Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in California (CA)
Want to further your education but have limited flexibility in your schedule? California offers several psychology master’s degree programs that work with your schedule, whether that’s online or in a traditional classroom. Check out our list of top schools and learn what to expect in each program.
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.
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)
The Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in CA
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.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Private
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America
Santa Fe Springs, California
Private
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, California
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
The Chicago School
Los Angeles, California
Private
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Private
California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Private
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.