11 Top Psychology Masters Programs in California

California stands at the forefront of psychology education, with its schools claiming the top three positions in U.S. News and World Report’s graduate psychology program rankings. The state’s psychology masters programs represent some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

The state’s excellence extends beyond just rankings. Seven California schools rank among the nation’s top fifty psychology graduate programs. Psychology graduates can expect excellent financial rewards, as California offers the highest average psychologist salary in the U.S. at $117,610. The state’s position as the world’s fifth-largest economy creates abundant career opportunities for graduates.

Students can choose from diverse, high-quality programs across the state. UC Berkeley leads with its top-ranked psychology program, while Pepperdine focuses on clinical psychology MA with a path to licensure. USC takes a business-centered approach, and San Diego State delivers quality education at affordable rates. These 11 top-rated programs align with various career goals, offering academic excellence, specialized training, and solid investment value.

1. University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s PhD program in psychology is the pinnacle of graduate education in this field. Students earn their Master’s degree while working toward their doctorate. The program focuses on research-oriented psychology instead of terminal master’s degrees. This makes it perfect for future scholars and researchers.

Program Overview

Berkeley’s Psychology Department wants to create scholar-researchers who excel in psychological science. Berkeley doesn’t offer a standalone master’s program. Students get their MA degree as they progress toward their Ph.D. The research-first program helps students become skilled at scientific discovery. The department’s STEM designation gives students better funding options and longer Optional Practical Training periods for international students.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose from six specialization areas:

• Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience – Studies how biology shapes behavior, including circadian rhythms, decision making, and animal communication
• Clinical Science – Blends research with clinical experience to prepare students for evidence-based assessment and treatment careers
• Cognition – Looks at mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving
• Cognitive Neuroscience – Studies brain mechanisms behind cognitive functions
• Developmental – Focuses on psychological growth throughout life
• Social-Personality – Looks at social behavior, identity, emotion, and relationships between people

Program Format and Duration

Most students finish in 5 years, though Clinical Science students need 6 years. The program has key milestones: qualifying exam by semester 6, candidacy by semester 7, dissertation proposal by semester 8, and final dissertation by semester 10. Students can work with professors from different specialties, which encourages cross-area research.

Admission Requirements

Berkeley’s psychology program is highly selective. The program accepts only 2.4% of applicants (20 offers from 820 applications for the 2025 class). Clinical Science is even more competitive with a 1.1% acceptance rate. Strong candidates usually have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field
• At least one year of research experience
• Three recommendation letters (two from professors/research supervisors)
• Strong statement of purpose and personal history statement

You don’t need GRE scores for current application cycles.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Every admitted student gets five years of guaranteed financial support. The package comes with:

• Coverage of all tuition and fees
• Monthly stipend for ten months yearly
• Health insurance

U.S. citizens get nonresident tuition coverage their first year but must become California residents before year two. International students’ nonresident tuition is covered for two years. After reaching candidacy, students don’t pay nonresident tuition for three years.

Career Outcomes

Berkeley psychology graduates do exceptionally well in their careers. Most graduates working in California earn more than the state’s median household income by their late 30s. They work in many fields – over 10% teach in California’s K-12 schools, 5% join tech companies, and 10% work in finance, insurance, or real estate. The program’s strong research foundation helps graduates succeed in academia, healthcare, business, and technology.

2. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) provides several psychology master’s degrees that emphasize clinical training. Students get both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, making it an ideal choice for their education.

Program Overview

The 52-year old Pepperdine GSEP is an innovative learning community. Faculty and students cooperate to promote academic excellence and meaningful service in a variety of backgrounds. Psychology programs at Pepperdine teach students how to understand human behavior and psychological foundations. The online Master of Arts in Psychology program ranks No. 1 in the country according to Fortune, which shows its outstanding quality and reputation.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose from several psychology master’s programs based on their career goals:

• Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) – Gets you ready for doctoral study or growth in human services fields
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Prepares you to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California
• Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis – Teaches techniques to recognize, assess, and treat human behaviors

The clinical psychology program has specialized courses like Trauma in Diverse Populations, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, and Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Program Format and Duration

Students can pick from multiple program formats based on their priorities:

• Daytime format – Full-time program at the Malibu campus takes 2 years (62 units)
• Evening format – Available at West Los Angeles, Irvine, and Calabasas campuses takes 2.5-3 years (60-66 units)
• Online format – Flexible virtual learning takes 27+ months (62-68 units)

Students can finish the MA in Psychology in 18-24 months based on part-time or full-time study.

