If you’re a California resident with ambitions to become a therapist or counselor, great news: the state is home to numerous fantastic psychology master’s programs where you can earn the degree that will kickstart your career. Indeed, those who are hoping to obtain graduate degrees in the Golden State will find as many options as they could possibly hope for, with a variety of program concentrations, scheduling possibilities, and program formats to suit a huge range of student needs. With so many choices out there, you’re sure to find the psychology master’s program that works for you.
Getting a degree in psychology is no small task, but the terrific program options in California will make your studies engaging and illuminating as you work toward your goals.
This is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to become a therapist or counselor, as the state of California requires a degree in psychology (or, in some cases, social work) in order to qualify for state licensure. Holding a Master of Psychology degree asserts that you have completed the education and training needed to take on the delicate responsibilities of a therapist, working directly with patients to provide support through emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.
This guide will provide an overview of the best psychology master’s programs in California, with information about the range of degree concentrations and program types so that you can find the school that’s best for your needs. Read on to learn everything you need to know so that you can apply for the psychology programs that are right for you.
A Note on This Guide
This guide includes an index of top psychology programs at schools across the state of California. However, it’s important to note that offerings at the best Master’s in Psychology programs in California can be quite different from one to the next, meaning it’s important to do your research to be sure the programs on your list fill your personal requirements and will lead you toward your unique career goals.
One important factor to consider is degree concentrations. There are within the broad field of psychology, and most schools offer degree pathways in a few (but not all) of them. This means it’s important to reflect on your long-term career goals at the outset of the application process to be sure you’re selecting programs that will prepare you for your desired career path. In some cases, you will be expected to apply directly for programs in your intended concentration area, so this is not a deliberation that can be left for the last step.
It’s also worth noting that the tuition data included in this guide is taken from the NCES College Navigator database, which provides tuition averages – not necessarily exact figures. Prospective applicants are advised to keep this in mind and do their own research on individual program websites to find more specific numbers to estimate program costs.
Our Top Program Picks
Below is our list of the best colleges in California for psychology master’s programs. Be sure to take a look at the degree pathways available at each of these schools to be sure they align with your particular career goals and interests.
Alliant University
Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco
Website
MA in Clinical Counseling (on-campus, online)
MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology (on-campus, online)
MA in Marital and Family Therapy (on-campus, online)
MA in Organizational Psychology (on-campus, online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $18,704
Alliant University offers a variety of master’s programs in psychology, each with a different core concentration. These are primarily online programs that nevertheless involve a significant amount of on-the-ground practicum hours designed to provide hands-on training and exposure to students’ future responsibilities in their careers. Each of these programs is designed to prepare students for credentialing exams for the relevant licenses in their respective field of psychology.
Prospective students should know that not all psychology programs offered at Alliant University are available on every campus, though every pathway is available in an online format, making it convenient for students to enroll in classes from wherever in California they are located. Those looking to take classes in-person can find the programs they are looking for in the following locations:
- Clinical Counseling: Fresno, Online
- Clinical Psychopharmacology: Online only
- Marital and Family Therapy: Irvine, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Online
- Organizational Psychology: Online only
Applicants are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees in any subject from accredited universities. Prospective students must apply directly to their program of choice, meaning it’s important to give consideration to your long-term career goals at the outset of the application process.
Antioch University – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Website
MA in Clinical Psychology (see concentration below)
On-campus, online, low residency (vary by degree pathway)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $21,816
Antioch University Los Angeles offers a Clinical Psychology MA program with a huge number of dedicated specialization pathways, allowing students to pursue the key area in which they would like to focus their careers. Students have the option to select a concentration from the following choices:
- Addiction & Recovery
- Applied Community Psychology
- Child Studies
- General Practice
- LGBT+ Affirmative Specialization
- Psychological Trauma Studies Specialization
- Spiritual & Depth Psychology
Each of these pathways has its own 90-unit curriculum, designed to be taken over eight full-time quarters (two years) or 16 part-time quarters (four years). Every degree pathway meets the requirements for licensure as an MFT or PCC in the state of California.
Students in the Clinical Psychology program have the option of attending full-time or part-time, and additionally choosing between the school’s “cohort scheduling” option, in which students take over half their classes on one day of the week (oftentimes a Saturday), or a “flexible scheduling” option, in which they are able to select their class sections from a variety of options occurring over the course of the week. These options allow students with a range of scheduling needs to easily attend class on the terms that work for them, ensuring that their pursuit of a psychology degree can fit in with the rest of their lives.
Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students are able to enroll four times a year, commencing in either the Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer quarters.
