Sacramento State Psychology Programs

Sacramento State’s Psychology Department creates a vibrant academic environment in Amador Hall. This building was custom-designed to meet the department’s research and educational requirements. Students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies consider this location their academic home in one of the university’s most popular programs.

Facilities and Resources

Amador Hall boasts state-of-the-art research facilities that support both human and animal studies. Students work in specialized labs focused on perception, cognition, human development, behavior analysis, and neuroscience. The building has computer labs that aid data collection, analysis, and teaching. Researchers can access a sound-deadened room for sleep studies and computer-controlled systems to program animal research.

The Psychological Services Center stands out as a premier learning space for students specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. This six-room suite features audio and video recording capabilities for research sessions and has a kitchenette to study children with feeding difficulties. The facilities support operant and neuroscience research with animals. A rodent colony and equipment for behavioral procedures, histological techniques, and neurophysiological recordings are available.

Research Opportunities

Research is the basis of the Sacramento State Psychology experience. Students can join independent study courses in Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Neuroscience, Perception, and Social Psychology. The Annual Psychology Department Research Conference showcases student and faculty research and provides valuable professional development.

Many psychology courses have research requirements that help students understand research methods and procedures hands-on. Students can participate in psychology research studies led by faculty and students or complete alternative writing assignments.

Community Connections

Students build strong connections with Sacramento’s community through research projects and fieldwork in organizations and state agencies. Each year, about 300 students involve themselves in research projects or work at organizations like the Suicide Prevention Service, Planned Parenthood, and the California Youth Authority.

Student Support

The Prospects Peer Mentoring and Advising Program lets students share and receive guidance about academic and career planning. Psychology majors and minors can get general education and graduation advising at the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies – Student Success Center. Students can also join groups like Psi Chi, Psychology Society, and the Student Association for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Programs offered

Sacramento State’s Psychology Department has a complete range of degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can choose different career paths in psychology through these programs.

The department has both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Psychology. These degrees help graduates find positions that need human behavior knowledge in public service, education, or business. The department also has an undergraduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. This certificate prepares students to work in educational settings and health and human service agencies.

Students can choose from several specialized programs at the graduate level. The Master of Arts in Psychology (Doctoral Preparation) requires 30 total units with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students must get a grade of ‘B’ or better in all courses. The program has core courses in empirical methods and contemporary statistical methods. Students also take specialized seminars and complete a final project.

The department changed its MA in General Psychology to an MS in Psychological Research in Fall 2024. Students can create their own study plan with faculty help to prepare for doctoral programs in these fields:

• Clinical Psychology (research-focused without clinical skills training)
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Social Psychology
• Quantitative Psychology

Students can also pursue an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis or an MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. These programs prepare students for specific careers in psychology.

Graduate students start their hands-on coursework and supervision in their first semester. They work on research projects either in teams or individually with faculty guidance. Students present their research at conferences like the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association’s Student Research Conference and the Western Psychological Association Research Conference.

Students can also work as paid Teaching Associates or Instructional Student Assistants in undergraduate courses. These roles help them gain teaching experience while studying.

Each program focuses on research methods, statistical analysis, and practical psychology applications. Students develop skills they need for professional success or advanced studies in their chosen field.

Online options

Students can now pursue their psychology degree at Sacramento State through several online learning options. The university has made substantial investments to create quality online programs. These programs maintain academic standards while meeting the needs of students from all backgrounds.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree completion program leads the online offerings. Students can complete this program entirely online with accelerated courses that last six to eight weeks. This format works great for working professionals. The program gives you the freedom to take one class per year or up to 12 units each semester. You can choose based on your schedule and goals.

Sacramento State delivers high-quality online instruction through the Online Course Services (OCS) program. The CSU Chancellor’s Office started this program to give faculty free resources. These resources help them create effective online courses. The university also joined Quality Matters (QM), an international organization that reviews online courses.

The Quality Assurance program at Sacramento State boosts online education through:

• Faculty learning communities focused on online teaching
• Peer mentoring and consultation services
• Expert peer reviews of online courses
• Professional development opportunities

Faculty members get $500 when their online or hybrid courses pass an internal review. They also receive $500 in professional development funds after completing a formal QM review.

Sacramento State offers more online programs through Cal State Online. This initiative brings together resources from 23 campuses to serve over 450,000 students. Students can now learn without traditional time and location restrictions.

The College of Continuing Education (CCE) helps create engaging online content. They support faculty, staff, and students who take part in online courses. Some programs let you earn college credit by evaluating your work experience.

Sacramento State’s online programs show its dedication to making education available to everyone. The programs maintain high academic standards while adapting to each student’s needs. This approach works especially well for working professionals, parents, and students with busy schedules.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality indicator to evaluate graduate psychology programs. Quality accreditation validates that an institution meets 70-year-old standards of educational excellence. Sacramento State Psychology programs showcase their academic excellence through both institutional and program-specific accreditations.

Sacramento State University has managed to keep full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC) since 1951. This accreditation proves the institution’s high standards for higher education. The university’s WSCUC accreditation shows its steadfast dedication to academic excellence in any discipline, including psychology.

