Top Online Master’s Programs in California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a prominent private research university located in Los Angeles, a global hub for arts, technology, and business. It houses the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and 22 other academic units. USC’s Health Sciences campus is renowned for specialized care and research. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 21,000 (fall 2022). 

California Coast University, established in 1973, is a trailblazer in distance learning, catering to professionals with geographical or time constraints. Known for quality, affordability, and flexibility, it holds national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is a non-profit organization that accredits institutions primarily offering distance education. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 23,484 (fall 2022).

California State University—Northridge founded in 1958, offers diverse programs and a vibrant campus life. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 36,000 (fall 2022). It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Biola University, founded in 1908, is a private Christian institution known for its rigorous academics and faith-based education, offering various programs to students seeking a holistic learning experience. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,596 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 95 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

William Jessup University is a private Christian university founded in 1939 offering a range of academic programs with a strong emphasis on integrating faith and education. It provides students with a values-driven learning environment. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,217 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 126 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

The University of La Verne, founded in 1891, is a private university in California known for its comprehensive academic programs and emphasis on personalized education. It offers diverse degrees and strives to create a supportive learning community. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,691 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 103 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar.

Concordia University—Irvine founded in 1972, blends academic excellence and faith-based education. It offers a variety of programs and fosters a community that values intellectual growth and spiritual development. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,584 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 70 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

California Baptist University, founded in 1950, offers a range of academic programs in a faith-based environment. With a focus on integrating faith and learning, it provides students with opportunities for personal and academic growth. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 8,252 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 160 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

California State University (CSU), founded in 1957, plays a significant role in providing job-ready graduates for competitive industries and offers a flexible online education platform through Cal State Online. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 404,820 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 342 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Alliant International University-San Diego founded in 1969 offers a diverse range of academic programs and focuses on providing a global perspective to its students. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 378 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 60 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

California State University, founded in 1887, offers a variety of academic programs and is recognized for its commitment to quality education and student success. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 14,462 (fall 2022), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 119 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

National University, founded in 1971, is a prominent private nonprofit university dedicated to providing accessible higher education through flexible learning options, including online and on-campus programs. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 7,648 (fall 2021), and the setting is Urban. It utilizes a continuous-based academic calendar.

San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School; it is the third-oldest university and southernmost in the 23-member California State University system. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 31,321 (fall 2022), and the setting is Urban.

Founded in 1970, Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is a private Baptist institution in Redding, California. It holds membership in the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), accredited through TRACS. Additionally, it’s authorized by the State of California Education Code and approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, complying with state standards. It had an enrolment of 29 undergraduates for the academic year 2021-22.

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University in San Francisco excels in education for working professionals, offering flexible online courses for skill enhancement and degrees. GGU eLearning enhances communication, provides course material storage, and offers fully online graduate programs.

Touro University Worldwide is a nonprofit institution founded on philanthropic values, fostering a connected learning community for diverse students to achieve academic goals. The administration and faculty prioritize social justice and intellectual pursuit, influenced by the university’s Judaic foundation, welcoming all backgrounds. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 5,179 (fall 2022).

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a nonprofit institution with over 6,000 students across campuses nationwide and online. Established in 1979, TCSPP offers various degree programs and international opportunities. Regionally accredited and a National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology member, TCSPP is a leader in psychology and behavioral science. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 30 (fall 2022).

The University of Massachusetts—Lowell, founded in 1894, strongly focuses on academic excellence and innovation. UMass Lowell provides a vibrant learning environment for students pursuing their educational and career goals. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 12,884 (fall 2022), its setting is a city, and the campus size is 142 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Azusa Pacific University, founded in 1899, provides a range of programs to help students excel academically and personally. With a commitment to academic excellence and a supportive environment, Azusa Pacific University empowers students to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their chosen fields. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,939 (fall 2022), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 103 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Horizon University is a private Christian college situated in San Diego, focusing on delivering a liberal arts education to students worldwide. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, the university offers undergraduate programs in theology. With a commitment to faith-based studies, Horizon University aims to provide students with a strong academic and spiritual foundation.

Southern California Seminary, located in San Diego, has a 70-year history of dedicated education. Their mission is to equip believers from diverse cultures and languages to live and minister based on the Word of God, fostering knowledge, character, and ministry skills. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 46 (fall 2021-22), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 103 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Pacific Oaks, a non-profit institution with regional accreditation, provides diverse master’s programs. Their online options enable pursuing a degree alongside other commitments. They foster an environment where one’s unique perspective and experience shape one’s educational path. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 479 (fall 2022).