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The 10 Best Forensic Psychology Schools In the US

As seen in popular media, forensic psychologists are essential members of the criminal justice system. These professionals work at the intersection of psychology and law. In their day to day, forensic psychologists can provide competency evaluations, sentencing recommendations, testimony as expert witnesses, and programs for correctional facilities. 

Forensic psychologist services are useful throughout government organizations, correctional facilities, courts, and other settings. Their services can include psychological assessments of individuals involved in the legal system. Other forensic psychologists consult on public policy or work within the criminal justice system.

The interest in the field has grown significantly over recent years, thanks to popular media portrayals of forensic psychologists. Many universities nationwide offer dual degrees in psychology and law, while others provide specialization in the field. Students learn essential clinical skills at these programs, such as assessing and performing client interviews, report writing, and case presentations.

Forensic psychology students take various courses, including criminal psychology, social behavior, criminal justice, and law. From child and family law to law enforcement, many programs will offer further specialization within the field of forensic psychology. Through hands-on experience and coursework, students learn how to communicate and think critically.

With over 7,500 forensic psychologists across the United States, there are a growing number of programs. The top programs will provide the training and fieldwork necessary to continue to higher education and state certification as a practitioner. 

Here are the 10 of the best forensic psychology schools in the nation.

College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY)

The forensic psychology program at Saint Rose has a strong integrated design, making it a popular choice in the growing field. 

Housed in the Department of Psychology, the forensic psychology major acts as a double major in psychology and criminal justice. Forensic mental health law, criminal behavior, court systems, and abnormal psychology are just some of the classes that undergraduates will complete.

In order to tailor their education, students can choose from a variety of paths within the degree. By selecting a clinical, legal, or research concentration, students will be well-prepared for a graduate degree or employment following graduation.

Located in the capital of New York, there are plenty of opportunities for internships in the field of forensic psychology. The American Institute for Economic Research ranks Albany in the top ten small metro areas nationwide for providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Qualified students can intern with faculty advisors, working at the Cold Case Analysis Center.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

At the Chicago School, forensic psychology students work directly in the arena of police and public safety. There are a variety of programs at the Los Angeles campus, including both BA and MA degrees. The programs prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors and to provide specialized services to clients in forensic settings.

While in classes, undergraduates and graduates alike work alongside experienced and passionate faculty practitioners. They will benefit from significant networking opportunities and gain the skills needed to practice forensic psychology in legal and public policy arenas.

The Chicago School’s forensic psychology alumni are enabled to work in a rapidly expanding range of settings. Child welfare agencies, mental health facilities, government agencies, correctional facilities, and private practice are just some of the settings where alumni use their degrees. 

Kean University (Union, NJ)

At Kean University, the MA in forensic psychology program is designed for students interested in forensic or law enforcement positions. The curriculum pulls from several departments, including sociology, criminal justice, and psychology. Whether graduates are interested in working in court clinics or forensic psychiatric settings, they will be able to pursue their passion at Kean.

Kean believes that learning and professional growth extend beyond the classroom. Students in the forensic psychology program can participate in practicum and externship experiences throughout the clinical setting. Through these valuable hands-on opportunities, students can apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. 

Forensic psychology students can also participate in research teams to further their understanding of the field. Alongside department faculty, they present their research projects at the annual Kean Research Days event.

George Washington University (Washington, DC)

Students at GWU learn to examine mental health through social, cultural, and legal lenses. Forensic psychology students seek to understand the motivation behind crime using psychological concepts from their classes. 

While studying at George Washington University, forensic psychology students must complete at least 250 hours of internship training. These hands-on experiences are tailored to their professional interests and provide the necessary skills to succeed as a psychologist. 

Due to the school’s location in the nation’s capital, many local employers, from law enforcement agencies to nonprofits for victims, hire GWU alumni.

GWU forensic psychology alumni go on to pursue doctoral programs at top institutions across the United States. Others go straight into employment, working for notable employers such as the NCIS, FBI, US Department of Justice, and Maryland Department of Public Safety. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott (Prescott, AZ)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to one of a handful of forensic psychology bachelor programs in the nation . Furthermore, it is one of the only psychology programs where faculty members teach courses instead of graduate students. Using small class sizes and hands-on activities, students are well-prepared for a future career in forensic psychology.

