California Southern University offers online psychology programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. CalSouthern is a member of the American InterContinental University System, which is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its main campus is listed in Chandler, Arizona.
California Southern University is an online institution with a main campus listed in Chandler, Arizona, that has offered distance education programs since the late 1970s, originally operating as Southern California University for Professional Studies. CSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, law, and business, all available without campus residency requirements.
Accreditation Details
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System, which is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The U.S. Department of Education recognizes HLC accreditation as one of the primary regional accreditation standards in the United States. Accreditation through the AIU System applies to all CalSouthern programs.
Application Requirements
Applications to California Southern University are submitted entirely online. Applicants provide basic personal information, their intended program, and their prior education history. No application essay is required for most programs. CSU typically notifies applicants by email, and some students receive admission and begin coursework within a month of applying.
Students with prior graduate-level coursework may apply for a transfer credit evaluation. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to CSU’s admissions office. CSU compares transferred credits against program requirements and determines which courses, if any, can substitute for required coursework, potentially reducing both total tuition and time to completion.
Tuition and Financial Aid
CalSouthern uses a per-credit tuition model. The rates below apply to new students enrolling on or after June 1, 2024.
| Program | Per-Credit Tuition |
|---|---|
| BA in Psychology / Undergraduate certificates | $425 |
| Master’s programs / PsyD / Graduate certificates | $645 |
CalSouthern locks in the per-credit rate at enrollment — it does not increase for the duration of a student’s program. Additional options include interest-free payment plans and federal loan deferment for qualified enrolled students. Active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents receive a 15% tuition discount; documentation and restrictions may apply. CalSouthern does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs.
Psychology Programs at California Southern University
CalSouthern offers fully online psychology programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Students researching graduate programs at multiple schools can also browse online sports psychology degree programs offered by other accredited institutions.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology covers core psychology theory, research methods, and applied human behavior, delivered entirely online at $425 per credit hour.
Master’s Programs
CalSouthern offers three master’s-level psychology options: a Master of Arts in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Master of Science in General Psychology, and a Master of Science in Psychology. The MS in Psychology includes four concentration tracks: Advanced Addiction Studies, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, and Sport Psychology. All master’s programs are $645 per credit hour.
MS in Psychology — Sport Psychology Concentration
The Sport Psychology concentration is designed for students who plan to work with athletes, coaches, and sports organizations on performance, motivation, and mental health. All coursework is delivered online. Students considering doctoral-level study can also review doctoral programs in sports psychology.
The concentration requires five 3-credit courses:
- PSY 7100 Applied Sport Psychology I
- PSY 7101 Applied Sport Psychology II
- PSY 7711 Current Issues in Sport Psychology
- PSY 7715 Psychology of Coaching
- PSY 7720 Enhancing Performance: Preparation and Motivation
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
CalSouthern’s PsyD is designed for students pursuing advanced clinical practice. The program is delivered entirely online at $645 per credit hour.
Certificate Programs
CalSouthern offers four psychology certificate programs: Addiction Studies (undergraduate), Advanced Addiction Studies (graduate), Industrial and Organizational Psychology (graduate), and Sport Psychology (graduate).
Compare accredited psychology programs at other schools, including application requirements, tuition, and available degree levels.