The Best Masters in Behavioral Psychology Programs in California in 2026 (Online & Campus)
The right master’s in behavioral psychology California program can directly affect your career success. California State University, Northridge, to cite an instance, achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the 2024 BCBA exam and ranked number one in the United States. On top of that, 90% of their students secure jobs in the field of Behavior Analysis.
California offers a variety of master’s in behavioral psychology options. You can choose from research-focused programs to applied behavior analysis tracks. We get into 10 top behavioral psychology master’s programs throughout the state. You’ll find curriculum details, admission requirements, tuition costs and specializations that help you make an informed decision.
University of the Pacific
Program Overview
University of the Pacific offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis, operating on a scientist-practitioner model. The program trains students as both researchers and clinicians through coursework and practical experiences spanning experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and service delivery. The program is located in Stockton.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified that Pacific’s course sequence meets the coursework requirements for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. Students receive supervised clinical experience in homes, schools, care homes, and treatment centers. They work with children who are developing in a typical manner and those diagnosed with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. Students also work with adults who have developmental disabilities or mental illnesses. All students work under masters-level BCBAs within the program.
Degree Specializations
Pacific’s behavioral psychology masters program serves two distinct student populations. The Applied Behavior Analysis track prepares students for the BACB certification exam and subsequent practice as Board Certified Behavior Analysts at the master’s level. The Doctoral Preparation track focuses on improving acceptance chances into doctoral programs in behavior analysis or behavioral clinical/counseling psychology.
Curriculum and Coursework
Students complete 32 units total. This consists of 28 units of coursework and 4 units of thesis work. Required courses include Psychology of Learning, Behavioral Treatments and Applications, Behavioral Assessment, Ethical Behavior, Controversial Treatments in Applied Settings, Research Design, and Theory and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis.
Full-time students spend four semesters and at least one summer in residence in Stockton. All students complete a one-year research apprenticeship during their first year. Applied experience comes through teaching assistantships or clinical placements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field, evidence of relevant applied, clinical, or research experience, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. But the average GPA of accepted applicants runs much higher than the minimum. The program does not require GRE scores.
Your application must include a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, three letters of reference, and official transcripts. Applications are due February 15 to consider for fall.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs $1,754 per unit for the academic year, totaling $28,064 for 16 units. Notably, 100% of MA psychology candidates received tuition remission. Pacific has covered 90-100% of students’ tuition costs in the last five years.
Tuition remission reduces costs by 75% or more for most students. Tuition remission covered 100% of tuition costs in the 2025-2026 academic year. So students paid nothing in tuition fees. All students also received stipends for performing jobs such as teaching assistantships or traineeships in departmental treatment programs.
California State University, Northridge
Program Overview
California State University, Northridge’s Department of Psychology achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the 2024 BCBA exam and ranked number one in the United States. On top of that, 90% of ABA program graduates secure jobs in the field of Behavior Analysis.
The department offers three graduate programs: Clinical Psychology M.A., Psychological Science M.A., and Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.. The Clinical Psychology program trains students using the scientist-practitioner model and is designed for completion in 2 years of full-time study. Students receive training in assessment, diagnosis, treatment of psychological disorders and quantitative research methods. The Psychological Science program provides training in advanced statistical methods and research design for students pursuing Ph.D. programs in research-focused areas.
Degree Specializations
The Clinical Psychology M.A. offers two options. The clinical research option involves independent research projects under faculty guidance that lead to thesis completion. The clinical fieldwork option has practicum placements in clinical settings and culminates in comprehensive examinations. Both options provide hands-on clinical experience through in-house facilities: the Assessment Clinic and Mood & Anxiety Disorders Clinic. Licensed Clinical Psychologists supervise these facilities.
The Applied Behavior Analysis M.S. operates through a cohort model with sequentially advancing coursework through collaboration with The Tseng College of Extended Learning. Students complete BACB-approved practicum and acquire supervised experience competencies to sit for the BCBA examination.
