Cal State Fullerton Psychology Programs

Cal State Fullerton’s Psychology Department ranks among the university’s most popular academic units, with psychology being one of the most chosen majors on campus. Students can find the department in the Humanities Building (Room 830M), where it has earned its reputation for outstanding undergraduate and graduate education.

The department studies behavior and mind scientifically. Its primary goal is to deliver exceptional student-centered instruction and mentoring in psychological sciences. The faculty members are dedicated to helping students develop knowledge and skills they need for social responsibility and effective careers.

Students feel welcome to bring their authentic selves in an inspiring and supportive environment. The department’s professors are experts who specialize in clinical, social, developmental, and experimental psychology. They don’t just teach well – they genuinely care about their students’ education quality at CSUF.

Cal State Fullerton’s psychology department offers these academic programs:

• A 41-unit major and 21-unit minor in psychology
• A Bachelor of Arts degree with six specialized tracks: Clinical, Gender and Sexuality, Health and Well-being, Industrial/Organizational, Multicultural, and Neuroscience Studies
• Master’s degree options in both Science (MS) with clinical psychology emphasis and Arts (MA) with research focus

Research opportunities thrive in several specialized centers. Professor Nancy Segal’s Twin Studies Center gives graduate and undergraduate students research experience while answering information requests about multiple births. The Decision Research Center supports faculty and students who study behavioral decision-making. Local community organizations and CSUF faculty receive research services from the Social Science Research Center.

Students can get involved through groups like Psi Chi (the national honor society for psychology students), Latinx Student Psychological Association, and Psychology Association of Graduate Students of Color and Allies. These organizations help with academic growth, professional networking, and community service.

CSUF’s psychology major offers a detailed overview of major psychology fields, research methods, and how to apply psychological knowledge. This background prepares students for careers in mental health agencies, hospitals, teaching, business, and public organizations. Many graduates continue their education in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, law, business management, and public administration.

Programs offered

Cal State Fullerton’s psychology programs create educational paths from undergraduate to graduate levels that match students’ interests and career goals. The department helps students succeed through three unique degree programs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology needs 41 units in the major and gives students knowledge of psychology based on empirical research. This complete program helps students develop research methods and statistical skills they can apply to ground problems. Students must take specific courses like introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, laboratory experiences, and various electives. Psychology students need to keep a minimum 2.0 GPA in all psychology courses and earn at least a “C” grade in each course counted toward the major. Students must also complete at least 21 units at CSUF.

The Master of Arts in Psychology requires 36 units and helps students become skilled at critical thinking to review psychological research. Students learn advanced statistical knowledge and research design skills that let them create and run their own research studies. The program has 18 units of core courses, 12-15 units of content courses, and 3-6 units of thesis research. MA graduates can teach psychology, conduct research in organizations, or continue their education in doctoral programs.

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology provides scientific and clinical training that stands out among master’s programs. Students start with basic clinical coursework in their first year and move to hands-on supervised fieldwork in their second year. The program gives students excellent research skills and ends with a research thesis guided by faculty members. Students who complete the MS program meet requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure.

Cal State Fullerton’s psychology programs stand out nationally. The university ranks among the top 10% in the country for psychology (#88 out of 979 schools) and holds the #11 spot in California. During 2021-2022, CSUF awarded 890 bachelor’s degrees in psychology, showing a 13% increase from the previous year. The university also awarded 21 master’s degrees, making it the 69th most popular school for psychology master’s degrees nationwide.

These programs show strong diversity. The undergraduate program’s recent graduates were 54% Hispanic or Latino and 77% women. Graduate programs show similar trends, with 82% of psychology master’s recipients being women and strong representation from various ethnic backgrounds.

Online options

Cal State Fullerton’s educational approach puts flexibility first. Students can take psychology and related courses online or in hybrid formats, whatever their location or schedule looks like. This setup works great for students who need to balance their studies with work and family life.

Students can take quality online courses in many subjects without coming to campus. The hybrid programs mix traditional classroom learning with online instruction. This blend creates a perfect balance for students with busy schedules.

Cal State Online brings quality programs to students across the California State University system. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees without worrying about distance or timing. While CSUF doesn’t offer a fully online psychology degree, it has three online bachelor’s degree completion programs that psychology students might like:

• A. in Humanities & Social Sciences (BA HSS) – You’ll need 69 units to apply and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program takes three years (nine terms) to finish and costs $425 per unit. Graduates often work in human resources, communication, public relations, education, and law—fields where psychology knowledge comes in handy.
• A. in Sociology (BA SOCX) – This program also needs 69 units and a 2.5 GPA. It prepares you for careers in social work, counseling, criminal justice, and social services—areas that fit well with psychology studies.

State-of-the-art tech tools boost CSUF’s online learning experience. Virtual labs and interactive resources give students hands-on practice even when they’re far from campus. Remote students can really get involved with their coursework.

The Pollak Library makes psychological research easier with its online resources. Just remember that some subscription-based resources need your Cal State Fullerton Portal username and password.

Want to learn more about the Psychology Department? Check out their website (https://psychology.fullerton.edu/). It’s packed with complete details, including how to contact faculty members.

CSUF’s flexible learning options make quality education available to all kinds of students. International students and those with busy schedules can all get a great education. The university stays true to its mission of meeting students’ needs while delivering excellent education.

Accreditation

Cal State Fullerton’s psychology programs stand on strong educational standards backed by solid institutional accreditation. The university has accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This recognition dates back to 1961 and shows CSUF’s commitment to high educational standards.

