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Applying to the Psychology Major
We are taking steps to come off of impaction and will launch our Pre-Major beginning in the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. Please read the following information carefully to understand how best to prepare yourself and to understand the process of becoming a Psychology major at Sacramento State.
Psychology courses are offered mostly in-person with about 20% of class options online or in hybrid format every semester, and you can also take one online class each term through the CSU Fully Online program if you are enrolled in at least 7 units at Sacramento State. However, the major itself cannot be completed entirely online. If you need a fully online option, the College of Continuing Education (CCE) offers a Psychology Degree Completion Program with the same curriculum and faculty as the traditional program. This program is designed for working professionals who have completed their general education requirements and are returning to finish their bachelor’s degree.
Spring 2026 Admission to the Psychology Major - Closed
Program Learning Outcomes for the Psychology Major
Applying Information for Fall 2026 & Beyond
The CAL State Apply applications for Fall 2026 admissions opened on October 1, 2025. This is before the 2026-2027 CSUS catalog is published, therefore, we have included important information for you here.
Psychology Pre-Major
California State University - Sacramento has approved the “Pre-major” as a requirement for students for admission in the Psychology major. The Pre-Major will go in effect Fall 2026. All applicants, including transfer students, must be admitted to the University prior to applying to the major.
To become a Psychology major, the student must first have successfully completed the following courses or their equivalent with a grade of "C -" or better:
Steps for admission to the Psychology major
- Submit application to California State University - Sacramento, choosing Psychology and acknowledging Pre-Major.
- Upon acceptance to the University, complete all prerequisite coursework completed with a grade of "C -" or better.
- Students must have the courses completed (grades must be posted to their transcript) before acceptance to the Psychology major will be processed. In-progress courses will only be accepted for transfer students completing their ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer). This exception is only for ADTs in Psychology, not other subjects.
- Once all courses have been completed and grades have been posted to student's transcript, declare the Psychology major by completing the eligibility form (link coming February 2, 2026). Once Pre-Major coursework is verified to be completed, a Change of Major form will be submitted on the student's behalf. Processing will take 2-3 weeks from time of form submission.
Roadmap of When to Complete Coursework
Students transferring from a California community college should consult ASSIST.org to determine course equivalencies that satisy Sacramento State Psychology prerequisite requirements. Additional information regarding PSYC 9 substitutions can be found here.
Note, most upper division Psychology courses are restricted to Psychology majors, minors, or with instructor permission.