Antioch University – Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Website
MA in Psychology (on-campus)
MA in Clinical Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $32,000
Antioch Santa Barbara offers two primary degree pathways in the Psychology field: an MA in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Psychology. The former is a 5-quarter program that does not qualify students for clinical licensure but is a great choice for those who know they wish to enroll in doctoral programs in Psychology down the line, offering a streamlined and accelerated education to move onto the next stage of their education quickly. The latter is an 8-quarter program that is indeed designed for clinical licensure, and even offers two unique concentration pathways: LatinX Mental Health and Somatic Psychotherapy, both of which are difficult programs to find at many other California schools.
The programs at Antioch Santa Barbara are on-campus programs, though students can elect to take on course schedules that consolidate their class time into as few as one single day per week and graduate on the projected timeline for students on a full-time schedule. Both degree pathways involve practicum hours (which are much more extensive for those in the Clinical Psychology program). Those pursuing the concentration pathways in Clinical Psychology have stricter requirements for where they complete their practicum hours to ensure they will be receiving proper training for their degree type.
Applicants to both of the Antioch Santa Barbara programs have two rounds of admissions in which they can enroll: the Fall term and the Spring term. In both cases, applicants are required to hold bachelor’s degrees in any subjects from accredited universities.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, Inland Empire, Orange County, San Diego
Website
MA in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
MS in Child Life
MS in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents
MS in Organizational Psychology
MS in Research Psychology and Data Analysis
On-campus, online (vary by program)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $17,180
Azusa Pacific University offers several degree pathways for those interested in pursuing careers in the field of psychology. The school’s MA in Clinical Psychology program is designed to equip students for certification as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), with additional opportunities to pursue certificates in Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1, Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Play Therapy, or dual certification as an MFT and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). This degree path is available on the Azusa, Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego Campuses. Taken on a full-time schedule, it can be completed in two years.
Meanwhile, APU also offers several MS tracks in Psychology catered toward different interests and career paths: Child Life, Counseling with Specialization in Children and Adolescents, Organizational Psychology, and Research Psychology and Data Analysis. These degree pathways prepare future psychologists for focused careers in the area of their choosing, with those that require licensure meeting the state’s qualification standards. The first three of these degree pathways are available at the Azusa campus and online, while the Research Psychology and Data Analysis track is only available at the Azusa campus.
Azusa Pacific University is a Christian university that incorporates religious teachings and values into its curriculum, though students of all religious backgrounds are welcomed. It is also a Yellow Ribbon & Military Friendly School with benefits specifically to support veterans.
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
Website
MS in Counseling Psychology (offered on-campus and online)
MA in Forensic Psychology
MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
MS in School Psychology
On-campus, online (vary by program)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $14,184
California Baptist University is a Christian institution that offers a variety of psychology-related master’s degrees that incorporate religious values into students’ professional education and training. The school offers both MS and MA pathways, each focused on specific topics and career pathways (see the list above). It is also possible for students in the Counseling Psychology track to elect to pursue a dual degree with the MA in Counseling Ministry track. All of these programs are offered through the School of Behavioral Sciences, save for the School Psychology program, which is offered through the School of Education.
The majority of these programs take two years to complete when taken on a full-time schedule. This includes class time and practicum hours which provide hands-on training for future psychologists. The Industrial-Organizational Psychology program, meanwhile, takes only 20 months to complete, while the School Psychology program takes eight semesters and can be completed in two and a half years at the fastest.
Please note that prospective applicants must apply directly to their program of choice, meaning you cannot make your concentration selection after enrollment. It’s worth giving a good amount of thought and careful research into the program opportunities at CBU before beginning your program applications.
California Institute of Integral Studies
San Francisco, CA
Website
MA in Community Mental Health (Hybrid)
MA in Drama Therapy (On-campus)
MA in East-West Psychology (Online)
MA in Expressive Arts Therapy (Online)
MA in Integral Counseling Psychology (On-campus)
MA in Somatic Psychology (On-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $23,130
California Institute of Integral Studies is a San Francisco-based school that offers master’s degrees in a range of psychology-related modalities. This path-breaking institution is committed to educating students in a range of cross-cultural practices that merge Eastern, Western, and Indigenous wellness traditions to develop holistic approaches to care. This innovative approach to the field of psychology is a great choice for students who are interested in drawing in a multitude of time-tested perspectives on mental health support to create new healing techniques.
Students at CIIS can choose between six different master’s programs, each designed to train students for a different form of therapeutic practice. When applicable, these programs provide the education needed to take credentialing exams for MFT or LPCC certification. Program lengths are typically 2-3 years, with the option of extending (for students who wish to pursue LPCC status). These programs span the different delivery formats from on-campus to hybrid to 100% online – see the above degree listings for more information. That said, students should expect to complete practicum hours in-person at a San Francisco-based clinic.
