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

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

Numerous courses focus on specific multicultural topics:

Undergraduate Courses:

• Children’s Learning in Families and Communities (CD 4424)

• Cross-Cultural Issues in Psychology (PSY 4465)

• Intergroup Dialogues (PSY 3304)

• Multicultural Psychology (PSY 3372)

• Psychology of Gender (PSY 3324)

• Social Psychology of Prejudice (PSY 4475)

Graduate Courses:

• Multicultural Counseling and Psychology (PSY 556)

 

BEACoN Mentoring Program

BEACoN is a research and mentorship program run by the Office of Culture & Insitutional Excellence (CIX). Centering underrepresented students, but open to all undergraduates, BEACoN seeks to make research accessible, providing students with funded research opportunities working with faculty mentors

 

Student Development & Belonging

Student Development and Belonging (SDAB) is a collective of campus resource centers that support and empower students experiencing marginalization, through intersectional advocacy and cultural connections to build a more just and equitable Cal Poly community. Visit the SDAB website to view the full list of campus community centers. 

 

Office of Culture & Institutional Excellence

​The Office of Culture & Institutional Excellence (CIX) or formerly known as, the Office of University Diversity and Inclusivity (OUD&I) is dedicated to advancing student success and enriching the university's legacy. CIX is committed to cultivating a cultura of belonging where every member of the Cal Poly community feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.