Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in California (CA)

Pursuing a master’s degree in psychology could be the right choice for students who have an interest in human behavior. They want to develop skills that are applicable to various professions such as counseling or forensics. Whether they’re transitioning from another field or already hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, top psychology master’s degree programs in California offer comprehensive training that helps them achieve career goals.

This STEPS guide provides details on online programs, specialized concentrations, and some of the best psychology master’s degree programs in California. Read on to discover which program aligns with your aspirations and can help advance your knowledge of the field.

Author: Amy Williams
Editor: Ginny Gillikin
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Specialization Options for Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in California

The field of psychology offers great career versatility, and pursuing a psychology master’s degree in California can offer a wide range of specialization options. With different areas of psychology to choose from, students can select a program that provides the best training to help them achieve career goals.

Many master’s degree programs can be completed fully online. However, an in-person practicum might be required for some specializations such as clinical psychology.

Listed below are examples of specialization options offered in psychology master’s degree programs in California, plus a selection of top programs in the state.

Clinical Psychology

A master’s degree program in clinical psychology equips students with skills necessary to help patients overcome mental health challenges. Students within this specialization learn to diagnose and treat mental health issues by utilizing therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and a psychodynamic approach.

After graduating from a clinical psychology master’s degree program, students are well-equipped to pursue careers as therapists, educators, and researchers, so they can positively impact the lives of patients.

Vanguard University

Vanguard University, a private university in Santa Ana, CA, offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree program. After completing this program, students are prepared to work as either a Marriage and Family Therapist or a Professional Clinical Counselor in California.

This program focuses on rigorous academic training and extensive professional development. It prepares students for a successful future as a mental health professional.

Duration: Two to four years

Mode: Online

Cost: $840/credit

Curriculum:

  • Clinical Foundations I
  • Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment
  • Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality

Forensic Psychology

Students who specialize in forensic psychology learn to apply psychological principles and theories to legal cases. A master’s degree program in forensic psychology typically covers topics such as criminal behavior, forensic linguistics, and the psychopathology of crime.

Graduates with this training are well-prepared to pursue careers as victim’s advocates, trial consultants, and case managers. A master’s degree in forensic psychology might be the right choice for students who want to explore the intersection of psychology and law.

National University

National University, located in San Diego, CA, offers a fully online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) degree program. GRE and GMAT scores are not required to apply, and there’s no application fee.

This program features a one-to-one learning model so students can receive individual support. All professors in this department hold doctoral degrees, and they are prepared to mentor students.

Students can specialize in General Forensic Psychology or Threat Assessment and Management.

Duration: 16 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $872 per credit (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Principles of Forensic Psychology
  • Theories of Criminal Behavior
  • Fundamentals of Risk and Threat Assessment
  • Policy and Justice in Forensic Psychology
  • Research Design
  • Applied Statistics

Counseling Psychology

Students in a counseling psychology master’s degree program learn how to assess and diagnose patients and provide counseling to individuals, families, and groups. Graduates with a counseling psychology master’s degree are prepared to work in settings like mental health clinics and private practice.

Students gain a thorough understanding of ethical and legal requirements that govern the field. Pursuing this specialization could be the ideal path for students who are passionate about enhancing the lives of others.

California Baptist University

The online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree program from California Baptist University, located in Riverside, CA, combines synchronous and asynchronous courses with clinical hours. It can be completed in 24 months with a full-time course load.

Students in this program receive both theoretical learning and hands-on training. Graduates are prepared for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) in California. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (SCUC).

Duration: 24 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $839 per credit (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology
  • Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Counseling Theory
  • Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Counseling: Child-Adolescent
  • Advanced Psychopathology
  • Professional Practice I and II
  • Couples Therapy: Intimate Partner Violence
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Human Sexuality
  • Human Communication in Group Process
  • Psychodiagnostics
  • Professional Ethics and Law
  • Practicum I and II
  • Family Therapy I and II
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Addictions Counseling
  • Aging and Mental Health

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Students who specialize in industrial and organizational psychology learn workforce training and development, organizational theory, employee motivation, employment law, and human resources management.

Students with this specialization can pursue careers as industrial/organizational psychologists, training and development managers, compensation and benefits managers, and human resources managers. Graduates can conduct research that’s designed to help organizations solve problems and improve operations.

National University

National University offers an online Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) degree program. It takes less than two years to complete. This program provides students with skills they need for a career in government, consulting, or the non-profit sector.

The program focuses on topics like organizational behavior and research design. Students learn how to apply psychology to resolve issues within an industry. National University students can transition to a PhD degree program after completing the master’s degree program.

Duration: 16 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $889 per credit (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Foundations in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Personnel Selection and Recruitment
  • Organizational Development
  • Research Design
  • Applied Statistics
  • Tests and Measurements in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

School Psychology

Students who want to work in an educational setting can specialize in school psychology. These master’s degree programs typically combine relevant coursework with practical experiences to teach students how to work with children, teens, and young adults.

A school psychology specialization teaches students how to assess patients in an age-appropriate way so they can make data-driven care decisions. They also learn about how mental health can affect student outcomes and how to collaborate with school staff and parents to get the best outcomes for students.

National University

National University offers an online Master of Science in School Psychology degree program. This program prepares students to work within PreK-12 schools, conduct research, and advocate for their students. Graduates receive Pupil Personnel Services credentials.

