March 3, 2026
Last fall, GRCC’s Psychology department introduced two new programs to help students tailor the community college experience toward their long-term goals. The Pre-Neuroscience program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the field while students in the Pre-Psychology Behavior Analysis program gain valuable clinical experience.
Both programs offer specialized pathways for students to transfer to a four-year institution and then into a variety of careers, including neuroscience, health care, behavior analysis, research and more.
Build Interdisciplinary Connections With the Pre-Neuroscience Program
Neuroscience explores the structure and function of the nervous system. By studying small molecular and cellular activity all the way up to complex behavioral processes, neuroscientists learn how the nervous system develops, how it malfunctions and what we can do to improve health and well-being.
“A lot of people just think of the clinical side of psychology,” said Julia Carey, who leads the GRCC Psychology department. “But, neuroscience is a fascinating field that combines principles from biology, psychology, chemistry and medicine to understand how the brain and nervous system influence thoughts, emotions and actions.”
In addition to standard psychology courses, students in the Pre-Neuroscience program will also take biology and chemistry classes. “We designed a specialized curriculum to help students understand how anatomy relates to our psychological experiences,” said Carey. “Whether it’s hands-on work with brain model puzzles or dissecting a sheep brain in the biology lab, there are lots of memorable learning experiences.”
Learn More About the Pre-Neuroscience, A.A. Program
Gain Practical Experience With Pre-Psychology Behavior Analysis
The field of behavior analysis is all about studying the way people behave and learn. It focuses on identifying and understanding environmental factors that influence behavior and applies this knowledge to bring about positive changes.
Behavior analysts work with both adults and children in a variety of clinical and educational settings. The pre-major program at GRCC includes a practicum, which provides students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.
During the practicum, students work 10 hours a week at local behavioral clinics. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst supervises students as they apply behavior analysis and behavior management principles to improve the social, academic and adaptive behavior of individuals diagnosed with autism or other developmental disabilities.
After the practicum, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam. An RBT certification leads to higher-paying jobs and gives students options to work in the field while they continue their education.
“This pre-major is a unique offering for a community college,” said Sophie Rubin, associate professor at GRCC. “We are one of two community colleges with this program and we’re excited to give students a learning experience they wouldn’t normally have until a bachelor’s program.”
Learn More About the Pre-Psychology Behavior Analysis, A.A. Program
Experienced Faculty and Easy Transfer Prepares Students for Success
Both the Pre-Neuroscience and Pre-Psychology Behavior Analysis programs were developed by experienced GRCC faculty who are passionate about the field of psychology and making education and career opportunities accessible for all students.
Julia Carey led the development of the Pre-Neuroscience program. She earned Ph.D.s in neuroscience and psychology from University of Colorado Boulder and has been at GRCC for eight years.
Sophie Rubin has a Ph.D in psychology from Western Michigan University and is a licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan with clinical experience in behavioral psychology. Rubin has taught at GRCC for 14 years and pioneered the Pre-Psychology Behavior Analysis program.
“We’re setting students up for success with these new psychology programs,” said Carey. “It’s a great option for anyone who knows they want to study psychology, but might not have a clear idea of what that looks like. Our programs help learners explore different career pathways and even enter the workforce as a Registered Behavior Technician. By the time they transfer to a four-year institution, they are well-prepared to achieve their long-term goals.”