Psychology Programs at CSU Bakersfield

CSU Bakersfield’s Psychology Department programs strike a perfect balance between well-laid-out foundational coursework and room to explore specialized interests. Students experience modern psychology from multiple viewpoints: as a natural science, behavioral science, applied field, and set of humanistic concerns.

The university provides a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and a Psychology minor at the undergraduate level. Students need 51 units of coursework in the B.A. program to build complete knowledge in a variety of psychological disciplines. CSUB Psychology major stands out with its supervised applied experience requirement. Students can work in psychology-related positions, serve as teaching assistants, or join as research assistants.

The department’s 66-semester unit Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology program serves graduate students. This three-year curriculum helps students meet California’s educational requirements to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). CSUB awarded 13 master’s degrees in psychology during the 2021-2022 academic year.

The undergraduate psychology curriculum follows this sequence:

• Prerequisites (12 units): Has introductory psychology, statistical methods, psychology as a profession, and interpersonal skills
• Core Courses (6 units): Scientific inquiry and senior seminar/thesis
• Foundation Courses (12 units): Covers biological, cognitive, social, and developmental areas
• Advanced Laboratory (3 units): Specialized research experience
• Applications of Psychology (3 units): Practical field experience
• Psychology Electives (12 units): Customizable to student interests

CSUB’s Psychology Department graduates find success in many career paths. The undergraduate training gives students critical thinking abilities, communication skills, interpersonal sensitivity, and data analysis capabilities needed in human services and business settings. The program also creates a strong foundation to pursue advanced graduate studies.

Graduate students in the counseling program learn through hands-on experience as they develop skills working with clients in different settings. The program prepares students to work in public sector settings like county mental health clinics and private practices. Students progress through a carefully arranged curriculum with supervised clinical practicums and field placements.

The psychology department awarded 294 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022, showing strong student diversity—60% of graduates identified as Hispanic or Latino.

School info

CSU Bakersfield’s main campus is located at 9001 Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield, California. Students find a perfect blend of educational resources and professional development opportunities here. The campus serves as a central hub for academic and psychological studies in the region.

Dorothy Donahoe Hall, Room D107 houses the Psychology Department. Faculty members work from this central location to coordinate programs, guide students, and conduct research at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program has its home in the Education Building 252. Students interested in becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) can visit the program’s administrative office.

Short-term counseling services help students with personal, academic, and career concerns. The center connects students who need longer-term therapy with community professionals and agencies. Students can book appointments by phone or in person.

Psychology students at CSU Bakersfield learn in diverse environments ranging from classrooms to research facilities. They gain hands-on experience while building their theoretical knowledge. The campus creates an integrated learning community through its faculty offices, research spaces, and administrative support areas.

CSU Bakersfield’s environment helps students grow academically and prepares them for successful careers in psychology and related fields.

Programs offered

CSUB’s Psychology Department offers strong academic programs that prepare students for career paths in psychological sciences and mental health services. Students learn both theory and hands-on experience throughout their studies.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology program needs 51 units of coursework. Students start with 12 units of prerequisites: Explorations in Psychology, Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, Psychology as a Profession, and Interpersonal and Group Process Skills. The program continues with 6 units of core courses that focus on Scientific Inquiry and either Senior Seminar or Senior Thesis.

CSUB’s psychology major stands out because of its balanced approach. The program has 12 units of Foundation Courses split between biological/cognitive areas (Area A) and social/developmental areas (Area B). Students learn from multiple psychological viewpoints. The curriculum features an advanced laboratory experience (3 units) where students apply their knowledge in specialized research settings.

Students find great value in the required Applications of Psychology course (3 units). They work under supervision in psychology-related positions, serve as teaching assistants, or help with research. This hands-on experience makes CSUB’s psychology education unique.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology program takes three years to complete with 60-semester units. Students prepare to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) or Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. Classes run on weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The M.S. program builds from theoretical foundations to supervised clinical experiences. Second-year students work at the University Counselor Training Clinic three afternoons each week. The final year requires 20 hours weekly at community-based clinical field placements.

Students need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.2 GPA in their last 60 units to join the M.S. program. Six undergraduate psychology prerequisites are required, including statistics, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. Students should apply by early February to start in fall.

Online options

CSU Bakersfield gives students flexible study options through its psychology programs with online and hybrid learning opportunities. Students can choose alternatives to traditional classroom-only formats that fit their schedules and priorities.

Cal State Online connects students to courses throughout the 23-campus California State University system. This removes barriers of time and place that could limit educational access. The system serves over 450,000 students and stands as one of the country’s largest and most diverse university networks.

Students can take one online course at another CSU campus while doing their regular CSUB coursework through the CSU Fully Online concurrent enrollment program. This option stays available during fall and spring semesters. Your full-time tuition covers these additional units at no extra cost. Materials fees and non-resident tuition might apply in some cases.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program combines online and on-campus learning opportunities. Students get flexibility while keeping access to CSUB’s resources and faculty expertise. The program creates strong foundations in research and scientific psychology through this mixed delivery format.

CSUB’s graduate level also features hybrid options. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at CSUB-AV (Antelope Valley) combines online coursework with in-person classes at the Lancaster campus. Students benefit from digital learning while engaging in vital face-to-face interactions.

Working professionals interested in psychology-adjacent fields can take advantage of CSUB’s convenient scheduling that has:

• Night classes outside standard working hours
• Weekend sessions for maximum scheduling flexibility
• Online components that reduce commuting requirements

CSU Fully Online supplements your primary education at your home campus rather than offering complete remote degrees. Students should talk to an academic advisor before signing up for online courses to ensure they match their degree requirements.

Accreditation

Your psychology degree’s value depends on choosing a school with proper accreditation that employers and licensing boards respect. California State University, Bakersfield has full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This regional accreditation started in 1970 and serves as a core quality indicator for all university programs.

WSCUC gave CSUB another eight years of accreditation in February 2020. This thorough review process verifies that the university keeps high educational standards in every department, including psychology. The next detailed evaluation includes an offsite review in Spring 2027 and an accreditation visit in Fall 2027.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program stands out with its professional recognition. California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has approved this program to prepare students for Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licenses. This approval shows that the curriculum meets all state requirements for professional practice.

CSU’s psychology department stays connected with key organizations in the field. Students who graduate from this accredited program build a strong educational and scientific foundation for their psychology careers. This accreditation becomes crucial during job searches, license applications, or doctoral program admissions.

Regional accreditation brings practical advantages. CSUB’s status makes credit transfers to other schools much easier. Graduate programs usually want their applicants to have degrees from regionally accredited institutions.

The university has earned specialized accreditations in nursing, teacher education, and social work. This shows their steadfast dedication to meeting professional standards in fields that often work with psychology professionals.

Admission Requirements

CSU Bakersfield’s psychology programs have specific academic requirements for both undergraduate and graduate levels. These requirements help students prepare for a successful academic trip.

The CSU system has standard admission rules for undergraduate psychology students. High school graduation or an equivalent credential is mandatory. Students must complete a detailed 15-unit “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses. California residents can qualify with a 2.50 or higher “a-g” GPA. Students with GPAs between 2.00-2.49 might qualify based on other factors. Non-California residents usually need a 3.00 GPA, though those with GPAs between 2.47-2.99 could qualify through additional factors.

The MS in Counseling Psychology program has stricter requirements. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a 3.2 GPA or higher in their last 60 semester units. Students with GPAs below 3.2 can submit a statement that explains their circumstances.

The graduate program requires six undergraduate psychology prerequisites beyond the simple qualifications:

• Introductory statistics
• Abnormal psychology
• A developmental psychology course

Students must complete these prerequisites with B- grades or better within five years before starting the graduate program.

The MS program application package needs several items: a personal statement about mental health career goals, a current curriculum vitae, three references’ contact details, a self-rating questionnaire, and all college transcripts. The program invites selected candidates for interviews after the initial review.

International students must meet extra requirements. They need to show English proficiency through minimum scores: 61 on TOEFL iBT, 5.5 on IELTS, or 95 on Duolingo. They also need to provide financial documents and bank statements that prove they can pay for their education.

The graduate program accepts applications until early February for fall enrollment.

Tuition

The cost of your psychology degree at CSU Bakersfield is a vital part of planning your education. Students pay different tuition rates based on their enrollment status. Undergraduates pay between $1,869 (0-6 units) and $3,225 (6.1+ units) each semester. Psychology graduate students should expect to pay slightly more, with rates from $2,340 to $4,032.

Students must also budget for mandatory campus fees of about $1,025. These fees support student services, health facilities, and various campus programs. Students from outside California pay extra – $420 for each credit unit.

Getting a psychology education at CSUB becomes more affordable through financial aid. The numbers tell an encouraging story – 91% of freshmen receive financial support, with average aid packages reaching $10,613. The university’s scholarship programs help 65% of students, giving each recipient around $5,764.

CSU’s psychology department teams up with financial aid offices to direct students toward funding options. Your yearly expenses will include housing costs, which average $14,430 for on-campus living, plus about $1,068 for books and supplies.

Financial aid reduces the average annual cost to $6,567. Family income affects this amount significantly. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay around $3,070, while those from families making over $110,000 pay about $16,810.

Additional Information

CSUB’s psychology department features several unique research laboratories that provide hands-on experience. The MaP (Meaning in life and Politics) lab studies how political beliefs affect people’s sense of meaning. The Cognitive Processes Research Lab breaks down factors in metacognitive breakdowns such as the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Practical experience is the core of your psychology education at CSUB. You can fulfill this requirement through four options: PSYC 4810 (Directed Research), PSYC 4860 (Internship in Applied Psychology), PSYC 4870 (Cooperative Education), or PSYC 4880 (Directed Research in Instruction).

CSUB has strong partnerships with community organizations. Brenda Jean’s Sober Living Facility welcomed 34 virtual interns from CSUB’s Psychology and Sociology departments in Spring 2021.

The Center for Career Education and Community Engagement connects you with employment and community involvement opportunities. CSUB supports both paid internships with for-profit companies and unpaid experiences with non-profit organizations. Students receive professional liability insurance through the SAFECLIP program.

These research and practical opportunities, combined with classroom learning, equip you for various career paths or advanced graduate studies in psychology.