Graduates are equipped with various methods of assessment and evidence-based interventions that are specifically related to academic issues and mental health. The program prepares students to meet the standards of the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Duration: Three years

Mode: Online

Cost: $18,900 (tuition only)

Curriculum:

  • Foundations in School Psychology
  • Tests and Measurements
  • Academic Interventions
  • Ethics and Dispositions
  • Special Education and Law
  • Cognitive Assessments
  • Practicum A, B, and C
  • Developmental Milestones
  • Consultation in Schools
  • Academic and Processing Assessments
  • Intro to Research
  • Reading Assessment and Intervention
  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Behavior and SEL Interventions
  • Social Emotional Assessments
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Childhood Development Disorders
  • Special Population Assessments

FAQs About Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in California

What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s degree programs in California?

In most cases, students need at least a bachelor’s degree to apply to a psychology master’s degree program. Every school has its own specific admissions requirements. But generally, the best psychology master’s degree programs in California expect students to:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • Graduate from an undergraduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Submit letters of recommendation
  • Submit a personal statement
  • Earn a high score on the GRE
  • Complete prerequisite courses

Before applying to a specific program, be sure to check its admissions requirements and speak to an admissions representative if you have questions.

How long does it take to complete a psychology master’s degree program in California?

Most master’s degree programs in California take two years to complete. However, the amount of time it will take for you to complete a psychology master’s degree 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, approximately two years is standard. But, it might take three to four years to earn a psychology master’s degree as a part-time student. Some programs, such as the Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIOP) degree program at National University, take less than two years to complete.

How much does a psychology master’s degree program in California cost?

A psychology master’s degree program can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 in total. Like any educational program, the cost of a psychology master’s degree program in California depends on the school you attend.

In some cases, schools charge by the credit hour, while others charge by the semester or the academic year. A psychology master’s degree program at a public university generally costs less than one at a private university. If you pay in-state tuition rates, you’ll likely pay less, as well.

What type of financial aid is available for psychology students in California?

For most master’s degree programs, students have access to need-based aid, scholarships, and student loans. If you’re looking for ways to help pay for a psychology master’s degree program in California, you can look at the school’s psychology department, in many cases.

Schools like California State University, Northridge and Pepperdine University offer scholarships and grants directly to students to help cover the cost of their education. Students might also qualify for awards from organizations that specialize in the field of psychology, like the American Psychological Foundation.

Can I become a psychologist in California after earning a master’s degree?

While you can work in the psychology field with a master’s degree, you need a doctoral degree to become a licensed psychologist in California.

Graduates must have a qualifying doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, and six specific types of pre-licensure coursework in order to pursue licensure in the state, according to the California Board of Psychology.

Salary and Career Outlook for Mental Health Counselors in California

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Area Occupation 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Median
U.S. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $36,700 $89,920 $53,710
California Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,160 $108,070 $58,080
Bakersfield, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,000 $96,570 $55,600
Chico, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,990 $91,440 $58,670
El Centro, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $40,650 $79,820 $53,050
Fresno, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $37,210 $116,060 $51,190
Hanford-Corcoran, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $41,080 $97,290 $64,410
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,820 $98,210 $55,570
Madera, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,990 $92,210 $60,790
Merced, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,980 $85,670 $54,050
Modesto, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,570 $127,910 $63,090
Napa, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $41,010 $99,660 $61,120
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,670 $95,340 $58,480
Redding, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $35,270 $93,600 $52,950
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,490 $100,670 $56,870
Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,780 $126,300 $60,720
Salinas, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $41,070 $92,780 $59,770
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,030 $119,410 $52,250
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $44,400 $126,130 $62,110
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $47,180 $129,440 $71,520
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,320 $89,560 $44,240
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,500 $98,560 $57,420
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $39,510 $98,910 $57,740
Santa Rosa, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $41,970 $120,470 $58,690
Stockton-Lodi, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $40,150 $122,280 $62,640
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $37,810 $110,200 $55,710
Visalia-Porterville, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $37,300 $96,770 $52,280
Yuba City, CA Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors $38,440 $81,750 $59,190

Source: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


Area Occupation Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth %
United States Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors 388,200 459,600 71,400 18.40%
California Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors 57,400 70,200 12,800 22.30%

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Ranking Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in California

Many schools in California offer online psychology master’s degree programs. But, it can be challenging to figure out which one fits you best.

We generated a list of schools that are accredited, offer at least one online program, and feature vital student support services. Then, we ranked those programs based on factors such as the number of online programs offered and the number of graduate students who are enrolled in them. Explore top-rated online psychology master’s degree programs below.

1

Pepperdine University

Malibu, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

2

Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America

Santa Fe Springs, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

3

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, California

Public

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

4

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

5

The Chicago School

Los Angeles, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

6

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

7

California Baptist University

Riverside, California

Private

Online ProgramsOnline ProgramsOnline Programs

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Amy Williams AUTHOR

"As an innovative freelance writer with over five years of experience, Amy Williams has created hundreds of articles on topics such as mental health, general wellness, and education. She has a passion for creating educational content that is relatable and authentic. Amy earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Central Florida in 2018. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a secondary educator for three years. She specializes in blending her background in education with her creative writing skills to create informative and engaging content for the readers at EduMed."

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Ginny Gillikin EDITOR

Ginny Gillikin is a detail-oriented and dedicated professional with over 3 years of experience as a copy editor. She enjoys editing and fact-checking informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. Ginny earned a Communication/Print Journalism BA degree and an English minor from Virginia Tech.

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