Exploring the Best PsyD Programs in California: Traditional & Online
If you want to take your career to the next level, you might want to enroll in a PsyD program in California — either online or on-campus. Learn about the best PsyD programs and how they can lay the foundation for your future as a licensed psychologist.
A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is one of the highest psychology degrees available and a necessary credential for professional clinical psychology practice in California. There are dozens of accredited PsyD programs in California that can prepare you for work as a skilled practitioner, opening a range of opportunities in a state employing more clinical psychologists than any other state.
This guide has everything you need to get started on your search for a quality PsyD program in California. You’ll find a list of the best programs, learn about accreditation and programs with convenient online coursework, get answers to your key questions, and see how much can potentially earn as a psychologist in California after graduation.
Best APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in California for 2024
The following profiles highlight some of the top-ranked APA-accredited PsyD programs in California for 2024. Each school administers a robust, comprehensive curriculum designed to deepen your expertise and ready you for licensure as a practicing clinician. Explore these program offerings and check back for our full ranking later this year.
1
Pepperdine University
Malibu-based Pepperdine University offers a PsyD in clinical psychology that prepares students for work as licensed professionals in their local communities. The program requires 82 credits, including an internship and dissertation project, and typically lasts four years. Pepperdine delivers curriculum from its affiliate campus in West Los Angeles and uses a practitioner-scholar model that integrates academic research with clinical practice. The program boasts a 97% internship placement rate and a 100% licensure rate with the California Board of Psychology.
Pepperdine’s program is a top contender among APA accredited California PsyD programs. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology sponsors scholarship and grant opportunities that are extended to qualified applicants with a relevant master’s degree. Starting in the fall, students will complete courses in psychometrics and cognitive assessment, clinical psychopathology, advanced treatment and intervention, and professional ethics. Upon completion of coursework, students are required to undertake internships and hands-on training at approved locations throughout Southern California. Prospective students must also interview with the admissions committee and submit standard application material.
Program Delivery
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
2
Biola University
Biola University’s Rosemead School of Psychology administers a PsyD in clinical psychology that blends empirical science with spirituality and ministry. It holds APA accreditation and requires 133 credits that most students complete in 5-6 years. This campus-based program maintains a low student to faculty ratio and includes psychotherapy labs and integration seminars along with standard coursework. Biola’s program stands out among other California PsyD programs by extending the option to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology along the way. Following successful completion of at least 75% of coursework, students must pass several qualifying examinations.
Core instruction in key knowledge areas such as advanced statistics, program evaluation, and research design is provided for aspiring professionals. Theory-based courses in systems psychology, psychoanalysis, and developmental psychology build competency in prominent approaches to clinical practice. Students also take courses in religion and theology and complete practicum components before moving to doctoral research. The research culminates in a peer-reviewed paper designed to enhance professional practice in therapy-based settings.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Psychology
3
Loma Linda University
Students at Loma Linda University typically complete their Doctor of Psychology in 5 years and land employment as skilled clinicians and researchers. Like other APA-accredited PsyD programs in California, this program takes about 5 years to complete and readies aspiring professionals for licensure. The school administers an embedded curriculum that qualifies students for practice with a range of populations in a variety of settings, from children and couples in private practice to veterans or adults in hospitals and community health centers. Students also receive practicum placements and complete one-on-one academic research alongside a clinical mentor who shares their interests and professional aims.
Housed within Loma Linda’s School of Behavioral Health, this program requires 168 credits that include coursework, hands-on training and clinical practice, and doctoral research. Its sequence of courses looks at core areas of competency in psychological science, quantitative research methods, clinical assessment, and wholeness and health. Students can also draw from a range of electives that look at drug addiction, human sexuality, cultural psychology, and psychology of religion.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Clinical Child Psychology
- Neuropsychology
How Important APA Accreditation Is for PsyD Programs in California
APA Accreditation is an industry-wide indicator of quality and excellence. A leading scientific organization in the U.S., the APA establishes key guidelines in psychology and works to advance its knowledge horizons and professional applications. Its credentials carry a lot of influence and are considered the gold standard for education in psychology.
Though most states require a degree from an APA-accredited program for licensure as a psychologist, this is not the case in California. State regulators only require attendance at a school with institutional accreditation. Students should also complete course prerequisites in key knowledge areas outlined by the CA Board of Psychology.
If you plan to use your PsyD in roles other than as a licensed psychologist, the same general accreditation rules and best practices apply. Potential schools should hold institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Key Info: Online PsyD Programs in California
Online delivery is available in California, but it’s not prominent. Among schools with these options, only a few provide 100% online delivery while several have online/hybrid formats to provide a convenient, accommodating, and balanced course of study tailored to students’ needs.
