Psychology Degrees at Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine, located in Southern California’s heart, shines as a beacon of academic excellence with strong Christian roots. This private institution ranks among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” universities in U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings.

Psychology at Concordia represents the scientific study of the human mind. Students learn what makes us who we are by taking a closer look at the delicate balance between nature and nurture. The program helps students develop healthy scientific skepticism and promotes personal and professional growth. The detailed coursework takes students from studying the 20th century’s great psychoanalysts to learning about present-day breakthroughs in human behavior.

The university creates a resilient educational environment for psychology students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students showed strong interest in the program during 2021-2022, with 38 students earning bachelor’s degrees in psychology. On top of that, 40 students received their master’s degree in psychology in 2022, making Concordia the 180th most popular school for psychology master’s degree candidates nationwide.

Student demographics in the psychology program show diversity in many ways. Bachelor’s degree recipients in 2021-2022 included 58% men and 42% women, with 63% identifying as white. Master’s level statistics showed different patterns – 31% men and 69% women earned degrees, while 57% of students identified as white.

Students planning their finances should note that 2022-2023 undergraduate tuition was $40,510 with $880 in additional fees. Students living on campus paid $13,330 for room and board, and typically spent $900 on books and supplies.

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation validates Concordia University Irvine’s high academic standards. This accreditation will give a quality guarantee for all programs, including psychology degrees. The university serves over 5,000 students annually and offers a vibrant academic community while providing individual-specific educational experiences.

Concordia’s psychology curriculum gives you the marketable skills in communication, problem-solving, data analysis, and independent thinking. These skills prepare graduates for careers in clinical work, management, social work, marketing, and policy analytics.

School info

The psychology program treats the discipline as a scientific study of the brain and thought origins. Many science fields focus on symptoms, but Concordia’s psychology curriculum explores deeply into mechanisms. Students learn what makes humans who they are and study the complex relationship between nature and nurture. This approach helps students develop a detailed understanding of human behavior and thought processes.

Students experience both personal and professional development in the program. The curriculum covers everything from neuro-structure and function to analyzes of mental conditions and disorders. Students start their intellectual trip studying the great psychoanalysts of the 20th century and move on to explore contemporary breakthroughs in human behavior.

Graduates gain valuable marketable skills beyond psychological knowledge:

• Effective communication abilities
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Skills to develop and sustain reasoned arguments
• Data collection and analysis proficiency
• Independent study and critical thinking abilities

These skills prepare graduates for diverse career paths beyond clinical work. Many alumni now work in management, social work, marketing, advertising, demography, or policy analytics.

The psychology program cooperates extensively with related disciplines. Psychology majors work alongside Sociology, Anthropology, and Behavioral Science majors to structure courses and interdisciplinary research. This cross-disciplinary approach enriches the educational experience and broadens students’ views.

The Behavioral Science major combines psychology and lets students choose an emphasis that lines up with their interests and career goals. Students can focus on Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or follow a General track. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific goals.

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation helps Concordia University Irvine maintain high academic standards. The university serves more than 5,000 students each year. This accreditation gives students a degree that meets recognized quality standards.

The campus sits at 1530 Concordia West in Irvine, California, creating an ideal environment for academic exploration and growth. Students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in psychology will find the resources, faculty expertise, and supportive community they need to succeed.

Programs offered

Concordia University Irvine’s psychology education gives students several degree paths to match their career goals and academic interests.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program needs 44-45 units of coursework. This complete undergraduate degree gives you the fundamental skills to pursue a career as a psychologist. We focused on:

• Understanding psychological theories and concepts
• Developing evaluation skills for conducting psychological research
• Identifying how a Christian worldview complements the scientific study of human behavior

Students take core courses like Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Introduction to Research Methods, Biopsychology, Social Psychology, Personality Theory, and Abnormal Psychology. The program also lets students pick specialized courses in developmental psychology that cover childhood, adolescence, or the entire lifespan.

Students looking for a wider interdisciplinary approach can choose the Behavioral Sciences Major with Psychology Emphasis, which needs 48 total units. This program combines 39 units of behavioral sciences core with 9 units of psychology emphasis courses. You’ll learn about multiple social science disciplines while specializing in psychological studies.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology program. This specialist-level degree helps education professionals support K-12 students’ mental health through psychoeducational assessments and behavioral interventions. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) accredits the program, which needs 60 units plus 1,200 hours of field experience.

The M.A.Ed. in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential uses a cohort-based model. Students take one content course and one practicum experience per 8-week term. Most students complete the 16-term program in about 2.5 years.

Both undergraduate and graduate psychology programs blend practical application with theoretical knowledge. The Psychology major works together with Sociology, Anthropology, and Behavioral Science majors to structure courses and conduct interdisciplinary research. This creates a rich educational environment that prepares students for various career paths in psychology and related fields.

Online options

Concordia University Irvine offers reliable online learning options that help students earn advanced psychology credentials while maintaining flexibility. Their Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology program adapts perfectly to working professionals’ needs through blended and fully online formats.

Students complete one course every eight weeks in a structured cohort model. You’ll move through the curriculum with the same group of peers. This setup promotes a supportive learning community even in a virtual environment.

The course schedule maintains a consistent pattern each term:

• Synchronous sessions happen during weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7, with weekly meetings from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• Asynchronous learning occurs during weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Students complete coursework at their convenience

This balanced approach combines live interaction benefits with self-paced study convenience. Students access a detailed learning management system after enrollment. The program emphasizes active participation through online discussions and group activities. This creates an enriching learning experience despite physical separation.

