Graduates will secure junior standing at any of Oregon’s seven public universities

NEWPORT, Ore. — Oregon Coast Community College has announced the launch of a new two-year Psychology transfer degree. 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 university already having earned two years of coursework to be applied 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 not repeat coursework already completed at OCCC, allowing them to 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 valuable skills in communication, critical thinking, and analysis.

The OCCC Advantage: Start Here, Go Anywhere

Psychology is one of the nation’s most popular undergraduate majors and can lead to careers in mental health, education, healthcare, business, social services, and research. OCCC’s Psychology degree is built around a statewide transfer agreement designed so that students’ first two years of coursework count directly toward the psychology major at participating universities.

Key benefits include:

• No repeated coursework — credits transfer directly into the major
• Junior standing upon successful transfer
• A pathway to any of Oregon’s seven public universities
• Much-lower cost for the first two years of college
• Small classes and personal support from OCCC faculty and staff

“We are proud to offer this pathway to our students and our community,” said Dr. Marshall Mease Roache, OCCC President. “The Oregon Coast deserves access to the same high-quality transfer opportunities available anywhere in the state. This degree gives students a clear, affordable path into a psychology bachelor’s program.”

Enrollment for Summer and Fall 2026 begins soon. Interested students are encouraged to speak with an OCCC Student Success Coach to learn how the Psychology degree fits their goals. To schedule an appointment, visit oregoncoast.edu/advising.

About Oregon Coast Community College

Oregon Coast Community College is a public two-year college serving Lincoln County from campuses in Newport, Lincoln City, Toledo, and Waldport. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, OCCC is committed to expanding access to higher education for students of all backgrounds and life stages.