Psychology Schools in San Diego
Fulfill your psychology career goals in sunny San Diego, or find top psychology degree programs.
The Essentials: San Diego
Psychology Schools: Brandman University, Argosy University, University of California San Diego
Online Psychology Schools: Capella University, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Average Annual Psychologist Salary: $96,670
Potential Area Employers for Psychologists & Counselors: Sharp HealthCare, California Prison Health Care, Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton
Psychology Schools in San Diego
By Kimberly Ross
If you want to attend a leading research university to earn your psychology degree in San Diego, look no further than University of California San Diego, which spent $842 million in research in the 2008-2009 school year. Recently ranked as the nation's seventh best public university by U.S. News and World Report, this school offers programs that specialize in experimental psychology.
Those more interested in a clinical training program should consider pursuing a psychology degree at San Diego State University. Besides a doctoral program in clinical psychology, the school offers the following degrees:
- Community Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- School Counseling
- School Psychology
Students who want a career in social work also have the option of enrolling in dual programs, such as social work and juris doctor or social work and public health.
The San Diego Job Market
As the second largest city in California, San Diego offers great opportunities for starting your psychology career. Here are the mean annual salaries* of psychology professionals in the area:
| Psychology Career | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychologist | $96,670 |
| Counselor | $61,540 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $56,820 |
| Social Worker | $60,640 |
Licensure and Psychology Associations in San Diego
Besides passing the exam for licensure in the state of California, there are an abundance of resources for launching a successful career with your psychology degree in San Diego. Depending on your area of expertise, national, state and even local associations—such as the San Diego Psychological Association—will provide you with much needed professional support. Here are just a few of the benefits of becoming a member of one of these organizations:
- A successful job search with the help of network contacts in the association
- Mentoring programs as you begin working in the psychology profession
- Opportunities to attend seminars and enroll in continuing education classes
- Advocates to support you in dealing with important issues throughout your career
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary may vary according to geographic location, years of experience and employer type.
Psychology Degrees USA
Did You Know?
The beautiful Hotel Del Coronado, often referred to as “the Del,” has been a part of San Diego’s legacy for over 120 years. Some interesting facts about the historical landmark:
- Starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891, eleven presidents have visited the hotel.
- The Del was a backdrop for the film “Some Like it Hot,” starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.
- Some of the most notable visitors include Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison and Babe Ruth.