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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I declare a psychology major?

You can declare a psychology major after completing Psychology 1, Psychology 41, Statistics 13, Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (Anthro 2), and Biological Science 1A only (BS- Bio) Biological Science 1A, or Biological Science 10 plus Anthropology 1, or MCB10, or NPB 10 (BA or BS  Math).  You must have a 2.5 GPA and be in good academic standing.  All of the courses above must be taken for a grade.  After these courses have been completed, you can stop by the advising center in 141 Young to fill out forms to change your major.

How do I change my major from Psychology to another one?

Go to your new major advisor for advising about their requirements.  Get your change of major form signed by your new major advisor.  Then stop by 141 Young to get your change of major form signed by a Psychology advisor.

Can I take upper division psychology courses even though I am it is my first year here?

During your first year here, it is wise to complete your general education requirements and the lower division courses for your Psychology major. Lower division courses are numbered from 1 to 99.  Satisfying Subject A should be your highest priority if you have not yet satisfied this requirement.

Will grades from my community college count towards my GPA at UCD?

No. Grade points from other institutions (except summer school work at other University of California campuses) are not combined with your UC Davis GPA. Your GPA from community college remains a separate part of your record.  You will receive units and subject credit only.

Will the abnormal psychology, developmental psychology or other psychology courses I took at my community college count toward the psychology major?

No.  All psychology courses taken at a community college are lower division courses. You will receive units for these courses that will count towards graduation.  

What should I enroll in if I have not changed my major to Psychology and have completed all general education requirements?

You should be completing courses required to change your major to Psychology.  Depending on your class level, another option is to take courses from other disciplines.  Take a look at minor requirements in the General Catalog.  Stop by 141 Young for advising.

Can I register for upper division Psychology courses if I have not declared a Psychology major?

Yes.  During PASS II upper division Psychology courses are open to non-majors. It is advisable to complete Psychology 1, Psychology 41 and Statistics 13 before enrolling in upper division Psychology courses.

I am currently in Psychology 41, but I'm also waitlisted for Psychology 100.  Should I also enroll in Psychology 100?

If you are currently in Psychology 41 it is not advisable to enroll in Psychology 100.  The instructor does have the option of canceling enrollment for students who have not completed the pre requisites

What if I do not meet the GPA to change my major?

If you are a pre-psychology major and do not meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirement, you have several options. You can repeat any course in which you received a D+ or lower. You can also take different Sociology courses to raise your GPA.  You can stop by 141 Young and have an advisor check your transcripts for more options.

Can I take classes Pass/No pass for a Psychology minor?

Yes. You must have a 2.0 GPA in your minor.  A student must be in good academic standing to be eligible to take a class P/NP.  If you are continuing your education and will be seeking a Masters or Ph.D., a pass might be averaged as a C in your overall GPA.

  Organizations and Clubs:

UPA

I am interested in the UPA (Undergraduate Psychology Association) and I would like to know more about the association.  Can you please send me more information about the UPA?  Will the first meeting talk about the purpose and goals of the association? Also, can I go to the first meeting without becoming a member?

Check the Web at http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/advising/?link=49 for meeting times and dates.  Yes, you can attend the first meeting without becoming a member.

PSI CHI

PSI CHI is a national honors society founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Check the Web at http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/advising/?link=48 for more information.