California is home to some of the nation’s top universities offering doctorate programs in psychology. These programs offer students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in various areas of psychology, from clinical and counseling psychology to developmental, social, and organizational psychology. Students are trained to become licensed psychologists in their chosen fields and are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, private practice, and other professional settings. In this article, we will explore some of the top universities in California that offer Doctorate and Masters’s programs in psychology, highlighting their unique features, program requirements, and potential career paths for graduates.
Doctorate in General Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology:
The University of California, Los Angeles offers a Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology. This program provides students with a broad foundation in the field of psychology, including training in research methodologies, statistics, and theory. Students have the flexibility to design their coursework based on their interests, selecting from a range of electives and research opportunities.
Stanford University – Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology:
Located in Palo Alto, Stanford University offers a Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology. This program offers students a comprehensive education in psychology, with training in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, social and personality psychology, and developmental psychology.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) – Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology:
The University of California, Berkeley provides a Doctorate in Psychology program with a focus on General Psychology. This program offers training in areas such as cognition, perception, and social behavior, with an emphasis on research and theory.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology:
The University of California, Los Angeles, offers a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program that prepares students to become licensed clinical psychologists. This program provides students with training in psychotherapy, assessment, and research methodologies, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices.
University of Southern California (USC) – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology:
Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California provides a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program that emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model. This program offers training in clinical assessment, intervention, and research, with a focus on evidence-based practices and diversity.
Pepperdine University – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology:
Located in Malibu, Pepperdine University offers a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program with a focus on the integration of psychology and Christian faith. This program provides students with training in areas such as psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation, with an emphasis on the development of clinical skills and ethical practice.
Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of California.
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
University of San Francisco (USF) – Doctorate in Counseling Psychology:
The Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program at the University of San Francisco integrates theory, research, and practice to train students in psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation. Emphasizing multicultural perspectives and social justice, the program provides practical experience through supervised clinical placements, interdisciplinary collaborations, and research projects.
University of Southern California (USC) – Doctorate in Counseling Psychology:
The Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program at the University of Southern California prepares students for licensure as counseling psychologists. Students receive training in psychopathology, intervention, and research methodologies, with a focus on evidence-based practices and diversity.
Alliant International University – Doctorate in Counseling Psychology:
The Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program at Alliant International University emphasizes the integration of psychological theory and practice. The program trains students in counseling theories, interventions, and research methodologies, with an emphasis on multicultural perspectives and social justice.
Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology:
The Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology program at the University of California, Los Angeles, offers training in learning and instruction, assessment, and research methodologies with a focus on diversity and social justice. Students have the opportunity to engage in internships, attend seminars, and work on research projects to gain practical experience.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) – Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology:
The Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology program at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes learning and development, educational policy, and research methodologies with a focus on diversity and social justice.
Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology:
The Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology program at the University of California, Los Angeles, focuses on the application of psychological principles to understand and modify behavior. The program offers training in areas such as behavior assessment, interventions, and research methodologies, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology:
The Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology program at the University of California, San Diego, provides students with a strong foundation in the principles and application of behavioral psychology. This program offers training in areas such as behavior assessment, interventions, and research methodologies, with a focus on experimental analysis of behavior.
California State University, Fresno – Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology:
The Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology program at California State University, Fresno, emphasizes the principles and application of behavior analysis. This program offers training in areas such as behavior assessment, interventions, and research methodologies, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.
Doctorate in Child Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in Child Psychology:
The Doctorate in Child Psychology program at the University of California, Los Angeles, offers training in the areas of child development, psychopathology, and interventions. Students learn to apply psychological principles to understand and promote healthy development in children. The program emphasizes research and practical training, with opportunities for internships and collaborations with research institutions.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) – Doctorate in Child Psychology:
The Doctorate in Child Psychology program at the University of California, Berkeley, provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of child psychology. This program offers training in areas such as developmental psychopathology, interventions, and research methodologies, with a focus on diversity and social justice.
