- Behavioral & Social Sciences
- B.A.
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Program overview
Psychology is the study of human behavior and the psychological, social, and biological processes related to that behavior.
At UC Santa Cruz, our psychology curricula foster an understanding of the whole person in the context of their lived experience. Our work is grounded in both basic science and real-world issues, with practical applications for individuals, families, schools, institutions, technological innovation, and public policy. We maintain a collaborative research environment that engages students in vital ways.
Learning Experience
Psychology majors are exposed to basic achievements in the various subfields of psychology and are introduced to the nature and spirit of scientific inquiry in the field. Students are encouraged to participate in research and/or field study opportunities. Psychology majors take courses in each of the following subfields in their upper-division work: Developmental, Cognitive, and Social.
Study and Research Opportunities
- Many of the department's faculty members participate in groundbreaking research in the psychology field. There are many opportunities for undergraduate research experience in the laboratories of active developmental, cognitive, and social psychology researchers.
- The Psychology Field Study Program is an academic internship program designed for majors. Students gain hands-on reflective experience imperative for graduate study, future careers, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of psychology.
- An intensive major concentration is available for students interested in a more practical, hands-on experience.
First-Year Requirements
In addition to the courses required for UC admission, high school students considering psychology as their university major find that the best preparation is a solid general education in English, mathematics through precalculus, social sciences, and writing.
Transfer Requirements
This is a screening major. Prospective transfer students who plan to major in Psychology must complete qualification requirements prior to transfer. Students should review the qualification requirements below and the full transfer information on the UCSC General Catalog.
- A passing grade in Precalculus or higher
- Pass PSYC 1 with a B- or higher
- Pass Statistics with a B- or higher
*A more detailed description of the Major Admission Requirements can be found in the catalog linked above.
While it is not a condition of admission, students from California community colleges may complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz. Students planning to transfer should check with their present advising office or refer to Assist to determine course equivalencies.
Career Opportunities
The Psychology BA provides a general foundation of knowledge appropriate for entry level people-facing careers in various fields. Students pursuing career pathways related to clinical psychology, social work, education or law should plan to pursue additional graduate coursework.