Earn an SDSU B.A. in Psychology at Southwestern College
San Diego State University and Southwestern College are expanding their partnership to bring SDSU programs and student support directly to South County. Starting fall 2026, SWC transfer students can complete an SDSU bachelor’s degree in Psychology with core major classes, plus Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Neuroscience courses — right on the SWC campus.
Build leadership, data-informed decision-making, and organizational behavior skills while staying close to home.
Admissions Information
Southwestern College students who are interested in this track should follow the application instructions on SDSU admissions website for upper-division transfer students. The deadline to submit Cal State Apply is December 1, 2025. Select the “Psychology” program on your application to SDSU.
To be considered for admission, students are required to:
- Meet all requirements for eligibility as an upper-division transfer student, including having earned at least 60 transferable semester units and completed Golden Four GE courses with grades of C- or higher by the spring 2026 semester.
- Be on track to complete all lower-division major preparation courses by the spring 2026 semester.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
- Update academic history and prerequisite information in Cal State Apply in January 2026.
More information about enrollment options will be available in winter, and prospective Southwestern College transfer students who have questions about our general admissions process should email admissions@sdsu.edu.
Learn at Southwestern College’s University Center
SDSU will offer classes and advising in dedicated space at SWC’s University Center, designed for students balancing work or family responsibilities.
“We are proud to strengthen our longstanding partnership with Southwestern College. By bringing SDSU programs directly to SWC, we are helping more South County students complete their degrees and prepare for meaningful careers without leaving their community.”
—Adela de la Torre, President, SDSU
Program and Support At a Glance
- Dedicated advising from SDSU and SWC teams in-person at SWC’s University Center
- In-person SDSU instruction toward a four-year degree
- Seamless transfer pathway designed for SWC students
- Curriculum focused on leadership, organizational behavior and workforce analytics
- Launching fall 2026 (subject to approvals)
SDSU and SWC have long collaborated to create clear transfer pathways, degree-completion programs and career-readiness initiatives.
Each year, more than 500 new SWC students transfer to SDSU. More than 600 SWC transfers enrolled at SDSU in fall 2025.
85% of SWC transfers graduate from SDSU within four years of transfer to the university.
Why a degree in Psychology?
Psychology strengthens workplaces and advances employee success across industries. In the program, and by taking courses in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Neuroscience, you will gain skills in leadership, organizational behavior, and data analysis, preparing you for roles in human resources, organizational development, workforce analytics, and many other disciplines.
These fields are in demand across San Diego’s growing sectors: health care, education, government, and technology.
What you will gain:
- Evidence-based approaches to leadership and change
- Practical experience with workforce data and analytics
- Collaborative, real-world projects
- Advising and student services on-site at SWC
“By aligning missions and resources, SDSU and Southwestern College are empowering students, supporting families, and strengthening the economic vitality of the South County region.”
— Stefan Hyman, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, SDSU
