Popular Accredited Psychology Master’s Programs in Los Angeles [2025 Guide]

If you want to earn a master’s degree in psychology in Los Angeles, you can choose from several universities that provide specialized training and flexible learning formats. Top options include the University of Southern California (USC), Pepperdine University, California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

These programs offer concentrations in areas such as applied psychology, counseling, forensic psychology, applied behavior analysis, and industrial/organizational psychology. Each school provides a clear path toward advanced study or professional practice, with opportunities to complete practicum training, research projects, and internships across the Los Angeles region.

Psychology Master’s Programs in Los Angeles

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering psychology master’s programs in Los Angeles:

• University of Southern California (USC)
• Pepperdine University
• California State University, Los Angeles
• California State University, Northridge
• California State University, Los Angeles
• Purdue Global
• Arizona State University Online

University of Southern California (USC)

Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MAPP)

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology designed to bridge psychology with business strategy. This 34-unit program equips you to understand and apply human behavior in organizational and consumer settings.

You can complete the program on campus in as little as nine months or online in approximately sixteen months. Both formats feature the same curriculum, faculty guidance, and applied experiences.

Core areas include organizational psychology, consumer behavior, research design, and communication in applied settings. Courses are intentionally sequenced to help you move from foundational concepts to advanced application.

The Los Angeles setting provides you access to internships across technology, entertainment, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, strengthening your professional network and career prospects.

The program’s structure includes foundational courses (20 units), advanced application courses (8 units), and a practicum experience (6 units). This progression ensures that you develop both academic knowledge and practical skills.

Graduates leave with a professional portfolio that includes internship experience and a capstone treatise, demonstrating their ability to solve real-world organizational or consumer challenges.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into three parts: foundational courses, advanced application, and practicum. You begin with research methods and psychology fundamentals, then transition into applied consumer and organizational courses. The program culminates with an internship and treatise project.

In total, you complete 34 units. Some of the core courses that you will take may include:

• Research Methods in Applied Psychology: Learn mixed-methods research and practice communicating findings to organizational stakeholders.
• Qualitative Research Methods: Explore interview design, coding, and analysis tailored to real workplace questions.
• Proseminar in Human Behavior: Foundations: Review motivation, cultural influences, and social psychology as they apply to employee and consumer behavior.
• Consumer Psychology: Study decision-making processes and their implications for marketing and product design.
• Organizational Psychology: Understand leadership, teamwork, motivation, and strategies to improve organizational culture.
• Psychology of Interactive Media: Analyze the impact of digital platforms and interactive technologies on behavior.
• Employee Selection and Assessment: Learn evidence-based approaches to recruiting, hiring, and assessing employee performance.
• Cross-Cultural Psychology in Applied Settings: Apply cultural frameworks to business environments and global organizations.

Popular Elective Courses

• Group Dynamics and Leadership
• User Experience (UX) Research
• Workshop in Quantitative Methods
• Applied Consumer Insights
• Communication in Organizations
• Employee Development Strategies

Practical Experience

You are required to complete a professional internship in a non-university setting, applying psychology to organizational or consumer challenges. Following this, you complete a capstone treatise that integrates internship insights with academic theory and research skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Design and conduct applied research using mixed methods.
• Translate consumer insights into marketing and product strategies.
• Apply organizational psychology to leadership and employee development.
• Communicate findings effectively across diverse cultural contexts.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates often pursue careers in organizational development, human resources, people analytics, user experience research, and consumer insights. Many work in corporations, consulting firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. Others use the degree as preparation for doctoral study in psychology or business-related fields.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions.
• Resume or CV highlighting professional and academic experience.
• Statement of purpose describing career goals and program fit.
• Two to three letters of recommendation.
• No GRE required.

Application Deadlines

Fall and spring start dates are available. The fall application deadline typically falls in early February, while the spring application deadline is usually in early October. You should check USC’s program website for the most current dates.

