Undergraduate Study
The Psychology major is the most general of the three majors and offers both broad and in-depth coverage of the fundamental and traditional areas of psychology. It provides students with a strong foundation for postgraduate education in psychology and can serve as excellent background to prepare them for further training in such fields as law, education, government and public policy, business, and many of the health-related professions. Its basic liberal-arts orientation also provides excellent foundation for immediate postbaccalaureate careers in many areas, particularly ones in which an understanding of human behavior and its diversity of expression would be an asset.
The requirements described below represent the minimum requirements in satisfaction of the preparation and the major. Additional courses in psychology, statistics, and related sciences, as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences, are highly recommended if students plan to pursue graduate work in psychology and related fields. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.
Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Prepsychology major. They are then identified as Prepsychology majors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Psychology major. The following required courses must be taken for a letter grade (a C- or better in each course and a 2.3 overall grade-point average in the preparation courses) before students reach 110 total units (transfer students must complete all remaining preparation courses by the end of the first year of enrollment): Anthropology 7 or 10 or 12; Life Sciences 1 or 15 or Physiological Science 3; Chemistry and Biochemistry 2 or 14A or 20A (if students have completed one year of high school chemistry with a C or better, this requirement is waived); one course from Computer Science 2, Mathematics 2, Program in Computing 10A, Statistics 10, or one term of calculus; Physics 10 or 1A or 6A; one course from Philosophy 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22; Psychology 10, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C- or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Prepsychology major before the term in which they plan to enroll. It is recommended that students with no background in introductory statistics take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.
Repetition of more than two preparation courses in which a grade of D or F was received or of any preparation course more than once results in automatic denial of admission to the major.
Transfer Students
To be admitted as Psychology majors, transfer students with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one human evolution course, one biology course, one general chemistry course (or one year of high school chemistry with a C or better), one general physics course, one philosophy course, one introduction to psychology course, one psychological statistics course, one psychology research methods course, and one course from statistics (recommended), finite mathematics, calculus, computer science theory, or computer programming in C ++ .
After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Required: (1) Five core courses selected from Psychology 110, 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 120A, 120B, 127, 130 (or one course from 133A through 133I), 135; (2) one laboratory/fieldwork course from 111, 113, 116, 121, 126, 131, 136A, 136B, 136C, 171A, 174, 186A, 186B, 186C; (3) four additional upper division elective courses (16 units) in psychology.
Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and two upper division psychology electives.
All upper division courses must be taken for a letter grade. A C- or better is required in each core course and in at least one laboratory/fieldwork course. Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements.
The Cognitive Science major focuses on the study of intelligent systems, both real and artificial. While including a strong foundation in the traditional areas of psychology, the major is interdisciplinary in nature and emphasizes subject matter within cognitive psychology, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines.
The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in cognitive science or related fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and fields related to cognitive science (e.g., computer science, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and statistics) as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.
Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Precognitive Science major. They are then identified as Precognitive Science majors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Cognitive Science major. Questions about the major should be directed to the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.
The following required courses must be taken for a letter grade (a C or better in each course and a 2.5 overall grade-point average in the preparation courses) before students reach 130 total units: Life Sciences 1 or 15 or Physiological Science 3; Chemistry and Biochemistry 2 or 14A or 20A (if students have completed one year of high school chemistry with a C or better, this requirement is waived); Mathematics 31A, 31B; Philosophy 7 or 8 or 9; Physics 10 or 1A or 6A; Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and one course from 15 or 20 or 40; Psychology 10, 85, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Precognitive Science major before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.
Repetition of more than two preparation courses in which a grade of D or F was received or of any preparation course more than once results in automatic denial of admission to the major.
Transfer Students
To be admitted as Cognitive Science majors, transfer students with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one biology course, one general chemistry course (or one year of high school chemistry with a C or better), two calculus/analytical geometry courses, one general physics course, one philosophy course, one introduction to psychology course, one introduction to cognitive science course, one psychological statistics course, one psychology research methods course, one computer programming course in C ++ , and one other computer programming course.