Online programs typically include intensive courses administered in 7-week terms using both synchronous and asynchronous technologies (e.g., videoconferencing, discussion boards, etc.). Some schools augment online courses with in-person instruction for certain content areas. Others offer face-to-face networking opportunities and other learning-based events. Many use face-to-face delivery for internship and practicum placements.
Licensure requirements in California make it easy for aspiring professionals to look further afield for online programming. For example, a school like Capella University that focuses primarily on distance education delivers online PsyD programming that meets all the approval and accreditation requirements for practicing psychology in California.
We’ve highlighted this year’s top online California PsyD programs below to help you on your search for a quality accredited program. Explore the rankings list and see if one or more programs has the features you’re looking for.
Best Online PsyD 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.
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.
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 undergraduates 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
Petaluma, California
The Clinical Psychology doctoral program (PsyD) at Meridian University is an accredited, terminal degree program leading to a professional doctorate. Once enrolled, you'll be studying either completely online or in a hybrid format that requires visits to the California campus. The curriculum is geared for those who want a career in practicing psychology or counseling, rather than research or academia, and for those who meet the educational requirements for psychology or counseling licensure in the State of California--although you will need to complete the rest of the licensure requirements, such as applying for your license, outside of the doctoral program. Applications are accepted every quarter, and financial aid may be available.
Program Highlights:
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Credits: 108
- Length: 3-4 Years
- Cost: $676/credit
- Mode: Online, Hybrid
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
2
Los Alamitos, California
Touro University Worldwide offers a 66-credit PsyD program where you can earn a doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology. This fully-online graduate program is designed for flexibility, so students can easily manage 8-week course blocks that include theory and research methods. These courses will lead up to designing a proposal for an original research topic and completing a doctoral dissertation on the topic of your choosing. This program mixes psychology in the scientific sense with real-world and business applications and can lead to an exciting career in the corporate world or in nonprofits, government, and more. Prospective students should apply online, and GRE scores are not required.
Program Highlights:
Online Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology
- Credits: 66
- Length: 2-3 Years
- Cost: $700/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
3
San Diego, California
Alliant International University offers not one, but five different APA-accredited PsyD doctoral programs in clinical psychology at five different California-based campuses. While the five different programs have many core aspects in common, there are also a variety of location-specific distinctions between them. For instance, the program offered through the Fresno campus offers an option to specialize in forensic psychology, while the program offered through the San Diego campus offers several specializations, ranging from family psychology to mindfulness-based Buddhist pyschology. Prospective students must ensure they've done the necessary research on the details of the five programs to determine which is right for them, and if they meet the relevant admissions requirements--although all five require an accredited bachelor's degree, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Program Highlights:
Clinical Psychology PsyD
- Credits: Varies
- Length: Varies
- Cost: Varies
- Mode: In-person, Online, Hybrid
- Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
4
El Cajon, California
5
Los Angeles, California
Other Online PsyD Programs in California
FAQs About PsyD Programs in California
Do I need a master’s degree to get into a PsyD program in California?
Requirements vary by school, but most California PsyD programs do not require a master’s degree. There are notable exceptions to this rule, like the program at Touro University Worldwide, but a majority of programs only call for a bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, certain course prerequisites in psychology. The programs at Azusa Pacific University and Alliant International University, for example, both call for either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree for admittance.
Do PsyD programs in California require the GRE?
Some PsyD programs in California, like the University of La Verne and the University of San Francisco,require GRE scores for admission. However, many schools forgo this component to make programming more accessible. For example, Pepperdine University officially dropped its GRE component in 2019, and Touro University Worldwide doesn’t require it either. Others, like Palo Alto University and Loma Linda University, currently waive GRE requirements due to COVID-19 restrictions.
How long do PsyD programs in California take to finish?
Individual factors like professional employment, transfer credit, and enrollment status (i.e., full-time vs. part-time) can impact your time for completion. Depending on the circumstances, average timelines may not always reflect the pacing determined by you and your school.
That said, most CaliforniaPsyD programs last around 3-5 years. Some programs, like the one at Reiss-Davis Graduate School, run on the shorter side even if you plan to work full-time while you study. In contrast, Fuller Theological Seminary’s program takes a full 5 years to complete.
How much do PsyD programs in California cost?
As the data below indicates, most CaliforniaPsyD programs fall within the same general price range for tuition. However, several factors can impact overall cost. If you bring a significant number of transfer credits, for example, you may not need to take as many courses. This results in less tuition. Enrollment status also plays a role. For example, if you’re a working professional and need to study part-time, you’ll need to spend more time in school and may pay more as a result.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for PsyD Students in California
Scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of your education. Several of the best PsyD programs in California offer scholarships and other awards to new and returning students. La Verne, Cal Lutheran, and Azusa Pacific, for example, each extend psychology or PsyD-specific scholarships to qualified applicants.