While on campus, undergraduates have access to a variety of state-of-the-art equipment for faculty demonstrations and research. Forensic psychology students can use forensic, cybersecurity, and intelligence labs through the College of Security and Intelligence.

Outside of classes, ERAU has plenty of social and professional resources for students. By mentoring juvenile offenders and volunteering in the local criminal justice system, undergraduates gain hands-on experience in the field. 

One notable extracurricular activity, the Psych Club , is one of the most quickly growing organizations on campus, providing networking and professional development opportunities.

Maryville University of St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

The forensic psychology program at Maryville is designed to prepare students for a career in the social, community, and human services fields. Emphasizing project-based learning, the curriculum provides unparalleled educational opportunities. Forensic psychology undergraduates may join a faculty member or team of students to pursue a research project.

As a member of the forensic psychology department, students will complete at least 150 hours of hands-on work experience in the St. Louis region. These internships provide experience working with mental illness, neuropsychology issues, and the probation process.

Faculty members at Maryville are well-respected in their fields and work to impact their communities positively. Furthermore, they aim to inspire students to cultivate critical thinking and communication abilities. 

After over a decade working in law enforcement, one notable teacher, Professor Geriann Brandt , began teaching criminal justice for the program.

Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ)

Few specialized programs train students in forensic psychology, especially ones that emphasize child and family issues . Montclair State University is committed to producing psychologists to make legal decisions that impact their community’s justice systems. Students will study the unique intersection between psychology and law.

In classes, forensic psychology students will gain practical experience in clinical assessments, report writing, and providing treatment to various populations. This concentration highlights child, adolescent, and family issues.

Montclair State University also offers a certificate program in forensic psychology designed for psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors. This flexible program is tailored to each student’s schedule to meet the demands of practicing professionals. With options for intensive clinical supervision in forensic settings, this program will prepare graduates for practice.

Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)

The forensic psychology degree program at Florida Tech is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Florida . At the intersection of law and psychology, the degree provides students with a top-tier education. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures close collaboration between students and faculty.

While in classes, undergraduates develop skills in crime analysis, prevention, and acting as a community liaison. Senior undergraduates participate in a scholarly inquiry project. Through an intensive field internship and substantial research, forensic psychology students gain necessary hands-on experience.

Active Minds , a prominent student organization on campus, focuses on psychology and mental health. Members work together to change the perception of mental health on campus through seminars, lectures, and other events. 

Along with Active Minds, forensic psychology students can join the Forensic Psychology Association to develop their leadership experience.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

The Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service, and Training ( Denver FIRST ) acts as a regional hub for forensic mental health expertise. Through policy and advocacy work, the center focuses on advocating for legislative reform for marginalized people.

Denver FIRST provides forensic mental health services throughout the state of Colorado. Students gain insight into implementing cutting-edge, evidence-based practice; outpatient competency restoration, forensic assessment, case management, and neuropsychological screening are just some of the services provided.

The University of Denver is a leading source for forensic mental health training for forensic evaluators and other professionals. Through training sessions, workshops, and consultations, the university is an essential part of the forensic community in Denver.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY)

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice at CUNY is one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges. 

Nearly 10% of the 2,000 graduate students are part of the forensic psychology program. The Master of Arts in forensic psychology provides a strong foundation that can be applied within the criminal and civil justice systems.

While studying forensic psychology, students at CUNY learn from over 35 full-time faculty members . Offering a unique blend of expertise, professors are often actively working as clinicians. Many faculty members have extensive experience in forensic units of hospitals, family court, or law enforcement consultants.

After graduation, CUNY forensic psychology students are connected to a network of 60,000 active criminal justice alumn i. Nearly half of graduates work in public service, with top career preferences including government and non-profit organizations.

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College of Psychology and Community Services: PhD in Forensic Psychology

• College of Psychology and Community Services
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Human Services
• BS in Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Human Services
• Post-Master’s Online Teaching in Psychology Certificate
• Doctor of Human Services
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Forensic Psychology

Note on Licensure

Learning outcomes, specializations, learning tracks, degree requirements, master of philosophy (embedded degree).

