Why study psychology?
Psychologists use the scientific method to study thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the relationship between mind and body. A background in psychology can help you better understand yourself and others, enhance your ability to think critically, and prepare you for a wide variety of careers.
Classes in psychology can lead toward a career in psychology in various settings. Generally, to qualify for positions in the mental health and human services, advanced degrees such as master’s degrees or doctoral degrees are necessary. However, because employers desire the knowledge and skills of psychology graduates, opportunities also exist in fields such as human resources, business, education, and marketing.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Scholarship Opportunities
Every fall and spring students have an opportunity to apply for scholarships related to their academic excellence in psychology courses, and their work related to the Psychology Club or Psi Beta (the Psychology Honors Society at Parkland). Applications for scholarships can be submitted online at: parkland.edu/parklandscholarships. To learn more and see the scholarship eligibility requirements, please email Professor Sarah Grison at sgrison@parkland.edu. There are two $500 scholarships available every semester for students studying psychology, and those who are active members of the psychology club. The Psi Beta Scholarship is a $1000 award for degree-seeking students who demonstrate excellence as active, inducted members of the Parkland College chapter of Psi Beta.
Classes
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101): Introduction to the scientific study of human and animal behavior.
Human Sexuality (PSY 107): Examination of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of human sexuality including sexual identity and the genetic, cultural, and environmental influences on human relationships.
Theories of Personality (PSY 201): Scientific approach to the study of personality.
Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach (PSY 203): Definitions, assessment, and categorization of abnormal behavior, and the biological, psycho-social and socio-cultural origins of abnormal behavior.
Introduction to Social Psychology (PSY 205): Theory and research on the ways social factors influence individual and group behavior.
Introduction to Child Psychology (PSY 207): Introduction to theory and research on the biological, physical, social, and cognitive development of the human child from conception to adolescence.
Adolescent Psychology (PSY 208): Focuses on adolescent psychology with an emphasis on physical, social and cognitive development.
Human Growth and Development (PSY 209): Interaction of biological and environmental factors affecting psychological development from conception to death.
Educational Psychology (PSY 220): Behavior management and learning theory for the classroom setting.
Industrial and Organizational Psychology (PSY 222): Topics include theories of organizational structure, development, and changes, leadership and decision making, personnel issues, job satisfaction, and motivation.
Introduction to Adult Development and Aging (PSY 223): Examination of the aging process including relevant research in personality, learning, motivation, intelligence, achievement, creativity, and mental health.
Psychology of Women (PSY 224): Examination of the biological growth and intellectual and social behavior of women over time.
Death and Dying (PSY 225): Review of current literature and practices in dealing with the dying person, grief, and bereavement as it pertains to psychological, medical, religious, and general community.
Topics in Psychology (PSY 289): Study of selected topics in psychology; varies by semester.
Will my classes transfer?
PSY 101, 205, 207, 208, 209, and 223 will fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences general education requirement at Illinois public universities. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.
For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.
Curriculum
Learn more about how these courses fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).