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Published On Dec 23, 2024

If you're fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind, then you may be thinking about earning a psychology degree. This field of study also explores how human thought influences behaviors and how professionals in psychology can best help those who are struggling with mental health issues.

At Grand Canyon University, we strive to make higher education more accessible to those who are unable to relocate to our campus in Phoenix, Arizona. Our online psychology programs in California could be an ideal fit for you if you’re eager to benefit from a Christian education and wish to remain in your current location.

The Benefits of an Online Psychology Education

As a GCU student, you’ll enjoy the many benefits that come with an online education. You’ll use our digital Learning Management System to attend classes online, access coursework materials and complete projects. GCU’s intuitive e-learning platform also features interactive discussion forums, where you can engage in intellectually stimulating conversations with your peers and talk to professors one-on-one.

When you choose our online psychology degrees in California, you may notice the following benefits of online education:

Convenience and flexibility: Online degrees in California are particularly ideal for students who are working, either full time or part time, and need to fit classes around their existing schedule. Our online degrees are also convenient for students who have significant personal commitments, such as childcare or elder care.
Time management: Earning your psychology degree online can allow you to work on developing your time management skills. As an online student, you'll need to hold yourself accountable for attending classes, completing assignments by their deadline and taking exams on schedule.
Career preparation: Many job opportunities across a range of fields, including psychology, have shifted toward a hybrid or 100% remote model. If you become an online student, you can be able to prepare for a future role that utilizes the digital space in this way.

GCU’s online psychology programs in California and beyond prioritize educational quality. You’ll be taught by qualified instructors as you work through a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for the modern psychology field.

Understanding California’s Career Pathway in Psychology

There are many career options for individuals with an academic background in psychology. Some of these are available to those who have a bachelor’s degree, while others may require graduate-level education and additional training. (See the FAQs section below.)

Although many students who earn a bachelor’s in psychology may choose careers other than that of psychologist, it’s important to be aware of licensing requirements in California if you do intend to become a psychologist.

The California Board of Psychology has established some of the following requirements:¹

Hold a qualifying doctoral degree
Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional practice, half of which must occur following the completion of the doctoral degree
Demonstrate completion of specific pre-licensure coursework
Attain a passing score on these two exams: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the California Psychology Laws and Ethics Examination (CPLEE)
Pass a criminal background check

As you plan your career pathway, you should thoroughly research the requirements before enrolling in a degree program.

Choose From Our Online Psychology Degrees in California

GCU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to offer a wide range of online psychology degree programs to students living in California or anywhere with internet. Whether you’re just beginning your college education or pursuing advanced credentials, our psychology degrees can help you work toward your career goals.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology

Students without prior college education, as well as those with transfer credits, can choose from varying bachelor’s degrees in psychology at GCU. We offer a general Bachelor of Science in Psychology, as well as emphases to allow you to work toward a specialization. Consider applying to the BS in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology if you’re interested in working at the intersection of mental health and law enforcement. Or, choose the emphasis program in performance and sports psychology if you would like to turn your passion for sports into a career option.

Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology

Earning a psychology master’s degree online at GCU provides the opportunity to choose from a broader range of specialization options. Take a deep dive into psychology coursework and examine skills in research.

You could earn a Master of Science in Psychology with the following emphases:

Online Doctoral Degrees in Psychology

An online doctoral degree in psychology offers the opportunity to cement your professional reputation, explore in-depth research skills, prepare for potential career advancement and contribute your own original research in the psychology field.

GCU offers PhD in general psychology degree options. Choose from the following:

FAQs About Online Psychology Programs in California

It’s natural to have some questions about enrolling in an online psychology degree in California.

The following answers may help guide your decision-making process:

Can I Earn My Degree Entirely Online?

In some cases, yes, it’s possible to earn a psychology degree entirely online in CA. Other degree programs require both in-person internships and practicum hours, which must be completed locally. It’s important to fully understand the degree program requirements before enrolling. A university counselor can help you determine if it’s possible to earn your chosen psychology degree entirely online.

Do note that its customary for our doctoral programs to include in-person residencies. These residencies provide opportunities for hands-on work with your advisor, as well as professional networking, and are required to be completed on or near the Phoenix campus.

Why Choose GCU for My Psychology Education?

As an institution that has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, GCU prioritizes the quality of our education. We aim to empower our students and adult learners to make positive contributions to their communities and to their professional fields following graduation.

Furthermore, GCU is a private Christian school that offers faith-integrated courses from the biblical perspective. In all our degree programs, there is an emphasis on servant leadership and ethical practices.

What Can You Do With Online Psychology Degrees in California?

As previously mentioned, there are career options available to pursue at every level of education.

If you complete a bachelor’s degree, you might consider one of the following career options:²

Market research analyst
Labor relations manager
Police officer
Psychiatric aide/attendant
Psychiatric technician
Psychosocial rehabilitation specialist
Social services aide
Research assistant

If you decide to further your education by earning a master’s degree in psychology, you might consider pursuing a career as a:³

Career counselor
Drug and alcohol specialist
Social service manager
Human resources analyst
Developmental specialist

People who enroll in online psychology programs in California at the doctoral level often do so because they wish to pursue licensure as a clinical or counseling psychologist. The doctoral programs at GCU does not lead to licensure.

However, other opportunities may exist, as well, including:⁴

Research psychologist
Psychology professor

Grand Canyon University welcomes students in California and elsewhere to explore our online degree programs in psychology and a wide range of other fields. Our psychology degree programs are designed to provide you with the skills, education and tools you need to pursue a number of career opportunities in the field. Contact a university counselor today and begin planning your future at GCU.

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