Studying psychology in San Diego offers a unique blend of academic excellence, diverse practical experiences, and an enriching cultural environment. San Diego is home to several renowned institutions, such as the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and San Diego State University (SDSU), each offering robust psychology programs across various specializations. The city’s universities boast cutting-edge research facilities and faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields, providing students with opportunities to engage in pioneering research and innovative practices.

San Diego’s rich cultural and demographic diversity enhances the study of psychology by offering a real-world laboratory for understanding a wide array of psychological issues across different populations. This diversity allows students to gain firsthand experience working with varied communities, preparing them to address various psychological needs in their professional careers. With that in mind, let’s explore psychology degrees in San Diego that you might be interested in.

San Diego on Campus Psychology Degrees

San Diego offers a range of campus-based psychology degree programs at institutions such as UCSD and SDSU. These programs provide a solid foundation in psychological theories and practices, supported by experienced faculty and well-equipped research facilities. One key advantage is the city’s cultural diversity, which enriches the educational experience by offering ample opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and practicums with local healthcare institutions and community organizations.

University of California

Program: Developmental Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $18,136 per year
Program Overview: The study of developmental psychology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a robust and multifaceted field driven by a commitment to understanding how humans grow and change throughout their lifespans. At UCSD, researchers and faculty members focus on various developmental stages and processes, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and neurological development. The department leverages interdisciplinary approaches, frequently collaborating with other fields such as neuroscience, education, and sociology to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of development across different contexts and populations.

Program: Cognitive Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $18,136 per year
Program Overview: Cognitive psychology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a leading area of study that delves into the intricate workings of the human mind, exploring how people perceive, think, remember, and learn. UCSD’s cognitive psychology program is renowned for its innovative research and comprehensive educational offerings. Faculty members are distinguished leaders in various subfields, including perception, memory, language, decision-making, and problem-solving. The program integrates diverse methodologies, from behavioral experiments to advanced neuroimaging techniques, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cognitive processes.

Program: Social Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition:  $14,906 per year
Program Overview: Social psychology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a vibrant field focused on understanding how the social context influences individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The program is distinguished by its commitment to exploring diverse aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, social cognition, attitudes, and prejudice. Faculty members at UCSD are renowned scholars who contribute significant research, often employing experimental and applied methodologies to address pressing social issues.

San Diego State University

Program: B.A. in Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $36,090 per year
Program Overview: The Psychology program at San Diego State University (SDSU) delves into various intricate aspects of human development and behavior, examining the profound effects of prenatal environments on brain development and later functioning. This includes the influence of hormones and drugs during pregnancy, which can significantly shape neurological outcomes. Furthermore, the program studies how childhood experiences impact social-emotional and cognitive development, providing insights into the foundational stages that shape an individual’s psychological growth. Researchers at SDSU also focus on the functioning of adults and older people, particularly how they respond to biological and environmental challenges, offering a comprehensive view of the human lifespan.

Program: Psychology, B.A. in Applied Arts and Sciences
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $36,090 per year
Program overview: The Psychology, B.A. in Applied Arts and Sciences at San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a well-rounded education in the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The program features a broad curriculum that covers essential areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and neuroscience. This diverse coursework ensures students comprehensively understand the various subfields within psychology. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students are encouraged to engage in research projects alongside experienced faculty members and participate in applied learning opportunities, including internships and community service. These experiences allow students to apply psychological principles to real-world problems, preparing them for various career paths and advanced studies.

Point Loma Nazare University

Program: B.A. in Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: 
Program Overview: The Department of Psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is dedicated to developing students into professionals capable of addressing the needs of others with both realism and intelligence. As a psychology student at PLNU, you will engage with a broad spectrum of issues related to human nature. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of traditional and contemporary psychological research and methods, all from a distinctly Christian worldview. This unique perspective allows students to examine psychological concepts in ways that integrate faith, ethics, and academic rigor.

San Diego City College

Program: Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $37,614 per year
Program overview:  Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, focusing on the complex interplay of thoughts, feelings, and actions. As a behavioral science, psychology aims to understand individuals’ and groups’ cognitive and behavioral characteristics. By examining how people think, feel, and behave, psychologists can uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive human behavior, offering insights essential for various practical applications in therapy, counseling, education, and beyond.

