FAQ

Q: Why should I complete this program instead of a Masters program or a post-baccalaureate program at another school?

A: There are a variety of post-baccalaureate programs that are out there. Our program is not for everyone. At Berkeley, our goal is to prepare our students for doctoral programs at the top research universities around the world, programs in which admission is highly competitive. Students who only need to take a few psychology courses to boost their college GPA, or are looking to complete a Masters, PsyD, or PhD program at a less competitive program may be better suited by another program, including the post-baccalaureate program offered by UC Berkeley Extension. Similarly, students who intend to go straight into the workforce after earning the post-baccalaureate certification should also consider other programs. 

Q:  What is the relationship of the post-baccalaureate program offered by the Department of Psychology and the one offered by UC Extension?

A:  As noted above, the two programs target different students. Our program is specifically designed to prepare students who wish to obtain a Ph.D. in a research-based program. Thus, a major component in our program is the research internship. Students in our program enroll through UC Extension but this is only for administrative purposes. All classes and research are done on the main UC Berkeley campus. Read about the UC Extension program.

Q: Can I attend your program as a half-time student so I can keep my current job?

A: We believe the commitment required to do the coursework, lab work, and extracurricular opportunities that comprise our program will be similar to a full time job.  To ensure students complete the program in a timely manner, we do not offer a part-time option.   We cannot, of course, limit you from working outside the program;  but we do want to make clear that holding a full-time job is likely to compromise your time for the program and adversely impact the long-term goal—to get you into a competitive graduate school.

Q: Can I tour your program?

A: Unfortunately, we do not currently offer tours of our program or laboratories. If you are interested in participating in a campus tour, please contact the UC Berkeley Visitor's Services Center. 

Q: What are your completion rates?

A: The program started in the fall semester of 2014.  We anticipate that our first group of post-bacs started graduate school in Fall 2017. Please see the "Our Students" tab for further information.

Q: What are your acceptance rates?

A: Historically, our acceptance rate has been approximately 50%.  Because the program size is limited by the number of research internships we can provide, and because we have seen an increase in the number of applicants, our admissions rate has been steadily decreasing. 

Q: If I am admitted into your program, is there student housing available?

A: Our post-baccalaureate students are not eligible to reside in University housing.  However, the city of Berkeley and the surrounding East Bay cities have housing options near transit hubs. Most locals find housing on Craigslist. A good resource for tenant rights and resources is the City of Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Board. UC Berkeley Extension also provides more information on housing placement assistance—especially for international students who are traveling from abroad.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, do I have access to public transportation?

A: Students enrolled in our program are given a Cal-1 card.  This card allows you to use the wonderful AC Transit system; providing transportation throughout the Berkeley area and adjacent cities at no charge.  Please note that this card does not allow students free access to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, do I have access to a gym?

A: Students enrolled in our program are given a Cal-1 card that provides free access to all of the recreational facilities on the UC Berkeley campus.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, do I have access to the UC Berkeley libraries?

A: Students enrolled in our program are given a Cal-1 card that provides access to all university libraries. You also have access to on-line library and database services of the University.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, do I have access to the UC Berkeley healthcare?

A: Because our post-baccalaureate students are neither undergraduate nor graduate students, we are not allowed to offer health care to our domestic students.  Domestic students in need of health insurance can apply for coverage through Covered California. Open enrollment generally runs November 15 through February 15.  There are several individual health plans available in the area from the following providers including Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, Health Net, Blue Shield and Anthem. By law, international students must have health insurance while in a visa-linked program. The University will provide this mandated insurance coverage for a fee of $700 per term (international students, only). International students may ask Extension about a waiver of this requirement.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, have a disability, and am in need of academic accommodations. How do I get started?

A: We offer a variety of assistance options for people with disabilities. Please visit UC Berkeley Extension’s Disabled Student Services webpage for further information.

Q: If I am admitted into your program, am I eligible to apply for an on-campus parking permit? If so, how do I get one?

A: Enrolled students living more than two miles from the main campus are eligible to purchase a student campus parking permit. Proof of residency will be required.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Submit your program application directly to UC Berkeley Department of Psychology’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program here.

Q: I want to maximize my chances of getting into your program.  What should I include in my cover letter?  In other words, what are you looking for in a student?

A: Our program does not have a specific student in mind when reviewing application materials. We expect to admit students with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.  We want to hear why you have decided on a long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. in psychology or a related field. This should be reflected in your application materials. Our goal is to accept students who demonstrate the motivation and capacity to thrive in our program and who will, upon completion of the program, be competitive in their applications to graduate school.

Q: How do I pay for the $75 program application fee after I have applied?

A: Students are instructed to submit their $75 application fee via the online payment system. Please follow the instructions and contact the Program Director at psychpostbac@berkeley.edu should you experience an error in payment submission. 

Q: Who do I contact with questions about my application?

A: Please send application questions to the Program Director at psychpostbac@berkeley.edu. 

Q: Where do I have my letters of recommendation sent?

A: Please ask your letter writers to submit materials to psychpostbac@berkeley.edu.  Make sure that they indicate your name in the message heading of the email.

Q: When do I find out if I was accepted?

