Top 10 Psychology Master’s Programs California: A Practical Guide

Feb 5

If you're considering graduate school in mental health, there are few places more dynamic and diverse than California. With its unique blend of cultural richness, progressive thinking, and emphasis on innovation, the state is home to some of the most respected and forward-thinking psychology master’s programs in California.

  
      University
      Degree Program
      Type
      Format
      Cost (Est.)
      Duration
    

  
      UC Berkeley
      MA in Psychology (PhD track)
      Research
      In-person
      ~$15,000/year
      2–7 years
    

      Pepperdine University
      MA in Clinical Psychology
      Licensure
      Hybrid / Online
      ~$52,000
      2 years
    

      USC
      MA in Applied Psychology
      Non-clinical
      Online / On-campus
      $50,000–$60,000
      1–2 years
    

      CIIS
      MA in Integral or East-West Psychology
      Holistic / Mixed
      Hybrid / In-person
      $49,000–$60,000
      2–3 years
    

      San Diego State University
      MA in Psychology
      Research
      In-person
      ~$8,000/year
      2–3 years
    

      Antioch University LA
      MA in Clinical Psychology
      Licensure
      Hybrid
      $40,000–$55,000
      2.5–3 years
    

      Palo Alto University
      MA in Counseling
      Licensure
      Online + Residencies
      ~$49,000
      2–2.5 years
    

      CSU Long Beach
      MA in Psychology
      Research
      In-person
      ~$7,000/year
      2 years
    

      Alliant International
      MA in Clinical Counseling
      Licensure
      Online / Hybrid
      ~$48,000
      2 years
    

      The Wright Institute
      MA in Counseling Psychology
      Licensure
      In-person
      $43,000–$50,000
      2 years
    

Whether you're looking for a traditional clinical degree, an integrative mind-body approach, or a program that blends therapy with research, California has something for you. In this guide, we've rounded up ten of the best psychology MA programs in the state, spanning public universities, private colleges, and specialized graduate schools. We’ve included key info on cost, duration, special features, and why each program stands out.

1. University of California, Berkeley

Program: MA in Psychology (en route to PhD)
Type: Research-oriented, not clinical
Cost: ~$15,000 per year (in-state)
Duration: 2 years (MA), 5–7 years (PhD)

UC Berkeley’s psychology program is one of the top-ranked in the country. Though it doesn’t offer a standalone master’s in clinical psychology, students earn an MA along the way to their PhD. The program is highly competitive and research-intensive, with specializations in cognitive neuroscience, social-personality, and developmental psychology.

Ideal for students who want a career in academia, research, or policy, this program provides access to cutting-edge labs and renowned faculty. It is not designed for those pursuing licensure as therapists.

Website: https://psychology.berkeley.edu/graduate-program

2. Pepperdine University

Program: MA in Clinical Psychology (with MFT or LPCC emphasis)
Type: Licensure-track
Cost: ~$52,000 total
Format: Hybrid and online options available
Duration: 2 years

Pepperdine’s MA in Clinical Psychology prepares students for licensure as an LMFT or LPCC in California. The program offers flexible online and evening formats, making it ideal for working professionals.

Coursework includes clinical training, multicultural counseling, ethics, and lifespan development. It stands out for its practitioner focus, small class sizes, and supportive community. Practicum placements are built into the curriculum.

Website: https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/masters-clinical-psychology/

3. University of Southern California (USC)

Program: MA in Applied Psychology
Type: Non-clinical, industry-focused
Cost: ~$50,000–$60,000
Format: Online or on-campus
Duration: 1–2 years

USC’s program is ideal for students interested in the application of psychology in business, marketing, or organizational settings. It’s not a therapy or counseling degree, but rather a bridge between psychological theory and real-world practice in corporate environments.

Students choose between two tracks: Consumer Psychology or Organizational Psychology. It’s a unique fit for those aiming to work in user experience, leadership development, or behavior-focused design.

Website: https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/

4. California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)

Program: MA in Integral Counseling Psychology or MA in East-West Psychology
Type: Holistic, with licensure and non-licensure options
Cost: ~$49,000–$60,000
Format: In-person and hybrid
Duration: 2–3 years

CIIS is a leader in integrative and spiritual psychology education. Their MA in Integral Counseling Psychology prepares students for licensure, blending clinical skills with somatic, transpersonal, and Eastern approaches.

