Best Psychology Degree Programs in California (CA)

Psychology Associate Degrees in California

An associate degree in psychology prepares you for work in a variety of support positions, including as a psychiatric technician or aide or as 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.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in California

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation for advanced study while also allowing students to specialize in areas such as organizational or developmental psychology. As one of the most popular undergraduate majors, it attracts individuals fascinated by the workings of the human mind, as well as those unsure of their career path. Students gain research skills and explore topics like addiction and psychological theory, preparing them for diverse careers in counseling, customer service, and human resources. Additionally, this degree serves as a stepping stone for graduate studies in business, social work, or law, and it’s often a prerequisite for those pursuing doctoral-level psychology programs.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in California

Programs offering a master’s degree in psychology build upon the foundational theories learned at the bachelor’s level and typically takes two to four years to complete. This advanced degree allows students to specialize in areas such as forensics, consumer, psychopharmacology, school, addiction, sports, or industrial psychology. California permits graduates to work as family therapists or counselors with a master’s degree, though a doctoral degree may still be required for full licensure. However, earning a master’s degree can enable graduates to treat patients or clients and may shorten the time needed to complete a doctorate. Many programs also incorporate in-person internships or practicums as part of the curriculum, providing hands-on experience in the field.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in California

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, most PsyD programs also require a dissertation or doctoral project of publishable quality.

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.

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.

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How Are Online Psychology Degrees Accredited?

For psychology programs, most programmatic accreditation focuses on doctoral degrees, such as PsyD and PhD programs, with the APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA) being a widely recognized accrediting body. However, the APA CoA does not accredit undergraduate or master’s programs, nor does it accredit fully online programs. As a result, students pursuing an online psychology degree should primarily look for institutional accreditation from recognized regional or national accrediting agencies.

Additionally, some specialized accrediting bodies, such as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), provide accreditation for school psychology programs. Verifying accreditation status ensures that an online psychology degree meets industry standards and is recognized by employers and licensing boards.

What career options are available with an online psychology degree?

An online psychology degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in fields that emphasize human behavior, mental health, and research. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can find roles in human resources, social services, marketing, case management, and customer service. For those who continue their education with a master’s degree, options expand to roles like school counselor, substance abuse counselor, industrial-organizational psychologist, or market research analyst. A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) provides the most career flexibility, leading to roles as licensed psychologists, university professors, or clinical researchers.

Can I become a licensed psychologist with an online psychology degree in California?

Becoming a licensed psychologist with an online psychology degree depends on the degree level, accreditation, and state licensing requirements. While an online bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology can provide foundational knowledge and open doors to mental health-related careers, a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is typically required for licensure as a psychologist.

To become a licensed psychologist in California, you must earn a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution. The California Board of Psychology specifies that acceptable doctoral degrees include specializations in clinical, counseling, school, consulting, forensic, industrial, or organizational psychology.

While the APA CoA does not accredit fully online doctoral programs, California requires that your doctoral degree come from a regionally accredited institution. Therefore, completing a doctoral program from a regionally accredited institution, even if delivered online, may meet the educational requirements for licensure in California.

How much does an online psychology degree cost in California?

The cost of an online psychology degree in California varies based on the institution, degree level, and program structure. Cost range from $10,200 for an associate degree to more than $80,000 for a master’s degree. However, many accredited programs also offer financial aid and scholarships to assist students with the cost of earning their online psychology degree.

What are the admissions requirements to enroll in an online PsyD program in California?

Admission requirements for online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs in California vary by institution. But let’s look at one program to give you a broad perspective. California Southern University’s PsyD online degree program requires students to complete its online application and to submit documents such as its enrollment agreement, payment option form, official transcripts, and a personal statement. Additionally, applicants are required to have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Psychology Degree Career and Pay Outlook

California Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals

Choosing a degree path is an important decision, so it’s helpful to get additional information and advice about a future career. We’ve compiled a list of resources that provide well-rounded objective and comprehensive information about what it takes to pursue a career in psychology 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 California, offers numerous resources, advocacy opportunities, professional development, an annual convention, and more.
• Psychology Today: Probably best known for its namesake magazine, Psychology Today is also a great resource for getting help with mental health issues and learning more about common emotional and cognitive challenges.
• 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.

Top-Rated Online Psychology Programs in California

Choosing the ideal psychology program from the numerous options available can be a complex decision for prospective students. To simplify this process, we have conducted a thorough evaluation of psychology programs offered by California colleges and universities that feature online learning components. Our comprehensive assessment process examines several crucial elements that define educational quality and value. These include institutional accreditation status, program costs and financial accessibility, academic excellence and faculty credentials, flexibility in study options, and the availability of comprehensive student support services for both academic success and career development. Based on these critical factors, we have identified outstanding programs that demonstrate excellence across these key areas.