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Top 20 Best PhD Programs in California [Online and On-Campus] 2024

Is a PhD worth it? There’s no doubt that completing a doctorate involves a huge amount of time, effort, and dedication. Even more so than a demanding master’s like an MBA . However, with competition in the job market only increasing, many ambitious professionals will find this qualification invaluable for advancing their careers. For certain positions in various sectors like research and academia, a PhD is essential.

There are countless options for California students looking to pursue a doctorate , even with PhD distance learning. Here are the best PhD programs in California, both on-campus and online!

Below is a list of the best Ph.D programs in California. The list includes both on-campus and online program options.

Table of Contents

Best On-Campus Doctorate Programs in California

The university of southern california, rossier school of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy

Acceptance rate: 16%

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles founded in 1880. Its doctorate in urban education policy centers on research that promotes excellence in education. Students are fully funded  for four years of study through teaching and research assistantships.

University of California Los Angeles

Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program (MBIDP)

Acceptance rate: 14.3%

UCLA is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1919 and has an acceptance rate of 14.3%. UCLA’s MBIDP program is designed to transform students into scientific leaders in molecular biology. Tuition is fully supported  for all five years of the program through various financial aid  options.

California State University Long Beach, Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia

Acceptance rate: 42.1%

CSULB is the second-largest of the California State University (CSU) system of 23 colleges. Its DNP equips students with advanced knowledge that is relevant to clinical settings. The program runs for at least two years, with the post-baccalaureate option taking three years. The tuition  is $7,635 per semester with financial aid  available as grants, scholarships, and loans. This is one of the best doctoral programs in California for nursing students.

San Diego State University

Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Acceptance rate: 37%

San Diego State University was established in 1897, making it the third-oldest institution in the California State University system. This joint doctoral program is offered in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Students are awarded a joint degree from both universities and study subjects from the electrical, electronics, and computer engineering fields at both institutions. The tuition  is $2,082 per credit hour and financial support  is available for eligible students.

University of California Irvine

Ph.D. in Public Health

Acceptance rate: 30%

UCI is a public land-grant university located in Irvine, California, and has an overall acceptance rate of 30%. Its PhD in Public Health program aims to prepare students to research and identify vulnerable populations and formulate strategies for disease prevention. Most coursework can be completed in two years and students can progress to doctoral candidacy in the third year. Various financial support  options are available.

University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design

Ph.D. – City and Regional Planning

Acceptance rate: 17.5%

The University of California Berkeley, founded in 1868, is a public land-grant research university. This PhD aims to make you an expert in urban planning through rigorous training and advanced research. The tuition  for the five-year program is $5,721 per semester, with financial aid  available in various forms for each year.

University of California Santa Barbara

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

University of California Santa Barbara is a part of the University of California system and has been teaching since 1891. This doctorate aims to equip students with computer science expertise that they can apply to research, teaching, and leadership positions in academia, government, and business. The program can be completed in four to six years and you can find tuition details on the university’s cost of attendance page . Scholarships and other financial aid  options are also available.

Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences

Ph.D. in Political Science

Acceptance rate: 5%

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a private research university with one of the largest campuses in the country. The Ivy League university’s doctoral program in political science is known for creating exceptional scholars in the field. The program runs for five years and there are multiple funding options  to cover full tuition throughout.

San Jose State University, Department of Audiology

Doctor of Audiology

Acceptance rate: 67%

San Jose State University is a public university that the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (WSJ/THE) ranking put at number 8  in the country for diversity. Its four-year Doctor of Audiology program makes students experts in the diagnosis and treatment of auditory ailments, like mixed hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. The program covers various scientific aspects of audiology through coursework, clinical rotations, and research. You can find tuition and fee information on the Bursar’s Office page  and financial aid through the school’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office .

Southern California Seminary

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Southern California Seminary is located in El Cajon, California, with its main campus in San Diego. It accepts 100% of student applications, though the graduation rate is 33%. The school’s DMin program allows professionals already in the ministry to take their careers to the next level through one of the three streams: Christian Leadership, Biblical Exposition, and Christian Education. It can be completed in three years on-campus, with online options also available. Tuition details are listed on the Student Accounts page  and loans, grants, and work-study options are available through the SCS Financial Aid office .

Best Online PhD Programs in California

Looking to save time and money in transportation? Need a more flexible schedule? Then check out some of these top online PhD programs in California.

