What's UCSD like for clinical psychology undergrads?

I’m interested in studying psychology at UCSD, possibly focusing on clinical psychology in the future. Does anyone know how strong their program is and what opportunities they offer for undergrads interested in clinical psychology?

UCSD is known for a strong psychology department and offers a variety of courses that will be beneficial for anyone interested in a career in clinical psychology. They offer both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology. If you're particular about clinical psychology, opting for B.A. may be a good choice as it tends to be more focused on understanding behavior. In contrast, the B.S. program tends to lean heavier on neuroscience and research methodologies.

One of the hallmarks of UCSD's psychology program is its emphasis on research. Even though undergraduates can't technically focus on clinical psychology (as it's usually a graduate-level specialization), many research opportunities available for undergraduates would certainly align with interests in clinical psychology.

One of the programs to take note of is the Psychology Honors Program, which allows students to work closely with faculty on research, ultimately culminating in a senior thesis. The program encourages students to investigate the merits of research in a variety of psychology sub-disciplines, which would include areas relevant to clinical psychology.

UCSD also hosts an event called Research Experience & Applied Learning (REAL) Portal that connects students with on- and off-campus research opportunities, internships, and other experiential learning prospects, which could very likely feature experiences relevant to your clinical psychology interests.

Overall, UCSD offers robust coursework and valuable research opportunities that will set a strong foundation for future graduate work in clinical psychology. However, gaining direct experience in practicing clinical psychology as an undergraduate (like counseling clients) typically doesn't happen until graduate school. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in the community that may enable you to get real-world experience in this field.