The goal of the graduate program in Psychology at Berkeley is to produce scholar-researchers with sufficient breadth to retain perspective in the field of psychology and sufficient depth to permit successful independent and significant research. The members of the department have organized themselves into six training units. The requirements for each unit vary but always involve a combination of courses, seminars and supervised independent research. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside the Psychology Department, using the unique faculty strengths found on the Berkeley campus to enrich their graduate training. We are a STEM designated program.
Areas of Specialization
The areas offered to students to specialize in are the following:
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
- Clinical Science
- Cognition
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental
- Social-Personality
To learn more about each offered area visit: Research Areas
Considering Graduate School in Psychology?
Here are answers to most commonly asked questions about the process of applying to graduate school.
How do I find a program that is right for me? – See this handy decisions tree, reposted from University of Houston Psychology website, to help you determine a route to your desired Psychology career.
For those interested in our Clinical Program, visit Mitch's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology to answer many of your questions, including those you may have not previously considered.
General Application Requirements
- GRE scores (please note: the GRE is currently not required for the Psychology PhD program)
- GPA
- Transcripts
- Resume or A curriculum vita (CV)
- Well-written personal statement(s)
- Letters of recommendation
You will want to check requirements for each school to which you plan to apply, but the above links to Cal's graduate program will give you an idea of what to expect.
Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair
Find your fit at Berkeley.
You are invited to Berkeley's Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair on October 7 - October 11. This virtual event will help prospective professional, master's, and doctoral students:
- learn more about our top ranked graduate programs and award winning faculty
- gain a deeper understanding of Berkeley's culture and resources available
- understand the application process, and important deadlines
- consider funding options and opportunities
You can expect a lot to choose from. Over 50 sessions from UC Berkeley graduate programs in one hour info sessions, and discussion groups.
Register here to customize your fair schedule by signing up to the sessions that interest you.
Berkeley is a place that fosters a supportive community that is at the heart of our students' success. Our graduate diversity programs aim to create a culture of belonging for all students. This fair is one example of that. Though the fair is open to all – it's designed specifically for prospective students from historically excluded, and underrepresented backgrounds.
We hope you will join us.
Visit the Graduate Division website to learn more about the Fall 2025 Diversity Admissions Fair and register in the graduate application portal!