Best Online Psychology Programs in California (2026)

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California Psychology At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Psychology Salary$89,356
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for psychology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Board of Psychology
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online psychology degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California offers competitive wages for psychology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Psychology Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online psychology programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in California.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, CA BOC Score 99.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Brooklyn, NY BOC Score 99.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Psychology professionals in California experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for California.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (California)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist$116,000
School Psychologist$127,780
Educational and Career Counselor$86,500
Marriage and Family Therapist$67,300
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor$59,250
Healthcare Social Worker$89,660
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$79,000

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Psychology Degree in California?

Choosing a program in California can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in California offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: If you plan to practice clinically, California local programs often align better with the supervised hours and exam requirements of the state licensing board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online psychology programs in California accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For California, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Psychology pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for psychology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for psychology in California?

The California Board of Psychology oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in California. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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