After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Required: (1) Psychology 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 120A or 120B, and one course from 124A through 124G; (2) one course from 186A or 186B or 186C and one course from 121, 186A, 186B, 186C, or Computer Science 161; (3) three upper division elective courses (12 units) from Psychology 110, 112A through M119N, 123, 124A through 124G (if taken for the major, may not be applied as an elective), 130, 133B, 135, 142H, 150, 151, 187A, 189, 190B or 190C (if content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office and courses have not been applied toward the Psychology 188A or 188B requirement), 197 (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office before elective credit may be granted), Communication Studies 156, Computer Science 111 through M196B, Ethnomusicology 172A, Linguistics 103 through C185B, Mathematics 110A through 171, Philosophy 124 through 136, Statistics 100A, 100B, 100C, M120A, M120B; (4) two terms of Psychology 188A or 188B (may be fulfilled by taking any two courses from 188A, 188B, or 190C, provided content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office).
Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and two upper division cognitive science electives.
Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements. With the exception of Psychology 188A and 188B, each course must be taken for a letter grade.
The Psychobiology major is designed for students who plan to go on to postgraduate work in physiological psychology, neuroscience, behavioral aspects of biology, or the health sciences. Psychobiology involves the study of brain-behavior relations and laboratory training in standard brain research techniques.
The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in any of the above fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and related sciences as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.
Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Prepsychobiology major. They are then identified as Prepsychobiology majors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Psychobiology major.
Life Sciences Core Curriculum
Required: Life Sciences 1, 2, 3, 4; Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, 14CL, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, and 30BL; Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A, 31B, and 32A; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 6A, 6B, and 6C.
Also required are Psychology 10, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C- or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Prepsychobiology major before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.
All core curriculum courses must be taken for a letter grade (a C- or better in each course and a 2.0 overall grade-point average in the core curriculum) before students reach 150 total units. Psychology 100A and 100B must be completed before students reach 130 total units. Students receiving a grade of D or F in two core curriculum courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are subject to dismissal from the major.
Transfer Students
To be admitted as Psychobiology majors, transfer students with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 1 and 2, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory, one introduction to psychology course, one psychological statistics course, and one psychology research methods course. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.
After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Required: (1) Organismic Biology, Ecology, and Evolution 129 or Psychology 118 or Anthropology 128A and 128B, and Psychology 110, 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 116, 120A or 120B; (2) one course from Psychology 127, 130, 133A through 133I, 135; (3) 16 units of graded elective courses from the following list: Organismic Biology, Ecology, and Evolution 112, 113A, 114 (no more than one from this group), Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C, M117J, M117K, 119A through M119O, 190C (only if content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office), 197 (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office before elective credit may be granted), Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A, 153L, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology 110A, 110B, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 104, 138, C139, CM156, 171, M185A, Neuroscience 151, M174, Organismic Biology, Ecology, and Evolution 102, C104, 105, 106, 110, 111, C115, 117, C119, 120, 121, 122, 124 (only 4 units may be applied toward the major), 131 (only 4 units may be applied toward the major), C135, 146, M158, 164, M166, 167, 179, Physiological Science 142, C144, 147, M173.
Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and 10 units of upper division psychobiology electives.
Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements, and each must be taken for a letter grade.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Many research and fieldwork opportunities are open to students who wish to expand their knowledge and broaden their background in the field of psychology. These experiences can be enriching and help bring undergraduates closer to understanding research and its applications in the everyday world. At least one of the following courses is recommended for students planning postgraduate study: Psychology 188A, 188B, 192, 193, 194A, 194B, 199, or the Student Research Program (SRP) through the College of Letters and Science. Information about these courses and programs is available from the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.
Each year the department offers a selection of honors courses, designated with an H suffix. The courses provide close contact with faculty members, emphasize readings in the original literature, student reports, and small group discussions, and may include field or research experience. Enrollment priority in honors courses is given to students in the departmental honors program. Consult the College of Letters and Science for information on requirements for College Honors.
Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Psychobiology majors intending to continue study at the graduate level are encouraged to apply for the departmental honors program. Students work for one year with a faculty sponsor on a research project that is the basis of a formal honors thesis. During that year they also participate in a weekly seminar (Psychology 190A, 190B, 190C) in which thesis projects are presented and discussed and other topics of interest are explored with invited faculty members and other guests. Other requirements may apply. Consult the Undergraduate Advising Office during Spring Quarter for further information and application forms. Satisfactory completion of the program and the other requirements for the major leads to awarding of the degree with honors or highest honors.
