If you’re investigating going to graduate school for psychology, good news: there are many Master’s in Psychology programs in California that can help you pursue your goals and focus your future career. In fact, there are so many different types of psychology degrees for you to pursue that it may feel overwhelming to choose between the various options that are out there. However, this variety means there is a wealth of opportunities for you to find the path that’s right for you.
One of the most appealing things about the field of psychology is the wide range of subdisciplines in which you can focus your talents and proclivities.
This is a great asset for many aspiring psychology students, as it means there are numerous ways into the discipline that allow students to prioritize whatever interests them most. That said, because many psychology programs are designed to focus on one of these areas of concentration from the get-go, prospective students are encouraged to have done their research on the different branches of psychology so that they know which type of program will be right for them.
This guide provides an overview of the many different psychology degree types so that those applying to graduate programs have a strong sense of which area of concentration they’d like to give their attention to while in school. If you’re thinking about enrolling in a psych program, this article will help you make an informed decision with long-term influence on your career.
Choosing Your Desired Certification Can Help Point You Toward the Right Degree
While determining the type of psychology degree you wish to pursue, it may be helpful to take a long view of your dream career. This is because different types of psychology degrees can prepare you for different forms of psychologist certification, which in turn dictate the therapeutic practices you’re authorized to perform.
The top certifications for master’s-prepared psychologists are the following:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Provide therapy primarily focused on relationships, marriage, and family dynamics.
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): Provide counseling and therapy to individuals, with an emphasis on personal and emotional issues.
- Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP): Work within school systems to assess and treat learning and behavioral issues.
It is also possible to provide counseling and therapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), though this requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and is therefore not covered in this guide.
MA in Psychology vs. MS in Psychology: Which is right for you?
The guide below will outline the various subfields of psychology that you can choose from to focus your education and in turn, your career path. But there’s another important consideration to take into account as you choose from degree program options: whether you’d like to pursue a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology or a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. This can have important bearings on the type of work you do in your graduate program and beyond.
Both an MA and an MS in Psychology will qualify you to take on the advanced responsibilities of a psychologist, but the type of degree you hold may determine which skills you build in your psychology career.
For some Psychology concentrations, it’s only possible to pursue an MA or MS, depending on the field. But in other cases – such as general Psychology degrees or Clinical Psychology degrees – students have the choice between the two degree types.
Master of Arts in Psychology degrees typically place more emphasis on theoretical, philosophical, and counseling aspects of the psychology profession. Its focus is less on scientific findings than on the human dimension of the discipline of psychology, such as the interpersonal connections that can be formed through the counseling process and the nature of human behavior. This is a good path for those who know they wish to pursue counseling careers, such as roles as LMFTs or LPCCs.
Master of Science in Psychology degrees, meanwhile, tend to be more focused on research and data analysis. This is a good route for scientifically-inclined psychology students who are interested in roles involving quantitative analysis, methodological studies, and other macro-level approaches to psychological research. Certain technical fields in psychology, such as Forensic Psychology and Industrial-Organizational Psychology, tend to draw practitioners with MS degrees as opposed to MA degrees. There are also many clinical roles for those with MS degrees, though there are Clinical Psychology master’s programs in California offering both MS and MA degrees.
Focus Your Psychology Education in the Concentration of Your Choice
Not sure which branch of the psychology field is the one most suited for your interests and skills? Take a look at the descriptions below to find the focus area that’s right for you.
Applied Psychology (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a methodology used to support those living with a variety of behavioral issues, in particular autism spectrum disorder, for which it is one of the most prominent forms of behavioral health treatment. This degree track – typically a Master of Science degree – prepares students to become ABA counselors in behavioral health clinics, schools, and private practices. There are several Behavioral Psychology master’s programs in California offering training in ABA modalities.
Clinical Psychology
An especially popular psychology track due to its wide breadth of opportunity, the field of clinical psychology offers degree paths in both Master of Arts and Master of Sciences forms. Clinical psychologists tend to deal with diagnosing and treating mental health issues, some of which can be severe (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders).
Those who pursue MA pathways will get the education they need to become licensed therapists working directly with individuals, families, and groups in a wide range of settings. Certifications can include:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
Those who pursue the MS in Clinical Psychology, meanwhile, will receive an education that foregrounds scientific approaches to clinical practice. This is a more research-focused role that can focus on methodologies, outcomes of therapeutic processes, and other forms of data analysis. That said, those who pursue this track can also obtain the qualifications to pursue licensure as a therapist or clinical psychologist.
Interested applicants can find both forms of degree at clinical psychology master’s programs in California. There are also ways to get a Master’s in Clinical Psychology online in California, with coursework completed remotely.
Those who know they wish to work directly with clients in need – whether in one-on-one, couples, or group settings – can find the most focused option in Master’s in Counseling Psychology programs in California. In contrast with the clinical psychology discipline, this track is more primarily focused on helping people deal with everyday challenges, including stress, relationship issues, grief, and other meaningful life events. They can find employment in a variety of settings, from private practices to community organizations to schools and more. This is a great track for those interested in pursuing LMFT or LPCC certification.