Curriculum and Coursework
Clinical Psychology students complete core courses in psychopathology, psychological assessment, and psychotherapy theories. The Psychological Science track requires 37 units and has Professional Development, Univariate Statistics, Multivariate Statistics, Advanced Research Methods, and a thesis. The ABA program spans 37 units over two years and incorporates behavioral theory and ground application.
Admission Requirements
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open October 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Clinical program applicants must have completed 18 undergraduate psychology units that include Introductory Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics and Lab, and Research Methods and Lab. Successful Clinical applicants averaged a 3.6 undergraduate GPA. The program admits approximately 12 students annually.
Tuition and Financial Aid
California resident graduate students pay $8,330 in tuition and fees annually for 2026-2027. Students can complete the FAFSA starting October 1, 2025. The priority consideration deadline is March 2, 2026.
Pepperdine University
Program Overview
Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology delivers multiple behavioral psychology masters programs through flexible formats. The MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students to serve as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) in California. The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis meets BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements. So students pursuing certification can complete all experience hours before sitting for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
The program achieved a 48% BCBA exam pass rate in 2024. Online programs offer multiple start dates per year, while campus-based formats begin in fall or designated terms.
Degree Specializations
Four distinct formats serve different student needs. The day format spans 2 years with 62 units at Malibu and charges $2,030 per unit. The evening format extends 2.5-3 years across 60-66 units at West Los Angeles, Irvine, or Calabasas locations at $1,630 per unit. An online format runs 27+ months and covers 62-68 units at $2,030 per unit. The specialized Aliento program serves Latinx individuals, couples, families, and communities over 2.5-3 years with 60-72 units at $1,630 per unit.
The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis operates as a 16-month evening program that requires 30 units at $1,630 per unit, available at West Los Angeles or online.
Curriculum and Coursework
Foundation courses include Research and Evaluation Methods for Mental Health, Physiological Psychology, Psychopathology, Individual/Couple/Family Development, and Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning. Core courses cover Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders, Assessment of Intelligence, Personality Assessment, and Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy. Students gain practical experience through practicum placements at organizations and agencies in local communities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your application requires official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional competencies, and a two-to-five-page statement of purpose. The GRE General Test taken within five years remains required, though a waiver request form is available. Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores of 85 IBT or 4.5 on the new scale, or IELTS scores of 7.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Total program costs vary by format. The online MA in Clinical Psychology totals $138,040 for 68 units. The online MA in Psychology costs $97,440 for 48 units. The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis runs $60,900 for 30 units, plus a $528 fee for PSY 620. But all new MS ABA students entering Fall 2025 receive a $528 Pathway to Certification scholarship that covers the CBA Learning Modules.
Pepperdine offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships yearly, and more than 75% of students receive financial aid. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans provide up to $20,500 per academic year.
California State University, Los Angeles
Program Overview
Cal State LA’s Department of Psychology has three behavioral psychology masters programs serving distinct career paths. The Master of Arts in Psychology emphasizes research and conceptual skills for students continuing to doctoral programs. The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology prepares students to work in the criminal justice system. The Master of Science in Counseling with an Applied Behavior Analysis option trains graduate students in behavior analysis principles within a counseling framework for those planning to become board certified behavior analysts.
The ABA program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. ABAI has verified specific courses toward coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
Degree Specializations
The MA in Psychology operates as a rigorous program designed to develop research skills through close faculty mentoring relationships. The MS in Forensic Psychology has a 9-month practicum in the second year where students receive hands-on training working on legal and criminal justice issues. The ABA option admits students to cohort groups who take a prescribed sequence of cohort classes. The program accepts around 24 students per year and follows a cohort model.
Curriculum and Coursework
The MA requires 31-32 units, with at least 50% at the 5000-level. Core requirements are Multivariate Statistics, Advanced Experimental Methods, and Graduate Research. Students complete a 3-unit thesis. The MS in Forensic Psychology spans 33-34 units and has core courses, field experience, and thesis work. The ABA option requires 52-56 units. Students take three semesters of Fieldwork and accrue 750 hours under faculty supervision.
