Psychology

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

Psychology as a scientific discipline aims to describe, understand, and predict the behavior of living organisms. At Berkeley, our major gives students a foundation in Biological, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social-Personality Psychology. The Psychology major fosters methodological, statistical, and critical thinking skills that are relevant to all of these areas.

Whether you are focused on graduate school, making lasting change through social justice, or finding out what makes people tick, there is an opportunity for you with Psychology.

Admission to the Major 

Students must meet the specific criteria to be considered for admission:

  • Complete the five prerequisite courses
  • Submit their application within the eligibility window
  • Maintain a 2.0 prerequisite GPA

Amplify Your Major

There is a refreshing, child-like quality of curiosity & pursuit of important science.
Professor Robert Levenson

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • @ CAL: Discover campus organizations at Calapalooza. Explore Berkeley Connect. Follow @ucbpsychadvising on Instagram.

  • @ CC: Connect with a transfer advisor and get involved with Psychology related student groups on your campus.

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • Tutor students at the Student Learning Center.

  • Consider joining Psi Chi, a Psychology International Honors Society with various professional opportunities.

  • Become a peer advisor!

  • Attend seminars and colloquia to learn about current research.

Discover Your Passions

  • Connect with faculty who share your research interests.

  • Become a Research Assistant in Psychology or a Research Apprentice in URAP. Research experience is required for the Honors Program, so earn credit through PSYCH 199 or UGIS 192.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Complete L&S breadth and Tier II & III requirements.

  • Explore electives in related fields.

  • Consider taking PSYCH 102 to advance your research skills.

  • Write an optional senior honors thesis.

Connect and Build Community

  • Take a leadership role in a student organization.

  • Engage with other Honors students and their research through the Honors seminar.

  • Connect with Alumni through the Cal Alumni Association.

Discover Your Passions

  • Teach your own DeCal course.

  • Submit your PSYCH 101 or 102 research paper, honors thesis, or other work to the Undergraduate Journal of Psychology at Berkeley.

  • Challenge yourself with a graduate-level course.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Find a professional mentor for help with your resume, mock interviews, job insights and applications.

  • Ask professors and GSIs for recommendation letters.

  • Apply for future opportunities.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Assc. Consultant, Triage Consulting

  • Case Mgr., Red Hook Comm. Justice

  • Design Strategist, Fidelity

  • Health Educator, Marin City Health

  • HR Generalist, UC Berkeley

  • Product Designer, Apple

  • Project Manager, Yahoo!

  • Psychiatric Tech., Albertina Kerr Campus

  • Research Tech., Washington Univ.

  • Teacher, Sierra School

  • Therapist, Behavioral Health Works

Your Career Plan Here:

Graduate Programs

Psychology graduates may pursue advanced degrees such as Masters, PHD, PsyD, etc. in areas such as:

  • Business

  • Cognitive Psychology

  • Counseling Psychology

  • Data Science

  • Developmental & Child Psych.

  • Elementary Education

  • Law

  • Management Science

  • Medicine

  • Physical Therapy

  • Physiology

  • Psychology

  • Social Sciences

  • Social Work

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Cal Day and Golden Bear Welcome

Come to one of Berkeley’s campus events in Spring. CalDay has information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more. Golden Bear Welcome is a similar event specifically for transfer students.

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit the Weekly Opportunities webpage for news and updates.

Advising

Students are welcome to book an appointment with one of our major advisors or drop-in to talk with a peer advisor or the advising team at psychsso@berkeley.edu

For more information on opportunities for connecting with an advisor, visit psychology.berkeley.edu/students/undergraduate-program/academic-advising.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.