UC Berkeley’s undergraduate psychology program has been ranked No. 2 for the second year in a row in the new 2027 U.S. News & World Report.

The rankings are based on peer assessments from deans, program directors and senior faculty members at colleges and universities across the country. Berkeley Psychology continues to be one of the nation’s best programs because of top faculty members and investments in student success, its faculty and students said. They point to the program’s unique opportunities for students to engage in research with renowned faculty and the department’s efforts to create a thriving and supportive academic environment. 

“I feel proud that we maintained our No. 2 ranking,” said Psychology Professor and Chair Ozlem Ayduk “But it doesn’t come as a total surprise either given how much our department staff and faculty alike care about and invest in our undergraduates.” 

As of Spring 2026, the psychology undergraduate program had a total of 826 students, with over 267 of those students completing psychology as a simultaneous or double major. 

The Psychology Department provides opportunities for students to directly participate in research through programs such as Psych 199, which enables students to serve as research assistants. The program provides academic credit to students for completing research. Annually, the course enrolls an average of 355 participants. 

Other research opportunities offered by the department include the Psychology Honors Program, and the Research Experiences Program, which are supplemented by

campus-wide programs such as the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program and Haas Scholars Program.These immersive academic and research experiences are designed to prepare students for opportunities for graduate training after they graduate.

Over the last three years, 70% of recent psychology graduates are gainfully employed or pursuing advanced degrees. Psychology senior Evelyn Campbell, who hopes to attend graduate school, said the combination of coursework, faculty mentorship and research has helped prepare her for the next step. 

Berkeley Psychology professors incorporate their research into their teaching. Ayduk said she believes students are more successful as a result of learning directly from the faculty, who are actively producing the science incorporated into the curriculum. 

 “A lot of times faculty research aligns with the courses they’re teaching, which makes it really cool to listen about,” she said. “It makes a difference when the professor is clearly very engaged with that kind of work material and really excited to share that. It’s something we are proud of.”

Berkeley Psychology also offers students opportunities to learn from each other. The department supports a variety of DeCal courses where students teach a class to their peers on a topic they choose, such as classes on mental health, understanding autism and mindfulness. Ayduk said the opportunity for students to teach one another strengthens their learning and relationships “both socially and pedagogically.” 

She added that the department’s academic major advisors are the staff members who direct students toward undergraduate program opportunities, and who relay students’ experiences (what’s working and what isn’t) back to faculty. In that sense, Ayduk said, they function as a critical bridge between students and faculty, and are the pillars that hold their community together.

“In our view, Berkeley Psychology is great first and foremost because of the people in our community,” said Zoe Xu, who is an academic major advisor. “There is a wonderful intellectual curiosity, partnership and open-mindedness. Our program is not a place where students go through the motion of taking classes and getting a degree.”