At a Glance
I鈥檓 interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
A major in psychology provides training in the scientific analysis of human thought, behavior, expression, and development. The Scripps program emphasizes understanding human actions and reactions鈥攎ental or psychological processes鈥攖hrough experiences such as observation, participation, and experimental investigation.
By studying psychology at Scripps, you鈥檒l gain experience through field placement at nearby institutions and collaborating on faculty research projects. Projects include studies of human development over the life span from childhood through adolescence to old age; the role of culture in psychological development; and the influence of others on one鈥檚 thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Our psychology major provides a solid foundation for advanced graduate training in clinical and research psychology. In addition, the major can be tailored to fit a variety of other career goals. These include careers in business, management, computer science, cognitive science, education, law, social work, health, and medicine.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
We recommend that you take some of the following courses during your first year at Scripps:
- PSYCH 052: Introduction to Psychology
- PSYCH 103: Psychological Statistics
- A selection from upper-division psychology electives
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes! PSYCH 103 requires PSYCH 052 or equivalent, and you must take PSYCH 103 before PSYCH 104/104L.
PSYCH 103 and 104/104L must be taken at Scripps to count towards the major. Many upper-division electives also have prerequisites like PSYCH 052, 103, and/or 104/104L.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Absolutely! Our psychology students dual/double major or minor in an array of other disciplines, including dance, English, religious studies, media studies, feminist, gender, and sexuality studies , sociology, Africana studies, Chicanx/Latinx studies, and many more!
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
Many students become involved in faculty members’ research labs. We have ample opportunities and encourage you to pursue these experiences with faculty members at Scripps.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
Link to profiles of faculty who teach in this field:
A major in psychology provides training in the scientific analysis of human thought and behavior, their expression and their development. The Scripps program emphasizes understanding human actions and reactions鈥攎ental or psychological processes鈥攖hrough experiences such as observation, participation, and experimental investigation. Students are afforded opportunities to gain experience through field placement at nearby institutions and through collaboration with ongoing faculty research projects. Such projects include studies of human development over the life span from childhood through adolescence to old age; the role of culture in psychological development; and the influence of others on one’s thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors.
An undergraduate psychology major at Scripps provides a solid foundation for advanced graduate training in clinical and research psychology. In addition, the major can be tailored to fit a variety of other career goals. These include careers in business and management, computer science, cognitive science, education, law, social work, and the health and medical fields.