Undergraduate Programs

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mind and mental processes that combines aspects of cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, epistemology, neuroscience, anthropology, psycholinguistics, and computer science.

Psychology is the study of human behavior and the psychological, social, and biological processes related to that behavior.

According to the American Psychological Association, Psychology is:

• A discipline, a major topic of study in colleges and universities.
• A science, a method of conducting research and understanding behavioral data.
• A profession, a calling that requires one to apply special knowledge, abilities, and skills to solve human problems.

UC Santa Cruz Psychology majors take courses in each of the following subfields in their upper-division work: Developmental, Cognitive, and Social.

At UC Santa Cruz, Cognitive Science and Psychology majors are introduced to the nature and spirit of scientific inquiry in the field. Students are encouraged to carry out research in specialized laboratories or in the field. Field Study opportunities are available for students to gain hands-on reflective experience imperative for graduate study, future careers and a deeper understanding of the complexities of psychology.

Note: visit the Undergraduate Advising page for a guide to remote academic advising or email questions about our undergraduate programs to psyadv@ucsc.edu.