Fresno Pacific University

Programme overview

The psychology major at Fresno Pacific University introduces the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes and emphasizes integration of faith with psychological inquiry. The curriculum combines theoretical, methodological and philosophical training with applied learning through fieldwork, practicum and research opportunities. The program is offered on the Fresno main campus and is designed to prepare students for further study in psychology and for entry-level applied experiences.

What you'll study

The major requires 35–38 units across foundation, breadth and synthesis areas. Lower-division prerequisites include MATH 205 (Introductory Statistics) and PSY 120 (General Psychology).

• Foundation courses (17 units): PSY 375 Biopsychology; PSY 450 History and Systems of Psychology; PSY 210 Research Methods; PSY 300 Statistics; PSY 300L Statistics Lab; PSY 320 Experimental Psychology; PSY 320L Experimental Psychology Lab.
• Breadth courses (12–15 units): students must take at least four breadth courses with one from each category: Developmental (e.g., PSY 252 Child Development; PSY 355 Adolescent Development; PSY 360 Life-Span Development; PSY 365 Gerontology), Clinical (e.g., COM 430 Group Dynamics and Leadership; PSY 376 Human Sexuality; PSY 410 Abnormal Psychology; PSY 420 Childhood Disabilities and Psychopathology; PSY 440 Counseling), Sociocultural (e.g., PSY 295 Social Psychology; PSY 400 Personality; PSY 460 Psychology of Religion; PSY 471 Cross-Cultural Psychology), and Experimental (e.g., PSY 340 Psychological Assessment; PSY 370 Cognitive Psychology; PSY 377 Sport and Exercise Psychology; PSY 380 Behavioral Psychology).
• Synthesis (6 units): select a fifth breadth course or complete PSY 485 Integration Symposium plus at least one of PSY 482 Psychology Practicum (2–4 units), PSY 495 Psychology Research Project (1–4 units), or PSY 496 Psychological Research Practicum (1–4 units).

Entry requirements

Applicants submit an online application and official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. Recommended high-school preparation includes four years of college-prep English, three years of college-prep mathematics, two years of social studies, one year of laboratory science, one year of performing art and three years of the same foreign language (C- or better). Fresno Pacific notes accepted students commonly have GPAs in the 3.2–3.6 range; speak with an admission counselor about eligibility. First-year applicants should also complete the FAFSA; transcripts may be sent electronically or by mail to the addresses provided by the university.

Career prospects

The program is explicitly designed to prepare students for further graduate study in psychology and to equip them for applied roles via practicum, internships and supervised research. Students gain experience relevant to counseling-adjacent work, research assistance, case-related support roles, and community or cross-cultural settings—while recognizing specific job qualifications often require additional certification or graduate credentials.

Scholarships & funding angle

Fresno Pacific encourages applicants to complete the FAFSA (the university lists its FAFSA code for school selection) and to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid to explore institutional aid and scholarships. The program page also directs prospective students to cost, financial aid and application resources provided by the university.