San Diego Miramar College

Program: Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $29,599 per year
Program Overview: Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, actions, and the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of individuals and groups. As a critical behavioral science, psychology delves into the intricate processes that underlie human behavior, offering insights into why we think, feel, and act the way we do. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for addressing various psychological issues and applying knowledge in practical settings such as therapy, counseling, education, and organizational development.

San Diego Online Psychology Degrees

Although the options are more limited than on-campus offerings, online degrees can be an excellent choice for those seeking a flexible and accessible route to advance their education and career in psychology within San Diego.

National University

Program: Master of Arts in Performance Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $24,108 per year
Program Overview: Embark on an enriching academic journey with the Master of Arts in Performance Psychology, where you will delve into cutting-edge theory, research, and applied techniques spanning various fields such as business, exercise physiology, fine arts, military and combat psychology, and sports psychology. This interdisciplinary program offers a comprehensive understanding of how psychological principles can enhance performance across diverse domains. Whether you aspire to work in university and professional athletics, fine arts performances, corporate environments, school sports programs, coaching, or teaching, this program equips you with practical and tailored hands-on learning experiences. Through these immersive experiences, you can apply your knowledge directly to real-world settings, honing your skills and preparing you for a successful and impactful career.

Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $21,670 per year
Program Overview: This program offers two specialization options: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) option and the combined MFT/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) option. These specializations allow students to tailor their education to specific career goals, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and skills to support individuals, couples, and families through various life challenges. The online format of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program provides the flexibility needed for busy professionals or those balancing other commitments. Despite being an online program, it maintains high academic standards and offers robust support to students, including access to experienced faculty and practical training opportunities. 

Program: Master of Arts in Human Behavior
Location: San Diego
Program tuition: $20,090 per year
Program Overview: A master’s degree in human behavior opens doors to a deep understanding of the human experience, providing a robust theoretical and empirical foundation to interpret complex behavioral patterns. By enrolling in the online master’s in behavior science program, students gain exposure to various behavioral topics spanning personal, social, and organizational realms. Through this program, students gain a solid academic background and develop practical insights and analytical abilities that can be applied to real-world challenges. Whether advancing in their careers or preparing for advanced academic pursuits, graduates emerge well-equipped to make a positive impact in the realm of human behavior and beyond.

San Diego Specialized Psychology Programs

San Diego State University

Program: M.A. in Psychology
Location: San Diego, CA
Program tuition:  $3,500 – $5,100 depending on setup
Program Overview: This program is designed to prepare students for advanced study in psychology or related fields and careers in research, teaching, and applied psychological services. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum covering various psychological topics, including cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology. Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and research skills through supervised research projects and thesis work.

Program: M.S. in Applied Psychology
Location: San Diego, CA
Program tuition: $3,500 – $5,100 per semester depending on setup
Program Overview: This program emphasizes bridging the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills necessary to apply psychological knowledge in various professional settings, including business, healthcare, and public policy. The curriculum includes courses in quantitative methods, program evaluation, and applied research techniques, preparing students to design and implement effective interventions and programs. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the M.S. in Applied Psychology, with students often engaging in internships or collaborative projects with local organizations.

In contrast to the M.A. in Psychology, which tends to have a broader focus on psychological theories and research methodology suitable for academic and research careers, the M.S. in Applied Psychology is more career-oriented and directs the emphasis on application. 

Program: Ph.D in Clinical Psychology
Location: San Diego, CA
Program tuition: $7,600 – $10,800 per semester depending on setup
Program Overview: This program emphasizes evidence-based practices, cultural competence, and hands-on clinical experience, ensuring students become skilled researchers and competent practitioners. Through clinical practicum placements in diverse community settings, students gain essential real-world experience. Additionally, this program offers specialized training in several key areas of study:

• In behavioral medicine, students explore the interplay between psychological factors and physical health, learning to design and evaluate interventions that promote physical well-being.
• Experimental psychopathology focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental disorders through controlled experimental research, equipping students with the skills to investigate the origins and treatments of psychological conditions. 
• In neuropsychology, students study the relationship between brain function and behavior, gaining expertise in assessing and treating cognitive impairments. This combination of specialized knowledge and practical training prepares graduates to excel in academic, clinical, and research settings, addressing various psychological issues with a robust, evidence-based approach.