The department of psychology and social work at PUC offers students valuable knowledge and insight into the processes of human emotion and behavior. The department trains the next generation of caring and Christ-centered professionals in the fields of research, social work, psychiatry, and community welfare. Courses in our department are designed to develop in students the commitment both to critical thinking and the culture of science characteristic of psychology and to social justice and community service characteristic of social work.

Our psychology majors are prepared to enter into a wide range of careers that involve working with people. Graduates are also prepared to study at the most distinguished and popular graduate programs in the field of psychology. Our social work majors are prepared for immediate employment as professional social workers and for accelerated graduate study at the most distinguished Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) programs in the country.

Programs offered:

• B.A., B.S. in Psychology
• B.S.W. in Social Work

A Student’s Perspective

“Since the department of social work is relatively small, I formed great relationships with my professors throughout my four years at PUC. They were not only great educators, but they were great role models. I learned how to be a caring and compassionate social worker and also a better person. I feel blessed to have been taught by them.” – Megan Lish, ’13

Fast Facts

1. In 2019, the social work program at PUC was ranked the most affordable at a private school in California by humanservicesedu.org; PUC comes in at more than $32,000 less than the state average for total program cost.
2. The Social Work Club at PUC is about helping others and holding true to the values of service, support, and empowerment. It is also about coming together to show God’s love to others through social service. The club assists with managing the Angwin Food Pantry, organizing voter registration drives, and helps fundraise for other community projects.
3. Psychology students regularly attend national conventions, mingling with distinguished psychologists and other professionals as they learn about and discuss the latest research findings. For many, it’s also a chance to present their work at a distinguished poster session. Read “PUC Students and Faculty Dazzle at WPA Convention” for a behind-the-scenes look at the department’s trip to a convention this past spring. 
4. PUC psychology alums are successful at gaining acceptance into prestigious graduate schools including Yale, UCLA, Purdue, Palo Alto University, the California School of Professional Psychology, Loma Linda University, and Fuller Theological Seminary.
5. Our social work graduates regularly get accepted into the most prestigious Master of Social Work programs in the country, such as Columbia University and the University of Michigan.

What You Can Do With This Major

Students interested in psychology and social work have a passion to help others and a strong desire to improve the world around them. The following is a short list of potential options available to graduates of the programs.

• Child welfare caseworker
• Clinical psychology/psychiatry
• Community organization
• Forensic psychology
• Gerontology
• Human resources manager
• Psychologist
• Research coordinator
• School counselor
• Social worker
• Sports psychology
• Teacher

Learn more about PUC’s department of psychology & social work at puc.edu/academics. Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about the department, or the other majors the college offers. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!