Wondering whether a master’s degree in psychology might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-3098
Email: psjohnson@csuchico.edu
The graduate degree in psychology from Chico State offers paths in psychological science or applied/school psychology to deepen your knowledge and prepare you for the next steps in your career.
You'll choose from two options in psychological science—where you’ll explore the mind through research, theory, and hands-on experience while preparing for teaching or doctoral study—or applied/school psychology, where you’ll help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while working toward California’s PPS credential. With small classes, supportive faculty, and real-world opportunities, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in research labs, classrooms, and communities alike.
Application Deadlines
- Fall (August) Start Application Deadlines:
- January 18 (Psychological Science)
- February 13 (Applied/School Psychology)
- International Students:
- December 18 (Psychological Science)
- January 13 (Applied/School Psychology)
- No spring admission
Requirements
- Three letters of recommendation
- Application for advancement to classified status (Applied/School Psych)
- Written interview questions (Applied/School Psych and Psych Science).
See the department website for guidelines.
Program Coordinator
Patrick Johnson (Psychological Science)
Donna Kreskey (Applied/School Psychology)
Courses
View Curriculum
Curriculum
Choose Psychological Science to dive into hands-on research and thesis projects, or School Psychology to work in K–12 schools from your first semester, applying what you learn and making a real impact from day one.
Choose Your Path
Psychological Science Option
The Psychological Science master's program gives you a strong foundation in research and teaching while exploring how people think, learn, and grow. Work closely with faculty mentors, gain broad experience, and graduate ready to teach, pursue a PhD, or apply your skills in business and nonprofit settings.
Applied/School Psychology
In the Applied Psychology/School Psychology master's program, you’ll learn to provide counseling, consultation, and crisis support in K–12 schools. When you graduate, you’ll earn your master’s degree and qualify for California’s Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Psychology Credential—the key to starting your career as a school psychologist.
Hands-On Research with Faculty
In our program, students work closely with their professors to learn how to do research and how to teach others about psychology. They even help their professors with their own research projects and learn how to teach psychology by helping out in classrooms.
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Through the Chico State MA Psychology program, I gained the knowledge and skills I needed to make long-lasting, meaningful changes in a child’s educational journey.
Ready to Continue Their Careers
Psychological sciences graduates often continue their academic journey by pursuing doctoral education at prestigious research institutions such as UCLA, UNLV, Utah State University, and UC Riverside. Many choose to remain at Chico State, contributing to our community as lecturer faculty in the Psychology Department.
Psychological Sciences
Diverse Learning Environments
Our students have access to a non-human neuroscience laboratory, observational classrooms for studying child development, and online survey capabilities for studying at-risk or hard-to-reach populations.
Small Cohorts
Psychological Sciences cohorts are typically less than 10 students and have 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
School Psychology
Intervention and Assessment Library
Access our curated collection of evidence-based interventions for children and youth that address social-emotional, behavioral, and academic skill. The library also includes current editions of psychometric assessment tools commonly used with children and youth.
Diverse Student Population
Over the past five years, more than half of our school psychology graduates have been members of diverse communities.
Build Your Community
The program offers opportunities for students to attend and present school-based research at state conventions, such as those organized by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), and national conventions, like those held by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Discover Stories and More
Chico State TodayApplication Information
Interested in learning more about the MA in Psychological Science or Applied/School Psychology programs? Here are answers to common questions about how to get started.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall (August) Start Application Deadlines:
- January 18 (Psychological Science)
- February 13 (Applied/School Psychology)
- International Students:
- December 18 (Psychological Science)
- January 13 (Applied/School Psychology)
Supplemental Materials
- Three letters of recommendation
- Written interview questions
- Application for advancement to classified status
- Acceptance of ethics codes (applied/school psychology)
- Recognition that a background check is required for placement in K-12 schools to complete program requirements. (applied/school psychology)
How to Apply
We're here to help! Reach out to the graduate program coordinator for more information:
- Pyschological Sciences: Patrick Johnson (psjohnson@csuchico.edu)
- Applied/School Psychology: Donna Kreskey (dkreskey@csuchico.edu)
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. You will be required to take some prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to your graduate coordinator for details.
The length of time it takes depends on the option the applicant chooses. The MA in Psychology—Psychological Science option is a 30-unit program that can be completed in two years.
Some students pursue the MA in psychology—option in applied/school psychology as well as a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential program which requires 68–71 units because it includes the PPS credential. In this case, the program can be completed in three years.
Related Programs
Psychology Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in psychology might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-3098
Email: psjohnson@csuchico.edu