California is one of the best job markets in the country for psychology graduates. The state offers the average salary for psychology graduates in the U.S. Also, there are several psychology Schools In California that offer a wide range of psychology courses.
California features different schools that offer both undergraduate and graduate courses, including advanced degrees and doctorate degrees. So, if you are looking for the right state to pursue a psychology degree, California is the best place to consider.
The best psychological schools in California have high internship placement and graduation rates and are also recognized for their good academic reputation. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing the top 14 psychology schools in California and the types of psychology programs they offer.
Related: Best Psychology Schools In California
Table of Contents
WHY IS CALIFORNIA THE BEST PLACE TO PURSUE PSYCHOLOGY DEGREES?
California is considered the best place to pursue your psychology degree because they have a strong reputation for the job market for school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Psychology Schools In California come with many benefits, such as high-quality education for students, multicultural perspectives, good career opportunities, and diverse programs. Also, psychology is in high demand in California.
Related: Best military school for girls in the US
HOW MANY PSYCHOLOGY SCHOOLS ARE IN CALIFORNIA?
There are over 150 psychology schools in California that offer different types of degree programs for students to specialize in the field they are interested in pursuing.
Picking an area to specialize in might be quite challenging and confusing because students are left with a wide variety of options to choose from. However, it is advisable to enroll in a psychology school that is accredited by recognized bodies and that suits your academic needs.
Related: Best pre med school in the US
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TUITION FOR PSYCHOLOGY SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA?
For tuition and fees at private, non-profit, and private, for-profit schools in California, students can expect an average cost of between $37,800 and $19,000 for tuition and fees. This tuition varies depending on student residence; that is, the cost of an in-state student is different from the cost of an out-of-state student.
Related: Best Free Online Bible College
WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED FEES FOR OBTAINING A PSYCHOLOGY LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA?
Obtaining a license in California requires some additional fees throughout the process. The following is the breakdown of the cost:
- Initial application: $235
- CPLEE Application: $127
- Initial Licensure: $232
- EPPP application fee: $50
- EPPP exam fee: $687.50
- CPLEE: $235.20
- License Renewal
- Renewal: $825 (biennial)
- Inactive: $241 (biennial)
- Renewal Delinquency Fee: $397.50
- Inactive: renewal delinquency fee: $110.50
- License reactive fee: 23.92 per month
Related: Best Online Universities In Uk
TOP 14 BEST PSYCHOLOGY SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Below is a list of the 14 psychology schools in California:
1. STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. The university was founded in 1885. It is one of the best psychology Schools In California.
Stanford University offers a five-year Ph.D. program in psychology in five different areas, such as cognitive, affective, neuroscience, developmental, or social psychology. The Department of Psychology at Stanford expects all students to serve as teaching assistants for at least five psychology courses while pursuing their degree.
The average tuition cost for undergraduate psychology students at Stanford University for in-state students is $52,857, while for out-state students it is $52,857. The average tuition cost for graduate in-state students is $52,479, while for out-state grad students it is $52,479.
Related: Best Film Schools In California
2. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
The University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly reputable public research university in Los Angeles, California. The university was founded in 1881. It is among the top psychology schools in California.
UCLA offers a full-time Ph.D. in psychology program that typically takes 6 years to complete; they also offer doctorate degrees and final oral exams.
Students can choose to specialize in any field of their choice, either in cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, quantitative psychology, social psychology, or clinical psychology. Developmental psychology, or affective neuroscience.
The tuition fee for in-state students is $11,442, while the fee for out-of-state students is $41,196.
3. PITZER COLLEGE
Pitzer College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California, United States. The college was founded in 1963. It is one of the leading psychology schools in California.
The psychology program being offered at Pitzer College is designed to encourage students to view psychology and human behavior using empirical and theoretical models. Pitzer College offers both minor and major courses in interdisciplinary studies.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in a joint BA/MA program in psychology through Claremont Graduate University.
The tuition fees for in-state students at Pitzer College are $55,734, while those for out-of-state students are $55,734.
Related: Best Dance Schools In California With Degree
4. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the leading psychology universities located in Berkeley, California. The university was founded in 1863, and it is one of the top psychology schools in California.
The psychology program at UCB is designed to make sure that all students gain broad exposure to the field of psychology. The Ph.D. in psychology takes 10 semesters to complete, and they offer six training units in areas of behavioral and systems neuroscience, cognition, social and personality psychology, clinical science, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology.
The tuition fee for in-state students at UCB is $11,442, while the fee for non-resident students is $41,196.
5. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
The University of California, Irvine, is a public land grant research university in Irvine, California, United States. The university was founded in 1965, and it is one of the best psychology schools in California.
UC Irvine offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Ph.D. program features five distinct areas of study affective science, health psychology, social and personal psychology, clinical psychology, and developmental psychology. UC Irvine enrolls more than 37,000 students in a 222-degree program.
The tuition fees for in-state students are $11,442, while those for out-of-state students are $41,196.
6. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
The University of California-Davis (UCD) is one of the best schools that offers psychology programs in Davis, California, United States.
