Psychology degree with transfer in mind

“Psychology is everywhere we go, and in everything we do, including arts, sports, and education,” explains LLCC Psychology Professor Beth Weidiger. “I tell my students that no matter which career you may choose, psychology will always be a part of it.”

The psychology program at LLCC offers an associate in arts degree that transfers to a four-year university for completion of a bachelor’s degree.

There are a wide variety of career opportunities that use graduates’ understanding of behaviors and mental processes. Many psychology graduates choose to work directly in mental health. Others enter such fields as human resources, business, marketing, education, training, caseworker or even real estate.

Psychology plays a key role in sports, where mental strategies such as focus, motivation and resilience are crucial to success. Psychology’s insights into human behavior can also provide tools to promote well-being and positive thinking.

Bre’Ona Van knew psychology was exactly what she wanted to study when she enrolled at Lincoln Land Community College in fall 2022. The recent LLCC graduate came with dreams of becoming an influential child therapist.

“I loved my time at LLCC,” she says. “I got involved on campus with the Black Student Union, and I really enjoyed my classes and instructors.”

Transfer made easy

Van’s LLCC psychology degree and credits transferred seamlessly and put her in the perfect position to finish her bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southern University.

“My LLCC education prepared me for an effortless transition to a four-year university by providing the skills I needed to be successful as a student and in my future career,” she reflects. “All of my credits from LLCC transferred smoothly into my new program.”

Now she can focus on her ultimate goal of earning her doctorate degree in psychology. “I’m doing very well at my new university; I felt prepared thanks to the faculty and staff at LLCC who helped me along the way,” says Van.

Engaging classrooms prepare students

Darlene Cockayne, adjunct psychology instructor at LLCC-Taylorville, believes the key to successfully teaching and preparing students is a dynamic, engaging and hands-on classroom. She puts these words into practice each week. 

“I believe that students can more easily grasp information by participating in an activity, versus simply reading a textbook or reviewing a PowerPoint presentation,” says Cockayne. “Of course, I implement all of these strategies in my teachings, but classroom activities are by far the most effective, and students love to learn this way.”

Students recently participated in an activity that demonstrated a “split brain,” representing how the left and right sides of the brain function independently yet cohesively to perform everyday tasks. The purpose of the activity was to demonstrate what would happen if the left and right sides of the brain could no longer function together as one and how both sides of the brain work together.

“My goal in class is that my students grow and understand something new about themselves, the world and each other,” adds Cockayne.

Value of a transfer degree

“Our faculty are credentialed at the same level as the four-year college faculty and are focused on teaching,” says Dr. Kalith Smith, dean of social sciences and business at LLCC.

Students, like Van, who choose the community college path can build their future, accomplish their goals, upgrade their career, expand their opportunities — all while cutting the price tag by choosing community college.

When making your college decision, begin the thought process by defining your strengths and talents. This can help guide you to choosing a program of study. Then, decide on an institution that best suits you and your goals. “Starting with an idea of where you want to go and what you want to major in makes the transfer process much easier as you can align your LLCC coursework with the four-year college,” explains Dr. Smith.

“LLCC offers the best value in education, and its smaller class sizes allow you to get the best start possible before moving on to the four-year college.”

Partnership agreements

As an LLCC student, you can complete the first two years of college at LLCC and then transfer to a four year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. View the list of partnership agreements.