B.A. and B.S. Programs
The Psychology Department is committed to offering robust and interdisciplinary programs in both cognitive science and psychology that are designed to foster a deep understanding of human behavior and the human mind. We encourage all of our undergraduates to participate in research, either in our specialized laboratories, or in the field, through opportunities like our field study program. These experiences are essential preparation for both graduate studies and career readiness.
Psychology B.A.
This program offers an in-depth study of human behavior and the psychological, social, and biological processes related to that behavior. Our curriculum introduces students to basic achievements in the various subfields of psychology and the nature and spirit of scientific inquiry in the field. Students can earn the Psychology B.A. by choosing either a general psychology major or an intensive psychology major that prepares students for graduate school through 15 additional credits of advanced research and independent study.
Learning outcomes
- Application of knowledge with critical thinking skills: Students should be able to use critical thinking to evaluate and interpret evidence and to apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to individual, social, and cultural issues.
- Application of research methods with values and integrity: Students should be able to apply basic research methods in psychology with sensitivity to ethical principles.
- Communication skills: Students should be able to demonstrate effective communication skills following professional conventions in psychology appropriate to purpose and context.
- Awareness of sociocultural diversity and societal inequality: Students should understand the complexity of sociocultural diversity and societal inequality in the inquiry and analysis of psychological issues.
Cognitive Science B.S.
Our cognitive science program provides a comprehensive exploration of the mind and mental processes by integrating aspects from various fields, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and computer science. This program is designed for individuals who seek a profound understanding of the complex facets of cognition, through an interdisciplinary lens. Many of the faculty members you’ll learn from participate in groundbreaking research in the cognitive science field.
Learning outcomes
- Application of knowledge using critical thinking skills: Students should be able to use critical thinking to evaluate and interpret evidence and to apply cognitive science concepts, theories, and research findings to individual, social, and cultural issues.
- Application of research methods with values and integrity: Students should be able to apply basic research methods in cognitive science with sensitivity to ethical principles.
- Communication skills: Students should be able to demonstrate effective communication skills following professional conventions in cognitive science appropriate to purpose and context.
- Awareness of methodological and theoretical diversity: Students should be able to understand the complexities of cognition using neural, embodied, social, and/or technological approaches.
What can you do with a degree in psychology or cognitive science?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology is a particularly fast-growing field in the United States. Our alumni go into academic research and teaching, clinical psychology, community relations, counseling, education, environmental psychology, forensic psychology, government research, human resources, law, market research, psychiatry, social services, and vocational psychology, to name a few options. Some of these careers require advanced degrees. The American Psychological Association has more information about career pathways for each level of education.
Meanwhile, our cognitive science major is intended for students wishing to enter Ph.D. programs in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, or cognitive neuroscience. These alumni often go on to pursue research or careers in public health, like working with individuals with neurological disorders and learning disabilities. Many also enter technology-related fields, such as human-computer interface design or human factors research.
Meet our students and alumni
Gabriella Garcia
Garcia is a psychology major and education minor with an interest in developmental psychology. Her experience in PSYC 10: Introduction to Developmental Psychology inspired her to become an undergraduate researcher in the Culture and Tech Lab, where she is studying how the internet and social media affect queer intersectional youth’s identity formation.
Mullen worked alongside Professor Nicolas Davidenko to design a study that tested gamers’ perceptions of time. The findings of this research were published in a scientific journal article and offered insight into safety measures that may be necessary for virtual reality gaming. Mullen is now a Ph.D. student in psychology at the University of British Columbia.
More student stories
More alumni stories
Admissions requirements
First-year students
In addition to the courses required for UC admission, high school students considering psychology as their university major will benefit from a well-rounded background in English, mathematics through precalculus, natural sciences, social sciences, and writing. Learn more about getting started in the Psychology major and the Cognitive Science major via the catalog.
Earning credit for Advanced Placement exams
Advanced Placement can count toward credits for graduation requirements, including as specified below. Find more information on the UCSC AP/IB chart.
AP Psychology
A score of 4 or 5 on the exam equates to 4 quarter credits and will satisfy the PSYCH 1 requirement and one General Education course in social science.
AP Calculus AB
A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the exam equates to MATH 11A, allows 4 quarter credits, will satisfy the major’s precalculus requirement, may be used as the prerequisite for PSYCH 2, and satisfies one General Education course in natural science.
The AP Statistics
A score of 4 or 5 on the exam will satisfy the statistics requirement.
Transfer students
All of our programs are screening majors that have specific course and GPA requirements for transfer students. Review the full qualification requirements, transfer information, and major admission requirements in the UCSC General Catalog and consult the Admissions website for more specific transfer information. Transfer students must have an overall 3.0 GPA in all transferable courses completed before entering UCSC, with a minimum of 3.1 GPA in all psychology courses. We do not accept students for a second B.A., or junior transfer students with 120+ quarter credits.
Transfer course requirements
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 UCSC. Students planning to transfer should check with their present advising office or refer to assist.org to determine course equivalencies. Before transferring to UCSC, students should try to complete PSYCH 1, PSYCH 2, PSYCH 10, and the math requirement. These introductory courses are prerequisites to each other and are not always offered every quarter. Transferring without these courses may make it difficult to complete the degree in two years.
Community college courses are considered lower-division and will not satisfy upper-division requirements. During junior and senior years, students devote most of their time to upper-division courses and independent studies.
Course substitutions
Students who want to fulfill major or minor requirements with courses taken at other institutions should contact the Psychology Department undergraduate advising staff, in order to substitute courses. Substitutions do not occur automatically. This is very important because certain prerequisites need to be completed prior to enrollment in courses, particular courses may or may not count toward major or minor requirements and other campus requirements, and academic credits may not be duplicated. The University of California limits community college transfer credits to a maximum of 105 quarter credits.
Prerequisites for upper-division courses
Upper-division courses assume that you enter them with the knowledge you should have acquired in prerequisite courses. Course prerequisites are listed in the catalog description of every course. The Advance Enrollment system checks for completion of prerequisites before students are allowed to enroll in courses. Substitutions of equivalent courses occur during new student orientations or by contacting the Psychology Department undergraduate advising staff. Course equivalencies are entered into the campus enrollment system through each department on campus, not by the Admissions Office.