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• PhD in Human Services
• PhD in Psychology
• Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate

Program Website  

Students in Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program will explore the systems and programs that strive to create positive change in the legal system and community settings. Students can broaden their understanding of advanced forensic psychology and examine ways to evaluate programs designed for populations such as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, the mentally ill, and juvenile offenders. Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program offers a variety of specializations to help students meet their personal and professional goals. Students may choose from the General Program or the following specializations: Criminal Justice Self-Designed, Crisis Leadership Management, Crisis Response, Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology, Self-Designed, or Victimology.

The PhD in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure-leading program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

As graduates of this program, students will be prepared to:

• Evaluate behavior using psychological theory and research from a forensic psychology perspective.
• Analyze seminal works in forensic psychology in terms of their relation to education and/or research.
• Differentiate between advanced legal concepts pertaining to forensic psychology.
• Integrate principles of advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research related to forensic psychology.
• Evaluate how assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) are used within forensic psychology settings.
• Engage in decision making using relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) in forensic work settings.
• Promote social change through the integration of principles of forensic psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.

General Program

Specialization in criminal justice self-designed (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis leadership management (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis response (not currently accepting new students), specialization in legal issues in forensic psychology (not currently accepting new students), specialization in self-designed, specialization in victimology (not currently accepting new students).

There are two tracks in the PhD in Forensic Psychology:

• Track 1:  For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology
• Track 2:  For Those Entering With a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

Track 1: For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology

Minimum degree requirements.

• Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Research courses (10 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Dissertation support courses (7 credits)
• Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
• Four PhD residencies

Course Sequence for Students Entering With an MS Degree

* Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Fast Track Option - Not Currently Accepting New Students

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.

• Dissertation writing courses (continuously enrolled until completion)

Students must also

• Pass a writing assessment.
• Submit an application essay.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation study course shell.

Fast Track Course Sequence

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below. 

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

* FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000B Dissertation Prep.

Track 2: For Those Entering With a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

• Foundation Course (3 credits)
• Core courses (45 credits)
• Research courses (20 credits)

Course Sequence

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the   Dissertation Guidebook .

In addition, students must

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below.

 * FPSY 8720 aligns with APSY 8722 Abnormal Behavior. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep.

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

• All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
• All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
• All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
• Program prospectus development course
• Residencies 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
• The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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Best Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S. 2024

A forensic psychology degree teaches students to combine behavioral analysis and law to help with investigations, create programs at detention facilities, and provide recommendations for judges.

Day to day, forensic psychologists conduct research, analyze data, and assess individuals who are involved in the legal system. In many cases, forensic psychologists work with victims of crimes or convicted criminals currently serving time.

Forensic psychology was popularized by TV shows and movies, and t he role today is quickly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all psychologist roles are projected to grow by 6% between 2021 to 2031 . The BLS also reports that psychologists earn a median salary of $81,040 with the top 10% earning more than $133,890 .

Forensic psychology is a relatively new but growing field, and those who want to pursue a career in this field must earn a forensic psychology degree. In most cases, forensic psychologists must also earn a graduate degree, such as a PhD in psychology or a PsyD , to qualify for a role. The best forensic psychology schools more than adequately prepare graduates for a career in the fast-changing, growing field of forensic psychology.

Best Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S. for 2024

The University of Denver’s Forensic Psychology program prepares students that would like to apply the principles of psychology to interviews and mental assessments in the criminal justice sector. This program includes courses that teach students how to assess, communicate with, and structure sessions with eyewitnesses, police officers, and defendants. Classes are available both in-person and remotely, though some required courses may include in-person instruction at police precincts in the Denver metro. Students at the University of Denver are also encouraged to observe practicing forensic psychologists to further their professional experience before graduation.

University of California-Irvine offers 1 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 41 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 41 Master's degrees.

Washington University St. Louis has a forensic psychology program that emphasizes courses in psychology and mental health disorders and is structured to prepare students for professional roles upon completion of their bachelor’s. This program is to be completed in four years and provides students with a range of local internship opportunities in the St. Louis metro, along with seminars to provide professional observation and guidance before entering the workforce.