The School Psychology program at Sacramento State has earned special recognition from top professional organizations. The School Psychology MA and EdS programs have received accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This prestigious credential confirms that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes meet national standards for excellence in school psychology education.

The School Psychology program also holds accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). This state-level recognition are a great way to get experience especially when you have plans to practice in California. Students who graduate will meet specific state licensure requirements.

The EdS School Psychology program’s dual accreditation gives students two major advantages. Graduates from NASP-accredited programs have a smoother path to becoming Nationally Certified School Psychologists. CCTC accreditation means program graduates meet California’s requirements for school psychology practice without extra courses.

The College of Education takes pride in its psychology programs that meet these strict external standards. Their commitment to accreditation shows Sacramento State’s mission to prepare graduates with knowledge, skills, and professional abilities needed for successful careers.

Accreditation status should be your priority while choosing graduate psychology programs. Sacramento State’s accredited programs will give a credential that professionals respect and recognize throughout the field.

Admission Requirements

Sacramento State Psychology graduate programs have a competitive selection process that needs specific criteria. The department reviews candidates based on their academic performance, test scores, and experience.

The Psychology Department gives equal weight to overall grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores during admission decisions. Most psychology graduate programs recommend a 3.0 GPA. Students with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 might receive lower priority consideration. The MS in Psychological Research program accepts qualified applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Students must complete prerequisite coursework before starting graduate studies. Upper division undergraduate psychology courses in statistics and research methods need minimum grades of ‘C’. Sacramento State students meet this requirement through PSYC 121 and PSYC 102. The Graduate Coordinator must review and approve equivalent courses from other universities.

Students need a balanced selection of upper division psychology courses that cover at least five different core academic areas. These areas typically include biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.

Each specialization has its own requirements. The Applied Behavior Analysis track needs students to complete a lower division undergraduate psychology course in research methods and an upper division undergraduate course in ABA with minimum “C” grades. Industrial-Organizational Psychology students must complete lower division courses in Introductory Psychology, Methods of Psychology, and Statistics for Psychology, along with specific upper division coursework.

Students must submit materials to both the university and the Psychology Department. Required documents include:

• University application via CalState Apply
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation (at least two from faculty preferred)
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample (for some programs)

The department values factors beyond academics. Previous research or practical experience, interest in faculty research, and recommendation letters play crucial roles. The School Psychology program requires GRE scores for Fall 2024 admissions but uses them only to strengthen applications.

Strong academic credentials and alignment with faculty research interests mark successful applicants, preparing them for demanding graduate studies ahead.

Tuition

Money matters when choosing a graduate school. Sacramento State Psychology programs have a clear cost structure that helps you plan your educational investment.

Sacramento State’s graduate school tuition and fees cost $9,542 for California residents. Out-of-state students pay $19,622. These amounts include tuition fees and mandatory campus fees. California residents pay $7,608 for tuition and $1,934 in additional fees.

Graduate tuition changes based on your course load. Students pay $2,208 per semester for 6 units or fewer. The cost rises to $3,804 for more than 6 units. Some programs have their own fee structure. The Education Doctorate program costs $6,273 in tuition fees each semester whatever the unit count.

Students from outside California pay an extra $420 per unit on top of standard fees. Graduate Professional Business students pay an additional $285 per unit.

Over the last several years, graduate program costs have risen steadily. In-state tuition increased from $8,852 to $9,542 between 2020-2021 and 2024-2025. Out-of-state costs went up from $18,356 to $19,622.

Your budget should include more than just tuition. Books and supplies cost about $1,160 each year. Living on campus with meal plans costs $19,174 yearly, while off-campus living runs about $21,042. Personal expenses reach $4,904 for campus residents and $6,096 for off-campus students.

The good news? Financial support options can help. The Office of Graduate Studies lists aid opportunities for both new and current students. Your aid eligibility depends on the difference between your Student Aid Index and Cost of Attendance. Many grants exist, including the State University Grant for tuition fees. This grant prioritizes eligible students who submit applications by March 2nd.

Psychology graduate students worried about costs should learn about these financial aid options. The right funding can substantially reduce your education expenses.

Additional Information

Sacramento State Psychology provides reliable support services that help students succeed. Students can access complete advising services through the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies Student Success Center. The center covers GE requirements, degree progress reviews, and career exploration. Faculty advisors make themselves available during regular office hours, and students can schedule meetings through EAB or attend drop-in sessions via Zoom or in-person.

The university’s student outcomes show impressive results. Fall 2020’s student cohort achieved a record-breaking 31.3% four-year graduation rate – the highest in University history. This achievement comes from more course options, better financial aid, and proactive advising approaches.

The program’s alumni speak highly of their educational experience. Faculty instruction quality earned a “very satisfied” rating from 58.01% of graduates, while 57.89% gave the same rating to course quality. Students found their professors knowledgeable, with 92.5% of alumni confirming this.

Students can build industry connections through valuable internship experiences. The Career Center helps students get internships, connects them with employers, and manages the Gaining Access to Internships Fund. These opportunities prove successful, as 53% of interns become full-time employees.

The Psychology Department’s Prospects Peer Mentors program creates strong community bonds by connecting students with experienced psychology majors. Students facing personal challenges can also access confidential individual and group counseling through university services.