Our faculty care about our students' success and with an average class sizes of 20 students, you will never be lost in a crowd! Whether you are earning a degree, brushing up on career skills, or seeking life-long learning, you will enjoy an environment of inspiration and support. It is our goal to create an experience that will enrich your life educationally, professionally, and personally to help you succeed!
This field is undergoing some major changes thanks to discoveries in neuroscience and the emerging utilization of high-tech equipment such as brain scanners.
When studying psychology at RRCC you will encounter active and lively classrooms taught by Professors with real world experience. The RRCC PSY department prioritizes hands on experiential learning while prioritizing student success. Our department is unique in that four of us are RRCC graduates! Our department also have the the 2025 Faculty of the year and 2026 Instructor of the year
Getting your degree and/or certificate in Psychology provides you with many career paths. Depending on your area of focus and your goals, the RRCC Psychology program prepares you for a wide range of business careers, including:
- Academic Counselor
- Forensics Psychologist
- Genetic Counselor
- Professor
- Psychologist
- School Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Special Ed Teacher
- Sports Psychologist
- Teacher
- Therapist
In Colorado, access to care, mental health workforce availability, increased rates of youth mental illness, and other factors contribute to an increased need for licensed mental health professionals. The Mental Health Academy at Red Rocks Community College provides a streamlined route for students to achieve their college degree and attain licensure in Colorado focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Forensic Psychology through a partnership with The Chicago School and Mile High Behavioral Healthcare.
Anyone interested in working in the mental health field and seeking an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology or Criminal Justice at Red Rocks Community College may apply. Let your advisor know of your interest. If you attend a Mental Health Academy orientation during the semester and maintain a GPA of 2.3 or above, upon application, you will receive early admission to The Chicago School and become a member of the Mental Health Academy. Your credits from your Associate’s degree are guaranteed to transfer for you to complete your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online with The Chicago School.
- Attend the Mental Health Academy orientation at RRCC.
- Attend regular meetings at Red Rocks Community College and/or virtually.
- Receive mentorship and attend optional online or in-person professional development.
- Complete at least 5 hours of community service at Mile High Behavioral Healthcare each semester.
- Participate in an internship during your undergraduate studies (optional).
- Transfer to The Chicago School (online campus) after completing an Associate of Arts degree at Red Rocks Community College to complete your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online.
The Chicago School is a nonprofit, private, and regionally accredited university. For more than 40 years, The Chicago School has been a leading nonprofit university dedicated to training professionals for careers that improve the health of individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the world. Courses are offered online and at several ground campuses nationwide, including Chicago, Southern California, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
If you’re living in Colorado, you’ll take your courses at The Chicago School online, with six 8-week terms offered during the academic year. You’ll receive a special tuition rate and become eligible to take 18-21 credits of graduate level courses within your bachelor’s program, saving you time and money. Upon graduation with your bachelor’s degree, you’ll receive another special alumni tuition discount to continue your master’s degree, including clinical training, residencies, and internships in order to seek licensure as a mental health counselor in Colorado. Your clinical training and internships during your graduate studies are not online. You’ll be assisted in finding clinical training sites near you. Graduate residencies are at a Chicago School campus over 2-5 days.
For more information, contact your Red Rocks Community College advisor at: 303-914-6275 or Kyle Kelly, Psychology Department Chair at: kyle.kelly@rrcc.edu.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.