Psychology is the largest academic program at CI and there is a significant demand for this degree in Santa Barbara. Offered on the SBCC campus, the BA Psychology Degree Completion Program began in Fall 2012 and provides opportunity for students to complete their degree in an accelerated program at a reasonable cost. Classes are offered year-round in an accelerated format that allows students to complete the degree in two years or less. Specifically, the SBCC Psychology Program exposes students to all major areas of Psychology through a required sequence of core courses that borrow ideas from the best undergraduate psychology programs, producing students with knowledge in all branches of psychology as well as methodological skills that can be widely applied within and outside of the discipline. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to experience the intersection of psychology with other disciplines, closely following how psychology is understood and practiced in the world at large. Psychology students develop a broad skill set that will help them succeed in various careers.
The SBCC Psychology Program is ideal for students with families or full time jobs who cannot attend more traditional programs. In contrast, UCSB caters to traditional students. This focus tends not to serve the needs of working adults. Also, other 'professional' for profit schools aren't able to meet the needs of this population at a reasonable price. Currently, CI’s SBCC Psychology Program has four cohorts for a total of 100 students. Students from the first cohort, about 25, will be graduating this May.
The hallmark of the degree, however, is a gateway to graduate school. Approximately 15-20 % of CI students move on to pursue graduate degrees. Alumni are well prepared to enter into graduate programs such as a Master degree in Family Therapy or Social Work, Juris Doctor (JD), and doctoral programs in Psychology.