FAQ's
1. What makes the Psychology Program at CSUCI unique?
The Psychology Program at CSUCI is unique in two aspects. The first is that students will have exposure to all major areas of psychology through a required sequence of core courses. Included in these courses is a year-long upper division course in quantitative reasoning. This core-course curriculum is designed to produce students with knowledge in all branches of psychology as well as methodological skills which can be widely applied within and outside of the discipline. The second unique aspect of the CSUCI Psychology Program is the interdisciplinary course offerings. These interdisciplinary courses offer students a chance to experience the intersection of psychology with other disciplines. This closely follows how psychology is understood and practiced in the world at large.
2. What psychology courses do I need to take to get a BA in Psychology from CSUCI?
Please refer to the course listings in the following roadmap: Four-Year Psychology Roadmap (PDF, 52KB)
Psychology degree requirements may change so please refer to the latest edition of the catalog or catalog supplement! Also, please note that not all courses have to be taken at the exact times listed on the roadmap, but we highly recommend following this timeline.
3. Can I transfer into the CSUCI Psychology Program from a community college? And if so, what courses from the community college apply towards the CSUCI Psychology Program?
Yes! We strongly encourage students who have finished their AA degree and/or have their GE certified to transfer into the CSUCI Psychology Program. Courses that are the same or substantially similar to the required CSUCI Psychology Program lower division courses may be counted towards the degree program. Often, this includes 3 classes: Introduction to Psychology (PSY 100), Biostatistics (PSY 202), and Developmental Psychology (PSY 213). You may still transfer as a Psychology major even if you have not completed these courses at the community college. However, you will be required to complete these courses at CSUCI, which may lengthen the time until graduation.
4. Do I have to have been a Psychology major at a community college in order to transfer to CSUCI in Psychology?
No! We welcome students from all disciplines. However, you must realize that the more lower division courses you need in psychology, the longer it will take to complete the program.
5. I had a course in Research Methods or Abnormal Psychology at the community college. When I transfer to the Psychology Program at CSUCI can I get credit in the major for this course?
No. We cannot count a lower division course towards upper division credit, therefore, you will have to take the course at CSUCI. These upper-division version of these courses have different student learning outcomes and cover more content than their lower-division counterparts.
6. Where can I find more information about transferring to CI?
Please visit https://www.csuci.edu/admissions/transfer/ to find out more information about transferring to CI, including the application process and dates, campus tours, and scheduling meetings with pre-admissions counselors. If you have questions specifically regarding the Psychology Major at CI, or course substitutions for the Psychology Major, please contact one of the Psychology Program advisors.
7. Can I be a part-time Psychology Major at CSUCI?
Yes. However, you should realize that not all courses are given every semester. Therefore, it would be best for you to meet with an advisor to plan out your courses so you will be able to finish in the shortest amount of time possible.
8. Are there jobs for graduates with a BA in Psychology?
Yes! Psychology majors typically do well in the job market. Approximately 90% of Psychology students find a job immediately after graduation. Within a year about 94% of Psychology graduates have found a job. Psychology graduates tend to go into a wide variety of fields including, business, human services, management, research, teaching, sales, etc.
9. What if I want to be a professional psychologist? Do I need to go to graduate school in psychology?
If you want to be a professional psychologist, you will need to go to graduate school. The CSUCI BA in Psychology will provide strong preparation for graduate programs in most areas of professional psychology. The CSUCI Psychology faculty have extensive experience with a number of different kinds of graduate psychology programs, as well as many psychology graduate schools. We are committed to helping students achieve admission to graduate programs.
10. What about other professions? Can I get into professional programs such as law, medicine, business, etc with a BA in Psychology.
Yes, provided you complete any specific undergraduate pre-requisites for the graduate programs. For instance, if you want to go into medicine you would need to take courses in calculus, chemistry and physics in addition to psychology courses. Psychology in general is excellent preparation for a wide variety of professions. The CSUCI Psychology curriculum will provide you with many important skills which will stand you in good stead in graduate professional programs.
For more information about the CSUCI BA degree in Psychology please contact:
Kimmy Kee-Rose, Ph.D.
Psychology Professor and Chair
Madera Hall Room 2617
Phone: 805-437-3276
kimmy.kee-rose@csuci.edu