University of Southern California

Ed. D. Organizational Change and Leadership

USC is the oldest private research university in California, founded in 1880 and based in Los Angeles, California. The university’s Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership is one of the best online PhD programs in Southern California. The program aims to equip students to transform organizations in the fields of education, industry, and government into competent, effective, and adaptable entities. Tuition details can be found in the USC catalog  and financial aid  is also available.

Trident University International, The College of Health and Human Services

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Ph.D. HS)

Acceptance rate: 49%

Trident University International is a fully online university that has been teaching since 1998. It is a relatively small university headquartered in Cypress, California. Its online PhD program in California in Health Sciences helps students to become competent leaders, scholars, researchers, consultants, and teachers in the healthcare sector. Tuition  is $990 per credit, but the university strives to make the program affordable to all through various financing options .

California Southern University         

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Acceptance rate: 13%

CSU, located in Costa Mesa and founded in 1978, offers online programs in a range of disciplines. CSU’s DBA program is designed to turn students into leaders with high-level decision-making skills and can be completed fully online in four years. While trying to keep the tuition  affordable at $545 per credit, the university doesn’t provide any significant forms of financial aid. However, there are discounts  for alumni, veterans, and their family members.

California State University Fresno, Kremen School of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Education (Ed. D) in Educational Leadership

Acceptance rate: 90%

CSUF is a public university located in Fresno, California that follows the CSU system. CSUF’s online EdD program  is designed to prepare working professionals for leadership positions in P12 schools and district or community colleges and can be completed in three years. Tuition  is $5,919 per term, with fee waivers and scholarships  available for students.

San Jose State University (with Manchester Metropolitan University)

Gateway Ph.D. in Library and Information Management

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the West Coast, founded in 1857. It offers a Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University . a public university in Manchester, England. This online program prepares students to become leaders, faculty, and researchers in the field of library and information science . It is one of the few PhD programs in California that will give you a UK degree without being a UK resident and allows you up to seven years for completion. Tuition  is set by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

The University of Southern California is a world-renowned private research university with nearly 50,000 enrolled students. Its online PhD in Social Work allows experienced professionals to develop the necessary skills to come up with solutions to the challenges faced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations. The program is typically completed in nine semesters, or seven semesters on the accelerated track. You can find tuition details in the program catalog  and financial aid  options are available.

Capella University

DHA (Doctor of Health Administration) in Health Care Leadership

Capella University is a predominantly online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, but accepts online students nationwide. Its fully online DHA program prepares leaders to face challenges in the complex and constantly changing healthcare field. Tuition  will depend on how long you take to complete the program as well as a few other factors, and students can access federal financial aid .

Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies

Education Specialist (Ed. S.) in K-12 Leadership

Acceptance rate: 81%

Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world in 2018 with 70,000 online students as well as on-campus students. It is a private, for-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona. However, Californian students will find its Education Specialist doctorate accessible, as an online program in a nearby state. This Ed.S. helps working education professionals to advance their careers through leadership courses with a focus on instruction. Tuition  for the 30-credit program is $702 per credit, and there are various scholarship opportunities .

Concordia University Irvine, Townsend Institute

Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision

Acceptance rate: 78.2%

Concordia University is a Lutheran private university with both online and on-campus students and offers a range of fully online programs across various disciplines. Its online PhD degree in Counselor Education & Supervision equips professionals with advanced skills in counseling, teaching, serving, and advocating based on biblical principles. You can complete the 60-unit program in three to four years at a cost per unit  of $995. The university offers federal funding  options for students.

Liberty University

Ph.D. in History

Acceptance rate: 50%

Liberty University is a non-profit private Christian university spread over a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. However, Californian students have the option to study their PhD in History fully online within an average of four years and the university is accredited in all 50 states. This program equips students to take their careers to the next level in the education, archeology, politics, research, and government sectors. The university strives to keep tuition  affordable and around 80% of students receive financial assistance  or scholarships .

Key Takeaways

A PhD will make you an expert in your field with a specific set of advanced skills that will set you apart from other professionals. This will not only be beneficial to your career but can also be helpful in other parts of your life. A doctorate sharpens your critical thinking skills and gives you deep insight into virtually everything.

If studying a full-time, in-person PhD programs in California aren’t viable for you, you can find an online PhD in California with flexible scheduling.

