Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Master of Science degrees. A minor is also available for students who are majoring in other fields in which a knowledge of psychology would be beneficial.

Psychology is the scientific study of the behavior of both humans and animals. Some psychologists are primarily concerned with learning more about human behavior through scientific methods; others are concerned with applying psychological principles, as in psychotherapy, applied behavior analysis, and industrial psychology.

Psychology Degree Programs

Group of students wearing Cal State LA branded clothing standing outsize of La Kretz Hall

The Department of Psychology offers:

  • A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: The degree program in Psychology is both a preparation for advanced study and a terminal liberal arts degree.
  • A Minor in Psychology: A minor consists of a formal aggregate of courses totaling fifteen or more units.  At least six units must be upper division and taken in residence at Cal State LA.

The Department of Psychology offers: 

A Message from the Chair

Thank you for deciding to pursue your education in the Department of Psychology. We hope that your academic career at Cal State L.A. will offer you many new intellectual challenges and rewards in the pursuit of your personal goals.
 
In addition to a variety of formal academic experiences available in psychology classes, Psi Chi, our chapter of the national psychology organization, and the Psychology Colloquium provide students with numerous activities that should be of interest to you. 
 
The careful planning of your academic program is an important first step toward ensuring your success at Cal State L.A. Be sure to meet with an academic advisor or your mentor to help plan your academic program. 
 
If you have questions, please feel free to email us (remember to give us 2 – 3 days to get back to you). 
 
Warmly, 
Dr. Heidi Riggio 
Department Chair and Professor of Psychology 
 

 

How to Find Us

Office: King Hall C3104
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Phone: (323) 343-2250
 
Department Chair:
Dr. Heidi Riggio
 
Department Coordinator:
Erika Zambrano-Morales
 
Graduate Administrative Support Assistant:
Andrea Hernandez
 
Administrative Support Assistant:
April Gonzalez

Mission Statement

The mission of the Cal State LA Psychology Department is to provide students with the opportunity to excel academically and professionally by using a teacher-scholar mentoring model to teach psychology as a scientific discipline that accurately reflects the diversity of life and human experience. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, practice, and scholarship.

Faculty members are equally committed to fostering service that promotes social justice in our local and global communities and to incorporating cultural issues in curriculum, research, and mentoring. In support of these goals the department seeks to provide a supportive, open, culturally sensitive, and collegial academic environment to its faculty and students.