Welcome to the Psychology & Child Development Department

 

The Department of Psychology & Child Development at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo offers undergraduate degrees and minors in psychology and in child development as well as a master’s degree in psychology.

To apply to Cal Poly as a first-time freshman or transfer student, go to the Cal Poly Admissions web site. If you are currently a Cal Poly student seeking to change your major to psychology or child development, see our internal transfer information.

 

Department Mission

 

We are dedicated to enhancing the health of individuals, families, and communities through a scientific understanding and application of psychology and child development. We offer a high-quality education fostering a wide-ranging knowledge of psychological and developmental science. Students are challenged to be actively engaged in a learning process that involves intellectual rigor, a passion for human concerns, and an appreciation and understanding of diversity from the local to the global. Our graduates possess the self-awareness, skills, and knowledge they need to begin careers or go on to graduate study. Alumni become competent and ethical professionals who serve the growing multicultural population of California and the nation.

 

Commitment to Diversity

 

We believe in a multicultural approach to psychology and child development that emphasizes understanding, accepting, and valuing individual and group differences. We include multicultural knowledge and skills throughout our curriculum so that our students become more effective interpersonally and professionally. We welcome and support students and faculty of all ages, races, cultural backgrounds, religions, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, genders, and sexual orientations.