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Undergraduate Prospective Students

Thank you for your interest in the University of Florida’s undergraduate Psychology program. We offer three distinct tracks that accommodate diverse student interests and career goals. Here’s a brief overview to help you understand each option:

  1. General Psychology: This track provides a broad overview of psychology, making it ideal for students interested in a wide range of psychological concepts and those considering various career paths in psychology. Available for on-campus and fully online ( UF Online) students.
  2. Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience: Focused on the biological bases of behavior, this track is perfect for students interested in how the brain and nervous system impact behavior and cognition. It includes courses in physiology, cognitive neuroscience, and psychobiology. Only available for on-campus students
  3. Behavior Analysis: This track emphasizes the natural science approach to psychology, focusing on how environmental factors can be manipulated to change behavior. It is well-suited for students interested in working with populations requiring behavior modification, such as those with developmental disabilities. Only available for on-campus students

Admissions

The Department of Psychology at the University of Florida plays a limited role in the admissions process. We only become involved once students are admitted.

On-campus/ Residential: Earn a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Psychology

Prospective and Incoming Freshman

  • Prospective students in high school who have not applied, please visit the Freshmen Admissions website. This will provide the application options and deadlines. Applications are viewed at the University level.
  • Congratulations to those who have been admitted, and welcome! College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Florida website on admissions here for information on tips before your arrival.

Prospective and Incoming Transfer Students

The UF Admissions Office and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences thoroughly review applications.

  • University Transfer Requirements: Prospective students must meet the University of Florida’s transfer admissions requirements. For detailed information, visit the UF Transfer Admissions Eligibility page.
  • Psychology Major Transfer Requirements: Transfer students pursuing a psychology degree must also meet specific requirements. To find out what courses are required for each psychology track, visit the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Transfer Admissions page.
  • Choosing a Track: On the transfer admissions page, students can select from the available psychology tracks, such as:
    • Psychology (General Track)
    • Psychology – Behavior Analysis
    • Psychology – Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Selecting the desired track will provide a list of the transfer courses required for the major.

Further Assistance: For additional guidance and questions about the transfer admissions process, please get in touch with CLASTransfer@advising.ufl.edu or (352) 392-1521 if you have any questions throughout the process, particularly if you have any new information that might be helpful to our Admissions Committee.

Note: Students with a prior bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible for the on-campus psychology degree/major. Consider the UF Online program Psychology degree.

  • Admitted Transfer Students:  The Psychology Department Undergraduate Coordinator/Advisor meets with all on-campus transfer students during the transfer preview and will help select coursework for the psychology major. In the meantime, please see the CLAS Transfer Student FAQs.

UF Online: Earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology fully Online

This is a great program for those looking to complete a bachelor’s degree fully online, as there is no on-campus commitment other than attending graduation! Since Psychology is not part of the admissions process, please see the helpful information below.

Helpful Information

Prospective International Students

The International Student Services office at UF’s International Center is an essential resource for international students.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarship options are there?

At the department level, there are few scholarships for undergraduates; however, students may be eligible for those offered at the college or university level. Additionally, students should contact UF Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for other opportunities!

Which courses count toward the psychology major requirements?
  • Transfer Credit Limits:
    • Community College Transfers: Up to 9 credits can count toward the major.
    • Four-Year College Transfers: Up to 18 credits can count toward the major.
  • Specifics:
    • Introductory Psychology (PSY 2012): If you took this course elsewhere, it will count as 3 of your 9 or 18 credits.
    • 2000-Level Courses: These can be counted as 3000-level foundation courses or psychology electives, depending on their content, for up to 3 credits each.
    • Upper-Division Courses: You may be able to substitute these for Foundation-level or other elective courses.
    • Click here to see courses from other Florida institutions previously approved.
  • Automatic Credit Transfer:
    • Florida SUS Campuses: If your course prefix and last three digits match a UF Foundation-level course (e.g., CLP x144), it will be counted as a Foundation course. Identical course numbers will also transfer automatically.

Contact the Registrar’s Office or the CLAS Academic Advising Center for questions about how your courses transfer. For major-specific approvals, get in touch with the Psychology Advising office.

How can I determine if a pre-requisite course I've taken will count?

To determine if a statistics, mathematics, or biology course taken elsewhere meets the psychology degree requirements, email your course syllabus to the respective department’s undergraduate coordinator (UGC) for review. Once you receive approval, forward the confirmation to the psychology advising team.

Note:  Math courses such as “College Algebra” are not. Occasionally, other courses are acceptable.

Where can I see the degree requirements for the major?

Please see our Degree Requirements page, which is track-specific and provides information on the required coursework.

What do you recommend I take before attending?