Psychology Research Opportunity Programs
The Psychology Research Opportunity Programs (PROPS) represent a vital effort to identify and mentor underrepresented minority and/or low-income students. The purpose of PROPS is to encourage such students to participate in research and pursue graduate studies leading to careers in academia. The recruitment and application process for PROPS takes place each Fall Quarter. Students selected to participate are awarded stipends for Winter and Spring Quarters, during which time they do research under the mentorship of a psychology faculty member. In addition, students are required to attend weekly seminars covering such topics as graduate school, careers in academia, and research opportunities in various fields of psychology. Prior research experience is not required. This is an excellent opportunity for students to begin their research careers and acquire the needed experience to pursue advanced studies.
Developmental Disabilities Immersion Program and Concentration
The Developmental Disabilities Immersion Program (DDIP), cosponsored by the Department of Psychology, the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and the Office of Instructional Development -- Center for Experiential Education and Service Learning (CEESL), provides a community learning environment for undergraduate students who devote two quarters to the intensive study of developmental disabilities. Each year a group of 30 students is selected for the program which runs during Winter and Spring Quarters. Students participate in courses, fieldwork, and research at selected University and community facilities serving persons with developmental disabilities.
Required courses include Psychology/Psychiatry M180A, M180B, M181A, M181B. Courses are designed to foster discussions integrating students' field and research experiences. Lectures and discussions explore biological, psychological, and social questions concerning causes and treatment of developmental disabilities. Also covered is an analysis of programs for the care and training of individuals with development disabilities. The fieldwork component gives students the opportunity to apply theories and concepts learned in their coursework to actual settings involving individuals with developmental disabilities. Students also undertake a two-quarter research project under the guidance of a UCLA faculty member.
To earn a concentration , majors in Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Psychobiology must be accepted into the Developmental Disabilities Immersion Program. Information and applications are available from the Center for Experiential Education and Service Learning, 160 Powell Library. Applications are due the Spring Quarter prior to the academic year in which students wish to participate in DDIP.
The following courses are required for the concentration: Psychology 127 (may also be applied as one of the three upper division electives required for the Psychology major), 130 or one course from 133A through 133I (also satisfies a core requirement for the Psychology major), M180A, M180B, M181A, M181B, 193 (two terms). With the exception of course 193, each course must be taken for a letter grade. If a psychology major earns the DDIP concentration, upper division elective credit for Psychology M180A, M180B, M181A, M181B does not apply toward the major. Students in the department who complete the requirements receive a departmental certificate of completion at graduation; they must notify the department during the term they plan to graduate to receive the certificate. The concentration does not appear on the diploma or transcript.
Interested students should contact the DDIP coordinator at the Center for Experiential Education and Service Learning, 160 Powell Library, (310) 825-7867, for information regarding admission and an application.
Majors in Psychology, Psychobiology, and Cognitive Science may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and at least one course from 10C, 15, 20, 30, 40, or 60, and (3) completing at least three courses from Psychology 85, 121, 142H, 150, 186A, 186B, 186C (one 199 course may be substituted for one of these courses provided project has been approved by vice chair). A grade of C or better is required in each course. Students graduate with a bachelor's degree in their major and a specialization in Computing. Students planning to enter this specialization should consult the Undergraduate Advising Office.
Applied Developmental Psychology Minor
The Applied Developmental Psychology minor is designed to (1) provide a coherent academic program with focus on issues central to improving the well-being of children and their families, (2) teach undergraduates how to apply theories, research methods, and research findings to practical concerns, and (3) prepare students to join or receive further training in various child-related professions.
The minor is open to all enrolled UCLA students (including Cognitive Science, Psychobiology, and Psychology majors) who have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better and have been accepted into an approved applied developmental psychology internship program. For further information about applying to the internship program, contact the director of the Infant Development Program, 1611 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2896. For questions about additional course requirements for the minor, contact a counselor in the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2730.
Required Lower Division Course (4 units): Psychology 10.
Required Upper Division Courses (24 units): Psychology 133X and 133Y (to be taken concurrently with the two-term internship described below) and four additional courses, of which at least three must be upper division, from Education 125A, Linguistics C130, C135, Psychology 129F, 130, 131, 132, 133A through 133I, M176, 197 (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office), 199 (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office), Sociology 136, M174. One of the four additional courses must include either Psychology 130, one course in the 133 series, or 197 (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office).