Stanford University – Doctorate in Child Psychology:
The Doctorate in Child Psychology program at Stanford University trains students in the principles and applications of developmental psychology. This program offers training in areas such as child development, interventions, and research methodologies, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Doctorate in Developmental Psychology
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) – Doctorate in Developmental Psychology:
The Doctorate in Developmental Psychology program at the University of California, Berkeley, focuses on training students to become experts in the areas of human development, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. The program offers training in areas such as research methodologies, quantitative analysis, and developmental psychopathology.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Doctorate in Developmental Psychology:
The Doctorate in Developmental Psychology program at the University of California, Los Angeles, offers training in the areas of human development, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. This program emphasizes research and practical training, with opportunities for internships and collaborations with research institutions.
University of Southern California (USC) – Doctorate in Developmental Psychology:
The Doctorate in Developmental Psychology program at the University of Southern California provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of human development. This program offers training in areas such as cognitive, social, and emotional development, with an emphasis on research and theory.
Doctorate in Forensic/Criminal Psychology
Alliant International University – Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology:
The Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology program at Alliant International University provides training in the intersection of psychology and the legal system. This program offers training in areas such as forensic assessment, criminal psychology, and legal ethics.
Palo Alto University – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology:
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Palo Alto University trains students to apply psychological principles to legal issues. This program offers training in areas such as forensic assessment, legal theory, and expert witness testimony.
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) – Doctorate in Psychology and Social Behavior program with an emphasis in Psychology and Law:
The Doctorate in Psychology and Social Behavior program with an emphasis in Psychology and Law at the University of California, Irvine, focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system. This program offers training in areas such as forensic assessment, psychology of criminal behavior, and legal decision-making.
Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO)
California State University, Fresno – Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology:
The Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program at California State University, Fresno offers training in the application of psychological principles to the workplace. This program emphasizes research and practical training, with opportunities for internships and collaborations with local businesses.
Claremont Graduate University – Doctorate in Positive Organizational Psychology and Evaluation:
The Doctorate in Positive Organizational Psychology and Evaluation program at Claremont Graduate University trains students to apply psychological principles to the workplace, with an emphasis on positive organizational practices. This program offers training in areas such as organizational change, leadership development, and evaluation methodology.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) – Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology:
The Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program at the University of California, Berkeley provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of industrial/organizational psychology. This program offers training in areas such as work motivation, organizational behavior, and research methodologies.
Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
Alliant International University – Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy:
The Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University trains students to become experts in the field of family therapy. This program offers training in areas such as family systems theory, couples therapy, and research methodologies.
California Southern University – Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy:
The Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Southern University prepares students for clinical practice in the field of family therapy. This program offers training in areas such as family systems theory, couples therapy, and research methodologies.
Doctorate in ABA/Behavioral Analysis
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Behavioral Neuroscience:
The Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, focuses on the neural mechanisms of behavior. This program offers training in areas such as learning and memory, neural plasticity, and research methodologies.
Pepperdine University – Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):
The Doctorate in Psychology program with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Pepperdine University offers training in the application of behavioral principles to a variety of settings. This program emphasizes research and practical training, with opportunities for internships and collaborations with local schools and clinics.
Doctorate in Other Psychology Programs
Fuller Theological Seminary – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology:
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program at Fuller Theological Seminary offers a unique approach to psychology education, integrating theology and spirituality into the curriculum. This program offers training in areas such as psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and cultural diversity.
Saybrook University – Doctorate in Psychology:
The Doctorate in Psychology program at Saybrook University emphasizes a holistic and humanistic approach to psychology education. This program offers training in areas such as human development, consciousness studies, and social justice.
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) – Doctorate in Psychological and Brain Sciences:
The Doctorate in Psychological and Brain Sciences program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, provides a comprehensive education in psychology, with an emphasis on the biological and cognitive mechanisms of behavior. This program offers training in areas such as neuroscience, perception, and research methodologies.