At UC Davis, the Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate major and minor and also a highly ranked Ph.D. program that elaborates more on research and teaching in five areas such as developmental psychology (cognition, cognitive, and perception), neuroscience (social personality psychology), biological psychology, and quantitative methods.
The tuition fee for in-state students is $11,442, while the fee for out-of-state students is $41,196.
Related: Best Music Schools In Spain With Masters Degree
7. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
University of California San Diego is a highly reputable public university in San Diego, California, United States. It is among the top psychology schools in California.
The university offers over 200 highly-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. In the Department of Psychology, UC San Diego offers undergraduate and doctoral degrees. The undergraduate degree includes a bachelor of arts in psychology or a bachelor of psychology degree in business psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, sensation and perception, social psychology, and cognitive psychology.
The Ph.D. in psychology elaborates more on experimental research throughout the study. The tuition for in-state students is $11,442, while that for out-of-state students is $41,196.
8. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the private institutions in California, founded in 1880. The university serves a school size of over 49,500 students in the colleges of arts, letters, sciences, and 22 other academic fields. It is undoubtedly one of the best psychology schools in California.
The psychology department offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in clinical sciences, social psychology, quantitative methods, cognitive sciences, developmental psychology, and brain science.
The psychology department also offers an online program for a master of science in applied psychology. This program concentrates more on organizational psychology and consumer behavior.
The tuition fee for both resident and non-resident students is $57,256.
Related: Best Music Schools In The World
9. CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE
Claremont M. Kenna College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. The psychological science department is considered one of the college’s most prestigious and popular.
The undergraduate major elaborates more on practical applications in law, education, healthcare, and business.
The BA/MA courses being offered at Claremont McKenna College enable students to obtain their master’s degree in just one year after the completion of their bachelor’s degree. The psychology major can also take interdisciplinary studies in leadership, neuroscience, and legal studies for excellence in their career.
The tuition fees for in-state students and out-of-state students are $56,190.
Related: Best Music Schools In Seattle
10. SCRIPPS COLLEGE
Scripps College is a private liberal arts women’s college in Claremont, California. It was established in 1926. It is among the best psychology schools in California.
The undergraduate major at Scripps provides students with solid foundations for advanced graduate training in clinical and research psychology. Students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the psychology field take 32 courses, which include interdisciplinary general education.
The psychology program also prepares students for other career options in law, education, business, healthcare, and social work.
The tuition fee at Scripps College is $56,970.
11. CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
California Lutheran University is a private university in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959. It is among the best psychology schools in California.
The university offers a five-year Ph.D. program in the clinical psychology field that integrates research and practical experience to develop clinical proficiency.
The psychology department was accredited by the APA. CLU also offers master’s degrees in clinical psychology and counseling with a major emphasis on martial and family therapy (MFT).
The tuition fee for this program is $50,670.
Related: Best Blacksmithing Schools In The World
12. CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
California State Polytechnic University is a public university in San Luis Obispo County, adjacent to the city of San Luis Obispo.
The Department of Psychology at Cal State Polytechnic University offers a broad preparation in psychological and developmental science and is often dedicated to enhancing the health of diverse individuals, families, and communities.
The university also offers an MS in Psychology program that is typically designed to meet the educational prerequisites for obtaining a California marriage and family therapist license.
Cal State Polytechnic University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The tuition fee for the psychology program is $33,320.
Related: Best Party Schools In California
13. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
California State University is a public university system in California and the largest public university system in the United States.
The Department of Psychology offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with more elaboration on research and conceptual skills for students whose primary interest is to continue their education in a doctoral program.
Cal State University also offers a BA (Bachelor of Arts) program in psychology that is designed to serve as a foundation for advanced studies and a comprehensive liberal arts degree.
The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Related: Califonia School For The Blind
14. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
The University of California is one of the best public research universities. The university was founded in 1868. It is one of the best psychology schools in California.
The University of California’s psychology program is designed to make sure that students gain broad exposure in the field of psychology. The university offers a BA in psychology program that teaches the core and traditional facets of the discipline.
The University of California is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program tuition is $13,225.
HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHOLOGIST EARN IN CALIFORNIA?
Psychologists in California earn high salaries compared to other states. They provide graduates with good job satisfaction for their careers. The average annual pay for a psychologist in California is $145,770 a year, as of March 16, 2024. The hourly pay is $70.08. This is the equivalent of $2,803 per week or $12,147 per month.
IS PSYCHOLOGY IN DEMAND IN CALIFORNIA?
Yes! Psychology is in high demand in the state, and psychologists in California earn more compared to other states.
CONCLUSION
As mentioned earlier, California is home to several psychology schools that offer both undergraduate and graduate courses, including advanced degrees and doctorate degrees. This article has listed some of the best psychology schools in California, and we hope it is helpful to your search.
REFERENCE
- Wikipedia.org
- research.com
- psychology.org
RECOMMENDATION
Best Universities for Masters in Canada
Colleges With The Hottest Girls
List Of The Best Canadian Dental Schools
Easiest Physical Therapy Schools To Get Into
List Of The Best Physical Therapy Schools In Texas