Internship Requirement: Students work as interns for two academic terms at an approved daycare center/school and enroll concurrently in Psychology 133X and 133Y. The internship provides hands-on experience working with young children as teacher's aids and opportunities for observing children. By completing an additional one-term internship (see the director of the Infant Development Program, 1611 Franz Hall, for details), students may meet many of the "Teacher Qualifications and Duties" outlined in Section 101316.2 under Title 22, Division 12, California Department of Social Services.
No more than two courses may be applied toward both the students' majors and this minor. All minor courses, except for the internship courses, must be taken for a letter grade, with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Successful completion of the minor is indicated on the transcript and diploma.
The Cognitive Science minor is designed to introduce students to cognitive science topics as addressed in a number of different disciplines, such as biology, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology, while allowing them to pursue a more in-depth study of cognitive science topics within specific areas of their own choice.
The minor consists of two parts. In the first part students complete background courses and satisfy a computer programming experience requirement. In the second part they select a primary cluster from four clusters of upper division courses that have been organized to reflect different aspects of cognitive science. Students take three courses within their primary cluster and two additional courses from the remaining clusters (secondary clusters).
The minor is open to all enrolled UCLA students, other than Cognitive Science majors, who have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students must make an appointment with a counselor in the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2730, to enter the minor and receive counseling on how to select a primary cluster.
Required Courses (28 units): Psychology 85 and one course from 15, 100B, Computer Science 2, Linguistics 1, 20.
The computer programming experience requirement is satisfied by petition based on coursework (e.g., completion of Program in Computing 10A) or other relevant programming experience.
Students must also select (with approval of the Undergraduate Advising Office) and complete one of the following four primary clusters: (1) biological basis of cognition cluster -- three courses from Linguistics C135, Psychology 115, 116, M117C (or Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology M175C or Neuroscience M101C or Physiological Science M180C), M117K, 119B, 119F, M119L, M119N; (2) computation and modeling cluster -- three courses from Biomathematics 108, Computer Science 161, 163, Psychology 150, 151, 186A, 186B, 186C (at least one course must be from Computer Science 161, Psychology 186A, 186B, 186C); (3) human cognition cluster -- Psychology 121 and two courses from 112C, 120A or 120B, 124A through 124F, 133B, 133BH, 133C, 133E; (4) mind and language cluster -- three courses from Linguistics 120A, 120B, 125, C130, C132, C135, C185A, Philosophy 124, 125, 126, 127A, 127B, 129, 170, 172, Psychology 122, 123, 124A.
Students must also fulfill a secondary cluster requirement of two additional courses from one or more of the clusters not selected as the primary cluster.
No more than two courses may be applied toward both the students' majors and this minor. All minor courses must be taken for a letter grade, with an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Successful completion of the minor is indicated on the transcript and diploma.
The Infant Development Program is designed as a teaching and research facility for the department and is set up to accommodate both cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation of infants, toddlers, and their parents. In addition, the program provides an opportunity for students in developmental psychology and other areas to acquire firsthand experience working with infants and toddlers through a two- or three-term sequence of Psychology 133X, 133Y, and 193. The program is located in Franz Hall and provides child care for about 15 infants ranging in age from three months to three years.
Clinic for the Behavioral Treatment of Children
The Clinic for the Behavioral Treatment of Children carries out diagnosis, treatment, and research on children with severe psychological problems, such as children with autism and those with severe developmental disorders. The treatment philosophy is largely behavioral/educational, with emphasis on language acquisition, peer and school integration, and parent training. Students are taught behavioral treatment procedures and work in an apprenticeship relation to senior staff. Prior research has focused on variables controlling self-destructive behavior, perceptual deficits, language acquisition, and emotional/social attachments. The clinic serves as a teaching and research environment for both graduate and undergraduate students.
The UCLA Psychology Clinic in the Department of Psychology is a major training center for clinical psychology students in the Ph.D. program. It provides a broad range of psychological services to children and adults, including assessment and individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Clients cover the entire age range and represent diverse populations in the community.
Student therapists receive very close supervision and are encouraged to relate their case material to academic learning and current research. Students and faculty members are also involved in a variety of research projects through the clinic.
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