Admission Requirements

The admission process values your dedication to succeed more than test scores. You need:

• Bachelor’s degree (most programs accept any major)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Two recommendation letters from academic or professional sources
• Two-to-five page statement of purpose
• No GRE scores required

Tuition and Financial Aid

Each program format has different tuition rates:

• MA in Psychology: $1,630 per unit
• Online MA in Psychology: $2,030 per unit
• Daytime Clinical Psychology: $2,030 per unit
• Evening Clinical Psychology: $1,630 per unit

Pepperdine GSEP gives out over $6 million in scholarships annually. Most students receive some financial assistance. Federal aid options include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (up to $20,500 per academic year) and the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Career Outcomes

Pepperdine’s psychology programs open doors to many career paths. MA in Psychology graduates often work as developmental specialists, employment counselors, behavioral counselors, program managers, and case managers. Clinical Psychology graduates typically become licensed therapists, counselors, clinical directors, or substance abuse professionals. Many students continue their education in doctoral programs.

3. University of Southern California (USC)

USC stands out among psychology masters programs in California with its Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MAPP) program. The program brings together consumer and organizational psychology to prepare students for business careers.

Program Overview

USC’s Psychology Department offers both PhD and Master’s level psychology education. The Master of Science in Applied Psychology program shines with its curriculum that blends psychological theory and business applications. Students learn through hands-on projects and apply classroom concepts directly to workplace scenarios. MAPP brings together psychology theory, research, and practice in organizational settings.

Specializations Offered

USC trains doctoral students in five research areas:

• Brain and Cognitive Science
• Clinical Science
• Developmental Psychology
• Quantitative Methods and Computational Psychology
• Social Psychology

The MAPP program takes a different approach by focusing on psychology’s real-life application in business. Students learn both organizational and consumer psychology—key skills needed to manage teams and market services worldwide.

Program Format and Duration

Students pick between two program options:

• Residential MAPP: A fast-paced 9-month campus program (34 units)
• Online MAPP: A 16-month flexible program perfect for part-time study

Each MAPP student must complete a 240-hour internship in one semester that lines up with their career goals. This hands-on experience lets students put their classroom knowledge to work while getting ground experience.

Admission Requirements

USC looks for exceptional candidates with:

• Strong academic records
• Relevant work/volunteer experience
• Leadership qualities
• Clear program interest

Students don’t need a specific major, though most admitted students have taken social science courses. Students should apply by January 5 for priority consideration, with regular decisions coming by March 1.

Tuition and Financial Aid

PhD students receive a complete support package including:

• Annual stipend of $41,200
• 36 units of tuition paid per year
• Year-round health and dental insurance

MAPP campus students pay flat-rate tuition that changes yearly. Online students pay about $2,467 per unit, bringing the total program cost to around $83,878. USC gives limited merit-based fellowships to both domestic and international students.

Career Outcomes

MAPP graduates work in various roles:

• Research analyst positions
• User experience (UX) research
• Organizational development
• People operations management
• Social media management
• Diversity and inclusion roles

USC graduates do well in the job market, earning an average starting salary of $72,261, which beats the national average. USC’s applied psychology program creates professionals who know how to use psychology to make businesses better.

4. California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)

The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) brings together Western psychological methods and Eastern spiritual traditions. Their psychology master’s programs take a unique path among California’s offerings by connecting mind, body, and spirit.

Program Overview

CIIS’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology takes a comprehensive approach. Students grow both personally and professionally. The program prepares graduates to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. CIIS graduates shine with the highest pass rates in California for the LMFT exam. The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits CIIS. Their education combines tough academic standards with spiritual awareness and social justice principles.

