About Psychology in University of California San Diego
The study of Psychology examines such issues as how the brain works, how society functions, how children learn, and how mental states influence the physical functions of our bodies. Many of today’s problems, including heart disease, pollution, and violence, are consequences of human behavior. Psychology offers students the tools to recognize, understand, and change these problems, as well as our attitudes toward them.
Our program reflects the diversity of the discipline as well as the interests of faculty and students. With courses ranging from neuropsychology to lifespan development, individuals and groups, and adaptive and maladaptive behavior, we provide a strong foundation for graduate and professional studies such as education, counseling, social work, clinical practice, business, and law. We encourage students to participate actively in faculty research, earn credit through internships, gain a global perspective through education abroad, and lay the foundation for future graduate study through participation in our departmental honors program.
Approximately 2,500 students per year major in Psychology at UC San Diego, and approximately 16,500 students take our courses during each academic year. With a Psychology degree, students can pursue graduate studies in psychology and its related fields, or they may start a career requiring a good understanding of people, such as advertising, industrial or human relations, social work, or teaching. Psychology-related careers include research, psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, and psychiatry.
GPA (Grade-Point Average) Requirement
To be eligible for admission to UC San Diego, you must earn the following minimum GPAs:
- California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
- Non-California residents & International applicants must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
Your GPA is based on the above college preparatory (A-G) courses taken during 10th and 11th grades. Students admitted to UC San Diego have GPAs that exceed these minimums.
UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions through Fall 2024. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
International Students
If your native language is not English and your secondary/high school education was in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) and have your scores reported to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 83 is required for the TOEFL, or a minimum score of 7 is required for the IELTS. Learn more on the International Students page.
University of California Cost of Attendance
An expected budget for overseas students wishing to study in the United States is as follows for potential university aspirants enrolling in the forthcoming sessional term:
| Cost of Attendance |
On-Campus (USD) |
Off-Campus (USD) |
| Tuition |
14,480 |
14,480 |
| Housing and Meals |
14,680 |
13,942 |
| Books and Supplies |
1,124 |
1,124 |
| Transportation |
1,363 |
1,537 |
| Personal Expenses |
723 |
1,287 |
| Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition |
29,754 |
29,754 |
| Total |
62,124 |
62,124 |
The cost of attendance for graduate programs varies by program. However, the estimated cost is presented below:
| Fees |
Amount (USD) |
| Student Services Fee |
1,128.00 |
| Tuition |
11,442.00 |
| University Center Fee |
304.38 |
| Recreation Facility Fee |
351.00 |
| GSA Fee |
36.00 |
| Student Transportation Fee |
193.74 |
| Health Insurance |
3,900.00 |
| Nonresident Supplemental Tuition |
15,102.00 |
| Total |
32,457.12 |