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA
Website: Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology
MS in Clinical Psychology (on-campus)
MS in Counseling Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $22,198
Cal Lutheran is a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) based in Thousand Oaks, CA. The school offers two master’s programs in psychology, both of which offer Master of Science degrees. One of these is an MS in Counseling Psychology specifically designed to prepare students for MFT licensure in the state of California. The other, an MS in Clinical Psychology, is designed to prepare students who wish to take on doctorate degrees in psychology. It should be noted that this latter program does not equip students for any form of clinical licensure, and therefore is only a good choice for students who know they wish to move on to higher-level psychology degrees.
Both of the psychology master’s programs at Cal Lutheran are five-semester programs that can be completed in two years, including a summer session. The Clinical Psychology program is only offered on the school’s primary Thousand Oaks campus, while Counseling Psychology is available in Thousand Oaks as well as at the school’s satellite locations in Westlake Village and Oxnard. These programs are also available on part-time schedules.
New students are welcomed into Cal Lutheran’s psychology programs annually, with new school years beginning in the fall. Veterans and active duty military personnel should note that Cal Lutheran is a Yellow Ribbon University that is committed to covering costs beyond what is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, making this an excellent program choice for those who have completed military service.
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Diego
Website
MA of Applied Psychology (Online)
MS of Clinical Psychopharmacology (Online)
MA of Clinical Psychopharmacology (Online)
MA of Forensic Psychology (Online)
MA of International Psychology (Online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $24,264
Though its main campus is, as one might guess, in Chicago, IL, the Chicago School has several campuses in the state of California and offers numerous online programs that offer some of the best psychology masters programs in Southern California. Four of these five programs are available exclusively online, making it a convenient choice for students located outside of the three California cities where the Chicago School has satellite locations, while the fifth – Forensic Psychology – is available in all three as well as online. These programs typically take one to two years when completed on a full-time schedule .
It’s worth noting that most of these programs are geared toward students who wish to pursue uncredentialed job opportunities in their respective concentration areas or who plan to attend doctoral programs upon completing their master’s degrees. That said, the MA of Forensic Psychology offers a licensure track designed to prepare students for credentialing exams upon graduating. The MS of Clinical Psychopharmacology track also offers a licensure program for those who wish to hold prescriptive authority in the state of Illinois, but they do not offer a pre-licensure track for those who wish to obtain such credentials in California.
Each program at the Chicago School has its own admissions process, meaning students should look carefully at application requirements for the specific program they would like to enroll in. All applicants are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees in order to apply.
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA
Website
MS of Counseling Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $19,953
Those who live in the Bay Area can find an excellent psychology graduate program option at Dominican University of California, which offers an MS of Counseling Psychology program with a certification track for both MFTs and LPCCs (the two certificate paths are encompassed within a single 60-unit program). Students who know they wish to pursue doctoral degrees can also elect to stick to the traditional program track, skipping the certification-based coursework to complete their MS of Counseling Psychology in a 43-unit program. These programs take 30 to 36 months to complete on a full-time schedule.
Dominican University proudly offers part-time options for students who are juggling outside responsibilities while in school, as well as evening and weekend classes to accommodate other commitments students may have. By maximizing flexibility, the school aims to ensure that students who wish to take the next steps in their psychology careers have the opportunity to do so without interfering with their existing schedules.
Applicants to Dominican University’s MS of Counseling Psychology program are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Fielding Graduate University
Santa Barbara, CA
Website
MA of Applied Media Psychology (online)
MA of Infant, Child, and Family Mental Health Development (online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $22,260
For those looking for specialized psychology degrees that can be pursued with a maximum of convenience, Fielding Graduate University offers two master’s programs available entirely online, on schedules designed to accommodate working professionals. These programs offer unique concentration pathways that few other schools offer, giving incoming students the opportunity to develop highly sought-after areas of expertise that not many other psychology professionals have.
It’s worth noting that neither of these programs are designed to prepare students for certification exams, meaning those who wish to pursue MFT or LPCC credentials will be better served by other programs. However, those who wish to explore psychology-related jobs outside of direct counseling roles can find a host of interesting and remunerative opportunities with their degrees. The MA of Applied Media Psychology program provides the education needed for professionals in the fields of marketing, communications, and business to inform strategy with approaches rooted in human psychology. The MA of Infant, Child, and Family Mental Health Development, meanwhile, can help working therapists and educators alike, enriching their practices with a targeted understanding of the psychological needs of young people.
Applicants must apply directly to each degree pathway. The MA of Applied Media Psychology program requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5, while the MA of ICFMHD requires a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA
Website
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy (hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $23,664
Fuller Theological Seminary is a Christian university with campuses in Pasadena, CA and Phoenix, AZ. Their programs place an emphasis on the spiritual and religious values behind various service-oriented occupations, including their MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program. This program is designed to prepare students for credentialing exams to become MFTs and LPCCs upon graduating.