Professional organizations like the APA also sometimes offer opportunities and provide tips for students looking for ways to fund their education. If you already work in the industry, check with your employer about aid possibilities. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, see our main financial aid page and our detailed scholarships guide.
How to Become a Psychologist in California
Graduates of CaliforniaPsyD programs interested in work as professional psychologists must first obtain licensure. This means fulfilling certain eligibility requirements and completing the steps outlined by the California Board of Psychology. We’ve detailed each step below to give you a solid idea of what is required for licensure as a psychologist in California.
Step 1
Education and Hands-On Training
The first step for all licensees is completing an approved education and training program. Unlike other states, California does not require completion of an APA-accredited course of study, but your doctoral degree should come from a school with institutional accreditation. Additional requirements include at least 3,000 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience and key course prerequisites. Prerequisites classes can include human sexuality, substance abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, and aging and long-term care.
Step 2
National Examination
Once you finish an approved education program and complete the other training requirements, you can move to the testing phase. This involves two assessments. The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. A two-part assessment, the EPPP measures competency in key skill and knowledge areas specific to psychological practice. It includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that look at treatment, diagnosis, and intervention.
Step 3
State Examination
Once you pass the EPPP, you can prepare for the California Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE), a state-based test that assesses your knowledge of applicable laws and regulations. While the EPPP evaluates your proficiency in psychology as a broad discipline, the CPLEE evaluates your competency in how psychology is practiced in California. The exam is administered by PSI and looks at compliance issues pertaining to mandated reporting, confidentiality, duty to protect, and cultural competency.
Step 4
Fingerprints, Fees, and Application Submission
Once applicants successfully complete both exams, they move to final steps for initial licensure. At this stage, you need to submit official fingerprints to the Department of Justice in California. The Board of Psychology also requires a comprehensive criminal history and background check. Applicable fees include costs for exams, the application, and the license itself. Once official documents are reviewed and fees settled, candidates submit an application for initial licensure by examination and await official approval.
Step 5
Continuing Education and Renewal
The process is not over once you obtain your license. The California Board of Psychology mandates that practicing professionals renew their licenses every two years. This includes completing professional development and continuing education requirements. To keep their licenses active, psychologists must complete at least 36 hours of continuing education per cycle, and those hours must come through an approved provider and include training in suicide risk assessment. Once completed and certified, you can submit a renewal application.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for PsyD Psychologists in California
Job growth potential and salary prospects remain encouraging for graduates of PsyD programs in California.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California enjoys the highest levels of employment for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists by a sizable margin. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco rank among the top 5 metropolitan areas with the highest levels of employment for those professionals.
In terms of pay, California is the top paying state for PsyD professionals in clinical or school counseling. In fact, 7 of the 10 highest-paying metropolitan areas identified by the BLS are in California. They include Santa Rosa, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oxnard-Thousand Oaks, San Luis, Modesto, and Napa.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for PsyD Psychologists in California
| Employment (2023) | New Jobs Created (2022-2032) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 13,450 | 2,300 | 9.2% | 1,530 |
| United States | 196,000 | 12,000 | 6% | 12,800 |
Source: BLS.gov
Annual Salaries for Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists in California
| 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $57,730 | $107,470 | $172,580 |
| United States | $46,410 | $79,820 | $138,550 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $70,530 | $107,120 | $140,590 |
| Chico, CA | $57,960 | $91,660 | $118,050 |
| Fresno, CA | $64,050 | $117,870 | $159,040 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $92,210 | $114,940 | $139,430 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $58,950 | $107,470 | N/A |
| Madera, CA | $68,570 | $120,730 | $145,560 |
| Merced, CA | $61,970 | $102,710 | $140,150 |
| Modesto, CA | $61,910 | $115,360 | $158,790 |
| Napa, CA | $92,800 | $123,940 | $141,940 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $48,860 | $103,930 | N/A |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $60,660 | $104,220 | $163,010 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $51,650 | $112,920 | $159,870 |
| Salinas, CA | $47,620 | $104,810 | $139,040 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $69,560 | $102,510 | $206,920 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $47,450 | $101,900 | $167,110 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $69,660 | $112,790 | $159,010 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $85,510 | $125,330 | $143,340 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $43,090 | $76,000 | $145,760 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $55,730 | $119,610 | $158,480 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $88,850 | $131,740 | $181,890 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $57,620 | $107,590 | $145,700 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $82,560 | $120,230 | $153,660 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | $85,230 | $118,410 | $154,740 |
| Yuba City, CA | $46,070 | $79,510 | $104,770 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023