Mission Statement

The Associate of Science degree in Psychology is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous academic foundation in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Our mission is to provide an in-depth examination of psychological principles, scientific methods, and ethical practices. The program emphasizes the development of research literacy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness that are essential for the study of psychological concepts and models.

Through coursework grounded in empirical methods and data analysis, students gain an understanding of how psychological research impacts theory, practice, and social understanding as well as learning how to distinguish credible psychological knowledge from misinformation. The program is designed to prepare students for seamless transfer to four-year institutions and continued academic inquiry within psychology and related fields.

SUNY Niagara’s Psychology degree program is curated for students who are interested in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Our curriculum offers introductory courses in general psychology as well as advanced subjects that investigate abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and methods of scientific inquiry in psychology. Graduates are prepared to transfer into baccalaureate programs with an aim to become counselors, therapists, psychologists, and researchers.

Program Goals and Objectives

To assist students in meeting a minimum number of SUNY General Education requirements.
To develop a student’s verbal and written communication skills.
To enhance critical thinking skills.
To prepare students for successful transfer to upper-level institutions in Psychology.

Catalog Information

Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Psychology, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Psychology A.S. gives you a strong foundation in the science of behavior and mental processes. You’ll study research methods, development, abnormal and social psychology, then transfer to a bachelor’s program.

Apply now

Last updated: Oct. 22, 2026

What careers does a Psychology A.S. lead to?

Psychologist or psychotherapist: Assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioral issues. Needs a doctoral degree.
Mental health or substance abuse counselor: Helps clients work through mental health challenges or addiction. Usually needs a master’s degree, or a state credential for some addiction roles.
School, guidance or career counselor: Helps students with academic, career and personal goals. Needs a master’s degree.
Marriage and family therapist: Works with couples and families to improve relationships. Needs a master’s degree and a license.
Case manager or victim advocate: Connects people with services and supports them through hard situations. Often open with a bachelor’s degree.
Human resources, market research or public relations specialist: Uses an understanding of people and behavior in business settings. Usually needs a bachelor’s degree.

How far will I need to go?

Most psychology careers need at least a bachelor’s degree. Counseling and therapy jobs usually need a master’s degree and a New York State license, and psychologists need a doctorate. This A.S. covers the first two years.

Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job	Starting pay	Median pay
Clinical and counseling psychologists (doctorate)	$72,250	$109,420
School psychologists (graduate degree)	$59,960	$85,630
School and career counselors (master’s)	$47,080	$63,730
Substance abuse and mental health counselors	$44,080	$57,060
Social and human service assistants	$35,940	$45,810

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

Substance abuse and mental health counselors: Jobs are expected to grow about 28% from 2022 to 2032, with about 230 openings each year.
Social and human service assistants: Jobs are expected to grow about 25%, with about 390 openings each year.
School and career counselors: Jobs are expected to grow about 20%, with about 200 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Counseling and human services jobs are expected to grow much faster than that.

Sources

Where do psychology graduates work?

Mental health and addiction treatment centers
Hospitals and health systems
Schools and colleges
Social service and nonprofit agencies
Private counseling practices
Businesses, in HR and market research
Research labs and universities
Courts and victim services

Understanding people is useful in almost any field, from health care to business.

How do I get there?

Start with Introduction to Psychology, sociology and anthropology.
Take two advanced psychology courses, plus statistics.
Finish with Methods of Scientific Inquiry and the 62-credit A.S.
Transfer to a bachelor’s program in psychology or a related field.

The A.S. is designed for transfer. You’ll build research literacy, critical thinking and ethical awareness, including how to tell credible psychology from misinformation. Work with your advisor to plan your transfer.

Which courses prepare me?

PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 210–250 Two advanced psychology electives
PSY 255 Methods of Scientific Inquiry
MAT 164 Introduction to Statistics
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
ANT 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
HUS 123 The Helping Process (option)
BIO Natural science elective

Sources

Apply now

Last updated: Oct. 22, 2026

Psychology, A.S.

Program Overview

Mission Statement

Program Goals and Objectives