The program’s consistency makes planning easier. Your class meets on the same weekday (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) throughout the entire program. This helps you balance work and personal life with your studies.

The technical setup requirements are simple but crucial. Students need a computer with reliable internet, web camera, and microphone to participate fully in virtual classes.

New applicants can join online information sessions to connect with program faculty and admissions team members. These sessions explain admission requirements, financial aid options, and other key program details before enrollment.

The online format maintains Concordia’s psychology program’s academic excellence and practical focus while eliminating location barriers to advanced education.

Accreditation

Quality and credibility of psychology degrees at Concordia University Irvine depend heavily on accreditation. The university has full accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). WSCUC is one of six regional bodies that oversee college and university accreditation in the United States. This 43-year-old institutional accreditation proves that Concordia’s programs meet strict academic excellence standards.

The Master of Arts in Counseling program stands out with its specialized accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program went through a voluntary external review to earn this prestigious recognition. This process verified that students receive proper preparation to practice as professional counselors.

CACREP accreditation gives future psychology professionals several key advantages. Your education will meet complete national standards and this is a big deal as it means that you’ll fulfill educational requirements to become a licensed or certified counselor in any state. You’ll also learn marketable skills that give you an edge in your chosen career path.

Concordia’s commitment to excellence shows in its PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program. The program is working toward CACREP recognition under the 2024 standards. This proves the university’s steadfast dedication to quality education at every level.

The university’s accreditation status requires regular quality checks. The latest Commission review happened on June 28, 2024. Future reviews include a Spring 2027 Interim Report and Fall 2031 Offsite Review. An Accreditation Visit will follow in Spring 2032.

Concordia ranks among California’s prominent institutions offering Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) programs. The university’s accredited programs are a great way to get career opportunities after graduation. These programs deepen your commitment to quality care and prepare you well for professional licensure.

Admission Requirements

Starting your psychology education at Concordia University Irvine means meeting specific admission criteria for each program level. The application process will give you a clear path to succeed in your chosen psychology degree.

Concordia’s School Psychology M.A.Ed. program maintains clear eligibility standards. You must hold a valid bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The university requires official transcripts from your highest degree-granting institution. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is needed. You’ll also need to provide Basic Skills Verification through CBEST results or other state-approved methods.

The School Psychology program also requires:

• A valid teaching credential or Certificate of Clearance
• Submission of an admission essay (letter of intent)
• Completed online application with a $50 non-refundable application fee

International students must meet extra requirements. Non-US transcripts need certified English evaluations and translations, plus evidence of the posted degree. Concordia recommends IERF (International Education Research Foundation), a NACES-approved agency, for transcript evaluation. A Detail Report (course-by-course) helps provide a full picture of your academic background.

The undergraduate psychology program takes a different admission approach. Students need a minimum high school GPA of 2.80. SAT and ACT scores aren’t required, but some students might need to submit extra documentation instead of test results.

The recommended college preparation for undergraduate admission has:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics (including Algebra II)
• 3 years of science (with 2 years of lab science)
• 2 years of history
• 2 years of the same foreign language

Send all application materials to the right office based on your program level. Graduate materials go to the Spectrum Campus, and undergraduate materials should be sent to the main Irvine campus.

Tuition

The cost of your psychology education at Concordia University Irvine needs a clear financial breakdown. The Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology program charges $710.00 per unit for the 2025-2026 academic year. The program has extra specialized fees: $200.00 for EDP 590A Practicum, $250.00 for EDP Fieldwork I, and $250.00 for EDP Fieldwork II.

You’ll need to plan for these one-time fees:

• Student Success Fee: $60.00
• Non-refundable Application Fee: $50.00 for domestic students and $150.00 for international applicants
• Graduation Fee (amount varies)

Concordia rewards specific groups with financial benefits. Teachers and administrators at Lutheran schools get a 20% discount on all tuition for their master’s degree. The university’s alumni receive a 10% loyalty discount when they enroll in additional degree programs.

The university offers payment plans tailored to graduate students. Financial counselors can help you explore financing options and complete your financial aid application. Students must pay all tuition and fees by the deadlines to keep their class spots.

Institutional aid covers specific charges like tuition, fees, university housing, and meal plans but not class fees or fines. The university gives out more than $68 million in federal, state, and institutional assistance each year. This makes education accessible through different financial options.

Additional Information

Practical experience is a vital part of your psychology experience at Concordia University Irvine. Students can break down organizational cultures firsthand and develop career-related skills through internships. These internships bridge the gap between college education and professional practice. Recent statistics show that 80.9% of new college hires nationally had internship experience, which shows how important these opportunities are.

The university’s Career Services department provides detailed support throughout your academic experience. Resources available to you include:

• Resume reviews and mock interviews
• Major and career exploration guidance
• Job and internship search assistance
• Professional headshots
• Career workshops and graduate school fairs

Students must complete an internship before graduation. Concordia has strong relationships with many Southern California nonprofits and programs. Students can add or drop internships during the first 11 weeks of a semester. The requirements must be completed within four continuous semesters from enrollment.

Your psychology degree opens doors to various career paths after graduation. Graduates can pursue roles from advertising to social services or continue with advanced studies in specialized fields.