A: We accept applications each spring for the following fall semester. Applicants are notified of admission roughly 2-3 weeks after the listed application deadline. 

Q: Is my application fee refundable?

A: Application processing fee of $75 is non-refundable.

Q: Do you offer financial assistance or lowered costs?

A: Certificate programs including the Psychology Post-Baccalaureate Program are not eligible for state or federal student loans.  We do not have the ability to offer sliding scale fees or exceptional need discounts for our students.  Information on financial aid for this program can be found at the UC Berkeley Extensions financial aid site link. Please note that UC Extension can now certify loans that pay tuition, program and registration fees, supplies (e.g. books), and living expenses.

Q: What are the semester program fees and when are they due?

A: The program fee is $49,500 or $55,000 total depending on whether the program is completed in three or four semesters. Program fees are due by the first day of instruction of each term.  The program fee does not include the following nonrefundable fees: a $125 registration fee and a $250 nonrefundable Cal 1 Card fee. The Cal 1 Card provides library privileges, Class Pass (AC Transit bus sticker), access to Recreational Sports, and the ability to purchase dining points through Cal Dining.

Q: If I pay for a semester and then decide to withdraw early after, what is the refund policy?

A: The $375 charge for registration and the Cal 1 card—which are not included within the semester's tuition fee—are non-refundable.   If a student that wishes to withdraw before the start of the semester, the refundable portion of the fees will be entirely refunded.  Once classes start, the refund is reduced by $1000/week through the fifth week. No refunds are provided after the fifth week.

Q: Are there work-study opportunities offered to students in the program?

A: Post-bac students will have limited work-study options from the Department of Psychology. Post-bac students are eligible to serve as “readers” during their second year in the program.  Readers help in grading exams and papers. The pay level is established by a University contract and is approximately $15.50/hour. Eligible students may be eligible to obtain 30-60 hours of work each semester.

Q. How many courses am I expected to take each semester?

A: For most semesters, students are expected to take three core courses, one professional development class, and attend a graduate-level colloquium series. In addition, post-bacs will be enrolled in a class as part of their research internship. Exceptions to this general plan should be discussed with the Program Director.

Q: Which psychology courses am I required to take before applying to the program?

A: None! Many of our students will have no training or coursework in the field psychology at all. The intensive program is designed to allow you to complete the equivalent of a psychology major and gain research experience in 3 or 4 semesters. 

Q: If I’m not sure about which graduate path I want to pursue, can I take classes in multiple areas of psychology?

A: We expect and encourage our post-bacs to sample across all our course offerings, using the post-bac time to define their interests. The tracks listed on the website are intended to provide sample programs for those who have a clear sense of their area of interest.

Q: If I have already taken a required course in the past, do I still need to take it in your program?

A: Students can replace up to two required courses (General Psychology and one other) if they can demonstrate that they have taken an equivalent of that course at another institution. These decisions will be made in consultation with the Program Director.

Q: Can I take courses and/or am I required to take courses over the summer?

A: Courses taken during the summer session may not be applied to the Psychology Post Baccalaureate Program.

Q: If I am accepted into the program, how do I get assigned to a research lab?

A: Within the program application, you are asked to list faculty members with whom you have interest in working. Information about faculty research interests can be found on the faculty tabs on the Psychology Department’s web page link. Based on availability, we will do our best to place you into one of your top lab choices.

Q: How many hours will I spend in my lab each week?

A: We expect that you will work in the research lab approximately 10 hours each week. This will not only provide you with a rich research experience, but also serve as an example of graduate student life. 

Q: Do I have to conduct my own project in my lab right away?

A: No. Psychological research is a collaborative enterprise and you will join a research team. Students will work under close mentorship and direction when they start their internships. We expect your responsibilities will increase during your time in the program.

Q: Who will I work with in my lab?

A: This will vary from lab to lab. While our labs are directed by full-time faculty, day-to-day supervision may be provided by a graduate student mentor or post-doctoral fellow.

Q: Do I need to work in my lab over the summer?

A: Summer lab work is not a requirement of the program. Any summer research work will be arranged on an individual basis by the post-bac student and hosting lab.

Q: Why do I need to pay an additional $200 fee if accepted into the program? And where do I pay this fee?

A: International students who are accepted to the program must submit an international student application and a one-time fee of $200 for F-1 Visa processing to our UC Extensions program. Please email extension-intl@berkeley.edu for more information.

Q: Do I have student housing offered to me as an international student?

A: International post-bac students are eligible for housing at UC Berkeley's International House (I-House). UC Berkeley Extension also provides more information on housing placement assistance—especially for international students who are traveling from abroad.

Q: Will my paperwork be processed in time for the first day of instruction?

A: We have chosen application dates that allow sufficient time for required paperwork (including visa) to be processed prior to the beginning of the semester. It is important for students to submit their paperwork by the provided deadlines to ensure that there are no delays.

Q: Why am I required to purchase the $650 per semester health insurance if admitted?

A: This is a visa requirement set by law. The Program Director will put you in touch with officials at UC Extension to discuss a possible waiver.

Q: What is the school code for ETS (TOEFL scores)?

A: Our school code for ETS (TOEFL scores) is 9216.