Arizona State University Digital Immersion offers 2 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 306 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 306 Master's degrees.

Kean University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology program for students in New Jersey that have an interest in working with law enforcement to psychologically assess suspects, victims, and police officers at a crime scene. Courses that contribute to this program include mental development, psychological analysis, and ethics. Graduates should be aware Kean has a large network locally to assist recent graduates in post-graduation job placement.

For students interested in pursuing a forensic psychology degree in New York City, CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a competitive track with ample professional observation opportunities at local precincts and jails in the New York metro area. Undergraduates are advised to apply to internships during their degree program and in summer breaks to gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable when they apply for professional roles post-graduation.

The Forensic Psychology program at the University of North Dakota offers classes geared toward students preparing to enter into the field as a psychologist, therapist, or parole officer. In the classroom, students have opportunities to study mental illness, complete observational labs with local law enforcement, and attend off-campus internships at private practices.

The Florida Institute of Technology offers undergraduates the opportunity to enroll in their forensic psychology program, which is the first step for students interested in working with police departments and investigators to interview and assess suspects, victims, and fellow officers. It is common for students to take classes in psychology and mental disorders as an introduction to the broader field, along with hands-on labs to familiarize themselves with the rules for interaction and communication in a legal capacity. FIT offers a four-year path with opportunities to apply to internships at schools locally in the Orlando metro area to gain real-world experience.

CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers 3 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 12 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 8 Master's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus offers 2 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 5 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 5 Certificates.

Find local colleges with Forensic Psychology majors in the U.S.

What is forensic psychology.

Popular crime shows have brought forensics and forensic psychology into the spotlight in recent years. The word forensic is derived from the Latin word forensis or forum which is where ancient Romans held their courts of law, and many people today show interest in the field of forensic psychology. 

A career in forensic psychology shows promise, too, with a projected 6% job growth rate between 2021-2031 with a median pay of around $81,040 .

In order to specialize and be employed as a licensed forensic psychologist, you need to first obtain a PhD or doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and spend two years in an internship gaining supervised experience. 

Forensic psychologists may also become board certified through the American Board of Forensic Psychology .  

Forensic Psychology Degree Overview

Although there are many careers in forensic psychology that only require a master’s degree, becoming a licensed forensic psychologist requires a PhD or doctor of psychology degree (PsyD) .

To be accepted into a PhD or doctorate program, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, which doesn’t have to be in psychology. 

Some programs require a master’s degree, and others offer a combined degree program that results in both a master’s and doctorate degree. 

Courses in Undergraduate Forensic Psychology Programs

There are a vast array of psychology courses offered in an undergraduate program that include both core curriculum classes and specialty courses that are geared toward your interests. If you plan to focus on forensic psychology, you can expect to take the following types of classes:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Behavioral Psychology
• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Criminal Law
• Criminology
• Developmental Psychology
• Intro to Psychology
• Psychology Seminar
• Social Psychology
• Statistical Methods

Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology

The minimum admission requirements to get into a bachelor’s of psychology degree program typically include:

• High school diploma or GED
• High school transcripts
• A minimum GPA (varies by school)
• 2-5 letters of recommendation
• Writing sample/essay
• ACT/SAT standardized test scores

Graduation Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in psychology requires about ~ 120 credit hours and usually takes about four years to complete depending on whether you attend full-time, part-time, online, or on campus. 

Some programs may require a culminating experience paper/project or internship hours to graduate.

Skills Learned

While working towards your bachelor's degree, you will learn many essential skills including:

• Social development
• Interpersonal effectiveness
• Critical thinking 
• Collaboration
• Effective oral and written communication

How Long Does it Take to Get a Forensic Psychology Bachelor’s Degree?

Online bachelor’s of psychology programs are becoming more abundant, and many schools allow online students to complete the degree on a part-time or full-time basis. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

• Flexibility and self-paced learning
• Better time management
• Improved virtual and communication and collaboration
• Faster graduation times
• Ability to work from anywhere
• On average, an online bachelor’s degree in psychology usually takes about four years to complete.

However, this timeline is dependent on whether you study full-time or part-time, as well as previous education completed.