If you’re still not sure which PhD program is right for you, take a look at our guides to the top 20 online PhD programs , the cheapest online PhD programs , and the top 10 highest paying PhD degrees .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
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• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

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Graduate Admission

The graduate programs at UCLA are some of the most esteemed in the world, consistently ranked in the top 25. Forty doctoral programs rank in the top 10.

Our campus offers more than 130 graduate and professional programs, ranging from an extensive selection of business and medical programs to degrees in 40 different languages. On average, UCLA admits 14,000 graduate students of the 55,000 who apply each year. At UCLA, you’ll be among the best and brightest in the world.

Our programs combine the learnings of one field with the components of another, to create a hybrid of deep specialized knowledge. The notion that knowledge is produced through multidisciplinary approaches is paramount at UCLA. We offer faculty and graduate students the opportunity to collaborate on research projects and study groups that transcend departments and programs.

These collaborations go beyond the campus. UCLA enjoys strong connections to other major universities as well as public and private institutes and firms thanks to its location within Los Angeles. Our graduate students engage with these communities both academically and culturally as a part of the UCLA graduate experience. The students who thrive in the environment are creative, determined and unrelenting in their search for new ways to answer questions.

If this sounds like you, check out our programs and learn more about what we have to offer.

Applying to a Graduate Program

Most graduate applications are processed through the Graduate Education Department. Explore 130+ graduate degree programs and choose the one that’s right for you.

Professional Schools

Four of UCLA’s professional programs offer their own specialized application processes. Follow the links below to learn more about admission steps and requirements at these four schools.

Psychology PhD

Psychology as a scientific discipline aims to describe, understand, and predict the behavior of living organisms. In doing so, psychology embraces the many factors that influence behavior-from sensory experience to complex cognition, from the role of genetics to that of social and cultural environments, from the processes that explain behavior in early childhood to those that operate in older ages, and from typical development to pathological conditions. The Department of Psychology at Berkeley reflects the diversity of our discipline's mission covering six key areas of research: Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience; Clinical Science; Cognition; Cognitive Neuroscience; Developmental, and Social-Personality Psychology. Our program learning goals focus on honing methodological, statistical and critical thinking skills relevant to all areas of Psychology research, enabling students with sufficient breadth to retain perspective in the field of psychology and sufficient depth to permit successful independent and significant research.

• The major academic objectives of the PhD program are for students to:
• Develop an understanding of the different theoretical and empirical frameworks that have defined and shaped the field
• Develop an understanding of the central questions and issues in contemporary psychology
• Develop expertise in one or more relevant research methodologies
• Build expertise in formulating testable hypotheses and designing appropriate studies
• Hone ability to critically evaluate scientific research
• Develop expertise in statistics and advanced data analytic approaches
• Develop an awareness of the importance of science to humanity while recognizing its limits (i.e., some scientific knowledge is culture-specific and may not be applicable to the human condition universally)
• Develop competence as a teacher of undergraduates and mentor to graduate students

Students select one of the following concentrations:

Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience: The Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience area encompasses faculty and students united by a common interest in the neurobiological/physiological bases of behavior, including but not limited to circadian and seasonal rhythms, decision-making, sex differentiation and behavior, energy balance, birdsong and animal communication, animal spatial orientation and navigation, gene-environment interactions, selective attention and visual perception, social behavior, attachment, developmental processes, physiological substrates of emotion and stress, and motivation. The methodologies currently employed by faculty and students cover the entire spectrum from the behavioral study of animals and humans to computational, cellular, molecular and neuroimaging analyses.

Clinical Science: Graduate students in Clinical Science combine rigorous research with hands-on clinical experience. In addition, students take courses that cover general areas of psychological science as well as more specialized areas based on a students interests. Most students will spend four to six years in residence at Berkeley plus one year at a Clinical Internship site, at or near the completion of the dissertation. Degrees are awarded after completion of the internship, even if the dissertation is completed earlier. The faculty advisor/mentor plays an important role in a students training. At the beginning of Year 1, each student is matched with a faculty advisor, usually one of the core Clinical Science Program Faculty, who supervises the student's research. In subsequent years, the student is free to continue working with that person or to seek a new research advisor. In addition to research supervision, the advisor works with the student in planning a program that fits that student's interests, while at the same time meeting program requirements. If a student is conducting research under the supervision of someone other than a core Clinical Science Program Faculty member (e.g., a faculty member in another area of the Psychology Department), then a core Clinical Science Program Faculty member is assigned to advise that student in matters related program requirements.