A strong foundation in science (especially biology), mathematics, and English will be beneficial. Courses in psychology or sociology, if available, can also provide a helpful introduction to the field. Developing good study habits and critical thinking skills will also serve you as a psychology major. Those applying as transfer students must also meet the transfer admissions coursework requirements.

What kind of support does the department provide for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology or related fields?

We offer several resources for students interested in pursuing graduate studies. This includes one-on-one advising and opportunities to connect with faculty members and alums in the psychology profession who can assist you through your career/academic journey. Additionally, the UF Career Connection Center provides further support for our students, workshops, career and graduate school exploration, assistance with graduate school applications, mock interviews, and resume reviews tailored to students planning to apply to graduate programs.

How early can students get involved in research projects, and are there specific areas of research that the department is particularly known for?

Students can start getting involved in research as early as their first or second year. The department is known for its research in various areas, including Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Social and Personality Psychology, Clinical and Health Psychology, Counseling, Behavior Analysis, and Developmental Psychology. Many of our faculty members are leaders in their fields, and there are ample opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research. This is based on space availability and the labs’ criteria when selecting undergraduate students. Our office is not involved in this process, as the students are the facilitators in exploring the areas and contacting faculty to express their interest in being an RA.

Can I speak with a Psych Advisor to discuss Admissions requirements?

Psychology is not part of the admissions process; therefore, it would be best to contact the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Academic Advising Center for assistance.

What is the difference between the online and the on-campus psychology program?
  • On-campus (residential) students earn a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) & UF Online earn a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA). Completing the BS on campus can allow you to take some, but not all, courses asynchronous; however, students who want to take online coursework and need flexibility are encouraged to apply for the UF Online BA Psych program.
  • In comparison, a BS is a minimum of 36 credits with related coursework in biological science, mathematics, and statistics, while a BA in psychology consists of a minimum of 30 credits plus related coursework in biological science, mathematics, and statistics.
As a transfer student, can I take some of the courses required for admission at UF?

No, students applying as transfer students must complete all competitive criteria for the psychology major before UF.

Can I request a tour specific to psychology?
Unfortunately, we do not offer tours. Admitted students will have the opportunity to talk with an advisor during Preview.
I was not admitted. What am I to do next?
Psychology is not part of the admission process. Please see the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) website for more information.
Does the psychology department offer master's degrees?
No, only undergraduate and PhD degrees.
Are there minors in psychology?

UF Psych does not offer a minor.

Can students become certified in Applied Behavior Analysis?

Currently, we do not offer this program.

What can I do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens up various career paths, although many traditional psychology roles, such as clinical psychologist or counselor, typically require advanced degrees. Here are several career options and their outlook:

  • Human Resources (HR) Specialist: Involves recruiting, interviewing, and hiring employees, as well as managing employee relations, benefits, and training. The demand for HR specialists is steady, with a growth rate around the average for all occupations.
  • Market Research Analyst: This role involves studying market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. The field is expected to grow faster than average, driven by an increased use of data and market research in all industries.
  • Case Manager: Often working in social services, case managers help clients navigate through social service systems, such as healthcare, housing, and education. The demand for social workers and related positions is growing, especially in healthcare and social assistance.
  • Rehabilitation Specialist: This role involves helping individuals with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities achieve their personal and professional goals. Employment in this area is growing due to an increasing recognition of the importance of rehabilitation services.
  • Sales Representative: In this position, you use psychological principles to understand and meet customer needs, build relationships, and close sales. Sales roles are widely available, though the level of demand can vary by industry.
  • Public Relations Specialist: This role involves managing the public image of organizations, crafting press releases, and working with the media. The outlook for public relations specialists is positive, with a steady demand as organizations continue to need effective communication strategies.
  • Correctional Treatment Specialist: Working within the criminal justice system, these specialists develop rehabilitation plans for offenders, helping them reintegrate into society. This field is growing due to the ongoing need for effective correctional treatment programs.
  • Career Counselor: Helping individuals with career planning, resume writing, and job search strategies. While a master’s degree can be advantageous, some entry-level positions may be available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Psychiatric Technician: Working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, psychiatric technicians assist in the care of patients with mental health issues. The demand for psychiatric technicians is growing as mental health care becomes more integrated into overall health care services.
  • Administrative Service Manager: Overseeing the administrative functions of an organization. This can include tasks such as record-keeping, office maintenance, and managing support staff. The demand for administrative services managers is steady across various industries.

While a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and critical thinking skills, it may also serve as a stepping stone to further education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, for those seeking specialized careers in psychology or related fields.

Please See: Other FAQs at the College Level

 

Students with additional questions about the psychology major can email psych advisors at psych-advising@ufl.edu.