Developmental Psychology
Science-minded psychology students who are interested in the process of cognitive development may take an interest in developmental psychology, which can span topics including social and emotional development, family processes, language acquisition, the formation of gender identity, and more. There are several Developmental Psychology master’s programs in California to help students enter this fascinating field.
Experimental Psychology
Typically offered exclusively as an MS track, this is a research and data-analysis focused branch of the psychology field that can lead to careers in labs, research facilities, businesses, and other practices that perform psychological consulting services. Those with degrees in experimental psychology can also qualify for more traditional roles as behavior analysts and psychotherapists.
Beyond therapeutic contexts, civic-minded psychologists can take on roles within the legal system, providing their expertise to inform court cases, forensic departments, and more. These roles can include victim advocacy, correctional system counseling, providing expert testimony during trial proceedings, and contributing assessments during criminal investigations. It’s worth noting that these positions often require doctorate degrees, but getting a degree from a Forensic Psychology master’s program in California will help you gain a deep education and ample field experience before gaining further expertise.
Health Psychology
A burgeoning field of psychology, health psychology is focused on the link between mental and physical well-being, with particular interest in the impact of disease and disability on one’s emotional life. This is often a research-focused track that can take stock of socioeconomic factors in relation to health and wellness, making it an especially engaging topic for those interested in healthcare and social issues.
Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Another rising branch of the psychology field, Industrial-Organizational psychology is concerned with the intersection of psychology and business. Indeed, increasingly, businesses are aware of the importance of having strong psychological support services available for personnel, which can also be utilized to inform organizational decisions as well as overall office culture. Opportunities for psychologists with an IO specialization can be found in large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and more.
Marketing Psychology
Another unexpected arena in which the field of psychology is increasingly relevant is in the world of advertising and business. Indeed, psychologists can help businesses develop and implement strategies to appeal to and sustain customers, drawing from their knowledge of human behavior and emotions to create savvy and intelligent marketing plans. In response to this rising field, more and more California Master’s in Marketing and Consumer Psychology are beginning to become available to allow new students into this exciting and remunerative career path.
School Psychology
School psychologists typically work in on-campus roles supporting students in a myriad of ways, from providing counseling to young people dealing with emotional and behavioral issues to tracking academic progress and other signs of wellness to ensure that all students are healthy and well cared-for. In some cases, they can perform mental health interventions for students who are struggling. In others, they can be data-collection specialists who report findings to school boards and in other official contexts. There are numerous school psychology masters programs in California where students can receive this training (sometimes known as educational psychology programs).
Social Psychology
A research and statistics oriented branch of psychology that typically yields an MS degree, social psychology takes a macro approach to the field of psychology, exploring widespread phenomena such as politics, culture, ethnicity, and gender in relation to the human mind and emotions. These programs involve significant methodological and statistical training, making it an engaging pathway for those who are interested in exploring the field of psychology through the lens of social science.
Another growing concentration in the field of psychology, sports psychology aims to support athletes in a variety of ways, from achieving ideal mental conditions to take on rigorous training to helping athletes cope with difficulties such as injury and the rehabilitation process. This can be an exciting path for those who are passionate about both athletics and psychology, as well as a remunerative choice with interesting job opportunities. There are several sports psychology master’s programs in California to pursue this rising sector of psychology.
Take the Next Steps to Find the Psychology Program That’s Right For You
If you have a strong sense of the concentration you’re interested in pursuing in your psychology career, your next step is to take a look at the many psychology master’s programs in California so that you can find the one that’s right for you. As our , there’s no shortage of options for those who wish to enter the field, but careful research will help you navigate the many possibilities out there so that you can find the best possible place to jumpstart your dream psychology career.
FAQs
Do I need a Master of Psychology degree to become a licensed therapist or counselor in California?
Licensed therapists and counselors in California are required to hold a master’s degree at a minimum, though there are several academic tracks one can take to be eligible for state licensing. In addition to the psychology degree pathways outlined above, it is also possible to become a licensed therapist with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
Do I need to enroll in specific psychology programs to pursue particular forms of licensing (e.g., LMFT)?
Yes. In many cases, there are multiple degree pathways that can lead you to the certification you want, but not every psychology-related degree will qualify you for every credentialing option. For that reason, it’s important to keep in mind which type of counseling practice you’d like to take up for your career and the corresponding license you’ll need at the outset of the application process.
Are there dual masters and PhD programs in Psychology in California?
Yes. Those who know they wish to work at the most advanced levels in the field of psychology have the opportunity to go straight from their master’s programs into doctoral programs to streamline their educations and launch high-ranking careers in psychology. Not every university offers this, so it’s worth looking specifically into each school on your list to see if they will allow you to pursue a PhD after your master’s degree.
Is it possible to get an online Master’s in Psychology in California?
Yes! It’s quite easy to get a master’s of psychology in California in a fully online or hybrid format. Typically, students will be required to complete practicum hours in person at clinics, community centers, schools, and other institutions offering counseling services, but you’ll be able to complete courses online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. In recent years, many prestigious universities have expanded into remote learning, meaning those looking for online psychology master’s programs in California will find a plethora of compelling opportunities to do so.