There are two scheduling options for students in the Pasadena MS MFT program. The first is a two-year, full-time program that includes both online and on-campus courses as well as a practicum beginning at the end of students’ first year or the beginning of their second. The second is a three-year program, the first two years of which are part-time (with both online courses and on-campus courses once a week) and the third year of which is full-time, including a 20-hour-a-week practicum.
Applicants to Fuller Theological Seminary have the opportunity to apply for the Vermeer Scholarship, which has an application process of its own that accompanies the program application. This opportunity is reserved for students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher.
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, CA
Website
MA in Counseling Psychology (hybrid, online)
MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (hybrid, online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $16,815
Golden Gate University is a San Francisco-based institution that offers two master’s degree pathways related to psychology: an MA in Counseling Psychology and an MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. These programs are offered in both hybrid and fully online formats, allowing students to pursue their degrees with a maximum of convenience, a particularly attractive opportunity for students who plan to maintain employment while in school. They take one to two years to complete when taken on a full-time schedule, with the Counseling Psychology track requiring 60 units of study and the Industrial-Organizational track requiring 27.
The Counseling Psychology MA is geared toward preparing students for licensure as both MFTs and LPCCs. Central to this preparation is a required traineeship, in which students complete 300 face-to-face clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed professional. (Those who plan on completing their coursework online should still factor in these in-person requirements as they prepare for their educational schedules.) The Industrial-Organizational program, meanwhile, does not prepare students for licensing exams, but rather equips them with the skills needed to take on leadership or consulting positions in businesses of all sizes that can benefit from the perspective of a psychologist, whether in internal matters, marketing strategy, or other significant organizational decisions.
All applicants are expected to hold undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher. However, those who have lower GPAs have the opportunity to address their previous academic performance and make the case for how they will improve their grades in their graduate course of study.
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA
Website
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (on-campus)
MS in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $16,815
Hope International University is a Christian institution that offers two psychology master’s programs that are grounded in Christian values and principles. Both of these programs – an MA track in Marriage and Family Therapy and an MS track in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy – are designed to prepare students for credentialing; the former provides training for MFT certification, while the latter prioritizes LPCC certification (though students in this program can also leave qualified to become MFTs as well).
The MA program at Hope International is exclusively on-campus, with students additionally completing practicum hours at clinics and other organizations providing therapy and counseling to individuals and families. The MS program, meanwhile, is a fully-online program that also includes an on-the-ground practicum requirement intended to build skills and experience to prepare students for their future career paths.
Both of these programs require direct applications. Students are expected to hold bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions in order to apply.
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA
Website
MA in Counseling - General (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – MFT/LPCC (on-campus)
MA in Counseling & EDS, with PPS (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – PPS/School Counseling (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – Forensic Mental Health (on-campus)
MA in Sports & Exercise Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $15,067
La Sierra University is a Riverside-based institution offering a large number of master’s degree pathways in the psychology field, including some of the best educational psychology master’s programs in California. These programs are designed to prepare students for relevant credentialing exams (namely, MFT and LPCC), with some education-focused programs additionally offering the opportunity to pursue additional certificates in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS). Students who wish to forgo licensing and instead pursue doctoral degrees in psychology can modify their course selections to do so.
Most of the programs at La Sierra University are geared primarily toward counseling, though the school’s concentration pathways offer opportunities to gain unique areas of expertise that few other universities offer, such as Sports & Exercise Psychology and Forensic Mental Health with a Counseling focus. All seven of these programs, offered exclusively on-campus, typically take one to two years to complete on a full-time schedule, though it’s worth researching the specific program that appeals to you to determine how long it will take you.
Loyola Marymount University
Westchester, CA
Website
MA in Counseling (hybrid)
MA in School Counseling with PPS Credential (hybrid)
MA in Guidance Counseling (hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $21,558
Loyola Marymount University is a Jesuit institution that welcomes students of all religious backgrounds. It is another of the best colleges in California for psychology master’s programs, offering several degree pathways and a variety of licensure options for students within each of its programs. These are generally hybrid programs that split time between on-campus courses in Westchester and online classes, though students in all programs are expected to complete practicum hours onsite at the location of their choosing. Depending on one’s chosen degree pathway, program durations typically span two to three years on a full-time schedule.
Students in the Counseling MA program will graduate equipped for LPCC credentialing, with the additional option of pursuing Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) certification as well. This can be useful for those whose primary focus is counseling who also wish to work in schools and other educational organizations. Those who know they wish to work in schools can pursue the School Counseling with PPS Certification pathway or the less intensive Guidance Counseling pathway, the latter of which does not offer PPS training.
Applicants to LMU have three application periods to choose from, with program start dates in January, May, and August. Applicants are expected to have a 3.0 GPA from their undergraduate studies or a 3.05 GPA from the last 60 semester units of undergraduate studies.
