Best Psychology Schools in California
Potential psychologists in California will find plenty of opportunities to pursue undergraduate and graduate psychology degree programs. If you’re searching for either, this guide can help you wade through some of the most important considerations.
How to Find a Psychology Program in California
When searching for a California-based psychology degree program, the potential student should carefully consider multiple factors. It's an important decision requiring an understanding of elements including the following.
Psychology Degree Pathways in California
Undergraduate programs in California have two options: a two-year associate's degree from a community college, and a four-year bachelor's degree, from a state college or university. Where psychology is concerned, both the BA (bachelor of arts) and the BS (bachelor of science) are available.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, graduate certificates are ideal for you to expand your skills into a niche area of psychology. Master's degrees in psychology are also available in science (MS) and arts (MA).
Doctorates are terminal degrees. For psychology, you may choose from a PsyD (ideal for clinical practice), or a Ph.D. (for research and policy).
Choose a Psychology Specialty
In most cases, undergraduate degrees are not available with specialties – majors are usually just psychology. It is at the graduate level that students begin their specialization process.
The University of California at Los Angeles currently offers a BA in Psychology, as well as in Cognitive Science and Psychobiology. They currently offer no master's programs, but a PsyD is available.
California State University Northridge offers a BA in psychology, and MAs in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Science, and in Applied Behavior Analysis.
There are many schools across the state that offer cutting-edge programs in psychology disciplines. Narrowing down your area of interest, if you have one, is a great way to hone in on the right program.
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited school and program is important to ensure you get the best education available for your money. There are several important reasons:
- Accreditation means measured quality adherence on teaching
- For clinical psychology, you will not be able to obtain a license with a non-accredited program
- Even non-clinical roles will expect accredited qualifications
- Professional associations usually require accredited qualifications
In the U.S., the American Psychological Association (APA) is the body responsible for accreditation. Regional accreditation for California is covered by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in California
There are advantages and disadvantages to both traditional campus study and online programs.
Online study programs are designed with your flexibility needs in mind. That usually means working at a pace that suits you. However, understand the difference between synchronous and asynchronous classes. The former is formal group classes in a virtual environment and usually has the same structured attendance.
The main benefit to campus study is being able to utilize group work within a social environment – one of the main non-academic reasons students go to college or university. This type of structure suits most standard students.
Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in California
Only doctorate graduates may apply for a license in California. However, some exceptions are made for those with extensive experience working as a school counselor with a bachelor's or master's degree only.
You will need a minimum of two years of supervised professional experience. This can be a combination of internship and supervised work, mentoring, and anything else that involves professional work experience.
Next, you are required to take and pass two tests. The first is the National Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. The other is the California Psychology Supplemental Examination. Only when you have passed the EPPP are you able to take the second test.
List of Psychology Degree Programs in California
Are you looking for a psychology degree program in California? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.