Maximizing your learning potential
Students are encouraged to pursue minors and second majors if their schedule permits. We suggest that students consider minors that will dovetail with their interests and support their career aspirations. However, we are often asked to suggest minors for our Psychology students. While you should find studying any minor on campus worthwhile, below are a few that our students have found to be helpful in preparing them for future career goals. For additional information, see our Career Advising pages.
Majoring in psychology offers excellent preparation for teaching in the elementary schools. If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential from UCSD, contact Education Studies (EDS) as early as possible in your academic career for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements.
Students wishing to pursue Public Health as a career may benefit from a major in Psychology, especially if they are interested in mental illness and disorders.
Students with an eye on changing health policies in other parts of the world may consider a minor in Global Health.
If your goal is Law School, a Psychology major will prepare you to work with people and understand groups. A minor in Law and Society can help you learn some basics of the criminal justice system.
If your goal is to work with underserved populations in the fields of social work, healthcare, or public policy, you may consider a minor in Health Care Social Issues.
Students interested in Neuroscience or human computing may benefit from a minor in Cognitive Science.
Students interested in Early Childhood Education or Child Development careers may consider a minor in Human Development.
Students interested in learning more about Language acquisition and learning may benefit from a minor in Linguistics.
Students pursuing a career in Business, Human Relations, or Industrial/Organizational Psychology will benefit from a minor in Business.
Is a career in Marketing, Advertising, or Sales in your future? Or perhaps you would prefer to work with children as they develop language skills? A minor in Communication can help prepare Psychology majors for either of these careers.