Menlo College
Atherton, CA
Website
MA of Sport and Performance Psychology (hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $21,000
Menlo College is a Silicon Valley-based institution that has, as of 2023, expanded its educational offerings to include graduate programs. This includes its brand-new MA of Sport and Performance Psychology, a program designed to train students for this burgeoning concentration within the field of psychology. Coursework for this program will leave students equipped for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) examination, qualifying them for competitive coaching positions or advisor roles helping athletes enhance their skills and maximize their potential.
The MA of Sport and Performance Psychology program takes two years to complete on a full-time schedule, with classes offered on a flexible schedule to allow working professionals to fit class time into the rest of their lives. The program includes supervised practicum hours intended to build skills and develop on-the-ground expertise. Those who need to slow down their schedule have the option of adding a third year of field work, spreading their program obligations over an extra year to have more time for other responsibilities.
Early action (non-binding) applications for Menlo College are typically due in January, while regular admissions applications are due in March. All programs start in the fall.
Meridian University
Petaluma, Santa Monica
Website
MA in Psychology (hybrid, online)
MA in Counseling Psychology (hybrid, online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $21,632
Meridian University is an international institution with California campuses in Petaluma and Santa Monica. The school offers two MA pathways in the psychology field: an MA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling Psychology. The former is an 18-24 month program that is one of the best master’s programs in general psychology in California, offering students a foundational education in the field that can prepare those who wish to pursue doctoral degrees for the rest of their education. The latter is a 24-36 month program designed to prepare students for California MFT and LPCC credentials. To maximize flexibility for students, both programs are available in both hybrid and online formats (with in-person classes held at the school’s Santa Monica location).
The curriculum at Meridian University aims to open up a variety of opportunities in the field of psychology, ranging from the traditional to the innovative. Concentration options in both programs include Business Psychology, Collective Trauma and Social Healing, Transpersonal Psychology, Yoga and Psychology, and more. Students can enrich their knowledge and skills in these areas through practicum opportunities at relevant institutions.
Applicants to Meridian University have the opportunity to apply for the school’s three Impact Scholarships: the Social Entrepreneurship scholarship, the Developmental Coaching Scholarship, and the Collective Trauma Transformation Scholarship. Applications are accepted quarterly.
National University
San Diego, CA
Website
Degree options:
- MA in Counseling Psychology
- MA in Human Behavior
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MA in Sports and Performance Psychology
- MA in Psychology, Consciousness, and Transformation
- MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- MS in Educational Counseling – Community College Counseling
- MS in Forensic Psychology
- MS in Health Psychology
- MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- MS in School Psychology with PPS Certification
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $21,632
National University has 25 campus locations across California, including in San Diego (where its headquarters are located), Los Angeles, Fresno, Pleasant Hill, and Rancho Cordova, among others. The school offers a wide range of MA and MS programs in Psychology (see the list above), allowing students to pick between options to choose the specialization area where they’d like to focus their careers. These are online programs that students can take from wherever they are, completing practicum hours at the location of their choosing.
Students in some of these programs (the Counseling related programs, Clinical programs, and Marriage and Family Therapy program) will graduate qualified to take certification exams as MFTs or LPCCs. Other programs will build advanced professional skills that will qualify graduates for job opportunities as psychologist consultants in a variety of organizations.
Applicants to National University must apply directly to the specific program of their choice. Veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces can benefit from the school’s extensive military benefits, which can include tuition discounts. All students can apply for the school’s Key Grant, a needs-based grant designed to make college more affordable for motivated students.
Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA
Website
MS in Clinical Psychology (on-campus, online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $15,300
Notre Dame de Namur University is a Catholic institution located in the Bay Area. The school offers an MS in Clinical Psychology program available in both on-campus and online formats, giving students the chance to pursue their graduate degrees on their own terms. Students are able to elect to take classes on full-time or part-time schedules, with class options on late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
Those in the Clinical Psychology program have the option of adding coursework toward MFT and LPCC certification. There are also specialization tracks in Business, Organizational, and Consulting Psychology (all one program) and Applied Psychology. All of these paths require students to complete practicum hours to provide hands-on training in their chosen area of specialty, with opportunities to train at the clinic or organization of their choice.
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Summerland, CA
Website
MA in Counseling Psychology
MA in Depth Psychology and Creativity – Arts & Humanities
In-person intensives (Counseling Psychology), hybrid (Depth Psychology & Creativity)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $15,300
Pacifica Graduate Institute is a Summerland-based graduate school offering a variety of psychology degrees rooted in the depth psychology tradition. Most of its program offerings are PhD programs, but the school offers MA tracks in Counseling Psychology and Depth Psychology and Creativity. The former of these programs is a three-year program designed to equip students with the education needed to sit for MFT and LPCC exams. The latter is a two-year program designed to open up new vocational opportunities in roles related to creative therapy and artistic production.
