National University offers psychology programs at every degree level, from bachelor’s through doctoral. Programs include undergraduate degrees in psychology and sport psychology, master’s tracks in counseling psychology, sport and performance psychology, and human behavior, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD). The university holds regional accreditation from WSCUC and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
National University was founded in 1971 in San Diego, California, by Dr. David Chigos as a private, non-profit institution for working adults seeking a non-traditional path to a degree. The university now operates more than 25 campus sites throughout California and Nevada, with many programs available fully online to students nationwide. NU is the flagship institution of the National University System, a non-profit network that also includes City University of Seattle and National University Academy.
Accreditation Details
National University holds regional accreditation from WSCUC (the WASC Senior College and University Commission), a status it has maintained since 1977. Regional accreditation covers all undergraduate and graduate degrees, including those delivered fully online.
Professional program accreditation applies to specific fields across the university. The MA in Counseling Psychology is accredited by COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) and IACSTE (International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education). Additional programmatic accreditations include IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education) and CEPH (Council on Education in Public Health), among others.
Application Requirements
Applications to National University are free. Undergraduate applicants submit official high school transcripts or a GED and verified transcripts for any prior college coursework.
Graduate applicants provide transcripts documenting a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, documentation of relevant professional experience, and an interview with an admissions advisor. Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, or MAT) are required only for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 2.5; those with a 2.5 GPA or higher are admitted without test scores. National University accepts applications year-round, with new course start dates available every month.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition is $370 per semester credit for undergraduate programs and $442 per semester credit for graduate programs. Some courses carry additional course material fees.
Students can apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Available assistance includes federal Pell grants, Stafford loans, work-study programs, and National University scholarships. California residents may also qualify for Cal Grants.
Psychology Programs at National University
National University’s JFK School of Psychology offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with most options available fully or primarily online. Programs are designed for working adults, with one-course-at-a-time scheduling and monthly start dates.
Undergraduate Programs
Three bachelor’s-level psychology programs are available. The BA in Psychology covers psychological foundations, research methods, and applied theory across the discipline. The BA in Sport Psychology examines how psychological factors — motivation, emotions, and personality — shape performance in athletic and organizational settings; students complete a senior field project as part of the 120-credit degree. The BA in Integrative Psychology takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on multiple theoretical frameworks within the field.
Master’s Programs
National University offers several master’s degrees in psychology, all available primarily online:
- MA in Sport and Performance Psychology — two specialization tracks: Applied Mental Performance (includes fieldwork) and Theoretical Mental Performance (fully online)
- MS in Sport Psychology — 100% online
- MA in Psychology — multiple specializations, including general psychology and gender diversity
- MA in Counseling Psychology — designed for students pursuing LMFT and/or LPCC licensure in California; accredited by COAMFTE and IACSTE
- MA in Human Behavior Psychology — covers personal, social, and organizational topics across behavioral science
- MA in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Doctoral Programs
Two doctoral programs in psychology are offered. The Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) provides doctoral-level clinical training for direct practice, program administration, consultation, and research roles. California students evaluating clinical doctoral options can explore our guide to PsyD programs in California. The PhD in Psychology with a Sport and Performance Psychology specialization is a 100% online, research-focused degree designed to be completed in approximately 48 months. Students comparing doctoral options can also review our guide to sport psychology doctoral programs across the U.S.
Compare accredited psychology programs from schools across the country, including National University, using the program finder below.