Find the Best California Psychology Degree Programs Online

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

With 196 accredited universities, there are quite a few options in California to find a psychology degree. The sheer number of schools offering some type of psychology may be overwhelming, so how do you figure out which university is best for you?

First, it's a good idea to understand what degree you are looking for (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate). Next, do you plan on studying on-campus or have you considered online? Nowadays there are many options to study online, particularly the Bachelor of Psychology and Master's of Psychology degrees. Many students study on-campus for their undergraduate degree, but you might consider an online Bachelors degree as well. For the Master's: most online Master of Psychology programs are built for adult learners and those that may have to work while earning their degree. Jump to the review of online psychology degrees in California.

Quick overview of being a psychologist in California

California Psychologists have the potential to earn from $40,520 in the lower spectrum of earnings to $119,230 per year in the higher tier. The medical field provides psychological opportunities that experience high turn-over. California is known for gaining and losing residents regularly, so it is likely that professional opportunities will arise at a rapid pace.

Psychologists in California have the potential to earn from $40,520 to $119,230 per year in the higher tier, according to the US Department of Labor.

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

Unsurprisingly, there are quite a few options for a psychology degree in California. So how do you decide which degree is best for you? It's important, especially in the field of counseling and psychology, to understand what level of education you need for any career in the sector. For example to practice as a clinical psychologist, you need a Doctor of Psychology, or a PsyD degree.

Fear not: there are steps but there is a path.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in California

1. Get an undergraduate and graduate/Masters degree: One of the first and primary steps towards becoming a psychologist in California is completing Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Psychology or a closely related mental health field. Since licensing as a psychologist requires a doctoral-level education, some students may find programs that accept graduates of bachelor's programs while others require master's completion.
2. Complete a PsyD or Doctor of Psychology program: When seeking out a doctoral level program, you should search for programs that are currently accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA currently accredits doctoral level programs in psychology that can lead to licensing in each state. Most licensure prospects choose from either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology for their program. While completing this step, you may be required to engage in specific course work and even internship or residency requirements depending on what your program requires.
3. Gain experience under a licensed psychologist: The next step along your path is to complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Up to 1,500 hours of pre-doctoral experience earned during your doctoral degree program can be counted toward the total. Once you have completed your degree program, you should locate a supervisor that currently holds licensure as a psychologist to help guide you through the next year of your supervised experience.
4. Submit proofs to the state of California and take the proper exams (2): Once you have submitted proof of your education and experience to the state of California's licensing board, they may authorize you to take examinations to test your skills in both practice and ethics. The first stage of testing requires you to successfully pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This test is typically followed by the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE), which consists of topics related to law and ethics specific to the state of California.
5. Submit applications, pay fees, and get verified and approved by California: The last phase of your pursuits includes filing your application, paying all fees, and submitting to background checks in your state. Once you have been verified and approved, the state will provide you with a license to practice psychology. More information about the licensing process can be found in the section below.

In-depth review of a few of the top online Psychology degrees in California

California Southern University: Online Master of Science in Psychology

Residents of California that are searching for convenient and flexible learning alternatives in the field of Psychology should consider online programs for their learning experience. California Southern University is a reliable and recommended provider of online master's programs in your field.

This university currently has an online Master of Science in Psychology available to interested learners that are prepared to further their professional opportunities in the field. Through learning in this program, students can gain skills relevant to leadership within multiple fields, psychological research, and even towards their pursuits of doctoral programs in the future.

This program consists of 42 credit hours that can be finished within 2-3 years of beginning the program. Courses related to psychological development across the lifespan, social aspects of Psychology, and learning and cognitive development may be included within your program's curriculum.

At the master's level, students may be required to engage in research opportunities that test their skills and abilities within this skill area. Near the end of your program, you may be responsible for the development of a graduate project that reflects your understanding of theory and application of psychological concepts to a particular social issue.

The completion of an online Master's in Psychology can allow you to utilize your skills for immediate career opportunities or enroll in doctoral programs also offered by this university. Learners participating in this program could potentially move forward into career fields such as education, sports psychology, addiction studies, or even industrial/organizational psychology after graduation.

Campus Based Graduate Psychology Degrees at Stanford University

One of the most prestigious schools for psychology in California is Stanford University. Located in Stanford, California, Stanford University is known for its impeccable degree programs and thorough training curriculum. There are a range of different degrees specialties that students can choose from.

Effective Science, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, and Neuroscience are the program areas in which Stanford offers degrees. When a student chooses a program, advisers work hard to make sure students obtain their degree in the shortest time possible. The undergraduate program involves a rigorous selection of courses such as Statistics, Longevity, and Ethics.

Stanford’s graduate program includes degree paths for students seeking a master’s degree of Ph.D. Depending on the path that student’s take, their experience at Stanford can be rewarding and enlightening.

California Psychology Licensing

California requires that prospective psychologists complete 2 examinations prior to being approved for practice within the state.

• Pass the EPP and CPLEE exams

  The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a comprehensive examination specifically for psychological professionals and is the first testing requirement at this level. The second test you may be required to pass is the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE). This test consists of ethical expectations and laws related to psychological practice in California.

• Apply to the state of California

  After successfully passing the EPPP and CPLEE, the first step towards obtaining licensure is submitting an application through the state of California along with your $400 initial licensing fee. The application may require that you submit extensive documentation pertaining to your education as well as professional references from current psychologists in the field.

• Fingerprints and background checks

  Prior to the approval of a licensing application, applicants are required to provide fingerprints for a background check through the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. There may be a 2-4 week wait period from the time you submit to fingerprinting until you receive the results of the background check and can continue your pursuits to licensing in California.

• Review of the curriculum of your program

  The Board will then conduct a review of your degree curriculum to ensure that you have met all of the subject requirements for your degree program. Pre-licensing courses such as Human Sexuality, Alcohol/Chemical Dependency, Child Abuse Assessment, Spousal or Partner Abuse Detection, Aging and Long-Term Care, and Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention will be reviewed or required prior to licensing approval.

• Getting approval for licensure or a request for more information

  Once the state has received your application, test scores, and verification of required courses, you can either be approved for licensure or receive a letter requiring more information for processing. If you have been approved for licensing you should receive an approval letter and your state license in the mail after processing.

• Continuing education credits are required to renew every two years

  Licensees that have met all of the components for licensing are required to continuously comply with the state's ethical and educational requirements for licensed professionals. License holders in psychology may be required to complete 36 continuing education credits over each 2-year licensing period. At the end of each renewal cycle, you can submit proof of your CEUs along with your application for renewal and applicable fees.

Psychology Degrees in California

Consider a featured online psychology degree or related program.

Psychology Scholarships in California

Students pursuing degrees in Psychology within the state of California can seek out scholarship opportunities to help fund their program. Scholarships available in this state and within the United States can contribute money towards the costs of tuition, boarding, or even towards research programs at the graduate level.

Scholarships such as the Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship are offered by the American Psychological Association. This specific scholarship opportunity offers $25,000 to a learner that contributes a recommendation and essay along with their application.

The Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship offers $5000 to 3 candidates studying within the field of Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or Nursing. Students applying for this scholarship are required to submit an application along with an essay pertaining to the organization’s mission.

Scholarship opportunities such as the Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship can provide Asian Pacific Women with the opportunity to receive varying levels of financial support towards their degree program. In order to qualify for this program, applicants must be from Fresno County and meet the qualifications for receipt of this award.

Prior to applying to your chosen educational program, you should browse available scholarships and grants within your subject area. Your university’s financial aid office may be able to provide you with additional resources to consider to help pay for your program and all associated fees.

California Psychology Careers

The median income for psychology professionals in California is remarkably higher than most other states. Coming in at $80,530 per year, the median provides initiative to learners that wish to pursue a psychology degree in this state. Popular psychology degrees range from Clinical Psychology to Marriage and Family Therapy.

Socially oriented counseling careers are popular in California due to the celebrity nature of the area. Criminal psychology is also a growing field in which psychologists work with police to determine meaning and solutions to crimes. Forensic Psychology is a degree program that continues to grow in popularity, providing students with the opportunity to take part in criminal investigations.

There are a number of psychology programs that offer education in social programs and scientific research. When students obtain their degree, there will still be a need to be licensed by the state of California. California offers assistance to graduates in search of training programs and testing to obtain licensure.

California is known for its high population and popular culture. With 38.8 million residents, the population is higher than the majority of other U.S. states.

The amount of people in California calls for a large number of professionals to fit the needs of its inhabitants. There are currently 18,710 clinical professionals employed in California.

California Board of Psychology

The California Board of Psychology is located in Sacramento.

Address:
California Board of Psychology
1625 North Market Blvd.
Suite N-215
Sacramento, California 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7720
Website

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