Pacifica’s MA programs are designed around occasional on-campus intensives. The MA in Counseling Psychology involves monthly three-day sessions on campus in the fall, winter, and spring, and a seven-day summer intensive each of the first two years of school. The MA in Depth Psychology & Creativity program is a hybrid program that features primarily online classes, with a four-day long-weekend intensive each quarter. This means that students in these programs can be located wherever they wish, though they should be ready to make regular visits to Summerland to attend on-campus classes.
Applicants to Pacifica’s MA programs are encouraged to apply for the school’s focused scholarship programs, which are department-specific opportunities that can help significantly lower the cost of school. The school also offers Yellow Ribbon Matching Scholarships for veterans and active duty military members.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA
Website
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (hybrid, online)
MS in Psychology (online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $45,500
Located in Silicon Valley, Palo Alto University is devoted to training students to become mental and behavioral health professionals across a variety of specializations. These hybrid and online programs are designed for working professionals, allowing a maximum of scheduling flexibility so that students can pursue the next steps in their careers without losing the ability to work while in school.
There are two master’s pathways for psychologists at PAU: an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a generalist MS in Psychology. The former is a hybrid program designed to prepare students for MFT or LPCC certification. It is available in both online and hybrid formats, with the latter featuring classes on PAU’s campus. The latter is intended to prepare students to enroll in doctoral programs in psychology, with the option of transitioning into PAU’s residential PhD program in Clinical Psychology during their second year of school. This MS program features four concentration pathways: Generalist, Technology and Mental Health, Forensic Psychology, and PhD prep. This is a fully online program that students can take on a full-time or part-time basis.
The MA program has two enrollment periods: one that starts in the spring and the other that starts in the fall. The MS program only has one academic track per year, beginning in the fall. It is recommended that applicants have undergraduate GPAs of 3.3 or higher.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, West Los Angeles, Irvine, Calabasas
Website
MA in Psychology (on-campus, online)
MA in Clinical Psychology – MFT Emphasis (on-campus, online)
MA in Clinical Psychology – MFT Emphasis – LatinX Communities (on-campus)
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus, online)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $41,400
Pepperdine University is a Christian institution whose Graduate School of Education and Psychology had its 50th anniversary in 2021. The school offers several master’s tracks related to the field of psychology, most of them available in both on-campus and 100% online models. The Clinical Psychology track also has two on-campus options – daytime and evening – to accommodate different students’ scheduling needs. Pepperdine’s masters programs can take from 16 months to three years, depending on the degree pathway that you choose. The MA in Psychology program is intended for those who plan to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology upon completion of their graduate degrees, while the other programs are designed to prepare students for licensing and board exams (as MFTs and BCBAs, respectively).
Though Pepperdine’s main campus is in Malibu, not all of its on-campus master’s programs are based out of that campus. On-campus program locations are as follows:
- MA in Psychology: West LA, Irvine, Calabasas
- MA in Clinical Psychology – daytime format: Malibu
- MA in Clinical Psychology – nighttime format: West LA, Irvine, Calabasas
- MA in Clinical Psychology – LatinX Communities: West LA, Irvine, Calabasas
- MA in Applied Behavior Analysis: West Los Angeles
With the exception of the LatinX Community specialty Clinical Psychology program, all of these master’s tracks are also available online, making it a convenient choice for students all over California.
Pepperdine’s psychology programs welcome new students in the fall, spring, and summer terms, with applications for each term due roughly four months before each term’s start date. Scholarship applications tend to have an earlier due date than program applications.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
Website
MA in Applied Psychology (on-campus, online)
MA in Counseling (on-campus, online)
MA in Counseling Psychology (MFT/LPCC) (on-campus, hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $25,873
The School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University offers three master’s programs for those seeking careers in psychology: Applied Psychology, Counseling, and Counseling Psychology – MFT/LPCC track. When taken on full-time schedules, the former two programs are two-year programs, while the third is a three-year program.
Students in any of SCU’s psychology master’s programs have the option of choosing between concentration pathways in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Correctional Psychology, Health Psychology, Latino Counseling and LGBTQ Counseling. The Applied Psychology track is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in human services, including program development in community organizations, human resources, and youth development work. The Counseling track, meanwhile, is intended for students who wish to pursue counseling roles in non-clinical settings, as well as for students who know they intend to pursue doctoral degrees upon completing their master’s programs. Finally, the Counseling MFT/LPCC track is designed to qualify students for their licensure exams (MFT, LPCC, or both) so that they can practice counseling in clinical settings.
Applicants to SCU’s Master’s in Psychology programs are required to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA
Website
MA in Psychology
MA in Psychology: Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization
MA in Psychology: Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership Specialization
MA in Psychology: Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization
Online, community learning experience (optional)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $20,856
Saybrook University offers several psychology master’s degree tracks available entirely online, with students given the opportunity to attend optional community learning experiences throughout their programs. These are two to three year programs that students can take on full-time or part-time schedules, affording them the opportunity to pursue their studies on their own timelines.
The MA in Psychology program is for students who wish to pursue counseling or psychology-related roles outside of clinical practice. The Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health track places a foundational education in psychology in conversation with global religious and spiritual traditions. The Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership track places an emphasis on creativity, providing training in techniques such as art therapy and self-expression as an outlet for care. The Existential and Humanistic Psychology track explores the discipline of psychology through legal, philosophical, and transpersonal approaches. These programs, including the MA in Psychology, do not prepare students for MFT or LPCC licensure.
Applicants to Saybrook University’s psychology master’s programs are expected to hold a 3.0 GPA or higher, though in some cases exceptions are made.
Simpson University
Redding, CA
Websites: Community Counseling | Counseling Psychology
MA in Community Counseling (online)
MA in Counseling Psychology (hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $19,170
Simpson University is a Redding, CA-based Christian institution that offers two psychology master’s degree pathways for students with a range of career goals and interests. One of these programs, the MA in Community Counseling, is a unique degree pathway not available at many other California universities.
The Community Counseling program provides a community-focused education for care professionals and those working in human services. It is not intended for students hoping to gain licensure as clinicians. The Counseling Psychology program, meanwhile, provides training for future MFTs or LPCCs to pursue their California state licensure. It requires students to complete practicum hours at clinics or mental health organizations of their choosing over the course of their two year program.
Applicants are required to hold bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions, with undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher.
Southern California Seminary
El Cajon, CA
Website
MA in Counseling Psychology (on-campus, hybrid)
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (on-campus, hybrid)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $17,280
Southern California Seminary is a Christian university based in El Cajon in San Diego County. Its educational offerings across disciplines incorporate intensive Biblical study, meaning it is not the right choice of school for those who don’t wish to include religion in their psychology education. For those looking for a psychology degree program that includes Christian values and beliefs, it could be the perfect choice of program for you.
There are two psychology degree pathways in the Behavioral Sciences department at SCU: an MA in Counseling Psychology and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. The former is a generalist track that can prepare students for licensing examinations as MFTs or LPCCs. The latter is more exclusively focused on the work of MFTs, preparing students for relevant qualifying exams. These are both primarily on-campus programs that offer students the opportunity to take some courses remotely.
SCU offers a Korean bilingual track for all programs in the Behavioral Sciences department, making it an appealing choice for students who wish to study in the Korean language.
St. Mary’s College
Moraga, CA
Website
MA in Counseling (on-campus)
Double MA in Counseling and Forensic Psychology (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – MFT/LPCC (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – General Counseling Specialization (on-campus)
MA in Forensic Psychology (on-campus)
MA in School Counseling – PPS (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $33,900
Students in the Bay Area have the opportunity to pursue a stellar psychology education at St. Mary’s College, located in Moraga, CA. This Christian university offers an array of psychology concentrations, most of them designed to prepare students for licensure exams as MFTs or LPCCs. These programs can be completed on two to three-and-a-half year tracks, adjusted according to students’ scheduling needs.
A unique offering at St. Mary’s College is the option to pursue dual degrees in Counseling and Forensic Psychology simultaneously, allowing students who wish to work as psychologists within the legal and correctional systems the opportunity to obtain clinical licensing at the same time that they amass advanced knowledge of forensic psychology. This is a unique opportunity that will allow students motivated to work in that field a streamlined path to their dream career.
Students can begin their studies at St. Mary’s College during either the spring or fall semesters each year. Applications are typically due approximately three months before the semester begins.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA
Website
MS in Child Life (on-campus)
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $15,610
University of La Verne is a Southern California-based school founded in 1891. Its Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being offers two master’s pathways in the Psychology field: an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is specifically designed to prepare students for MFT credentialing exams, and an MS in Child Life, which is a unique degree pathway that provides training to work with hospitalized children and their families, addressing the emotional and interpersonal concerns that may arise in the face of traumatic health-related needs.
Both of these programs are on-campus programs that include internships that provide a deep orientation into the day-to-day lives of psychology professionals in their field. They both take three years to complete when taken on a full-time schedule.
Students can begin the MS in Child Life track in both the fall and spring semesters. The MS in Marriage and Family Therapy track only begins in the fall. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required in order to apply.