A recent accreditation review took place on February 14, 2020, which led to CSUF keeping its accredited status. WSCUC’s assessment proves the university meets quality standards. The next review cycle will start with an Offsite Review in Spring 2029 and an Accreditation Visit will follow in Fall 2029.

Cal State Fullerton’s value goes beyond basic accreditation. The university’s Student Health and Counseling Center trains psychology students and has American Psychological Association (APA) Commission accreditation for its predoctoral internship programs. Students who train at this facility meet national professional standards.

CSUF’s official documents show many academic programs have field-specific accreditations. The Master of Science in Counseling program has California State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) approval. Students can meet all requirements to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). The program also has national accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Psychology programs in California can get recognition from respected bodies. These include the American Psychological Association (APA), Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). These credentials show programs meet field standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.

Students pursuing a Cal State Fullerton psychology major or masters psychology degree can trust their education meets standards that employers and licensing boards recognize. This accreditation helps with job prospects and gives a clear path toward advanced degrees or professional licenses.

Admission Requirements

Cal State Fullerton psychology programs have specific academic requirements that change based on your chosen degree level. Each program sets its own standards to select students who can succeed in their field.

Students who want to join the cal state fullerton psychology major must meet California State University transfer requirements. You’ll need at least 60 semester units of transferable college credit with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This GPA can be cumulative or from your last 60 units. Your previous institution must also consider you a student in good standing. The program attracts many applicants, so meeting basic requirements might not guarantee your spot. Popular majors often look for stronger academic records.

The Master of Arts in Psychological Research program has more specific requirements. You should complete several prerequisite courses before applying. These include intro to psychology, basic statistics, and research methods. You’ll also need advanced psychological statistics and four more courses from at least three psychology subfields. One of these must be a lab course. Most successful applicants have a 3.0 GPA in their psychology classes. Research experience matters too – many accepted students have worked on research projects with professors.

The Cal State Fullerton masters psychology program with clinical emphasis (MS) sets the bar even higher. You need a 3.0 GPA in psychology courses and specific classes in abnormal psychology, psychological testing, and advanced statistics. The program looks at three recommendation letters and your mental health experience. Clinical supervision by a licensed professional helps your application. Finalists must go through an interview, and the program only accepts students in fall semesters. This selective program accepts just 19.3% of applicants – only 30 students get in from 155 applications.

Graduate programs share the same timeline. Applications open October 1 for fall admission and close January 15. Submit everything online through CSU Apply. Remember to complete both university and department applications. Missing either one could disqualify you, even if you meet all other requirements.

International students should note extra requirements. They must pass English proficiency tests unless they qualify for a waiver. The department makes its final decisions by looking at academic preparation, experience, and each student’s potential to succeed.

Tuition

Cal State Fullerton’s psychology programs come with budget-friendly rates that beat national averages. The university stands out as an affordable public option, with tuition costs 32% below the national average for public 4-year institutions.

CSUF’s annual in-state tuition costs $7,470 for undergraduate psychology majors. This amount is substantially lower than the national average of $11,011 at public institutions and $43,505 at private colleges. Psychology students’ average tuition and fees amount to about $7,073 for in-state undergraduates.

The complete cost breakdown for 2025-2026 shows undergraduate students will pay $7,952 in tuition and mandatory fees. This base amount stays the same whatever your living situation, but total costs change based on where you live. Commuter students can expect to pay $25,072 in total. Students who choose on-campus housing will pay around $34,721, while off-campus housing costs approximately $35,186.

Graduate students in CSUF’s psychology master’s program pay higher rates. Their tuition and mandatory fees total $9,566 for 2025-2026. The total yearly cost ranges from $26,768 for commuters to $36,882 for students in off-campus housing.

Some specialized programs have different pricing. The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy program costs $675 per unit as of Spring 2025. This program offers one of the most affordable paths to an advanced counseling degree. Students should budget extra for textbooks, campus fees, parking, and materials.

The total Cost of Attendance (COA) covers more than just tuition. It includes $1,030 for books and supplies, living expenses between $10,540 and $21,157 depending on housing, plus transportation and other costs. This total budget sets the maximum financial aid students can receive for the academic year.

CSUF psychology undergraduates’ average student debt is $10,418. This figure shows the university’s steadfast dedication to keeping quality education available in psychological sciences.

Additional Information

CSUF provides comprehensive support services to help psychology students succeed. Students, faculty, staff and their families can access MyLifeMatters by Empathia when facing personal challenges. Student health fees cover both group and individual sessions at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Students can get academic help through psychology-specific workshops and tutoring at the University Learning Center. The Academic Advisement Center guides students through general education requirements, while the University Writing Center helps them polish writing assignments. Students learn valuable job-seeking skills, resume writing, and interview techniques at the Career Center.

The psychology program at Cal State Fullerton features these active student groups:

• Psychology Department Student Association (PDSA) – A student group since 1973 that organizes workshops, brings in speakers, and coordinates community service to support psychology students’ academic goals
• Psi Chi – Students can join this national honor society after completing nine semester hours of psychology with a 3.2 overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in psychology
• Latinx Student Psychological Association – This group supports Latinx representation in psychology and gives students leadership and networking opportunities
• Psychology Association of Graduate Students of Color and Allies – A supportive community that helps graduate students of color thrive

Students can explore their interests through Diversity Initiatives & Resource Centers’ co-curricular programs. The faculty labs offer research opportunities, and students can earn course credit.