How do these schools compare ? Can anyone point out the strengths and weaknesses of both schools for psych majors. Much appreciated!
My husband was a psychology major at UCSB and loved it. Both schools are comparable, offer great research opportunities, etc. I think it comes down to which campus and community appeals to you more. Have you spent time on both campuses? Isla Vista? I’m a UCSB grad, and my best friend a UCSD grad…so I’ve spent a lot of time in both communities. They definitely have a different vibe (college town vs. more of a commuter type feel). Both offer excellent academics. Go where you think you’ll be happiest, as both schools are comparable.
@BayAreaRecruiter thanks for the response! My question was more geared towards how the psychology programs differ academically(ranking,internship/research/career opportunities, degree worth). Leaning towards ucsb if those differences aren’t significant.
Hi! If you look purely at the rankings of programs, UCSD is rated higher for psychology, however they are comparable when you consider the research opportunities, degree worth, etc. UCSD has a slight advantage because the program is ranked higher, but ultimately both are great options because both campuses offer PhD programs for psychology, which directly correlates to better opportunities for undergrad students. What are you thinking you want to do long-term? You may want to look at the grad options and emphasis of both PhD programs to give you a sense of the type of research opportunities you’d have available as an undergrad. My husband ultimately went to grad school for business, but at the time he was drawn to UCSB for their counseling program. Good luck in your decision! I’m sure you’ll find you can’t go wrong either way!
Just curious what Major or pre-Major you were admitted for at UCSB- they are apparently phasing out the BA Psych and going to BS Psychological and Brain Sciences. Saw this information in Assist, yet the Dept website is not updated yet to reflect this. My son accepted as transfer for pre Psych and Brain Sciences. Seems like the department there is in the middle of a transition. Son will be calling to get course requirements for major as we can’t find it on school website.
@wecandothis pre-psychology.