mid term and the long term. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - The department plans to offer a Chemical Dependency Trainer certificate program.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - As online access becomes more available, teaching methods will adapt to the new technology.

Technology - It is expected that other delivery methods, such as online courses or interactive video, will become a significant part of the curriculum as the program grows and technology improves.

Equipment - In the next five years, the program needs access to the Internet.

Facilities - In the next five years, classrooms will need phones for emergencies as well as additional maps and illustrations. A lab is needed for Physiological Psychology. At least four large lecture rooms are needed, and offices need more space with built-in shelves and Internet accessibility.

Staff Development - Topics could include development of course outlines, program development and review, shared governance, and inter-faculty and administration relationships.