Cognition: The Cognition Program brings together faculty and students engaged in behavioral and computational investigations of fundamental cognitive processes, including learning, memory, categorization, reasoning, language, and perception. Our interdisciplinary approach borrows methods and insights from the cognitive sciences and other areas within the department.

Cognitive Neuroscience: Programs in Cognitive Neuroscience focus on neuroimaging and neuropsychological approaches to human behavior. Functional neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and intracranial EEG (iEEG) are used to study the neural bases of human behavior. Neuropsychological methods assess varieties of psychological dysfunction associated with brain damage or disease. Areas of specialty within this track include Sensory and Perceptual Processes, Attention and Working Memory, Learning and Memory, Emotion, and Motor Control.

Developmental: Our research goal is to understand how the organism and its capabilities develop throughout the lifespan. Our interdisciplinary approach is multi-species, multi-system, and multidisciplinary in nature. We study change over time in cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and neural processes. Our explanations include both neural accounts of the plasticity that is observed in the developing brain and other systems, and computational and psychological accounts of development. The bi-directionality of these processes is emphasized, with the organism's genetically program development being influenced by its physical and social environments and in turn influencing those environments. Thus, our research is situated at the interface between the fields of developmental psychology, computational modeling, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, cultural psychology, and clinical psychology. Our research examines numerous areas of development, plasticity, and change including sensory processes, cognitive capacities, language, reasoning, everyday knowledge of the world, emotions, and social relationships. We examine both typical and atypical development, each providing rich insights for better understanding the other and suggesting new approaches for effective treatments and preventive interventions.

Social-Personality Psychology: The social-personality program is devoted to training graduate students for careers in research and teaching. The program faculty and several affiliates conduct research and provide intensive training in six core areas of the field: (1) Self and identity; (2) Social cognition; (3) Emotion, emotion regulation, and affective neuroscience; (4) Personality processes and adult development; (5) Interpersonal, intergroup, and intercultural processes; and (6) Power, hierarchy, and social class. In addition to training in these core areas, the program encourages graduate students to develop their own research interests and build an independent research program. The program is characterized by considerable breadth and diversity. It provides students with special research opportunities, such as access to unique longitudinal databases, multi-method approaches (self-report, observational, archival, life-data, physiological), and biological perspectives on social behavior (e.g., evolutionary, neuroimaging).

Contact Info

[email protected]

2121 Berkeley Way University of California

Berkeley, CA 94720-1650

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

Graduate Program

Information about the UCLA Department of Psychology Graduate Research Program

The UCLA Psychology Department offers graduate Ph.D. training ( there is no separate M.A. program or Psy.D. program offered ) with area emphases in Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Health Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Quantitative, and Social Psychology. In all of these fields, the central objective is to train researchers dedicated to increasing the body of scientific knowledge upon which the discipline of psychology rests. The program is designed to prepare psychologists to function effectively as researchers, college and university instructors, and professional research psychologists. Rigorous scientific training is the foundation of the UCLA Psychology Ph.D. program. As part of this training, the Department encourages student participation in the activities of a number of related departments, schools, or organized research units of the University. For instance, the Brain Research Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Cognitive programs, the Institute for Social Science Research, and the Neuropsychiatric Institute provide extensive research facilities for interested students. The  Fernald Child Study Center , moreover, bolsters the department’s long-standing commitment to training in childhood learning and behavioral disorders. Other departmental resources include the Psychology Clinic. Our close working relations with local hospitals (the Veterans Administration), clinics, and institutes provide a unique opportunity for year-round training and research. UCLA’s exceptionally strong library system (the University Research, Biomedical and Research libraries, among others) perfectly complements the Department’s scholarly activities.

Graduates are prepared for careers in both academic and applied settings including positions at universities and colleges, research and governmental organizations and business and industry.  

The Psychology Ph.D. program is one of  18 Ph.D. programs in the biosciences .

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the nine campuses of the University of California. Located in west Los Angeles, five miles from the Pacific Ocean, UCLA lies in one of the most attractive areas of Southern California. The campus is bordered on the north by the Santa Monica mountains and the new  Getty Museum , and at its southern gate by Westwood Village, an entertainment magnet with theaters, restaurants, and the  Armand Hammer Museum . The treasures of the  Los Angeles County Museum of Art  are a few miles to the east, as are the communities of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the downtown business and entertainment districts.