The state of California offers potential college students a diverse array of colleges and universities where they may earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. From small schools with more individualized attention, to large universities with interesting research opportunities, there is a school to fit each individual academic and career goal. With a predicted job increase of 12 percent through 2022, an undergraduate degree in psychology gives graduates an excellent foundation for a career in the field or t pursue a graduate degree. In addition to careers in psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology can help students enter jobs in:
- social service
- politics
- business
- law
- medicine and more.
Alliant International University
California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant
Alliant International University is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution in San Diego, California. The university is typically referred to simply as Alliant. The university offers programs across six California campuses including:
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- Irvine
- Sacramento
- Fresno
- Mexico City
- Tokyo
- Hong Kong
Alliant was formed in 2001 by combining the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) and United States International University (USIU). The psychology department is still called the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant and offers students an excellent education in the basics of psychology.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a strong degree program that focuses on educating future counselors and mental health practitioners. Graduates of this program can pursue a graduate degree in psychology (or a related field). They can also begin a career as a:
- Peer Counselor
- Mental Health Technician
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Psychiatric Technician
The degree can be earned in the traditional classroom setting, online, or a combination of the two. This can be done in as little as two years. The program is flexible, allowing more students an opportunity to earn their degree.
Accreditations
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
The United States Department of Education
Contact
Alliant International University
California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
(866) 825-5426
E-mail: admissions@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/schools/cspp
American Jewish University
The College of Arts and Sciences
American Jewish University (AJU) was created by combining The University of Judaism and The Brandeis-Bardin Institute. AJU is a Jewish, non-denominational educational institution in Los Angeles, California. US News & World Report ranked AJU #167 among all National Liberal Arts Colleges. The College of Arts and Sciences promotes an intimate, small college feel where students have their individual needs met by both faculty and fellow students.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program evaluates both theoretical models of behavior and the contexts in which these models are applied. Students are educated in the major theories of psychology with an emphasis on hands-on learning through research and internships. Graduates will be expected to:
- perform psychological research
- discuss ethical issues regarding therapy and research with human subjects
- understand the core areas in psychology
This degree prepares students for graduate study in:
- psychology
- social work
- a related field.
Accreditations
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
American Jewish University
The College of Arts and Sciences
15600 Mulholland Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90077
Sue Kapitanoff, Ph.D., Department Chair and Advisor
(310) 476 – 9777 extension 295
Email: skapitanoff@aju.edu
Antioch University – Los Angeles Branch
Liberal Studies Department
Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA) is one of the five campuses that make up the Antioch University System. The school was originally a single campus institution but later branched out with four satellite campus locations to accommodate more students. AULA is a small non-profit private liberal arts school located in Culver City, California. For students who plan to pursue a graduate psychology degree, AULA offers fast-track options in most of AULA’s master’s programs. Students can take certain fast track classes that count toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree. This enables them to earn their Master’s Degree more quickly.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies With Concentration in Child Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies allows students to concentrate in the following academic areas:
- Addiction Studies
- Child Studies
- Liberal Studies
- LGBT/Queer Studies
- Psychology
- Urban Community and Environment
- Business and Social Entrepreneurship
The program uses a combination of traditional coursework and experiential learning to educate Liberal Studies students. The child studies concentration follows much of the psychology concentration curriculum. Graduates with this focus will be well educated on all stages of child and adolescent development, as well as issues facing today’s children.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies With Concentration in Addiction Studies
The concentration in addiction studies is a new addition to the Liberal Studies Department. The goals is to de-pathologize individuals struggling with addiction (and its co-occurring disorders). It provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of diverse addictions on the individual, family, and community. This concentration prepares students to address the other issues facing individuals struggling with an addiction. These may include:
- domestic violence
- HIV/AIDS
- sexual abuse
The Addiction Studies Concentration curriculum is designed to fulfill the educational requirements necessary for credentialing as a certified addiction treatment counselor in the state of California
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies With Concentration in Psychology
Curriculum included in this specialization includes:
- addiction studies
- current trends in psychology
- gay and lesbian identity development
- strength-based approaches to counseling
- community psychology
The required coursework includes:
- Politics of Psychology
- Human Sexualities
- Global Approaches to Normal and Abnormal Psychology
- Critical Psychology
- Contemporary Modes of Counseling
- Systems and Systems Thinking
- Ethics in Counseling & Psychotherapy
- Postmodern Psychotherapies
- Social Psychology
- Research Design & Methodology
Completion of this program prepares students to either enter the workforce as entry-level practitioners or continue to a graduate degree program.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Antioch University – Los Angeles Branch
Liberal Studies Department
400 Corporate Pointe
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 578-1080
E-mail Form: http://www.antiochla.edu/contact-us/
Antioch University-Santa Barbara
The Department of Liberal Studies
Antioch University-Santa Barbara campus is one of the five campuses that comprise the Antioch University System. Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB) is a private Liberal Arts University in Santa Barbara, California. It’s been operating since 1977. Studentsare primarily “returning adult students” who are either returning to school or who are planning for career change. University policy states that it seeks “qualified candidates who will contribute to building a student body diverse in gender, ethnicity, age, class, physical differences, learning styles, sexual orientation, professional backgrounds, and community experiences.” The average age of students at this campus is 35 years old.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Applied Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Applied Psychology program provides students with knowledge of psychology across a number of sub-disciplines, including:
- clinical
- community
- developmental
- global psychology
The curriculum focuses on the theoretical framework of psychology as well as intervention skills that modify behavior and support clients experiencing psychological distress. Students learn case management skills, client advocacy and the process of referral to other professionals and agencies. The Applied Psychology concentration is relevant for anyone interested in a career in psychology-related fields in:
- corporate
- public organizations
- government
- nonprofit organizations.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies With a Concentration in Child Development and Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Child Development and Education program educates students to better understand:
- child development (from birth through adolescence)
- family systems
- social contexts
The program helps students gain a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of childhood education and their professional role in the advocacy process. The curriculum includes courses in:
- psychology
- early childhood education
- adolescent development
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Antioch University-Santa Barbara
The Department of Liberal Studies
602 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-8179
E-mail Form: http://www.antiochsb.edu/admissions/contact-admissions/
https://www.antioch.edu
Argosy University
The College of Undergraduate Studies and The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Argosy University is a system of for-profit colleges owned by Education Management Corporation. There are 28 locations in the United States, as well as an extensive online division. The colleges include:
- College of Undergraduate Studies
- College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Business
- College of Health Sciences
- Western State College of Law at Argosy University
- The Art Institutes of California at Argosy University
Argosy was created :three separate institutions:
- the American School of Professional Psychology
- the Medical Institute of Minnesota
- the University of Sarasota
This degree program is offered fully online or at the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or San Francisco Bay Area campuses. Students can take classes at any location or online.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is offered both online or at one of the four campuses listed above. The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers this degree with specializations in:
- Advanced Studies in Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Organizational Psychology
- Substance Abuse
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program prepares students to pursue entry-level human services careers in fields such as:
- Academic Advisement
- Career Advisement
- Case Management
- Child Care Worker
- Counselor
- Human Resources Administration
- Social Services/Human Services Assistant
Accreditations
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
Argosy University – Inland Empire
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
3401 Centrelake Drive, Suite 200
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 472-0800
E-mail: auie_isr@argosy.edu
http://www.argosy.edu/locations/inland-empire/programs/psychology-degree-64912.aspx
Contact
Argosy University-Los Angeles
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
5230 Pacific Concourse Drive, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 531-9700
E-mail: AUSM_isr@argosy.edu
http://www.argosy.edu/locations/los-angeles/programs/psychology-degree-75212.aspx
Contact
Argosy University-Orange County
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
601 South Lewis Street
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 620-3700
E-mail: auoc_isr@argosy.edu
http://www.argosy.edu/locations/los-angeles-orange-county/programs/psychology-degree-68612.aspx
Contact
Argosy University-San Francisco Bay Area
The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
1005 Atlantic Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 217-4700
E-mail: ausf_isr@argosy.edu
http://www.argosy.edu/locations/san-francisco/programs/psychology-degree-73712.aspx
Azusa Pacific University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. APU’s undergraduate student body is the largest in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. It’s the second-largest evangelical undergraduate student body in the United States. The university also maintains seven off-site regional centers throughout Southern California. US News & World Report ranked APU #173 amongst National Universities in the United States. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers both traditional four-year Bachelor’s Degrees as well as accelerated Bachelor’s degrees that can be earned in less time.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
APU’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology allows students to specialize in the following areas:
- Child Life Specialist
- Counseling/Clinical Psychology
- Family and Child
- General Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Psychology and Ministry
- Psychological Sciences
- Sports Psychology
The curriculum imparts to students a thorough understanding of the theories and history of psychology. It also includes the application of psychology as a science. The program allows students to explore the interaction between their faith as Christians and their training as psychological practitioners. Graduates of this program are also prepared to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a related field.
Accreditations
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Contact
Azusa Pacific University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Annie Tsai, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Psychology
901 E Alosta Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434
E-mail: atsai@apu.edu
https://www.apu.edu/clas/
Biola University
The Rosemead School of Psychology
Biola University is a private, evangelical Christian, Liberal Arts University located in La Mirada, California. Biola was founded in 1908 as the Bible Institute Of Los Angeles. The university prides itself on a biblically-centered education for all students. However, students of all religions are accepted into the school. US News & World Report ranked Biola 177nd amongst all National Universities. The Rosemead School of Psychology is an acclaimed psychology department with its own Rosemead Journal of Psychology and Theology. It’s a leading source of research and scholarship on the integration of psychology and theology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students in the Bachelor of Arts Program at Biola can earn a specialization in:
- Clinical / Counseling Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Family and Child Psychology
- General Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial / Organizational Psychology
- Psychology & Ministry
- Pre Graduate School.
The objectives of the Psychology Department’s program are as follows:
1. Training in psychology: The object is to provide the foundations appropriate for further learning whether in graduate school, other vocational training, or in general living.
2. Promotion of investigation and integration of psychology and theology. Investigation and integration will take the form of incorporation of psychology and biblical training in the integration of faith, learning, and living.
3. Development and promotion of the use of the education in ministry and service. Ministry and service take the form of using psychological knowledge in active participation in the functions of the family, the church, and the wider secular community.
Accreditations
Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
Biola University
The Rosemead School of Psychology
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
(562) 903-4738
E-mail: psych.dept@biola.edu
http://www.rosemead.edu/
Across the large state of California, there are many ways to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Whether you prefer the convenience of online learning or the more traditional classroom setting, there are options for both (as well as a mix of the two). California has some of the largest universities in the country, as well as small, intimate colleges. It has an academic institution to fit every person and every learning style. As jobs in psychology continue to increase at every degree level, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is a great start to a new career.
For more Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in California – California State University – A-F
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