Best Psychology colleges in California 2025

Students interested in pursuing a degree in psychology can choose a variety of career paths in the field of therapy, developmental, and even industrial psychology. Specialists in the field of psychology observe clients, assess mental disorders, mediate familial relationships, and provide treatment plans. They can be employed at a hospital or medical clinic, though many psychologists open their private practices. 

Students interested in becoming psychologists should note that while many schools in California offer a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, aspiring psychologists should pursue a master’s degree to further their knowledge and likelihood of landing a job post-graduation. 

Students can earn their degree in psychology in-person or online, but many programs require in-person labs and professional internships to provide real-world experience and opportunities to observe current professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 17,000 psychologist positions in California with an abundance of jobs located in the San Francisco and Los Angeles metro areas

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Best Psychology colleges in California for 2025

University of Southern California offers 2 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 201 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 189 Bachelor's degrees, and 12 Master's degrees.

University of California-Davis offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2023, 35 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 19 Doctoral degrees, and 16 Master's degrees.

University of California-Santa Barbara offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize suburb.

Chapman University
Orange, CA

Chapman University offers 1 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 171 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 171 Bachelor's degrees.

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University of California-Los Angeles offers 4 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 747 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 685 Bachelor's degrees, 34 Master's degrees, and 28 Doctoral degrees.

University of California-Irvine offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 457 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 457 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-Merced offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize suburb.

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University offers 1 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 115 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 115 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-San Diego offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 350 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 350 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-Santa Cruz offers 3 Psychology, General degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 511 Psychology, General students graduated with students earning 499 Bachelor's degrees, 9 Doctoral degrees, and 3 Master's degrees.

List of all Psychology colleges in California

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of Southern California Logo University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
5/5
22 : 1 47,147
University of California-Davis Logo University of California-Davis Davis, CA
4/5
23 : 1 39,707
University of California-Santa Barbara Logo University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA
3/5
24 : 1 26,068
Chapman University Logo Chapman University Orange, CA
5/5
17 : 1 9,961
University of California-Los Angeles Logo University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
3/5
23 : 1 46,678