NEWPORT (Ore.) — Oregon Coast Community College has announced the launch of a new two-year Psychology transfer degree that opens the doors to seven state universities and interesting — and lucrative — careers.

Students who complete the degree and meet university admission requirements will transfer to any of Oregon’s seven public universities as juniors, entering their chosen school already having earned two years of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree.

“Psychology isn’t just about what people do, it’s about why they do it,” said Dr. Sarah Whiteford, OCCC’s Dean of Academic Pathways and CTE. “This degree gives students the tools to better understand human behavior, while opening pathways into a wide range of careers and continued study.”

The seven Oregon public universities participating in this transfer agreement are Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University, Western Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University, and Oregon Institute of Technology. Students who complete the program will step directly into their junior year of the psychology major.

Students in OCCC’s Psychology program will study topics such as human development, social behavior, cognition, research methods, and the biological and cultural foundations of behavior. The program also helps students build skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis.

As the “Swiss Army Knife” of college diplomas, psychology is one of the nation’s most popular undergraduate majors and can lead to careers in mental health, education, healthcare, business, social services, research, government and public safety. Graduates work in hospitals, HR departments, marketing firms, crisis centers, the VA and even prisons.

OCCC’s Psychology degree is built around a statewide transfer agreement directly toward the psychology major at participating universities.

“This degree gives students a clear, affordable path into a psychology bachelor’s program,” added Dr. Marshall Mease Roache, OCCC President, who touted the college’s “much-lower cost for the first two years of college,” small classes and personal support from OCCC faculty and staff.

Enrollment for Summer and Fall 2026 begins soon. Interested students are encouraged to visit oregoncoast.edu/advising. Oregon Coast Community College is an accredited a public two-year college serving Lincoln County from campuses in Newport, Lincoln City, Toledo, and Waldport.