Pepperdine University

Master of Arts in Psychology

Pepperdine University offers a Master of Arts in Psychology that is designed to provide you with a strong academic foundation in psychological science while preparing you for either doctoral study or a professional career in human services. The program combines theory with applied learning so that you can understand psychological concepts and immediately translate them into practice.

This program typically requires between 36 and 48 credit units depending on whether you select optional practicum hours. You have the flexibility to study at the West Los Angeles campus or complete the program fully online, making it accessible regardless of your location or schedule.

The curriculum introduces you to core areas of psychology, such as human development, social psychology, psychopathology, and counseling techniques. These courses are complemented by training in research methods and assessment, giving you the tools needed to critically evaluate scientific findings and apply them in real-world contexts.

A distinctive feature of Pepperdine’s program is its focus on personal and professional growth through a learning environment rooted in values of service, respect, and ethical practice. You will be guided by faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world professional experience into the classroom.

The structure of the program makes it possible for you to continue working while pursuing your studies. Classes are scheduled to accommodate working professionals, and online options give you further flexibility to manage your academic commitments alongside personal and professional responsibilities.

Graduates of the program are prepared to move into diverse career paths, including case management, behavioral analysis, community mental health, human resources, and preparation for advanced degrees such as a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology or counseling.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum at Pepperdine is carefully organized to balance theory, applied knowledge, and research training. You begin with foundational courses that cover the scientific study of behavior, cognition, and emotion. These courses provide the conceptual framework that you will use as you progress into more advanced study.

As you move forward, you are introduced to applied psychology subjects such as counseling theories, multicultural perspectives, and advanced methods of assessment. These courses help you develop a practical skill set for understanding individuals and groups in both clinical and organizational contexts.

The program also includes courses in research design and statistical analysis, which prepare you to interpret psychological data and evaluate treatment outcomes. By the time you complete the degree, you will have a balanced set of research, theoretical, and applied skills that make you competitive for both employment and further academic study.

Some of the core courses that you will take may include:

• Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Study major approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and family systems to understand how different frameworks guide intervention.
• Psychopathology: Examine the classification, symptoms, and etiology of psychological disorders using DSM-5 diagnostic standards.
• Research and Evaluation Methods: Learn how to design psychological studies, analyze data, and apply findings to practical settings.
• Physiological Psychology: Explore the biological foundations of behavior including brain structure, neurotransmission, and psychopharmacology.
• Multicultural Counseling: Gain skills in working effectively with diverse populations by exploring cultural values, identity, and cross-cultural communication.
• Tests and Measurements: Learn to administer, score, and interpret standardized psychological assessments in both educational and clinical contexts.
• Human Development Across the Lifespan: Analyze physical, cognitive, and social development from childhood through adulthood.
• Ethics and Law in Psychology: Understand professional ethical codes, legal issues, and best practices for maintaining client welfare and professional integrity.

Popular Elective Courses

• Career Development Counseling
• Group Therapy Processes
• Health Psychology
• Advanced Cognitive Psychology
• Positive Psychology
• Community Mental Health Practice

Practical Experience

Pepperdine allows you to include supervised practicum hours as part of your program if you wish to strengthen your applied experience. Practicum opportunities are typically completed at community agencies, schools, or clinical centers where you provide services under professional supervision. These experiences are invaluable if you plan to pursue licensure at a later stage or want applied training to complement your coursework.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of psychological theories and research in core areas of the discipline.
• Apply ethical and professional standards in psychological practice.
• Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms within academic and professional settings.
• Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practical contexts.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of Pepperdine’s program work in a variety of fields, including education, counseling centers, social services, healthcare, and organizational development. The degree also serves as a strong foundation if you intend to apply to doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, or experimental psychology. Many alumni have advanced into Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, while others build careers directly in applied psychology roles.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework.
• Submission of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts.
• Current resume or CV.
• No GRE required.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with multiple start dates each year for both on-campus and online formats. Priority deadlines usually fall in early spring for summer and fall enrollment. You are encouraged to apply several months in advance to secure your spot.

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) offers a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology designed for students interested in the intersection of psychology and the legal system. This 33–34 credit program provides you with training in psychological theory, research, and practice as it applies to criminal justice and forensic contexts.

The program prepares you for careers in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, mental health organizations, and research institutions. It also serves as a strong foundation for those who plan to continue into doctoral programs in forensic or clinical psychology.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced study of assessment techniques, forensic research methods, and evidence-based approaches to working with offenders and victims. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners in the field, which ensures you receive guidance grounded in both theory and applied practice.

As a student, you will have opportunities to engage in research projects, applied practica, and community partnerships that expose you to real-world forensic settings. This applied learning component strengthens both your academic and professional preparation.

Located in Los Angeles, the program connects you with diverse agencies across the city, giving you access to practical experiences in courts, correctional institutions, and community programs. These partnerships often lead to professional networking opportunities and employment pathways after graduation.

By the time you graduate, you will have developed advanced critical thinking, analytical skills, and applied knowledge that allow you to work effectively in forensic settings or continue toward advanced doctoral-level training.

Courses and Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is structured to balance theoretical knowledge with applied forensic training. You begin with core courses in psychological theory and research, then progress into specialized forensic classes that address topics such as criminal behavior, psychopathology, and assessment in legal contexts.

You will also complete courses in ethics, cultural issues in forensic psychology, and quantitative research design. These courses help you integrate scientific evidence into practice and prepare you to evaluate both psychological and legal perspectives.

As part of the degree, you also complete a thesis project that demonstrates your ability to conduct original research in forensic psychology. This capstone requirement showcases your ability to apply scientific methods to questions of legal and psychological significance.

Some of the core courses that you will take may include:

• Advanced Forensic Psychology: Study theories of criminal behavior, offender profiling, and psychological aspects of legal processes.
• Criminal Justice System and the Law: Understand how legal systems operate and how psychological evidence is presented in court.
• Psychological Assessment in Forensic Settings: Learn to administer and interpret assessment tools for competency, risk, and criminal responsibility.
• Research Design and Statistical Methods: Gain skills in designing research projects, conducting statistical analysis, and interpreting data.
• Psychopathology: Examine diagnostic categories of mental disorders, with emphasis on their relevance in forensic cases.
• Ethics in Forensic Psychology: Explore professional standards and ethical responsibilities in forensic practice.
• Cultural Issues in Forensic Psychology: Address how culture and diversity influence criminal behavior, legal processes, and treatment outcomes.
• Thesis Research: Conduct independent research under faculty supervision on a forensic psychology topic of your choice.

Popular Elective Courses

• Substance Abuse and Crime
• Juvenile Justice Psychology
• Correctional Counseling
• Victimology
• Family Violence
• Applied Psychometrics

Practical Experience

The program provides opportunities for applied practicum experiences in forensic settings. You may work with correctional institutions, mental health facilities, or community agencies serving justice-involved populations. These placements allow you to observe professional practice, apply assessment techniques, and develop practical skills in a supervised environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply psychological theories to explain criminal behavior and legal decision-making.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in forensic assessment and evaluation.
• Conduct and interpret psychological research relevant to forensic settings.
• Recognize and apply ethical principles specific to forensic psychology practice.
• Work effectively with culturally diverse populations in legal and correctional environments.
• Communicate psychological findings clearly in both oral and written formats.
• Integrate psychological science with legal standards and procedures.
• Develop readiness for advanced doctoral study or immediate employment in forensic contexts.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of Cal State LA’s M.S. in Forensic Psychology often pursue careers as research analysts, case managers, correctional program specialists, or forensic evaluators. Many graduates also move on to doctoral-level programs in psychology, which can lead to careers as licensed forensic psychologists or academic researchers.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-division undergraduate coursework.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Statement of purpose describing academic interests and career goals.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Current resume or CV.
• GRE scores may be required; check current program guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Applications are typically due in early spring for fall semester entry. Deadlines may vary from year to year, so you are advised to confirm dates on the Cal State LA graduate admissions website well in advance.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a 37-credit program that prepares you to design, implement, and evaluate behavior-analytic interventions across diverse populations. The program is accredited and approved to meet coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential.

The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and applied practice. You gain a solid understanding of the principles of behavior analysis, experimental design, and evidence-based strategies that can be applied in educational, clinical, and community contexts.

Located in Los Angeles, CSUN connects you with local schools, clinical agencies, and organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. This ensures that your training is deeply integrated with professional practice in the community.

Through a combination of coursework, practicum training, and a culminating project, you graduate with the competence to assess behavioral needs, implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes in a wide variety of settings.

The program is structured to prepare you for professional certification and practice. It integrates supervised fieldwork with academic instruction so you build both knowledge and applied competencies simultaneously.

Graduates are positioned for careers in behavioral healthcare, special education, autism intervention programs, and organizational behavior management. Many also pursue doctoral training in behavior analysis or related fields.

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum at CSUN is designed to help you acquire a strong foundation in behavior-analytic principles, research methodology, and applied practice. Early courses cover the science of behavior and introduce you to data collection and analysis. Mid-level courses emphasize application in assessment, intervention, and organizational contexts. Advanced courses deepen your expertise in research design and professional practice.

You also complete a sequence of practicum courses where you apply classroom learning to supervised field experiences. This integration ensures that by the time you graduate, you can design, implement, and evaluate interventions that meet both client and professional standards.

Some of the core courses that you will take may include:

• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis: Study fundamental concepts including reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and shaping.
• Experimental Design in Behavior Analysis: Learn single-case and group research designs for evaluating behavioral interventions.
• Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis: Gain skills in functional behavior assessment, preference assessments, and skills inventories.
• Behavioral Interventions: Develop competence in designing interventions for skill acquisition and behavior reduction.
• Ethics in Behavior Analysis: Explore professional guidelines, ethical decision-making, and issues of client welfare.
• Organizational Behavior Management: Apply behavior analysis principles to workplace performance and organizational improvement.
• Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis: Examine specialized areas such as verbal behavior, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum interventions.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: Conduct applied research or a program evaluation project under faculty supervision.

Popular Elective Courses

• Behavioral Consultation in Schools
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Interventions
• Parent and Caregiver Training
• Verbal Behavior Analysis
• Special Topics in Developmental Disabilities
• Advanced Research in Behavior Analysis

Practical Experience

The program requires supervised practicum training where you complete fieldwork hours at approved sites. These placements often include schools, clinical centers, or community programs that serve individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges. Supervision is provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts, ensuring your fieldwork aligns with professional standards for certification.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply fundamental principles of behavior analysis to real-world problems.
• Design and implement behavior-analytic assessments and interventions.
• Demonstrate mastery of experimental design and data analysis in applied contexts.
• Interpret and integrate research findings into professional practice.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards in the practice of behavior analysis.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams in schools, clinics, and organizations.
• Communicate assessment results and treatment plans clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate readiness for BCBA certification and advanced professional roles.

Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates are well prepared to pursue certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Many go on to work in applied settings such as autism treatment programs, public schools, hospitals, and private practice. Others enter doctoral programs in behavior analysis or psychology to continue their research and teaching careers. The program’s combination of coursework and fieldwork ensures that you graduate with marketable skills and professional readiness.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Statement of purpose describing academic background and professional goals.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts.
• Current resume or CV.
• GRE may be required depending on applicant profile; check program guidelines.

Application Deadlines

Applications are generally due in early spring for admission to the fall semester. Exact dates vary each year, and you should confirm with the CSUN Department of Psychology for the most current deadlines.