The demand for licensed psychologists in California continues to grow. According to the California Employment Development Department, this demand is expected to grow 10.6% between 2020 and 2030, and should result in an estimated 4,900 more job openings during that ten year span.
Aspiring psychologists and anyone wanting to work in mental health, social work, human resources, and similar careers can choose from dozens of traditional or online psychology programs in California. Keep reading to learn about this year’s best accredited programs, explore career options and salary potential after graduation, and more.
Ranking the Best Psychology Programs in California
Choosing the psychology program in California that is right for you begins with knowing what top-tier schools offer, even if you end up going with a different option. To help you learn what a quality program looks like, we’ve highlighted three of the very best schools for psychology in the state. Learn more about what each college offers below and what makes them special — and see if one of their psychology programs sounds like a good fit for your education and career goals. Stay tuned for our full list of top psychology programs in California later this year.
1
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles, one of the most well-known institutions of higher education in the world, also has some of the best psychology programs in California. The approximately 4,000 students enrolled at UCLA’s Department of Psychology choose from a healthy offering of graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
UCLA also has numerous centers devoted to the field of psychology. Those focused on research include the UCLA Baby Lab, UCLA Behavioral Testing Core, Anxiety Disorders Research Center, and FPR-UCLA Center for Culture, Brain, Development, and Mental Health. The school also offers additional learning opportunities through the UCLA Psychology Clinic, including supervised mental health services for graduate students. Postdoctoral positions are also available for graduate students to hone their skills and contribute to the psychology department through mentorship, teaching, and research.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
- B.S. in Cognitive Science
- B.S. in Psychobiology
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Learning and Behavior
- Quantitative Psychology
- Social Psychology
2
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has one of the most diverse psychology programs in California in terms of faculty, students, and research programs. Its Diversity Committee helps promote the recruitment and education of a diverse student body and works with students and faculty to find ways to further improve the ethnic, gender, social, and cultural characteristics of the psychology programs.
Current research in the Department of Psychology at USC includes projects and studies in roughly 20 areas. These include substance use and abuse, neuroimaging, adult development and aging, learning and memory, cognition and emotion, and risk perfection and communication. Much of this research takes place at USC facilities or one of several USC-affiliated research centers, including the Mind and Society Center, the Center for Research on Crime, and the Center for Economic and Social Research.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. in Applied Psychology
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Ph.D. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Brain and Cognitive Science
- Clinical Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Quantitative Methods
- Applied Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
3
California State University, Long Beach
One of the largest schools in the California State University system, California State University, Long Beach’s Department of Psychology offers both bachelor’s and master’s psychology degrees. However, it’s the student services that make this among the best psychology programs in California. Its resources include academic advising, department-specific scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and psychology student organizations.
One resource of special note is the Psychology Resource Office. PRO assists students with finding volunteer opportunities and internships, applying to graduate school, and exploring career options after graduation. Psychology students interested in research also have plentiful options with the Center of Usability in Design and Accessibility, the Robert Newman Computer Lab, and the Center for Human Factors in Advanced Aeronautics Technologies.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.A. in Psychology
- M.S. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Psychological Research
- Human Factors
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in California for 2024
Whether you’re a working professional or just prefer the flexibility of online learning, California’s top psychology programs have you covered. With hybrid or fully online options available, you can continue working while pursuing your education. While some programs still require in-person practicums, many undergraduate online programs don’t require them. However, they may include on-campus intensives or seminars.
If you’re interested in pursuing an online psychology degree in California, there are many options to choose from. We’ve ranked the best overall options to help you find a quality program that’s right for you.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Irvine, California
The Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology from the University of California, Irvine is a professional degree program. Therefore, the curriculum is largely online to accommodate working students. Most of the classes are 100% online, although there is a required on-campus class that students complete at the beginning of the program. This is an accelerated five-day class that usually occurs before the start of the fall quarter. Each academic year consists of three terms, and during each term, students will take two online classes. To let students customize their degree to their professional and personal interests, during the final year of the program, students will take electives and a capstone course, which consists of an independent research paper.
Program Highlights:
Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
- Credits: 52
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $340.67/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
2
Fresno, California
At Fresno Pacific University, you'll have your choice of three online psychology degree programs. At the undergraduate level, there's the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program. This can be completed 100% online, and students will progress as a cohort consisting of 12-22 students. At the graduate level, there are two master's degree programs available. There's the Master of Arts in School Psychology and School Counseling program that combines school counseling and school psychology training into a single master's degree. Next up, there's the Master of Arts in School Psychology program that prepares graduates to work as a licensed school psychologist. Both of these master's degree programs can be completed mostly online. The majority of the coursework is offered synchronously, meaning there are scheduled times to be present for virtual class. There are also in-person internships that students must complete to demonstrate their mastery of program material and information.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 50-53
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $550/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Master of Arts in School Psychology
- Credits: 62
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $730/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC (institutional), CCTC (programmatic)
Master of Arts in School Psychology and School Counseling
- Credits: 90
- Length: 8-9 semesters
- Cost: $730/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC (institutional), CCTC (programmatic)
3
La Mirada, California
Biola University offers one of the most convenient degrees in psychology. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is fully online, meaning no campus visits are required. Each class also lasts just seven weeks, making it easier to arrange course loads around personal and professional obligations. Also, because courses are delivered asynchronously, students can adjust the speed of their learning; this means graduating in as little as two years is possible. However, early graduation doesn't just have to come with heavy course loads, as Biola University will apply up to 70 transfer credits toward the 120-credit requirement for graduation. Students will learn about human behavior based on scientific and research-based principles within the context of the Bible.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: About 2-4 years
- Cost: $425/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
4
Redding, California
5
Riverside, California
6
Irvine, California
7
Rocklin, California
8
Malibu, California
9
Los Angeles, California
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Santa Rosa, California
Prospective students interested in psychology have two program tracks from which to select at Santa Rosa Junior College. For those looking to enter the workforce after graduation, there's the Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students seeking to transfer to a four-year university and earn a bachelor's degree in psychology can enroll in the Associate of Arts -- Transfer psychology degree program. The curricula are very similar, although the transfer degree track is specifically tailored to meet the curriculum requirements of the California State University System. Both tracks offer a mix of on-campus and online classes, so students receive the convenience of distance learning combined with networking opportunities with peers and faculty and enjoying what campus life has to offer.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 60
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $46/unit (resident); $414/unit (non-resident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: ACCJC/WASC
2
Norwalk, California
Cerritos College's Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in psychology provides an affordable stepping stone to a bachelor's degree. As its name implies, the curriculum is intended for students seeking to transfer to a college or university to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or similar field of study. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, although a part-time track is available that takes about four years to finish. No matter which track a student chooses, they can complete all program requirements 100% online, with no campus visits needed. The online course management system at Cerritos College is Canvas, where students complete course assignments and participate in class from anywhere with a broadband internet connection.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Arts for Transfer -- Psychology
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $366/unit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACCJC/WASC
3
Merced, California
Merced College's Associate of Arts for Transfer in Psychology degree program is a fully online program designed for students ultimately seeking a bachelor's degree from a school that's part of the California State University System. One of the advantages of the transfer track is that students accepted into a California State University program will have priority status for acceptance into the psychology program at the bachelor's degree-granting institution they've enrolled in. Another benefit of Merced College's online psychology program is that the first 25 students to enroll will receive an Apple iPad and keyboard. Even though this is a fully online program, students proceed through the curriculum as a cohort. And because many students wish to work while in school, most curriculum requirements can be met with short-form courses.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts for Transfer in Psychology
- Credits: 60
- Length: About 2 years
- Cost: $46/unit (resident); $290/unit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACCJC/WASC
4
Ridgecrest, California
Highlighting Online California Psychology Degrees
1
California Southern University
CSU’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers an array of undergraduate and graduate psychology degree programs and certificates, many of which are available online. The online programs offer maximum convenience with all classwork delivered through distance learning methods such as the CalSouthern Learning Center online learning platform. Most curriculum components are online, though some degrees have hands-on learning requirements like the internship for the PsyD degree. Additionally, services like the Learner Support Specialists may require a campus visit.
Degrees and certificates at CSU are very affordable, with most programs costing $545 per credit. To make online learning as beneficial as possible, students also have access to faculty mentors who not only understand the academic material but also have experience in clinical practice.
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.A. in Psychology
- M.S. in Psychology
- Psy.D
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Child Advocacy
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Addiction Studies
- Advanced Addiction Studies
- Healthcare Services
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Pastoral Counseling
- Sport Psychology
2
Alliant International University
Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology is accredited by both the American Psychological Association and Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Unlike some psychology programs in California where students can choose from either a master’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology, AIU offers a complete spectrum of programs, from a bachelor’s to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. There are also several certificate programs to choose from and a diverse set of concentrations and specializations. To help students succeed in school and after graduation, AIU offers student advisors, career services, and financial and personal support services.
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.S. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. in Organizational Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology
- M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
- M.A. in Clinical Counseling
- Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Psy.D. in Organization Development
- Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Clinical Psychology, Doctoral Respecialization
- LGBT Human Services and Mental Health
3
National University
Students choose one of many psychology programs offered by National University’s College of Letters and Sciences or a psychology degree from the recently created JFK School of Psychology. In fact, they have six online degree offerings and many on-campus degree offerings through NU’s various campuses as options. Some programs have in-person curriculum requirements like internships. NU’s online programs are designed for working adults with students taking just one class every four weeks.
For maximum flexibility, prospective psychology students can apply anytime, and classes begin every month. NU also recognizes up to 13.5 quarter credits through transfer.
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
- B.A. in Sport Psychology
- B.A. in Integrative Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.A. in Counseling Psychology
- M.A. in Consciousness and Transformative Studies
- M.A. in Human Behavior
- M.A. in Performance Psychology
- M.A. in Sport Psychology
- Psy.D.
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
- Trauma Studies
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in California
Psychology degrees in California offer a wealth of focus options. From the two-year associate degree that gets you started in the basic tenets of psychology to the doctoral degree that paves the way to become a clinical psychologist, California psychology schools offer many paths to reaching your career goals. We’ve detailed the various levels you can pursue below and provided examples of California schools offering them.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in California
Associate Degrees in Psychology
An associate degree in psychology prepares you for work in a variety of support positions, including as a psychiatric technician or aide or a social or human services assistant. Students learn about personality types and theories, psychological disorders, development through the lifespan, and social constructs in addition to general education topics. This two-year degree can be a stepping-stone to a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Contra Costa College (On-Campus)
Los Angeles City College (On-Campus)
California Coast University (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
This four-year degree provides a psychology foundation for advanced study at the graduate level while also presenting the opportunity to specialize. Those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology often find careers in counseling, customer service, human resources, and other jobs where they work with the public. Students learn the basics of addictions and the different types of psychology, such as organizational psychology or developmental psychology, as well as develop research skills.
Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree
National University (Online)
University of California, San Diego (On-Campus)
California Southern University (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in California
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology builds upon the foundations and theories of psychology learned during a bachelor’s degree and takes two to four years to complete. You can also choose an area of psychology to specialize in, including forensic psychology, consumer psychology, psychopharmacology, school psychology, and more. Though some states allow graduates to work as family therapists or other types of counselors, work is also often available in market research, project management, human resources, and social services.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Alliant International University (Online)
California State University, Long Beach (On-Campus)
University of Southern California (Online)
PsyD Programs
PsyD programs are for those wanting to focus on professional practice. They take four or five years to complete, look at evidence-based services and established standards of practice, and are often designed for busy working clinicians. With a strong emphasis on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology, PsyD programs also require a dissertation or doctoral project of publishable quality.
Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Pepperdine University (On-Campus)
California Lutheran University (On-Campus)
California Southern University (Online)
Psychology PhD Programs
Those interested in research careers can opt for a PhD program in psychology. Such programs focus on conducting research, ethical treatment of research subjects, collecting and analyzing data, and professionally presenting findings. They take an average of five to seven years and require a doctoral project. These programs are also often highly competitive.
Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree
University of California, Riverside (On-Campus)
University of California, Davis (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates in psychology are open to those who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and want to gain more knowledge in a specific area of psychology. They are ideal for specializing without devoting the time and effort needed for a master’s degree or doctoral program. Graduate certificates usually take about one year to complete.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Alliant International University (Online)
National University (On-Campus and Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in California
Financial aid and scholarships for psychology students in California typically come through professional organizations, schools, businesses, or the federal government. You can also take out private or federal loans to cover tuition costs.
Students in California might find additional financial aid through the state. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for additional state-specific aid information. In addition, check out our financial aid guide and scholarship guide.
Career Prospects and Earnings Potential for Psych Grads in CA
Graduating from among the best psychology programs in California puts you in a great position for a well-paying career with ample opportunity for growth and professional development. Most careers requiring or benefiting from a psychology degree, with the marketing industry being one of the biggest, have at least double-digit growth projections in California. Many of these positions are in major metropolitan areas.
Given how in demand these professions are, the California average annual wage is also pretty high. Each career has its unique set of compensation and growth statistics, but we’ve identified five careers that do a good job providing a broad representation of what psychology graduates in California can expect to make when they enter the workforce. You’ll notice that the growth rates and annual mean wages are well above the national average for the United States.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 13.2% | 1,530 | $115,830 |
| Marketing Specialists | 24.3% | 14,960 | $83,150 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 10.4% | 8,920 | $79,590 |
| Psychology Postsecondary Teacher | 14.3% | 650 | $121,110 |
| Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors | 11.6% | 4,750 | $81,350 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in California
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Those who work in mental health but are not psychologists can look to this area of the California state website to learn which professions require licensing and how to get that licensure.
California Board of Psychology
This is where graduates can learn what it takes to apply for a license to practice as a psychologist in the state of California. It also provides continuing education and other pertinent information.
California Psychological Association
This professional organization, dedicated to those who work in psychology in the state of California, offers numerous resources, advocacy, professional development, an annual convention, and more.
California Psychological Association of Graduate Students
This Facebook page is for the graduate students who are members of the California Psychological Association to help them keep up with opportunities open to graduate students.
Western Psychological Association
A regional member of the American Psychological Association, this organization offers all the benefits of the APA as well as a regional conference, a job board, and a newsletter detailing information important to those in California and surrounding states.