Admission Requirements
MA applicants need a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester units. The MS in Forensic Psychology requires a 3.0 GPA. Applications must be submitted by February 15 for Fall admission. Students without psychology bachelor’s degrees may gain conditional admission. They must complete 23 units of psychology coursework with a 3.0 GPA before beginning the master’s program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The FAFSA priority filing deadline is March 2, 2026. Cal State LA has over 400 scholarship opportunities accessible during March-April application season.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Program Overview
The Chicago School operates multiple California campuses offering behavioral psychology masters programs that emphasize practitioner-scholar training. The Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board accredited the M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis program at Chicago, Dallas, and Online locations. The program spans 2 to 2.5 years full time. It meets education and practicum requirements to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
The curriculum infuses the scientist-practitioner model in four domains: Theory and Philosophy, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Service Delivery. Students study analytical and conceptual tools needed to work and provide ethical behavior-analytic interventions to clients of all types.
Degree Specializations
The M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis offers two distinct pathways. The Practitioner Track spans 38 credit hours and focuses on applied service delivery. It develops clinical skills to design, implement, and assess ABA interventions. Students complete three structured practica focused on verbal behavior, skill acquisition, and behavior reduction.
The Research Track requires 39 credit hours and emphasizes research design, scientific writing, and experimental analysis. This track suits those planning doctoral study or research-focused career roles. Students participate in lab-based research practica over multiple terms.
Curriculum and Coursework
Both tracks meet coursework requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The Practitioner Track concludes with an applied project that assesses ground interventions. The Research Track requires an empirical thesis structured as a publishable manuscript. The program includes supervised fieldwork that lines up with BCBA requirements throughout.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. You must submit official transcripts from all institutions where you earned a degree. Applicants with cumulative GPAs below 3.0 must submit three letters of recommendation and an essay. The application fee costs $50.00.
Tuition and Financial Aid
M.A./M.S. programs charge $1,458.00 per credit hour. The Chicago School awards more than $10,000,000 in scholarships annually.
Walden University
Program Overview
Walden University delivers multiple online behavioral psychology masters programs designed for working professionals. The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis meets behavior-analytic coursework requirements for the BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility route. The Association for Behavior Analysis International verified the program’s course sequence as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards. Annual nationwide demand for BCBA certification increased 58% from 2023 to 2024.
Degree Specializations
Walden offers three ABA pathways: MS in Psychology with ABA specialization, standalone MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, and MS in Clinical Psychology with ABA specialization. The standalone ABA program requires 60 quarter credits. The Clinical Psychology ABA option adds just six months to the base program. It opens doors to both BCBA certification and mental health professional licensure in select states.
Curriculum and Coursework
Programs require 60-63 quarter credits. These consist of core courses and capstone work. Coursework covers applied behavior analysis concepts, behavioral assessment, experimental designs, and ethics aligned with the BCBA Task List. Students do not complete fieldwork through Walden. They must arrange supervised experience on their own.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Walden eliminated application fees and GRE requirements. The process requires only a completed online application and transcripts.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Walden accepts up to 24-48 transfer credits depending on program. The Believe & Achieve Scholarship provides progress-based tuition savings. Books and materials cost between $1,500 and $3,500.
Grand Canyon University
Program Overview
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University delivers the Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in General Psychology through online and evening formats. This degree does not lead to professional licensure and requires no field experience or internship, which sets it apart from other behavioral psychology masters programs. The program follows American Psychological Association standards and emphasizes servant leadership principles within the Christian worldview.
Degree Specializations
The general psychology emphasis focuses on developing research skills and theoretical understanding rather than clinical practice. Students explore human development, health psychology, social and cultural psychology, psychopathology, and cognition. This non-clinical track serves those pursuing doctoral studies or research-focused career paths.
Curriculum and Coursework
The program requires 36 credits delivered in 8-week terms. Core competencies cover ethical issues in animal research, forensic psychology, and psychotherapy. They also cover theoretical aspects of experimental design, which include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Students complete a Professional Capstone course that presents original research ideas and builds career roadmaps rather than a thesis.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.8 GPA. Those below the GPA threshold may qualify with an approved graduate degree and passing GMAT or GRE scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs $600.00 per credit for both online and evening formats. Students may transfer up to 12 credits or one-third of total program requirements, whichever is less.
Purdue Global
Program Overview
Purdue Global operates entirely online and offers behavioral psychology masters programs for working adults. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 45 quarter credits and meets BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements. The Association for Behavior Analysis International verified the course sequence as meeting requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination. The Master of Science in Psychology provides four concentrations: general psychology, addictions, forensic psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Depending on concentration and track selection, these programs span 60-75 quarter credits.
Degree Specializations
The general psychology concentration addresses behavioral approaches, neuropsychological point of view, psychopathology and cognitive psychology. The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission accredited the addictions concentration, with coursework meeting requirements for the Master Addictions Counselor certification exam. Students who choose the forensic psychology concentration prepare for criminal and civil legal system work. The industrial/organizational concentration targets workplace motivation, employee training and organizational behavior.
Curriculum and Coursework
The ABA program consists of 9 core courses totaling 45 quarter credits. Psychology concentrations require 60-75 quarter credits with concentration-specific courses. Each term runs for 10 weeks.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA is required for graduate programs. Applicants must submit a Career Outcomes Survey for approval before enrollment.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate programs charge $371 per quarter credit hour. Military servicemembers receive reduced rates of $320 per credit, representing a 17-30% reduction. Purdue Global offers a 3-week trial period where students who withdraw face no charges.
Alliant International University
Program Overview
Alliant International University launched its Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in August 2025. This marks the first Master of Science degree within the California School of Education. The 100% online program prepares competent, ethical, and compassionate behavior analysts who support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Students complete coursework that emphasizes trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and reflective practice. Graduates qualify to pursue national certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Degree Specializations
The California School of Professional Psychology offers multiple behavioral psychology masters programs. The MA in Clinical Counseling costs $848.00 per unit. The program does not accept new students. The MA in Organizational Psychology charges $1,110.00 per unit. The MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology runs $725.00 per unit.
Curriculum and Coursework
The ABA curriculum integrates evidence-based research with real-life practice. It focuses on principles and philosophical foundations of applied behavior analysis. Students design culturally responsive interventions and cooperate with families and interdisciplinary teams. Supervised fieldwork can begin during or after the program through external clinic partnerships.
Admission Requirements
Graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications cost $65.00, or $80.00 for Clinical Psychology programs. Master’s level applicants need TOEFL scores of 70. Submit applications online along with official transcripts and program-specific materials.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Alliant provides federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Students whose loans disburse by June 30, 2026 retain access to Graduate PLUS loans through June 2029.
National University
Program Overview
National University operates three online master’s programs in behavioral psychology with a one-course-per-month format for working adults. The flexible four-week courses allow year-round enrollment. Students can begin class any month depending on program availability. Programs include Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (California only), Master of Arts in Performance Psychology and Master of Arts in Human Behavior.
Degree Specializations
The Counseling Psychology program has two specialization options: standard Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and combined MFT/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). The Performance Psychology track covers applications in business and sport psychology, along with exercise physiology, fine arts and military psychology. The Human Behavior program requires 54 quarter units and serves students with ambitions in supervision, management and administration.
Curriculum and Coursework
The accelerated monthly course structure allows students to complete programs faster. The Human Behavior program has 10 core courses that cover topics like personal growth, adult development, organizational behavior and behavioral research methods. The capstone integrates theoretical and applied concepts into a 20-30 page empirical study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA minimum. Those with 2.0 to 2.49 GPAs may submit GMAT, GRE or Miller Analogies Test scores, or enter on probationary status.
Tuition and Financial Aid
National University awards scholarships to eligible students based on financial need.
Choose Today
California offers exceptional diversity in behavioral psychology masters programs, from research-intensive tracks at UC Riverside to BCBA-focused programs at Cal State Northridge. Choosing the right program depends on your specific career goals, whether you’re pursuing clinical licensure, BCBA certification, or doctoral preparation.
Compare tuition costs and financial aid packages that fit your schedule. Some programs provide 100% tuition remission. Others offer flexible online formats. Review admission requirements, pass rates and job placement statistics before making your final decision.
Your ideal program awaits among these options.