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Psychology examines human behavior along with the psychological, social, and biological factors influencing it.
As defined by the American Psychological Association, psychology serves three key purposes:
An academic discipline, widely taught in higher education institutions.
A scientific approach, involving research methods and behavioral data analysis.
A professional practice, applying specialized knowledge and skills to address human challenges.
Educational Approach
UCSC's psychology program immerses students in foundational knowledge across psychology's diverse specialties while fostering scientific exploration. The curriculum promotes hands-on research opportunities, both in labs and real-world settings. Upper-level students explore coursework spanning three core areas: Developmental, Cognitive, and Social psychology.