Psychology degree - BS | University of the Pacific

Explore a wide range of human behavior with a psychology degree

Are you interested in what makes people tick? You can make that passion into a career with a psychology degree at University of the Pacific. The need for specialists is growing in the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for psychologists to grow by 7% through 2033. Because this discipline is such a large field, you can pursue your specific interests in fields like behavioral, biological, development or social psychology to better prepare you for a career you’re excited about.

Pacific can offer you a thriving community of peers with similar interests, along with diverse courses, fieldwork and internships. Graduates leave Pacific with both research and hands-on experience, giving them a leg up as they enter the workforce or graduate studies.

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Be inspired by our faculty

Our faculty are active contributors to their fields, and one of their most important contributions is teaching and guiding Pacific students. You can always count on their support in achieving your goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with faculty by researching, publishing and presenting in their areas of expertise.

Pursue your interests

Pacific’s psychology degree program will train you in the study’s subfields, such as biological, clinical and developmental psychology, and includes courses on cognitive science, statistics and research methods. You’ll also dive into specialized topics including child development, autism, alcohol and drug use, and parenting.

Three-year option

With the right planning, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in just three years. Pacific can help you shave off the final year with the right courseload. That means earning significant savings on tuition and a jumpstart on a career or graduate school.

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Why earn a psychology degree at Pacific?

Getting a psychology degree opens pathways to many careers. Among other jobs, you could become a therapist, a counselor, a psychiatric nurse practitioner or a psychologist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to grow faster than most fields in the coming decade.

Pacific’s psychology degree emphasizes learning outside the classroom, too, with an emphasis on gaining practical experience through internships, practica and other hands-on experiences. Our faculty, along with graduate and undergraduate students, administer and staff the Community Re-Entry Program, which can give you valuable professional experience while also aiding and empowering an underserved community in Stockton

Outstanding Student

Devin Thompson

With the help of faculty mentors in Pacific’s psychology department, Devin Thompson launched a research project studying how people react when they face ageism. His work with Professor Carla Strickland-Hughes gave him the opportunity to make professional connections, put his education into practice and grow his confidence as he looks toward graduate school and a career.

Learn more about Devin’s journey

Pacific psychology student works with middle school children

Psychology honors program

Pacific’s honors program acknowledges the excellent work of our undergraduate psychology majors at their graduation with departmental honors. You may apply for this program after completing more than 50 units. To be awarded a degree with honors, you must accomplish three learning outcomes: