A 2018 study at the Healthforce Center at UCSF concluded that California’s need for psychologists will increase through 2028. The APA notes that California also has more psychologists than any other state with 16,900 of the nation’s 102,000 psychologists as of 2019. In other words, now is a great time to pursue a psychology education in California. Show
Aspiring psychologists and anyone wanting to work in mental health, social work, human resources, and similar careers can choose from dozens of traditional or online psychology programs in California. Keep reading to learn about this year’s best accredited programs, explore career options and salary potential after graduation, and more. Choosing the psychology program in California that is right for you begins with knowing what top-tier schools offer, even if you end up going with a different option. To help you learn what a quality program looks like, we’ve highlighted three of the very best schools for psychology in the state. Learn more about what each college offers below and what makes them special — and see if one of their psychology programs sounds like a good fit for your education and career goals. Stay tuned for our full list of top psychology programs in California later this year. 1 University of California, Los AngelesThe University of California, Los Angeles, one of the most well-known institutions of higher education in the world, also has some of the best psychology programs in California. The approximately 4,000 students enrolled at UCLA’s Department of Psychology choose from a healthy offering of graduate and undergraduate degree programs. UCLA also has numerous centers devoted to the field of psychology. Those focused on research include the UCLA Baby Lab, UCLA Behavioral Testing Core, Anxiety Disorders Research Center, and FPR-UCLA Center for Culture, Brain, Development, and Mental Health. The school also offers additional learning opportunities through the UCLA Psychology Clinic, including supervised mental health services for graduate students. Postdoctoral positions are also available for graduate students to hone their skills and contribute to the psychology department through mentorship, teaching, and research. Delivery:
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2 University of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California has one of the most diverse psychology programs in California in terms of faculty, students, and research programs. Its Diversity Committee helps promote the recruitment and education of a diverse student body and works with students and faculty to find ways to further improve the ethnic, gender, social, and cultural characteristics of the psychology programs. Delivery:
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3 California State University, Long BeachOne of the largest schools in the California State University system, California State University, Long Beach’s Department of Psychology offers both bachelor’s and master’s psychology degrees. However, it’s the student services that make this among the best psychology programs in California. Its resources include academic advising, department-specific scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and psychology student organizations. One resource of special note is the Psychology Resource Office. PRO assists students with finding volunteer opportunities and internships, applying to graduate school, and exploring career options after graduation. Psychology students interested in research also have plentiful options with the Center of Usability in Design and Accessibility, the Robert Newman Computer Lab, and the Center for Human Factors in Advanced Aeronautics Technologies. Delivery:
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Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in CaliforniaWorking professionals can turn to hybrid or fully-online psychology programs in California to continue working while furthering their education. Some of the best psychology programs in California are now offered at least partially online, though those with a practicum requirement still require it be completed in person. Additionally, some fully online programs don’t require a practicum, especially at the undergraduate level, but they might still have on-campus intensives or seminars from time to time. There’s a solid selection of online psychology degree programs in California, so finding the convenience and affordability that come with online learning is certainly possible. We’ve highlighted some of the top programs below to show you what’s available and to preview our longer list coming later in 2022. 1 California Southern UniversityCSU’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers an array of undergraduate and graduate psychology degree programs and certificates, many of which are available online. The online programs offer maximum convenience with all classwork delivered through distance learning methods such as the CalSouthern Learning Center online learning platform. Most curriculum components are online, though some degrees have hands-on learning requirements like the internship for the PsyD degree. Additionally, services like the Learner Support Specialists may require a campus visit. Degrees and certificates at CSU are very affordable, with most programs costing $545 per credit. To make online learning as beneficial as possible, students also have access to faculty mentors who not only understand the academic material but also have experience in clinical practice. Undergraduate Programs:
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2 Alliant International UniversityAlliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology is accredited by both the American Psychological Association and Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Unlike some psychology programs in California where students can choose from either a master’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology, AIU offers a complete spectrum of programs, from a bachelor’s to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. There are also several certificate programs to choose from and a diverse set of concentrations and specializations. To help students succeed in school and after graduation, AIU offers student advisors, career services, and financial and personal support services. Undergraduate Programs:
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3 National UniversityStudents choose one of many psychology programs offered by National University’s College of Letters and Sciences or a psychology degree from the recently created JFK School of Psychology. In fact, they have six online degree offerings and many on-campus degree offerings through NU’s various campuses as options. Some programs have in-person curriculum requirements like internships. NU’s online programs are designed for working adults with students taking just one class every four weeks. For maximum flexibility, prospective psychology students can apply anytime, and classes begin every month. NU also recognizes up to 13.5 quarter credits through transfer. Undergraduate Programs:
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Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in CaliforniaPsychology degrees in California offer a wealth of focus options. From the two-year associate degree that gets you started in the basic tenets of psychology to the doctoral degree that paves the way to become a clinical psychologist, California psychology schools offer many paths to reaching your career goals. We’ve detailed the various levels you can pursue below and provided examples of California schools offering them. Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in CaliforniaAssociate Degrees in PsychologyAn associate degree in psychology prepares you for work in a variety of support positions, including as a psychiatric technician or aide or 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. Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree Contra Costa College (On-Campus) Los Angeles City College (On-Campus) California Coast University (Online) Bachelor’s Degrees in PsychologyThis four-year degree provides a psychology foundation for advanced study at the graduate level while also presenting the opportunity to specialize. Those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology often find careers in counseling, customer service, human resources, and other jobs where they work with the public. Students learn the basics of addictions and the different types of psychology, such as organizational psychology or developmental psychology, as well as develop research skills. Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree National University (Online) University of California, San Diego (On-Campus) California Southern University (Online) Graduate Psychology Degrees in CaliforniaMaster’s Degrees in PsychologyA master’s degree in psychology builds upon the foundations and theories of psychology learned during a bachelor’s degree and takes two to four years to complete. You can also choose an area of psychology to specialize in, including forensic psychology, consumer psychology, psychopharmacology, school psychology, and more. Though some states allow graduates to work as family therapists or other types of counselors, work is also often available in market research, project management, human resources, and social services. Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree Alliant International University (Online) California State University, Long Beach (On-Campus) University of Southern California (Online) PsyD ProgramsPsyD 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, PsyD programs also require a dissertation or doctoral project of publishable quality. Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree Pepperdine University (On-Campus) California Lutheran University (On-Campus) California Southern University (Online) Psychology PhD ProgramsThose 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. Examples of Accredited California Colleges with this Psychology Degree University of California, Riverside (On-Campus) University of California, Davis (On-Campus) The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Online) Graduate CertificatesGraduate 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. Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in CaliforniaFinancial aid and scholarships for psychology students in California typically come through professional organizations, schools, businesses, or the federal government. You can also take out private or federal loans to cover tuition costs. Students in California might find additional financial aid through the state. Those include the Licensed Mental Health Services Provider Education Program, which provides funding for graduates who choose to work in certain geographical areas. Visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for additional state-specific aid information. In addition, check out our financial aid guide and scholarship guide. Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in CaliforniaGraduating from among the best psychology programs in California puts you in a great position for a well-paying career with ample opportunity for growth and professional development. Most careers requiring or benefiting from a psychology degree, with the marketing industry being one of the biggest, have at least double-digit growth projections in California. Many of these positions are in major metropolitan areas. Given how in demand these professions are, the California average annual wage is also pretty high. Each career has its unique set of compensation and growth statistics, but we’ve identified five careers that do a good job providing a broad representation of what psychology graduates in California can expect to make when they enter the workforce. You’ll notice that the growth rates and annual mean wages are well above the national average for the United States.
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in CaliforniaCalifornia 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 the state of California, offers numerous resources, advocacy, professional development, an annual convention, and more. California Psychological Association of Graduate Students This Facebook page is for the graduate students who are members of the California Psychological Association to help them keep up with opportunities open to graduate students. 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. Which college in California has the best psychology program?Top-Ranked Psychology Schools
Stanford University; Stanford, CA – #1. University of California Berkeley; Berkeley, CA – #2. University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA – #3. University of California San Diego; San Diego, CA – #13.
What school has the best psychology program?2023 Best Psychology Schools. What college ranks number 1 in psychology?Gourman Report Ranking. Which college gives best placement for psychology?Best Psychology Colleges in India for Masters. TATA Institute of Social Science.. Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Science, Noida.. Indian Institute of Psychological Research.. Ambedkar University.. Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Delhi.. |