Program Overview

Are you intrigued by human behavior and the workings of the mind? The Psychology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites you on a journey of discovery. This program provides an opportunity to delve into the science of human behavior and mental processes. Whether your interest lies in understanding complex human emotions, exploring the depths of cognition, or applying psychological principles to real-world problems, the Psychology program offers a solid foundation.

As you progress through the program, you will engage in critical thinking and scientific inquiry, learn the ethics of science, and collaborate with faculty and peers. Practical opportunities like community engagement, internships, and Psi Beta membership complement your academic learning. The Associate of Arts degree you earn here meets the general education requirements of Idaho public universities, equipping you for a smooth transition to advanced studies. Graduates often find fulfilling careers in human resources, mental health care, rehabilitation, and more.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Cost

$9,615

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Locations

Ada County Center

Instructor giving a lecture in-front students in classroom

Learning Opportunities

  • Community Engagement & Research: Get involved in hands-on projects and research that connect psychological concepts to community needs.
  • Diverse Career Preparation: Prepare for a range of careers in the helping professions, including mental health care, rehabilitation, and social work.
  • Development of Communication Skills: Hone your verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, crucial in understanding and conveying psychological concepts.
  • Emotional Intelligence Development: Gain insights into emotional intelligence, practicing self-awareness, self-management, and collaborative skills.
  • Foundational Knowledge for Transfer: Build a strong foundation for further studies in psychology or related fields at Idaho public institutions.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Psychology – Associate of Arts Degree
2 Years

AA

Cost:
$9,615

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Psychologist in an office

Career Opportunities

1063

Annual Openings*

$
35.10

Hourly Median Wage*

$
73,008

Annual Median Salary

18.28
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All managers not listed separately.

346

Annual Openings*

$
30.48

Hourly Median Wage*

$
63,398

Annual Median Salary

18.26
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All psychologists not listed separately.

50

Annual Openings*

$
37.51

Hourly Median Wage*

$
78,020

Annual Median Salary

24.39
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

46

Annual Openings*

$
32.13

Hourly Median Wage*

$
66,830

Annual Median Salary

11.57
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

27

Annual Openings*

$
24.67

Hourly Median Wage*

$
51,313

Annual Median Salary

11.53
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

1

Annual Openings*

10.36
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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News

Group of 11 people stand and kneel in front of sign that says Family Advocates | Green back drop behind image

Through a service-learning partnership, CWI students donated 460 hours to Family Advocates, supporting children, families, and community-based programs.

Read more about CWI Students Strengthen Families Through Service-Learning Partnership
A man poses for a photo

After facing isolation and uncertainty during the pandemic, Karter Stuckey found purpose and community through the Psychology program at College of Western Idaho. Now preparing to graduate...

Read more about More Than a Degree: Karter Stuckey’s Path to Purpose at CWI
A graphic with words that say "Empowered in Denim, Breaking the Silence on Sexual Assault" and graphics of jeans.

Wear jeans in Support of Denim Day and learn about its history at Empowered in Denim: Breaking the Silence on Sexual Assault on April 23 at APIN.

Read more about Denim Day is April 23: Wear Jeans to Support Victims of Sexual Assault
Heather Schoenherr and Wayne Weiten with the award

Congratulations to Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr, who was named the recipient of the 2022 Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award.

Read more about Schoenherr Awarded Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award
Psi Beta Honor Students Jensen Crary and Andrew Sargent

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho’s Psi Beta Honor Society Chapter which has earned national recognition for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Read more about CWI’s Psi Beta Honor Society Earns National Recognition
Heather Schoenherr with her students

Professor of Psychology, Heather Schoenherr, is recognized for the transformative and life-changing nature of her teaching.

Read more about Schoenherr Named 2023 Innovative Educator
Psi Beta honors students

Congratulations to four members of CWI’s Psi Beta Honor Society, who recently received the prestigious Emerging Researcher Award.

Read more about CWI Psi Beta Members Honored with National Award for Research
2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen

Speak Up! Ink Up!, a charity event hosted by 2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen, raises nearly $11,500 for Idaho foster children.

Read more about Fostering Change

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Locations

Program QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/academics/academic-transfer/psychology<br>