Academic Departments

Psychology Department

 

Welcome to SMC's Psychology Department!

Whether you are a psychology major, taking general education courses, seeking to learn more about yourself, or just trying to figure out your academic path, there is a place for you in our department. 

Our diverse faculty come from a variety of academic backgrounds, areas of specialization, and identities, enriching the learning experience for all students. Aligned with our department's vision, we are committed to cultivating a community of intellectual engagement that encourages a critical understanding of both the science and practice of psychology. Our robust curriculum introduces students to key subdisciplines of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental and physical health. As a designated HSI, we are committed to teaching an inclusive psychology in which historically excluded scholarship and perspectives are present to more accurately reflect the discipline and the world today. Through both in-person and online courses, we emphasize applying psychological principles to better understand oneself and work toward a more just world.

We encourage you to actively participate in your courses, whether face-to-face or online. This engagement will help you gain knowledge, build valuable skills, and form meaningful connections with fellow students and faculty. I also recommend joining our student clubs, such as the Psych Club, attending department events, and taking advantage of faculty office hours to build a sense of community. As faculty, our top priority is to support the needs of our students.

We understand that many students balance academics with family, work, health, and social responsibilities. As a department, we are dedicated to your academic success, as well as to nurturing your personal growth and well-being. As Department Chair, I am here to support you—please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a time to meet.

Together, let’s make the most of the year ahead, even in these uncertain and challenging times!

Dr. Chanté DeLoach
Department Chair
Psychology Department

Programs of Study

Psychology for Transfer

This degree will provide the foundational knowledge in Psychology to students who want to earn a Baccalaureate Degree in the discipline upon transferring to a four-year institution.

Degree Information

This degree is also in compliance with the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (SB 1440, now codified as CEC 66746-66749) and guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus with junior standing for community college students who complete it.

Courses Offered in Psychology

The courses offered by the Psychology department are designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary to reach their educational goals within the field of psychology. That knowledge extends to those interested in psychology for personal and/or professional development reasons. 

Course Information (opens in new window)

Career Options in Psychology

Opportunities for those trained in psychology are increasing, particularly for those who are trained beyond the Bachelor degree level. Undergraduate training in psychology is also useful for students interested in other careers because they acquire skills in research methods, statistics, and effective written and verbal communication.

Careers and Internships (opens in new window)

Safe Space

The Psychology Department is a "safe space," in that diversity of all kinds is respected and honored. Find out more by talking to one of our faculty!

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Student Resources

Santa Monica College offers a wide range of campus resources and programs that can help students achieve a high level of success both on and off campus. SMC also maintains partnerships with organizations and agencies within the local community. Additionally the Psychology department maintains a list 

of local and national organizations within the field of psychology for students to refer additional information.

Psychology Club
Campus Resources
Community Resources
Professional Organizations

Psychology Department Vision & Mission Statement

Vision 

The vision of the SMC Psychology department is to create a community of intellectual engagement that fosters students’ critical understanding of the science and practice of psychology. Our program is designed to equip students with a critical lens for understanding self and others, and the ethical application of psychology for individual wellbeing and for the creation of a more just world. 

Mission Statement 

The SMC Psychology department seeks to educate students through a pluralistic and inclusive perspective of psychology that promotes awareness of self, one’s identities and privileges, and factors that influence mental processes, as well as the physiological underpinnings of human behavior. Students are introduced to the many subdisciplines of psychology such as biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental and physical health. Using psychology to build essential analytical skills, we strive for students to gain a deeper understanding of interpersonal relationships and community functioning and engagement. Through the discovery and co-creation of knowledge, the psychology curriculum and learning experience at SMC prepare students for transfer and future careers in Psychology and related fields.  

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