Associate of Arts degree in Psychology

provides students with the first two years of general requirements and a basis in psychology that will prepare them for transfer to an institution which grants a baccalaureate degree.

Dr. Kathy Frost with her Study Abroad Students in Romania

Social Psychology and Adjustment with a culturally diverse emphasis.

Ropes Course in Carpathian Mountains

ACC's Psychology Study Abroad program combines study in Social Psychology and Psychology of Adjustment. A central feature of study is the concept of "trust" as a foundation for relationship and community building. Here students are learning about trust firsthand during a ropes course exercise in the Carpathian Mountains.

Lecture In Sibiu

In Sibiu, students take part in a workshop on trust and attachment theory taught by Romanian-American psychologist. Students gain insights into their own relationships and learn about the repercussions of disrupted trust building in early childhood, a problem to the mass institutionalization of children Romania began during the Communist period.

Trust

"Trust" is at the heart of community building. In Romania's Communist past, trust was non-existent as secret police were everywhere. For 21st century students and their communities, gatherings (like this picnic at a sheepfold) build community feeling and promote social capital.

Medieval Romania

Learning about medieval Romania (left, Sibiu) and the Renaissance period (right, Peles Castle, Sinaia). Students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural values that may exist in Romania due to its long history of conquest and control by external forces.

Dinner in Romania

Perhaps the highlight of the trip: Students dispersing to several different Romanian family's homes to share a meal.

Study Abroad

Students and Dr. Frost strike a pose in Râșnov, Romania; Summer, 2019.

Cultural exchange!

Students taught us their traditional Romanian and Roma / Gypsy dances. And we taught them some of ours!

Welcome to the Psychology Department

The mission of the Psychology Department is to offer a strong educational program that stimulates learning and growth among our students.

Aligned with our mission, the goals of the Psychology Program are to:

Provide students with an understanding of the psychology discipline as a science and a profession.
Prepare majors for completion of an Associate degree in psychology or transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution.

The Psychology Program is highly committed to the vision of Austin Community College: to be recognized as the “preferred gateway to higher education and training and as the catalyst for social equity, economic development, and personal enrichment.” This vision includes the core values of communication, access, responsiveness, excellence, and stewardship.

Consistent with this commitment, the vision of the Psychology Program is to be among the strongest community college programs in the nation, serving as a gateway to higher education.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected within the following program values:

Trust, respect, and academic freedom;
Professional competence, integrity, and accountability;
Professional and personal development;
Individual initiative and creativity;
Stewardship and collaboration;
Appreciation and respect for our multicultural global community and the dignity, equality, and worth of the individual person.