Specializations Offered

The Master’s in Counseling Psychology program has five distinct concentrations:

• Integral Counseling Psychology – Combines mind, body, and spirit in therapy
• Community Mental Health – Heals through social justice and structural change
• Drama Therapy – Uses theater to enhance psychological health
• Expressive Arts Therapy – Combines creative expression with clinical practice
• Somatic Psychology – Takes an embodied approach to whole-person healing

Program Format and Duration

Students typically complete the 66-unit program in 3 years. They can choose from three flexible formats:

• San Francisco campus weekday classes
• Weekend format that fits working professionals
• Hybrid learning with online coursework plus one campus visit per semester

Students train at mental health agencies under supervision. They must also complete 50 hours of personal therapy with a licensed mental health professional.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with a 3.0 GPA minimum. Students with GPAs between 2.0-3.0 might qualify by submitting an additional GPA statement. The application needs official transcripts, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters. An interview rounds out the process[252].

Tuition and Financial Aid

Master’s division tuition runs $1,374 per unit for 2025-26. While the total cost is significant, CIIS helps make it manageable. Students can access federal aid, scholarships, grants, and payment plans.

Career Outcomes

Graduates work in many settings. These include private practice, community centers, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits. They also find roles in substance abuse treatment, corrections, employee assistance, and government agencies. The program’s focus on holistic and multicultural approaches helps graduates serve diverse communities effectively.

5. San Diego State University (SDSU)

SDSU stands out among California’s psychology master’s programs. Its selective applied focus offers research-intensive MA and practice-oriented MS degrees that prepare students for specific careers or doctoral studies.

Program Overview

San Diego State University’s Psychology Department runs two distinct master’s programs. The Master of Arts (MA) helps students prepare for doctoral programs through research. The Master of Science (MS) in Applied Psychology lets students use psychological knowledge in real-life settings. Both programs follow the scientist-practitioner model. Students conduct quantitative research and use scientific knowledge in practical situations.

Specializations Offered

The MS program has two specialized tracks:

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Students learn to use psychological principles at work. This includes job analysis, performance appraisal, selection, training, and leadership
• Quantitative Methods: The focus lies on statistical applications in psychological research, including multilevel modeling and multivariate analysis

MA students can specialize in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Physical and/or Mental Health Research, and Social/Personality Psychology.

Program Format and Duration

Students usually complete these programs in 2-3 years. The MS program needs 38 units of coursework, a 300-hour internship, and an independent research thesis. This full-time program requires significant research commitment. Students take 2-4 classes each semester plus research credits.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts about 7% of applicants (approximately 4-6 students from over 100 applications). Strong candidates should have:

• 85 minimum overall undergraduate GPA
• 0 minimum undergraduate psychology GPA
• GRE General Test scores (MS program requires it, MA makes it optional)
• Research, data analysis, and quantitative experience that matches faculty interests

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate resident tuition and fees for 2025-26 total $10,794. Non-residents pay an extra $444 per unit. Other yearly costs include:

• Books and supplies: $970
• Housing and food: $18,406 (off-campus)
• Transportation and personal expenses: $5,446

Most students get teaching assistantships to support their studies.

Career Outcomes

California’s high employment rates for psychology graduates benefit SDSU students. Industrial-Organizational graduates work in corporations or consulting firms. They develop human resources programs. Alumni work at companies like Visa, Amazon, Spotify, and Electronic Arts. About 54% of MA graduates get accepted into doctoral programs after finishing.

6. Antioch University Los Angeles

Antioch University Los Angeles stands out among psychology masters programs in California. The program combines clinical training with a strong focus on social justice and provides several specialized tracks within its Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program at Antioch prepares students to work in contemporary psychotherapy through various theories and techniques. This 90-quarter credit program meets California’s requirements to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Students can take additional courses to qualify as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), which creates more career options.

Specializations Offered

The program lets students choose from several unique paths:

• General Practice: Students can customize their coursework to match their career goals
• Spiritual and Depth Psychology: Students explore personal growth and cultural identity
• Psychological Trauma Studies: Students learn to assess and treat psychological trauma
• The program also has Child Studies, Addiction and Recovery, and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology options

Program Format and Duration

Antioch gives students flexible scheduling options:

• Full-time students finish in 2 years (8 quarters)
• Part-time students complete the program in 4 years (16 quarters)
• Working professionals can take core courses on weekends through the Saturday cohort option
• A low-residency option blends online learning with limited campus visits

Admission Requirements

The program needs these items from applicants:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• One professional letter of recommendation
• Personal essay (800-1500 words)
• Group interview with faculty

Tuition and Financial Aid

Current tuition runs $920 per quarter credit as of 2025, with a total cost of about $69,888 for the whole program. Most students get some type of financial aid.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue California licensure as an LMFT or LPCC. Career paths vary based on specialization and include private practice, community mental health, trauma counseling, or organizational roles. Recent data shows strong job placement – 100% of graduates work as professional counselors.

7. Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University’s online Master of Science in Psychology program helps working professionals advance their careers or prepare for doctoral studies. Students can keep their jobs while taking evening classes.

Program Overview

The MS in Psychology serves two key purposes: it prepares students for doctoral studies and provides a terminal degree for career advancement. PAU’s MS degree helps professionals grow in fields that need social science research skills and understanding of human behavior. Students learn both theory and real-world applications. The results speak for themselves – 89% of graduates find jobs or continue their education right after graduating.

Specializations Offered

The program offers four unique concentrations:

• PhD Prep Track – Your path to doctoral studies with clinical interviewing focus (47 units)
• Generalist Track – Broad knowledge you can use in any field (37.5 units)
• Forensic Psychology Track – Psychology applications in legal settings (37.5 units)
• Tech & Mental Health Track – How technology shapes mental health breakthroughs (39.5 units)

Program Format and Duration

PAU delivers all courses online with evening classes to maximize flexibility. Most students finish the program in six to seven consecutive quarters, including summer, starting in fall. PhD Prep students attend a one-week intensive clinical interviewing course on campus.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended 3.3 GPA or higher. Students without a psychology background must complete four prerequisites with a B grade or better: Biopsychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Statistics.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The MS Psychology Online program costs about $9,387 per quarter. More than 70% of PAU students get some type of financial aid. Total yearly costs, including housing, transportation, and personal expenses, range from $75,124 to $89,151 based on summer enrollment.

Career Outcomes

Our graduates build successful careers in many fields. Digital forensic psychology jobs should grow 14% between 2023-2033. Social service management positions will likely increase by 15% from 2020 to 2030. Technology leadership roles often pay more than $200,000 yearly.

8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

California State University, Long Beach stands out with its affordable psychology masters program. The university’s Counseling Psychology program gives graduates opportunities to get dual licensure.

Program Overview

CSULB’s Counseling Psychology program requires 65 units and prepares students to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). The program has WASC accreditation and California Board of Behavioral Sciences Examiner approval.

Specializations Offered

Students learn to work in clinical mental health settings. The program offers several elective options:

• Play and Art Therapy for Children/Adolescents
• Family Trauma Treatment
• Gestalt Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy

Program Format and Duration

Students can choose between 2-year or 2.5-year tracks. Classes run Monday through Thursday from late afternoon (4:00 PM) to evening (7:00 PM), with some weekend sessions. The program combines in-person and online synchronous classes but doesn’t offer a fully online option.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 2.85 GPA in your last degree. The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Students must submit applications through both Cal State Apply and MyCED systems.

Tuition and Financial Aid

California residents pay between $25,365 and $30,330 as of Fall 2025, based on their chosen track. Students can access various financial aid options. These include College of Education scholarships, Golden State Social Opportunities Program (up to $25,000 yearly), and grants for research and travel.

Career Outcomes

Graduates build careers in private practice, community agencies, government settings, hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions. The Psychology Department ranks second nationwide according to the National Science Foundation for students who went on to complete Ph.D. programs.

9. Alliant International University

Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) has educated more than 16,000 psychology professionals since 1969. The school specializes in professional practice psychology and offers several masters-level programs like Clinical Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

Program Overview

The psychology masters programs blend theoretical coursework with practical experience. Students in the Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology learn to apply psychological theories to business situations. The MA in Marital and Family Therapy follows a COAMFTE-accredited curriculum that prepares students for California licensure. Students in the Clinical Psychology program learn evidence-based practices for assessment and treatment.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose from these specialized tracks:

• Chemical Dependency (within MFT program) – CAADE-accredited training helps students treat addiction
• Organizational Development – teaches workplace psychology applications
• Clinical Counseling – prepares students for LPCC licensure

Program Format and Duration

Most programs need 50-60 units to complete. Students can finish the MA in Organizational Psychology in one year with full-time study or two years part-time. Working professionals can take advantage of evening, weekend, and hybrid formats[563].

