Psychology Studiesat University of California-Davis
Graduates earn $31,345/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Psychology Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $636K; scenarios range from $571K to $651K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Davis
This specialized "Psychology, Other" program at UC Davis, being one of only a few nationally, likely emphasizes research, cognitive science, or interdisciplinary human behavior studies rather than direct clinical practice. The regional labor market in the Sacramento area, while robust, might not offer the same immediate high-paying entry-level roles for these foundational skills as other major tech or finance hubs. Many graduates leverage their strong analytical and research skills from UCD into diverse fields, often starting in roles that serve as stepping stones to management or require further graduate study to fully become a licensed psychologist or postsecondary educator. Given the high AI risk, focusing on uniquely human-centric applications of your psychology knowledge – like advanced interpersonal dynamics, complex problem-solving, or ethical considerations – will be key to long-term career resilience.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Davis's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Psychology Studies
How UC Davis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Davis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Davis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Psychology Studies at UC Davis
How does University of California-Davis's Psychology Studies program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Psychology Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Psychology Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Psychology Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Psychology Studies earnings lower at University of California-Davis?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Davis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.