Best California Universities for Psychology Majors?

I’m interested in studying psychology in college and would love to stay in California. Which universities in California have the best programs for psychology majors?

California is home to several universities known for their strong programs in psychology. Top universities for psychology in California include Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of California, Berkeley (Cal).

Stanford University's Psychology Department is renowned for its research-focused approach. It offers concentrations in cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, affective science, and social psychology. The faculty includes numerous distinguished researchers in the field.

UCLA's Department of Psychology has seven different areas of study and prioritizes hands-on research. They offer concentrations in areas like behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, health psychology, and social psychology.

University of California, Berkeley's psychology department offers six areas of focus: behavioral and systems neuroscience, clinical science, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social-personality psychology, and changes and plasticity across the lifespan. Cal is known for its competitive programs and the groundbreaking research conducted by faculty.

Additionally, UC San Diego has a great psychology program focusing on experimental psychology with a strong emphasis on research and laboratory experience. They provide six specialized concentrations in the field: clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, sensation & perception, social psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.

You'll want to consider more than just the ranking — look at the faculty research interests, availability of research opportunities, and the types of courses on offer to choose a school whose strengths align with your interests in psychology.