Psychology

Explore Human Behavior and Mental Processes Through Scientific Inquiry

Students smiling in a classroom

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

$8,560

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Location

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.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Psychology – Associate of Arts Degree

2

YEARS

AA

Psychologist in an office

Career Opportunities

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    1434

    Annual Openings*

    $35.69

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,235

    Annual Median Salary

    45.6%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    548

    Annual Openings*

    $27.11

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $56,389

    Annual Median Salary

    27.37%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Psychologists, All Other

    All psychologists not listed separately.

    61

    Annual Openings*

    $35.73

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,318

    Annual Median Salary

    48.66%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social Science Research Assistants

    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.

    57

    Annual Openings*

    $24.22

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $50,378

    Annual Median Salary

    48.13%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

    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.

    36

    Annual Openings*

    $31.75

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $66,040

    Annual Median Salary

    24.17%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

    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.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $51.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $106,392

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

Load more

*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.

“I wanted to expand my education in order to do what I love — helping people, particularly children, who may be struggling in life and need someone to be there to listen and be their advocate. I didn’t have that growing up.” Read more > about Making Dreams a Reality
Heather Williams
2019, Graduate, Psychology & Sociology

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

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

Clubs

psychology club logo
Psychology Club

The Psychology Club at College of Western Idaho is for anyone interested in psychology — not just psych majors! Join us to meet cool new people, network with professionals, build your resume, and grow personally. Club events are geared toward self care and having fun.

News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current and former College of Western Idaho Psychology students represented the College at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Annual Convention April 7 – 9.

Read more about Students Present Research at Annual Psychology Conference

Congratulations to Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Social Sciences, Jana McCurdy, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for March 2022.

Read more about McCurdy Named Faculty of Distinction for March

Psychology Research Bridge Program gives students a competitive edge for graduate school and job opportunities upon graduation.

Read more about Bridge Program Gives Students a Competitive Edge

Congratulations to Julie Meyer and Sunny Braithwaite, members of CWi’s Psi Beta Honor Society, who recently received the prestigious Emerging Researcher Award.

Read more about Psi Beta Members Awarded for Excellence in Research

Congratulations to Heather Schoenherr, College of Western Idaho’s 2021 Faculty of the Year,

Read more about Schoenherr Named 2021 Faculty of the Year

Congratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.

Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to Professors
View all news

Request More Information

Interested in learning more about this program or getting started? Fill out the information below to be contacted by a member of our team.

Loading...

Connect With Us

Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!

One Stop Student Services

208.562.3000onestop@cwi.eduLocations