Admission Requirements

The application package should include:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (or petition)
• Two recommendation letters from academic/professional references
• Personal statement essay spanning 2-4 pages for Masters programs
• Current resume/CV
• $65 non-refundable application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Program costs vary – in-person MFT programs cost around $73,500 while online versions cost $57,000. Students can access federal aid through Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and Federal Work Study. The university offers institutional scholarships to help with expenses.

Career Outcomes

Graduates work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, and corporate settings. The clinical counseling program provides 700 hours of clinical experience, including 280 hours of direct supervised clinical work. Many students go on to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists or Professional Clinical Counselors.

10. The Wright Institute

The Wright Institute, located in Berkeley, provides a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program that emphasizes social justice principles. Their unique cohort-based learning model creates an intimate and supportive environment for students.

Program Overview

The program enables students to pursue dual licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. Students learn theoretical foundations and practical counseling skills while developing self-reflective practices. WASC accreditation ensures graduates are well-prepared to serve in a variety of communities.

Specializations Offered

Students gain expertise in multicultural competency and trauma-informed care through extensive training in community mental health settings.

Program Format and Duration

Students have two flexible options:

• Weekend format: 14 weekends per year (Friday evenings, full Saturdays and Sundays) with one weekly evening class in first year
• Daytime format: Two full days weekly (9:00am-4:00pm)

Most students complete the program in two years. Some might need three years if they cannot finish practicum hours alongside their coursework.

Admission Requirements

The online system streamlines the application process. The admission team takes an integrated approach to evaluate all criteria equally.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,280 per unit. The complete 60-unit program costs approximately $76,800. Students can access Federal unsubsidized loans (up to $20,500) and Graduate PLUS loans.

Career Outcomes

Students must complete 500 supervised clinical hours, including 280 direct client hours. Graduates often build careers in community mental health, trauma counseling, and private practice.

11. California State University Los Angeles (CSULA)

CSULA stands out with its research-focused psychology master’s programs. These programs help you prepare for doctoral studies or research careers rather than clinical practice like other schools.

Program Overview

Students can choose between two research-based psychology degrees: the Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. The programs don’t lead to therapist licensure. Research methods, statistics, and thesis work are the foundations of both degrees.

Specializations Offered

The MA program connects students with faculty mentors who specialize in psychology of all types. The MS in Forensic Psychology prepares students for criminal justice careers. Students get hands-on training through a nine-month practicum in legal settings.

Program Format and Duration

Students need 31-34 units to graduate. The MA program takes about 2 years. MS students complete their coursework along with field experience.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA is needed (3.0 for Forensic Psychology). Students must submit a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and unofficial transcripts.

Tuition and Financial Aid

California residents pay $9,144 per year for graduate tuition. Non-residents pay extra ($444 per unit).

Career Outcomes

The program’s graduates earn median salaries of $37,567. This is a big deal as it means that they earn more than the national average. MA graduates often move on to doctoral programs, while MS graduates work in forensic settings.

Pick Your CA Master’s in Psychology Program

Your career goals and personal circumstances will help you pick the right psychology master’s program in California. The state’s powerhouse status in psychology education shines through institutions like UC Berkeley, Pepperdine, and USC. Each school brings its unique strength – Berkeley excels in research, Pepperdine focuses on clinical practice, and USC specializes in business applications.

These programs fit different lifestyles with full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, and online options. Money plays a big role in program selection. You’ll find fully-funded research positions at UC Berkeley, while San Diego State and Cal State Long Beach offer more budget-friendly alternatives.

California’s psychology graduates enjoy excellent job prospects. The state leads the nation with an average psychologist salary of $117,610. Jobs are plentiful in academic, clinical, corporate, and government sectors. Program graduates often land positions at top organizations or move on to doctoral studies.

The right program should match your professional goals. Look at each program’s focus, specialization options, schedule flexibility, location, cost, and job placement rates. California’s excellence in psychology education means you’ll find a program that fits your needs and launches your career in this ever-changing field.