For a more research-oriented or spiritually focused path, the East-West Psychology MA offers courses in consciousness studies, archetypal psychology, and inner development. CIIS is ideal for students seeking a deeply holistic education.

Website: https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/integral-counseling-psychology

5. San Diego State University (SDSU)

Program: MA in Psychology (general or emphasis in Applied Psychology)
Type: Research-focused with limited clinical exposure
Cost: ~$8,000 per year (in-state)
Duration: 2–3 years

SDSU offers a high-quality master’s program at a public university price. Though it doesn’t directly lead to licensure, it can serve as a strong foundation for doctoral study or applied research roles.

Students gain experience in psychological testing, data analysis, and experimental design. Faculty specialties include health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and social psychology.

Website: https://psychology.sdsu.edu/graduate/ma/

6. Antioch University Los Angeles

Program: MA in Clinical Psychology
Type: Licensure-track (MFT/LPCC)
Cost: ~$40,000–$55,000
Format: Low-residency hybrid
Duration: 2.5–3 years

Antioch's Clinical Psychology program is known for its social justice orientation and personalized learning environment. Students can choose concentrations in areas like LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology, Trauma Studies, or Spiritual Depth Psychology.

The program is strongly aligned with values-driven practitioners looking to make an impact in underserved communities. It includes practicum placements and emphasizes social and relational healing.

Website: https://www.antioch.edu/los-angeles/degrees-programs/psychology/ma-in-clinical-psychology/

7. Palo Alto University

Program: MA in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health or Marriage and Family)
Type: Licensure-track
Cost: ~$49,000
Format: Online with in-person residencies
Duration: 2–2.5 years

Palo Alto University offers two tracks for MA students: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. Both meet California licensure requirements.

The program is designed for accessibility, with online delivery and occasional on-site intensives. Its curriculum blends core clinical training with courses in ethics, cultural humility, and assessment.

Website: https://www.paloaltou.edu/ma-counseling

8. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Program: MA in Psychology (Option in Psychological Research)
Type: Research-focused
Cost: ~$7,000 per year (in-state)
Duration: 2 years

CSULB offers an affordable, research-oriented MA in Psychology. It’s a strong stepping stone for PhD applicants or those pursuing roles in data-driven mental health or academic settings.

Students choose from cognitive, developmental, social, or clinical research interests. While it does not lead to licensure, it provides a rigorous academic foundation.

Website: https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-liberal-arts/psychology/graduate-programs

9. Alliant International University

Program: MA in Clinical Counseling
Type: Licensure-track (LPCC)
Cost: ~$48,000
Format: Online or hybrid
Duration: 2 years

Alliant’s MA in Clinical Counseling is a practical program aimed at helping students meet LPCC licensure requirements in California. It’s offered through the California School of Professional Psychology.

The program emphasizes cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and counseling ethics. Alliant also offers strong alumni support and career services.

Website: https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/counseling-ma

10. The Wright Institute (Berkeley, CA)

Program: MA in Counseling Psychology
Type: Licensure-track (MFT/LPCC)
Cost: ~$43,000–$50,000
Format: In-person
Duration: 2 years

The Wright Institute offers a small, intensive program rooted in social justice and multicultural competency. Students train in community mental health, trauma, and relational work.

The program offers extensive practicum support and prepares students to work in diverse, often underserved communities. It’s a great fit for students who want a values-driven and clinically rigorous education.

Website: https://www.wi.edu/psyd-programs-ma-counseling

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Psychology Master’s Program in California

From large public institutions to intimate private colleges, California is rich with opportunities to study psychology in a way that fits your goals. Whether you want to become a licensed therapist, pursue a PhD, or apply psychology in business or spiritual settings, there’s a program here for you.

Remember to ask: Do I want licensure? Research experience? Flexibility? Spiritual integration? The best program is the one that aligns with both your professional direction and your personal path.

If you’re drawn to embodied, trauma-informed, and spiritually curious education, you might also explore the MA in Integrative Psychology—a modern, flexible alternative for those building the future of mental health.

Marcus Albright, MA