University of Redlands
Redlands, CA
Website
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (on-campus)
MA in Counseling and Psychotherapy (Chinese language) (hybrid program)
MA in Education: School Counseling (on-campus)
MA in Education: School Counseling (College Focus) (on-campus)
MA in Education: School Counseling (K-12 Focus) (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $24,900
The University of Redlands is a private university in San Bernardino County. The school offers several degree pathways: a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track designed to prepare students for MFT or LPCC licensure and three School Counselor tracks (designed around three concentrations: general, college-focused, and K-12 focused) that prepare students for PPS certification. The school also offers a Chinese-language version of its Counseling and Psychotherapy track in collaboration with the Hubei Oriental Insight Mental Health Institute.
All of these programs are on-campus programs that take two to three years to complete when taken on a full-time schedule. Students should expect to take on practicum internships for a significant amount of their programs to gain field experience and hands-on skills.
These programs commence in the spring, summer, and fall semesters, with applications accepted regularly for each coming semester.
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Websites: MFT Counseling | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | School Counseling
MA in Counseling – Marital and Family Therapy (on-campus)
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (on-campus)
MA in Counseling – School Counseling (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $28,854
The University of San Diego is a Southern California institution rooted in Christian values and traditions. The school offers three counseling programs with different emphases, providing the education and training needed for students to pursue the variety of psychology licenses available in the state of California. The Counseling – MFT program prepares students for MFT exams, while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for LPCC certification. The School Counseling program, meanwhile, can prepare students for PPS certification or LPCC certification, depending on their choice.
These are two year programs (when taken on a full-time schedule) that include on-campus class time as well as a significant amount of supervised clinical field work. These hours can count toward students’ clinical licensing hours.
New school years at University of San Diego begin in the fall semester each year.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Website: MFT | School Counseling
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (on-campus)
MA in School Counseling with PPS Credential (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $29,070
University of San Francisco is one of the oldest universities in California, having been founded in 1855. Today it is deeply embedded into the city of San Francisco, offering psychology students fantastic opportunities to get their field education at organizations all over town. The school also has campuses in Sacramento, Santa Rosa, the South Bay, and the East Bay, all of whose campuses offer the MFT MA program.
USF offers two counseling-related master’s programs: an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and an MA in School Counseling. The former prepares students for licensing exams as MFTs, while the latter equips students with the education to qualify for PPS credentials upon graduating. Students in the School Counseling pathway have the option of adding additional credits to pursue their LPCC credential.
These programs are both on-campus programs that take three years (MFT) and two years (School Counseling) to complete on a full-time schedule. New students can begin the MFT program in the fall semester, while School Counseling programs begin in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Website
MS of Applied Psychology (on-campus, online)
MS of Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $66,640
USC offers two MS of psychology programs through its Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences: an MS of Applied Psychology and an MS of Applied Behavior Analysis. The former is available in both on-campus (9 month, full-time) and online (16 month, part-time) formats, allowing students to choose the option that best fits into their goals and schedules. These are some of the fastest pathways to MS degrees in psychology possible. The latter is exclusively offered on campus and takes two years to complete on a full-time schedule.
It should be noted that the MS of Applied Psychology program is not oriented toward providing students with MFT or LPCC credentials, but can be a great choice of program for those who wish to pursue other career paths related to counseling and psychology. The MS of Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to equip students with the knowledge needed to become board certified ABA therapists.
Students can begin the MS of Applied Psychology program in the spring, summer, and fall semesters, while the MS of Applied Behavior Analysis only begins in fall semesters each year.
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA
Website
MA of Behavioral Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $52,954
University of the Pacific offers an MA of Behavioral Psychology program that is designed to prepare students for BACB examinations to become board certified behavior analysts as well as providing them the advanced knowledge needed to qualify for doctoral programs down the line. This program includes extensive field internships that students complete both semesters of the program’s second year.
This program is hosted on University of the Pacific’s Stockton campus, and takes between two and three years to complete, depending on students’ preferred schedules. Coursework includes a mix of foundational information as well as skill-building to prepare students to begin working one-on-one with patients in clinical settings.
New cohorts begin in the Behavioral Psychology program in the fall of each school year, with applications typically due around February.
The Wright Institute
Los Angeles, CA
Website
MA of Counseling (on-campus)
Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $41,400
The Wright Institute is a graduate school of psychology based in Los Angeles. It is exclusively devoted to preparing students for careers in the psychology field, offering a rigorous education in combination with hands-on internship opportunities to build skills and knowledge that will allow students to excel as psychology practitioners. The school offers an MA of Counseling program designed to prepare students for credentialing exams as MFTs or LPCCs.
The MA of Counseling program is a full-time program that takes two years to complete. To help make pursuing their education more accessible for students, those at the Wright Institute can choose between two scheduling options: a daytime option or a weekend option, depending on their personal schedules. Students will also complete clinical internships throughout their education.
The Counseling MA program at the Wright Institute begins in the fall of each year. Applicants are required to have undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher.