Overview

The Psychological and Brain Sciences bachelor degree at University of California, Santa Barbara offers a comprehensive scientific exploration of how organisms behave and interact. This programme is specifically designed to provide students with a robust appreciation for the experimental methods used to study complex psychological phenomena. By engaging with diverse research areas, students develop the analytical skills necessary to understand behaviour from the level of simple organisms to intricate human social structures.

Why Psychological and Brain Sciences at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The department is a distinguished centre for experimental research psychology, fostering a diverse community of STEM-oriented students. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution with high ratings for inclusivity, the university provides a supportive environment for academic excellence. Students benefit from access to specialised research centres focusing on cognition, neuroscience, and social psychology, ensuring a high-quality educational experience backed by institutional strength.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Biopsychology
Cognition, Perception, and Cognitive Neuroscience
Developmental and Evolutionary Psychology
Neuroscience and Behaviour
Social Psychology
Experimental Research Psychology

Careers with Psychological and Brain Sciences

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths or advanced academic study. The rigorous scientific training supports careers in sectors such as law enforcement, education, sales, and marketing. While the programme focuses on experimental research rather than clinical practice, it serves as an excellent foundation for those seeking graduate training in counselling or clinical psychology. Many alumni also pursue research-intensive roles within the STEM fields or academic institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biopsychology

Cognitive Neuroscience

The Evolution of Human Relationships

Close Relationships

Evolution and Cognition

Social Neuroscience

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Psychology View 1644 other Bachelors in Psychology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

In general, international applicants will have graduated from a secondary school and earned a certificate of completion that enables attendance at a university in that country.

If your native language is not English - and your high school, college, or university education was in a country where the language of instruction was not English - you must meet UCSB's English Language Proficiency requirement.

Visit the Freshman Eligibility and Selection page for domestic applicants to review UCSB's ACT and SAT exam policy, information on how our three colleges evaluate applicants, and information on which majors require supplemental applications.

Your international school must have an appropriate level of recognition in the educational system it follows. If your international school follows a U.S. curriculum, the school must have U.S. accreditation and you must graduate with a U.S. high school diploma or an equivalent credential.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Psychological and Brain Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners