If you have a keen interest in human behavior and want to develop skills applicable to various professions, such as counseling or forensics, pursuing a master’s degree in psychology could be a wise decision. Whether you’re transitioning from another field or already hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, top psychology master’s programs in California offer comprehensive training to help you achieve your career goals. Our guide provides details on both on-campus and online programs, specialized concentrations, and some of the best psychology master’s programs in California. By reading through the guide, you can find the program that aligns with your aspirations and helps you advance your expertise.
Best Psychology Master’s Programs in California for 2024
Finding the best psychology master’s programs in California – and the one that’s right for you – is one of the most important things you’ll do to pave the way for career success. To help with your search, we’ve analyzed the quality of schools around the state based on factors like curriculum, affordability, and program flexibility, and put together the following list of the best psychology master’s programs in California. Keep reading to find detailed descriptions of standout schools for 2024.
1
Alliant International University
The Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology provides an education rooted in both classroom work and hands-on experiences. Inside the classroom, the school offers small classes so students get individualized attention and mentoring to give students the extra help they may need to be successful. Outside the classroom, Alliant provides experiential learning thanks to partnerships with numerous organizations around the state, including rehabilitation programs, inpatient mental health facilities, research organizations, residential treatment centers, and government agencies.
In its quest to be the best psychology master’s program in California, the school offers a variety of master’s degrees to cater to students with diverse interests. For example, in the marital and family therapy program students learn how to help patients who are going through challenges that affect their relationships; the clinical psychopharmacology program focuses on training licensed psychologists on how to safely prescribe psychotropic medications based on state and federal regulations; and the organizational psychology program addresses training and development, organizational change, personality psychology, and human resources management.
Program Delivery
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks
- Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Marital and Family Therapy
- Organizational Psychology
- Clinical Counseling
2
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) provides degree programs that help students develop into knowledgeable and competent professionals able to use the skills and concepts from their graduate studies in diverse work settings, including schools, mental health clinics, government agencies, or private companies. To be admitted, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with at least a 3.0 GPA and a high score on the GRE examination. Also, when students apply, they submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current resume.
After being admitted, CSUN students can enroll in a master’s program that focuses on psychological science, clinical psychology, or applied behavior analysis. These programs take two years to complete, and the curriculum combines coursework and practical experiences to give students hands-on training.
Program Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychological Science
- Applied Behavior Analysis
3
California State University, San Bernardino
Whether students are interested in providing counseling to patients, conducting research, or working as educators, there is a master’s degree program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) to help them achieve their goals. The clinical/counseling psychology program is designed for those interested in mental health care, early childhood education, or biomedical research, while the child development degree prepares students to work as community college professors, child and family advocates, parent educators, and directors of early childhood programs.
No matter what degree students choose, CSUSB gives them the support they need to thrive in the program and beyond. Students may be able to participate in externship programs, where they put their knowledge and skills to the test in a real-world setting, or in research projects that allow them to work closely with faculty members. The school provides one-on-one mentoring so students get the extra attention that can help them as they tackle the curriculum.
Program Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Child Development
- Psychological Science
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Specialization Options for Master’s Psychology Programs in California
The field of psychology offers great career versatility, and pursuing a psychology degree in California can offer a wide range of specialization options. With different areas of psychology to choose from, you can select a program that provides the best training to achieve your career goals. Below are examples of specialization options offered in psychology graduate programs in California, along with a selection of schools that offer these degrees.
Clinical Psychology
If you’re passionate about aiding individuals in overcoming mental health challenges and wish to work directly with patients, pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology may be an excellent choice for you. This program equips students with the necessary skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent various psychological disorders by utilizing different therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and the psychodynamic approach. Throughout the program, you’ll delve into a diverse range of topics, including human development, psychotherapy, and psychopathology. Upon graduation from this psychology master’s program in California, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a career as a therapist, educator, or researcher, making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals.
Examples of California Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
Antioch University (On-Campus)
California State University, Northridge (On-Campus)
San Francisco State University (On-Campus)
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is an exciting and rapidly growing field that combines psychology and law. By studying forensic psychology, you’ll learn to apply psychological principles and theories to legal cases, ranging from criminal investigations to family court proceedings. This graduate program typically covers topics such as criminal behavior, forensic linguistics, and the psychopathology of crime. With this training, graduates of forensic psychology programs are well-prepared to pursue careers as victim advocates, trial consultants, and case managers. If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of psychology and law, a graduate degree in forensic psychology from a top program in California may be the right choice for you.
Examples of California Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
California Baptist University (On-Campus)
Alliant International University (Online)
University of California, Irvine (On-Campus)
Counseling Psychology
If you have an interest in assisting individuals in navigating life’s challenges and enhancing their mental health, a counseling psychology concentration in a graduate program may be an excellent choice for you. Through these programs, you’ll learn how to assess and diagnose patients, create treatment plans, and provide counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. With a counseling psychology degree, you’ll be ready to work in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice. You’ll also gain a thorough understanding of the ethical and legal requirements governing the field. If you’re passionate about enhancing the lives of others, pursuing a counseling psychology concentration could be the ideal path for you.
Examples of California Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
National University (Online and On-Campus)
Bastyr University (On-Campus)
California Baptist University (On-Campus)
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Those interested in the psychology of work can choose this psychology graduate program specialization in California to learn workforce training and development, organizational theory, employee motivation, employment law, and human resources management. People with these degrees pursue careers as industrial/organizational psychologists, training and development managers, compensation and benefits managers, and human resources managers. Also, graduates from this specialization may go on to conduct research designed to help organizations solve their problems and improve their operations.
Examples of California Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
California State University, San Bernardino (On-Campus)
California State University, Sacramento (On-Campus)
San José State University (On-Campus)
School Psychology
Those who want to work in an educational setting can choose this psychology graduate program specialization in California to learn how to work with students from early childhood to adolescence to young adulthood. This specialization teaches students how to assess patients in an age-appropriate way to make data-driven decisions on care, understand how mental health can affect student outcomes, and collaborate with school staff and parents to get the best outcomes for students.
Examples of California Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
Alliant International University (Online)
National University (On-Campus and Online)
California State University, Los Angeles (On-Campus)
Inside Online Psychology Master’s Programs in California
Several schools offer online psychology graduate programs in California that allow students to conveniently fit their master’s studies into their schedules. For example, schools like Sofia University offer asynchronous programs, meaning that students watch lectures at times that work best for them instead of needing to be in class at set times, while schools like Palo Alto University use synchronous delivery, which requires that students participate in lectures at specific times. Additionally, students have the choice to enroll in psychology master’s programs in California that are conducted entirely online or those that are a combination of online and in-person learning. In some cases, hybrid programs only require that students come to campus for one class, such as a capstone course, while other programs have additional on-campus requirements.
Keep reading to explore this year’s top-rated California colleges with online master’s in psychology programs as well as other quality accredited options.
Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in CA for 2024
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).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
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
Los Angeles, California
Students interested in earning their master's degree in psychology online have two programs available at The Chicago School. The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology teaches students how to apply principles of psychology to civil and criminal courts. Featuring both licensure and non-licensure tracks, most coursework is delivered online, allowing students to pace their learning and graduate in two to four years. The Master of Arts in Applied Psychology focuses on better understanding human interactions in various contexts, and offers flexibility in its large selection of concentrations, including public health, organizational leadership, international psychology, and applied behavior analysis.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Credits: Varies
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $1,368.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $1,368.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
2
Irvine, California
Students interested in earning an online master's degree from the University of California, Irvine can enroll in the Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program, designed for working students who want to understand the role psychology plays in the U.S. legal system. Nearly all coursework can be completed online, with an in-residence class one week before the first fall term. Students take two classes per term during the two-year program. Despite the structured curriculum schedule, students can individualize their learning with a capstone research paper course and up to five elective classes.
Program Highlights:
Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
- Credits: 52
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $655.38/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
3
San Diego, California
Alliant International University's Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology provides working professionals a convenient way to gain a better grasp of human behavior and thought processes within businesses and other organizations. Most coursework is delivered online, so students can self-pace and graduate in as little as one year. Students are required to complete a capstone project and can choose between virtual applied research/practical projects, or an internship with in-person, hands-on learning.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $1,008.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
4
Malibu, California
5
Riverside, California
6
Fresno, California
7
Los Angeles, California
In Focus: Online Psychology Master’s Programs in CA
1
Pepperdine University
The Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology consistently offers some of the best online psychology master’s programs in California. Courses promote academic excellence and social purpose and prepare students to provide meaningful service. To be admitted, prospective students need a 3.0 grade point average in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited school. The application should include students’ official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that describes their interests, goals, and previous training and experience.
One of the master’s degree programs that Pepperdine offers is in applied behavior analysis, which is made up of about 35 units that can be completed in six sessions. This psychology graduate program in California focuses on data-driven theories of behavioral psychology, which allows students to understand how people behave, assess behavior patterns, and choose effective strategies to influence change. Specific classes cover assessment strategies for individuals and groups, ethical standards for applied behavioral analysis, autism spectrum disorders, and physiological psychology. After students have completed their coursework, they participate in clinical training for a minimum of 165 hours.
Program Delivery:
- Fully-Online
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Clinical Psychology
- General Psychology
2
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University offers psychology graduate programs in California that focus on academic coursework. Master’s degree students take classes focusing on research methods, childhood development, psychopathology, personality psychology, and cognitive behavior. However, students are not required to participate in clinical experiences in these programs. The school offers three tracks: general psychology, PhD prep, and forensic psychology. Each of these programs can be completed in about seven quarters and are conducted entirely online. Classes use the synchronous format, so students are required to participate in live lectures online.
To be admitted, students should have at least a 3.30 GPA in their undergraduate program. If they were not psychology majors, they must complete prerequisite classes in statistics and abnormal, biological, and developmental psychology. Although students are not required to take the GRE, international students are required to complete the TOEFL examination.
Program Delivery:
- Fully-online
- Part-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- General Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- PhD Preparation
3
California Southern University
California Southern University offers online master’s degree programs that combine academic theory with practical professional skills. Students prepare for a variety of careers, including social services, human resources management, and counseling positions. When they complete this psychology graduate program in California, students can understand and write about complicated psychological concepts based in scientific evidence-based theory, interact with people from diverse backgrounds, negotiate, manage conflict, and relate psychological principles and research to the personal experiences people need help with.
California Southern University offers concentrations in advanced addiction studies, industrial and organizational psychology, pastoral counseling, and sport psychology. These programs, which take two to three years to complete, are made up of 42 credits that are a combination of classwork and a master’s thesis.
Program Delivery:
- Fully-Online
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Advanced Addiction Studies
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Pastoral Counseling
- Sport Psychology
More California Schools with Online Master’s Programs in Psychology
University of Southern California
California Coast University
University of Southern California
Pacifica Graduate Institute
FAQs About Psychology Master’s Programs in California
What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in California?
Every school will have its own specific admissions requirements, but generally, the best psychology master’s programs in California expect students to:
- have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- graduate from their undergraduate program with at least a 3.0 GPA
- submit letters of recommendation
- submit a personal statement
- earn a high score on the GRE
- complete prerequisite courses
How long do psychology master’s programs in California take to finish?
The amount of time it will take for you to complete your psychology graduate program in California depends on the program you enroll in and the course load you commit to. If you attend as a full-time student, around two years is the norm, while it may take three to four years to earn your degree as a part-time student.
How much do psychology master’s programs in California cost?
The cost for the psychology master’s programs in California depends on the school. In some cases schools charge by the credit hour, while others charge by the semester or the academic year. To give you an idea of costs for your graduate education, look at these examples of what different psychology graduate programs in California cost.
University of California, Irvine
Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
Total Credits: 52
$4,942 per quarter (in-state)
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Total Credits: 60
$745/credit (in-state)
Scholarships & Aid for California Psychology Master’s Students
If you’re looking for ways to help pay for your psychology master’s programs in California, in many cases you don’t have to look any further than the psychology department. Schools like California State University, Northridge and Pepperdine University offer scholarships and grants directly to students to help defray the cost of their education. Also, students may be able to qualify for awards from organizations that specialize in the psychology field, like the American Psychological Foundation.
To explore different financial aid options—from loans to scholarships to grants—log on to our financial aid guide and scholarships guide, where you can get a comprehensive look at ways to fund your psychology master’s program in California.
