Psychology FAQ's for Undergraduates
Frequently Asked Questions Topics:
Major
Minor
OSD Accommodations
Transfer/EAP
Major
Which is better, the BA or BS degree?
One degree is not better than the other – how you intend to use your degree is a more important consideration. If your goal is to go further into research then it makes sense to follow the BS degree track. Are you going to graduate school? Are you looking to get into a therapeutic counseling program? Are you picking up Psychology as a second major? Use the Career Services Center for guidance.
What courses can I take for a P/NP grading option?
All lower division courses EXCEPT Psyc 60 can be taken P/NP. Psyc 60 MUST be taken for a letter grade. Remember, no more than 25% of your total UC San Diego courses may be taken pass/no pass.
Can I take an upper division P/NP?
NO - all upper division courses applied to the major MUST be taken for a letter grade. If there is ANY chance that you would eventually declare Psychology as your major, then you should take the classes for a letter grade.
Do I have to take all the lower division courses listed for natural science? Formal skills?
Students can select 3 of any courses listed under the natural science and formal skills area.
Can I get a D and apply it to my Psychology major?
The department will accept a D grade, however, your major GPA and cumulative GPA must be 2.0.
Can I take lower division courses at community college?
You can take lower division course at community college. Use Assist.org for guidance on the specific course to take. Contact ugradpsych@ucsd.edu if you do not see your course listed.
Will I receive credit for a class I took at community college that has the same title as a core class or upper division Psychology class?
Community college courses will only transfer for lower division credit. While the course content may be similar they will not replace upper division electives required by the major.
Can I transfer upper division courses for credit?
All courses taken at another UC, CSU or other 4-year institutions offering a bachelor’s degree must be petitioned be fore it can be used in place of a UCSD Psychology course. The course syllabus must be submitted with the petition form.
How do I switch to the BS degree if I started some or all of the Math 10 series?
Transfers between the Math 10 and Math 20 sequences are possible, but such transfers should be confirmed with a Math advisor and discussed with a Psychology advisor. Students who begin the Math 10 sequence and who wish to transfer to the Math 20 sequence may follow one of three paths:
1. Follow Math 10A with Math 20A, with two units of credit given for Math 20A. This option is not available if you have credit for Math 10B or Math 10C.
2. Follow Math 10B with Math 20B, receiving two units of credit for Math 20B.
3. Follow Math 10C with Math 20B, receiving two units of credit for Math 20B and two units of credit for Math 20C.
Credit is not given for courses taken simultaneously from the Math 10 and the Math 20 sequence. If you have any questions about these paths, please contact the Student Affairs staff at the Math Advising Office
What is Psyc 99/199?
Psyc 99/199 is independent study opportunity for students to participate in research being carried out by Psychology faculty. Students may assist in running subjects, collecting data, and/or evaluating data under the supervision of a faculty member or graduate student.
Undergraduate research experience is highly regarded by graduate schools and provides students early insight into a future career, or help change minds while there is still time to do so. A Psyc 199 will only count towards the research experience requirement for the B.S. degree.
How do I sign up for Psyc 199’s?
Current opportunities are advertised on fliers at bulletin boards in the Department, and the department website here . Students can also approach relevant faculty directly. Applications (Special Studies 199 forms) are available online at TritonLink (under MyRecords). Specific instructions are here.
How do I declare a double major with Psychology?
The double major petition form can be picked up from your college. All major requirements must be listed on the double major petition. For example, you should list all three natural science and formal skills courses, the programming course and the stats course. Upper division courses you are currently enrolled in and/or completed can be listed on the form. Do not list courses you have not yet taken, instead list Psyc core, Psyc elective or research to the corresponding course. You must indicate that you are aware of ALL lower division courses required for the major.
After reviewing these instructions bring your completed form to the Psychology Student Affairs office in 1533 Mandler hall. If you have questions contact ugradpsych@ucsd.edu.
Instructions to declare a double major.
What is the difference between Psychology, Cognitive Science and Human Development at UCSD?
At UCSD Psychology can briefly be described as the study of human/animal mental functions and behavior with a scientific emphasis.
Cognitive science may be concisely defined as the study of the nature of intelligence with an emphasis in three main areas – brain, behavior and computation.
Human development focuses on scientific issues of growth, development, and behavioral change across the lifespan.
What courses count for the minor?
Psychology courses numbered from 1-193 are eligible to count for minor.
How many courses can I take for P/NP?
Up to 3 courses can be taken for P/NP. Remember, no more than 25% of your total UC San Diego courses may be taken pass/no pass.
How I declare a Psychology minor?
Refer to the department specific instructions here. You complete the process when you submit your Undergraduate Declaration of Minor using the Major/Minor tool.
Can I take lower division courses at community college?
You can petition to take a maximum of two courses to count for the minor. Refer to Assist.org for specific information on transferability.
Can I overlap upper division courses between my major and Psychology minor?
No, you can't use upper-division courses that satisfy your major to fulfill your minor requirements. Also, you can't use an upper-division course to satisfy the requirements of more than one minor.
Course enrollment
How do I enroll in a course that requires department or instructor approval?
Email ugradpsych@ucsd.edu and be sure to include your full name, PID number and the course number.
Can I contact the professor for clearance to enroll?
It is always a good idea to contact ugradpsych@ucsd.edu first. Instructors may have already provided the information needed so we can clear you for enrollment sooner than they are able to respond.
I think there may be an error in how my final grade was assigned. Who do I contact?
Contact the instructor immediately. The instructor will work with the Psychology Student Affairs office to file the required paperwork.
What are the procedures if I am registered with OSD?
You must present the OSD Authorization for Accommodation (AFA) form within the first two weeks of the quarter. The instructor or TA will coordinate with our office on scheduling rooms for your exams. It is your responsibility to show up at the scheduled time with required exam materials.
What if I am not registered with OSD?
You must register in person before you begin receiving academic support.
Instructions to obtain OSD services.
How should I determine what courses I can take abroad?
Identify the program you have the most interest in and find courses that Interest you. If you are not sure look for courses similar in description to electives we offer.
How many courses can I transfer from abroad?
The department transfers no more than five classes towards the Psychology Major, and no more than three classes towards the Psychology Minor. Students are advised to complete three of five core courses before going abroad and should plan to chart their major course requirements well in advance with a psychology advisor.
What courses should I take in my first quarter for the Psychology major?
Read the Psychology section in the UC San Diego General Catalog and the department website to be clear about all requirements for the major.
Refer to one of the recommended plans posted by degree here. Be prepared to complete the remaining lower division requirements before starting the upper division core requirements. Check ASSIST.org for community college course equivalencies.
If you cannot find a course you took on ASSIST and you believe it is equivalent to one of our courses, you may need to file a petition. Email ugradpsych@ucsd.edu for help.
Didn't find your question? Email us at ugradpsych@ucsd.edu.
STUDENT AFFAIRS STAFF
Undergraduate Advisors:
Student Affairs Manager:
