11 Best Online Masters in Psychology No GRE California Programs for 2026
An online masters in psychology no GRE California program is now more available than ever. Many California schools have dropped the GRE requirement and opened doors for aspiring mental health professionals. California employs more than 30,000 Marriage and Family Therapists. The field is projected to grow 16% this decade. Psychologists overall are expected to see 7% growth through 2033. This piece covers 11 masters in psychology programs California offers online and explores admission requirements, costs and program formats to help you choose the right fit.
Pepperdine University – MA in Clinical Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
Fortune ranks Pepperdine’s online MA in Clinical Psychology as #1 among masters in psychology programs California institutions offer. The program prepares students for licensure as either a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) upon graduation. Students complete 62-68 units covering psychopathology, diagnosis and advanced counseling techniques. The curriculum has supervised clinical rotations in your local community to meet state licensure requirements. You can finish the program in as few as 27 months. Class sizes average 14 students and provide personalized attention from faculty who serve as scholar-practitioners.
Why No GRE Required
Pepperdine evaluates applicants through a comprehensive admissions process. The university gets into your experience, passion and potential rather than test scores. This equitable approach values your commitment to succeed over standardized testing. Note that you don’t need a prior degree in psychology to apply. The absence of GRE requirements reflects Pepperdine’s recognition that dedication matters more than standardized metrics when assessing candidates for this program.
Admission Requirements
Your application package must have several components:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (any major accepted)
- Two professional recommendations from individuals familiar with your academic and professional competencies
- Statement of purpose spanning two to five pages describing your training, experience, current interests, professional goals and reasons for applying
- Official transcripts submitted through Parchment or eScrip-Safe, or by mail
- English proficiency proof for non-native speakers (TOEFL IBT minimum score of 85 or IELTS minimum score of 7)
You must reside within the United States throughout the program duration.
Tuition and Cost
Pepperdine bills on a per-unit basis for the 2025-2026 academic year. Tuition runs approximately $2,030 per unit. The program requires 62-68 units, so total costs range from approximately $97,440 to $138,040 depending on your track. Federal financial aid options have Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 per academic year. Graduate PLUS Loans cover additional costs up to your total cost of attendance minus other aid received. The university awards financial aid on a needs basis, with scholarships available for qualifying students.
Program Format and Duration
The online format operates through four terms: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. You can start at multiple points throughout the year on a rolling admissions basis. Most students take two courses (6 units) per term, which is a full-time academic load. The program spans 1.5 to 2 years for the general psychology track (36-48 units), while the clinical psychology track extends 2.5 to 3 years for the full 62-68 units. Clinical training begins in your second term, with staff providing resources and assistance in applying to practicum sites in your community.
University of Southern California – MS in Applied Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
USC’s Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MAPP) bridges organizational and consumer psychology to address business challenges. The program trains students to apply psychological science and improve employee and consumer experiences from a top 25 institution. You can choose between two formats: a 9-month intensive residential experience or a 16-month online program. Both options require 34 units and maintain similar small class sizes with world-class faculty.
The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through team-based projects with Fortune 500 companies. All students complete a 240-hour internship and an original applied research project called a capstone treatise. These hands-on components connect theory to workplace scenarios in fields like user experience research, talent development, organizational consulting and consumer insights. The program’s 900+ alumni network spans the globe and provides professional guidance and career opportunities to current students.
MAPP offers optional global immersion experiences, including a Spring Break trip to Dubai or Tokyo and a Dublin Summer Internship Program. Faculty members bring real-life expertise as consultants, startup founders and Fortune 100 company executives.
Why No GRE Required
The GRE is not required to gain admission and will not be reviewed if provided. This policy reflects a move toward comprehensive evaluation that considers your complete academic record and professional background rather than standardized test performance. The approach has contributed to a 20% increase in diverse applicant pools for programs that eliminate test barriers.
Admission Requirements
The Applied Psychology program seeks students who excelled in academics and show exceptional promise for professional success. Most admitted students completed coursework in social sciences, though no specific major is required. You need a working understanding of major concepts and research methodologies associated with human behavior to succeed. The program accepts applications for fall, spring and summer start dates.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $2,467 per unit for the 34-unit program. Total costs reach $83,878. Many employers offer tuition assistance, with some covering 100% of costs. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans provide up to $20,500 each year. Graduate PLUS Loans cover remaining costs up to your total attendance expenses. USC maintains an online scholarship system along with various fellowship databases to find additional funding opportunities.
Program Format and Duration
The residential track delivers a full-time 9-month experience for each year’s cohort. The online option spans four semesters and completes in as few as 16 months for part-time students. Online students participate from locations across the country while experiencing the same small classes taught by the same faculty. The program divides into 20 units of foundational coursework, 8 units of advanced application work and 6 units of practicum coursework. Your internship must differ from current job duties and can span any industry related to applied psychology.
Palo Alto University – MS in Psychology
Program Overview and Explanation
Palo Alto University’s MS in Psychology delivers flexibility through five distinct concentrations tailored to your career goals. You can specialize in digital mental health, user experience research, forensic psychology, doctoral preparation, or generalist psychology. The online format accommodates working professionals, with 89% of graduates employed or continuing their studies upon completion. PAU brings a 50-year legacy of excellence in psychology education and positions you to apply social science research capability and human behavior insights in a variety of fields.
The program spans 37.5, 39, or 47 quarter units depending on your chosen concentration. No thesis is required. You focus on coursework that builds foundational knowledge and research skills. Students in the PhD Prep track travel to the Palo Alto campus once for a one-week intensive clinical interviewing course during spring break between winter and spring quarters of the second year. This structured pathway makes it possible to complete the first year of doctoral studies while maintaining full-time employment.
Why No GRE Required
GRE scores are not required to gain admission to PAU master’s degree programs. The university will not consider GRE scores in application reviews, even if you submit them. This policy reflects a commitment to holistic evaluation that assesses your complete academic record and professional background. PAU creates equitable access for candidates whose capabilities extend beyond test performance by removing standardized testing barriers.
Admission Requirements
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent. Students are not required to have completed prerequisite coursework in psychology during undergraduate studies. A minimum GPA of 3.3 in undergraduate coursework is expected. Applications are submitted through PSYCAS and require an application fee, official transcripts from all colleges attended, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, and a statement of purpose spanning two to three 1.5-line-spaced pages. TOEFL scores demonstrate English proficiency for international applicants.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $967 per unit, with an additional $76 fee per unit, totaling $1,043 per unit. Total program costs range from about $39,113 to $49,021 for the full degree, depending on your concentration. Federal financial aid is available through FAFSA. PAU provides personalized support for each student’s financial needs and goals.
Program Format and Duration
The program operates online with synchronous classes offered Monday through Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm, 6-8 pm, or 6-8:50 pm depending on your cohort. This evening schedule allows you to maintain full-time employment during the day. You complete the degree in six to seven consecutive quarters, including summer, with courses beginning only in fall quarter. Most quarters require two to three courses. Weekly live classes via Zoom create interaction with professors and classmates in real time, an experience like traditional classroom settings.
California Southern University – MA/MS in Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
California Southern University provides two distinct pathways through its masters in psychology programs California students can pursue online. The Master of Arts in Psychology requires 60 units and emphasizes applied skills for those entering counseling-related fields. The Master of Science in General Psychology focuses on theoretical and research aspects for candidates seeking consulting, research, or undergraduate teaching positions. The MS program prepares students who hold graduate degrees in other fields to build psychology foundations necessary for doctoral study at CalSouthern’s PsyD program, which differs from the MA track.
Both programs develop competencies in psychology’s core domains, including affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social aspects of behavior. You gain skills in scientific reasoning and ethical decision-making that match disciplinary standards. The MS curriculum spans 30 credits with core courses covering counseling theories, psychopathology, lifespan development, and physiological psychology. Students complete an integrative research project that applies psychological concepts to real-life scenarios.
Why No GRE Required
CalSouthern operates as part of a no GRE movement that values your complete academic record over standardized testing. This comprehensive evaluation approach allows the admissions team to assess your preparedness through prior coursework and professional background rather than test performance.
Admission Requirements
The MA program accepts applicants with bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited institutions. You submit official transcripts along with your application materials. International students need to verify their credentials meet U.S. equivalency standards. The MS track requires previous graduate-level education and is designed for those transitioning from other disciplines into psychology.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $545 per unit for the 60-unit MA program, totaling $32,700. Additional fees include a $75 application fee, $300 technology fee, and $100 graduation audit fee. Your complete program cost comes to $33,175. Textbooks average $40 to $95 per course for graduate-level work. CalSouthern offers zero-interest payment plans since the MS program doesn’t participate in Title IV federal financial aid. This alternative financing removes interest burdens and spreads costs across your enrollment period.
Program Format and Duration
Both programs operate online with asynchronous coursework. You progress through the 60-unit MA at your own pace and complete requirements based on your schedule. The 30-credit MS delivers a more condensed structure for students with prior graduate training. CalSouthern’s self-paced model accommodates working professionals who manage career and educational commitments at the same time.
Azusa Pacific University – MA in Clinical Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
Azusa Pacific University’s MA in Clinical Psychology centers on Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). The program builds a foundation in professional counseling through experiential learning and a whole-person approach. It spans 63-90 units and gives you the tools to serve individuals, couples and families with clinical skills, ethical grounding and faith-based point of view. You study across theology, ethics, psychotherapy and evidence-based practice. The program requires more than 300 hours of ground clinical experience.
Coursework has the Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate. This provides research-based assessments and interventions based on the Gottman Sound Relationship House Theory. You can pursue certificates in Substance Use Disorder (11 additional units) and Play Therapy after completion. You may also seek dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) among your MFT credentials. The program meets current California Marriage and Family Therapy licensure requirements. Supervised clinical hours count toward the 3,000 hours that state licensure requires.
Why No GRE Required
APU assesses candidates through holistic admissions rather than standardized testing. The university requires a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to gain regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted if you have a lower GPA and can show competency through multiple measures. The admissions committee can assess your full picture beyond test scores with this flexible approach.
Admission Requirements
You submit a graduate application with a $45 nonrefundable application fee. Official transcripts from all institutions that awarded your bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution are required. The professional interest essay covers your background and reasons to pursue an MFT now. It should explain why you chose APU, what experiences prepared you and your strengths and weaknesses that affect therapist performance. Include your professional goals. Two letters of recommendation from professionals with current knowledge of your academic or clinical ability complete your file. Faculty then invite you to an in-person interview to assess eligibility.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $865 per unit for the academic year. Base costs range from $54,495 to $77,850 since the program requires 63-90 units. Additional expenses include the $45 application fee and textbook costs throughout your enrollment.
Program Format and Duration
The program takes 2 to 4 years to complete. It offers a flexible format designed for working professionals. Classes meet evenings at multiple locations. These include Azusa, Orange County, San Diego and Inland Empire regional campuses. Submit completed applications by March 1 if you want fall enrollment. Spring enrollment deadlines fall on October 1. Clinical placements span 12-30 months depending on your course sequence.
Alliant International University – MA in Clinical Counseling
Program Overview and What We Emphasize
Alliant International University’s MA in Clinical Counseling through the California School of Professional Psychology holds CACREP accreditation, the recognized training standard for certified counselors by the Institute of Medicine and the Veteran’s Administration. The 60-unit curriculum includes all California State Board of Behavioral Sciences educational and clinical hour requirements outlined in Business and Professions Code Section 4999.30 for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.
The program integrates a strengths-based point of view and resilience to develop practitioner skills in diagnosis, treatment planning and psychological interventions with individuals and groups. Hands-on experience teaches you to counsel individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, anger management and infidelity. Coursework covers psychopharmacology, couple and family counseling, and crisis, trauma and emergency response.
Clinical training begins at the end of your first year through a one-year fieldwork sequence spanning practicum (100 hours over at least 2 terms) and internship (600 hours over 3 terms). You receive a total of 700 hours of clinical experience in individual, family and group counseling, with at least 280 hours under direct supervision. The program was approved to create a new chapter, Alpha Iota Upsilon of Chi Sigma Iota, the International Honors Society in Counseling.
Why No GRE Required
The no GRE approach at Alliant reflects all-encompassing admissions that review your complete academic and professional profile rather than standardized test performance.
Admission Requirements
You need a minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution. Submit an essay and recommendations, and participate in an interview as part of the evaluation process. TOEFL IBT scores of 70 or IELTS Paper scores of 6 are required if you’re an international student.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $848 per credit for the 60-unit program, totaling $25,440 annually based on full-time enrollment. Scholarship and Federal Work-Study options provide financial support. FAFSA applications are due by February 15 to receive priority.
Program Format and Duration
The program operates both online and on campus at Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Irvine, San Diego, Sacramento and Phoenix locations. You complete the degree in a minimum of two years. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with spring international deadlines on November 1st.
University of San Francisco – MA in Counseling Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
The University of San Francisco’s MA in Counseling Psychology offers two primary pathways: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. Students in either concentration can pursue additional requirements to become eligible for Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) licensing in California. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accredits both MFT and PCC programs, while the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing accredits the School Counseling track.
The program’s mission centers on preparing socially responsive and culturally humble relationship therapists and school counselors. You benefit from small class sizes and instruction from practicing mental health clinicians. Your final year includes a traineeship with Bay Area community-based and school-based partners. You gain complete clinical fieldwork placement and supervision.
Why No GRE Required
USF follows a no GRE approach and eliminates GRE requirements. This integrated admissions process assesses your complete profile rather than test performance.
Admission Requirements
You need a recommended minimum GPA of 2.75. The university requires either work experience in a related field or transferable skills. The university often recommends volunteer work at mental health agencies, schools, or comparable settings to confirm your commitment. Applications operate on rolling admissions until locations fill. Priority deadlines fall on February 1st for fall entry and October 15th for spring entry.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $1,145 per unit for the 2026-2027 academic year. The dual concentration program requiring 60 units totals $68,700, while the School Counseling concentration requiring 49 units costs $56,105. The MFT concentration carries an estimated total program cost of $75,000.
Program Format and Duration
You can choose between an intensive two-year format at the San Francisco campus or a less condensed three-year format. Classes meet late afternoons and evenings at multiple locations including San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, South Bay, and East Bay campuses. The cohort-based model makes networking opportunities easier and extends them beyond graduation.
Notre Dame de Namur University – MS in Clinical Psychology
Program Overview and Explanation
Notre Dame de Namur University operates a practitioner-focused program that has trained Bay Area mental health professionals for nearly five decades. The MS in Clinical Psychology offers two distinct emphases: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) requiring 60 units and a dual MFT/LPCC track spanning 67 units. Both pathways meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements and boast high first-time pass rates for licensing exams.
Small classes averaging 8-10 students create customized mentoring opportunities with faculty who practice what they teach. You complete 260-500 clinical hours during the program and gain hands-on experience before graduation. The curriculum takes 2-3 years. It emphasizes an integrative, depth-oriented psychological approach focused on whole-person development throughout the lifespan. The program provides a foundation for future doctoral studies and prepares you for professional practice right away.
Why No GRE Required
NDNU does not require GRE scores for admission. This no GRE approach reflects the university’s commitment to evaluating candidates through detailed academic records and professional potential rather than standardized testing.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Prerequisites include General Psychology and Abnormal Psychology (3 units each). A GPA of 3.0 or above is preferred, though the program accepts candidates with 2.5-3.0 GPAs. Submit your resume, two references with contact information and official transcripts. All applicants participate in an interview with the department chair, Dr. Helen Marlo.
Tuition and Cost
Total program costs range from $59,880 to $66,866 depending on your chosen emphasis. These estimates cover the complete 60 or 67 units required for graduation.
Program Format and Duration
Choose between 100% online or in-person formats. Classes meet evenings in two blocks: 4:30-6:45 PM and 7:00-9:15 PM, once weekly. The flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals. Part-time and full-time options are available. You can start in fall, spring or summer terms.
Touro University Worldwide – MA in Psychology
Program Overview
Touro University Worldwide’s no GRE program provides five specializations: general psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, media psychology, and educational psychology. The 36-credit curriculum gives you advanced skills in psychology practice and research. Psychologists earn a median annual salary of $94,310. Job growth of 6% is projected over the next decade. Scholar-practitioners with expertise in the field teach you through a nonprofit accredited institution. The degree does not lead to licensure but serves as a pathway toward doctoral studies or ground application in human service fields.
Why No GRE Required
Touro eliminates GRE requirements and offers an accelerated admissions process. This masters in psychology programs California approach assesses your complete academic background rather than test performance.
Admission Requirements
You need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA, or graduate transfer status with a 2.75 GPA. Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. Master’s degree programs have no application fee.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $500 per credit. The 36-credit program totals $18,000. A fixed-rate structure eliminates surprise fees for library, media, parking, student ID, student services, and technology.
Program Format and Duration
The 100% online format offers 8-week sessions. Six start dates are available throughout the year. Full-time students who take two courses per term for six consecutive terms finish in 12 months. No residency is required.
National University – MA in Counseling Psychology
Program Overview and Highlights
National University’s online masters in psychology no GRE California program prepares you to work with couples and families managing emotional and psychological issues. Students choose between two specialization options based on career goals: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist Option and the Combined MFT/LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) option. The 90 quarter units can be completed in 20 months for MFT or 23 months with the added PCC. After completion, you receive education needed to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in California and can sit for the MFT License mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The program challenges students to understand therapy from both the client’s and practitioner’s points of view so you become a counselor who can work with diverse populations.
Why No GRE Required
Students with a grade point average over 2.5 are not required to take the GRE. This masters in psychology programs assess your academic record rather than standardized testing.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 overall GPA, or 2.75 in the last 90 quarter units. At least 45 quarter units must be completed at National University. Students for whom English is a second language must pass an English Language Proficiency exam before beginning coursework.
Tuition and Cost
Graduate tuition averages $16,908. A one-time learning management fee of $450 applies as well.
Program Format and Duration
The online format allows year-round enrollment with classes starting as soon as next month. You may complete the program in 22 months.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – MA in Psychology
Program Overview and Key Features
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology operates with a practitioner-scholar model and has educated psychology students since 1979. The Applied Psychology program requires 35 credits and offers seven concentration areas: applied behavior analysis with BCBA pathway, child and adolescent psychology, forensic psychology, generalist psychology, mental health and wellness, organizational leadership, and suicide and cyberbullying prevention. You complete an Applied Research Project that emphasizes your concentration through ground application of scholarly theory and practice. The curriculum integrates psychological theory and research with professional literature to promote optimal health and well-being for individuals, groups, and systems.
Why No GRE Required
GRE scores are not required for admission. This approach reflects integrated evaluation focused on your complete academic and professional background rather than standardized testing.
Admission Requirements
You need a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required. Applicants with GPAs below 2.8 must submit additional documentation. Your application has work history and an essay.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition runs $1,458 per credit for the 35-credit program. This totals $51,030 for the complete degree.
Program Format and Duration
The 100% online format takes one year full-time or 16 months part-time.
Start Now
The no-GRE requirement in these 11 California programs removes a major barrier for aspiring mental health professionals. California’s mental health field will grow 16% this decade. You have multiple pathways to enter this rewarding profession. Each program offers distinct strengths—from Pepperdine’s clinical focus to USC’s applied psychology approach and Touro’s affordable tuition. Choosing the right fit depends on your career goals and budget. Review admission requirements carefully, especially program duration and specialization options. Your next step is straightforward: identify two or three programs that line up with your goals and submit applications to improve your chances of acceptance.