Psychological Science Major

The Psychological Science major in the School of Social Ecology offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree. If you are interested in a Bachelors of Science Degree, please visit the School of Social Sciences. 

Students in the Department of Psychological Science begin their program of study with core courses in developmental, social, health, and abnormal psychology. Advanced courses cover specialized topics in these fields, as well as in environmental, clinical, and community psychology. A number of advanced courses delve into the psychological aspects of important societal issues and problems, such as child abuse, violence, divorce, work and family, and community health. Undergraduates also gain rigorous training in research methods and statistics.

Resources for Psychological Science Students

• 24-25 PSCI Tentative Course Plan
• Learn more about research in PSCI.
  • Research areas include:
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Health Psychology
    • Clinical Psychology 
    • Social/Personal Psychology
  • Resources to get started in research.
    • Applying to Research (55 minutes): This recorded workshop covers how to identify and apply to research labs, and also has a panel of three students who are actively involved in research on campus.
  • Research Labs
• Read about your faculty and their specializations.
• Center for Psychology & Law
• Alumni Information
• Career Resources
• Careers in Psychological Science
• Division of Career Pathways at UCI

MAJOR IN Psychological Science

The Psychological Science major provides students a foundation to pursue graduate work in psychology, or to find employment after graduation in the areas of public health, health services, human resources, marketing, social work, counseling, law, education, and related fields. The major focuses on determinants of human health, well-being, and functioning in a broad range of developmental, social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Undergraduate students begin with basic course work in developmental psychology, health and preclinical (abnormal) psychology, and social psychology. Subsequent courses cover such topics as social, emotional, and cognitive development in children, adolescents, adults; behavioral disorders and developmental psychopathology; counseling and therapy; cultural, social, and personality influences on behavior; attitude formation and change; health psychology; stress and coping; and psychology and the law. Opportunities are available to work with faculty members on research in these and other areas. Undergraduate research experience provides a valuable background for entry into many graduate programs.

• Psychological Science Major Requirements
  • 4 year academic plan for incoming freshmen
  • 2 year academic plan for incoming transfers
• Understanding the Psychological Science Major Requirements
  • This short video explains the major requirements in more depth
  • A degree sheet that outlines your major and school requirements

Interested in declaring Psychological Science as a major? Check out the Change of Major requirements.

Minor in Psychological Science

The minor in Psychological Science focuses on determinants of human health, well-being, and functioning in a broad range of developmental, social, cultural, and environmental contexts. Students begin with basic course work in developmental psychology, health psychology, clinical/abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Subsequent courses cover such topics as social, emotional, and cognitive development in children, adolescents, adults; behavioral disorders and developmental psychopathology; counseling and therapy; cultural, social, and personality influences on behavior; attitude formation and change; health psychology; stress and coping; and psychology and the law.

Psychological Science Minor Requirements