Best Psychology Programs in California for 2025
Discover the best colleges for psychology in California and explore salary and career outlooks for psychologists in the Golden State.
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Key Takeaways
- The top psychology programs in California are University of California-Irvine, University of California-Santa Cruz, and San Diego State University.
- Psychologists in California earn an average salary ranging from $96,000-$132,000, depending on their speciality.
- Licensing requires a doctoral degree, supervised clinical experience, specific exams, and a background check.
With over 500 colleges and universities in California, it can be daunting to try to narrow down your options. If you’re looking for the best colleges for psychology in California, check out our list of the best psychology programs in the Golden State. You can also find tips on what to consider when choosing a school to ensure you make the right decision for you.
Best Psychology Programs in California for 2025
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
48%
Yes
26%
N/A
$11,700
$26,802
94%
36,587
Public
University of California-Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
21%
Yes
61%
N/A
$11,700
$26,802
90%
19,764
Public
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
56%
Yes
34%
N/A
$7,176
$19,140
90%
37,539
Public
California State University-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
46%
Yes
92%
N/A
$7,176
$14,304
73%
25,080
Public
California State University-Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
67%
Yes
97%
N/A
$7,176
$16,680
80%
9,845
Public
California State University-Sacramento
- Sacramento, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
62%
Yes
93%
N/A
$7,176
$16,680
80%
31,818
Public
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
- Pomona, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
63%
Yes
73%
N/A
$7,176
$16,680
88%
26,415
Public
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
12%
Yes
9%
N/A
$11,700
$26,802
97%
48,046
Public
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
37%
Yes
30%
N/A
$7,176
$16,680
95%
22,279
Public
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
- Arcata, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
65%
Yes
83%
N/A
$7,176
$16,680
76%
5,976
Public
What to Look for in a California College for Psychology
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college for psychology in California, including:
- Program Format: Do you want to attend your program online or on campus? Are you only able to take classes in the evenings or on weekends? Are you interested in earning your degree at an accelerated pace? Does the program schedule fit your needs?
- Concentration Availability: Do you want to specialize in a specific area in psychology? Does the school offer courses tailored to your interests?
- Accreditation: Make sure your psychology school or program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or another official accreditation agency. California has 34 APA-accredited Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs.
- Cost: What is the overall cost of earning your degree? Does the school offer financial aid options?
Salary and Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in California
Like much of the country, California is currently experiencing a shortage of mental health care professionals, with only 24% of the state’s mental health needs met. Given this shortage and the positive employment growth projections for psychologists from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as shown below, it may be a good time to become a psychologist in California.
Psychologists earn a lucrative salary, often in the six-figure range. However, many psychologists in California need a doctoral degree and a state license, which requires many hours of supervised clinical experience and multiple exams.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Change in Employment 2023-2033 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $95,830 | 13% |
| School Psychologists | $86,930 | 1% |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $109,840 | 6% |
| Psychologists, All Other | $94,310 | 5% |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $82,140 | 7% |
Licensing Requirements in California
Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and school psychologists all need to earn licensure in California before they can practice.
To earn licensure in California, psychologists must earn a doctoral degree and complete specific coursework that meets state requirements. They also need 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, with 1,500 of those hours occurring after they complete their doctorate.
Aspiring psychologists in California must then pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). Finally, they must apply for licensure and pass a background check.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Colleges for Psychology in California
Yes, California has good psychology programs. California is home to many nationally and internationally recognized schools, such as Stanford, the California Institute of Technology, and schools in the University of California system.