Bachelor’s degree programs in psychology typically require about 120 semester credits depending on your area of concentration and program modality.

Accelerated programs are also available and allow you to complete the program in under two years. However, these programs are fast-paced and rigorous. 

Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology

Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology can open up many opportunities to advance your career, salary, and expertise in the field.

Entry into a master’s program typically requires a bachelor’s degree, GRE score, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a written essay. 

Courses in Graduate Forensic Psychology Programs

Course curriculum depends on the school and program you choose, but a sample of classes offered in a master’s of forensic psychology degree program usually includes:

• Advanced social psychology
• Assessment for forensic psychology
• Diversity psychology
• Eyewitness testimony and memory
• Psychology and law

How Long Does it Take to Get a Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree?

On average, a master’s degree in psychology program usually takes about two years to complete, though this timeline depends on:

• Whether you study online
• full-time or part-time learning
• Previous education
• Your specialization
• How long it takes to complete your thesis project 

Master’s programs in psychology typically require about 40-semester credits depending on the area of concentration and program modality.

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology

In order to specialize and be employed as a licensed forensic psychologist, you need to first obtain a  PhD or doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and spend two years in an internship gaining supervised experience. If you want to continue your education beyond a master’s degree and become a licensed forensic psychologist, then you will need to complete a PhD or doctorate of psychology degree program (PsyD), complete an internship, and also take a licensing and board certification exam.  

Certification and Licensure in Forensic Psychology

Many careers in forensic psychology require a license or certification to practice or obtain a job. It is important to research requirements for your desired career path and choose a school, program, and specialty that prepare you to meet your career goals. 

Oftentimes, forensic psychologists may become board certified through the  American Board of Forensic Psychology . The specific license or certification required varies by state. Make sure to check your desired field’s requirements before you commit to a school or program. 

What Can I Do with a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

A career in forensic psychology shows promise, with a projected 6% job growth rate between 2021-2031 with a median pay of around $81,040 . Having a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in forensic science makes you well suited for many entry-level positions in the legal field including:

• Forensic science technician
• Detective and criminal investigator
• Accountants and a uditors
• Corrections or parole officer

Internships in Forensic Psychology

Psychology students usually complete an internship as part of a doctorate program. The internship allows you to gain hands-on, real-world experience in different aspects of criminal justice and legal settings. 

A sample of internship placements for forensic psychology include:

• Prison internships
• Medical setting internships
• Government internships
• Research internships

Forensic Psychology Career Resources

Professional organizations are a great way to stay up-to-date on current psychology trends as well as a place to seek networking and educational opportunities. Here are a few options:

• American Psychological Association
• American Academy of Forensic Psychology
• American Board of Forensic Psychology
• Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
• American Academy of Forensic Science 

Forensic Psychology Career Outlook and Salaries

Earning an online forensic psychology degree.

Online and hybrid bachelor’s of psychology programs are becoming more abundant, and accredited online forensic psychology degrees match the quality of their on-campus counterparts. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

Forensic psychology programs may also require an internship or work experience that will have to be completed in person.

Forensic Psychology FAQ

• There are many career options for people with a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology including forensic scientist, probation officer, corrections officer, and crime analyst.
• Yes, forensic psychology is a great career choice and is expected to grow 6% between 2021-2031, while forensic science careers are expected to grow 11% in the same timeframe.
• To become a forensic psychologist you need to complete several years of rigorous schooling, internship programs, thesis projects, and license and board examinations.

List of all Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S.

Article sources.

• https://abfp.com/about/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
• https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20forensic%20psychology%20involves%20investigations%2C%20research%20studies%2C%20assessments,rea%E2%80%9D%20(insanity)%20cases .
• https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/criminal-law/mens-rea/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
• https://www.apa.org/
• https://aafpforensic.org/
• https://abfp.com/
• https://www.policepsychology.org/
• https://www.aafs.org/

Get Your Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, at a glance, why get a phd in forensic psychology, entry requirements for a forensic psychology phd program, what’s covered in a forensic psychology phd program, how much does a phd in forensic psychology cost, job placement and alumni network, cost and financial aid, location and career opportunities, faculty expertise, cultural and diversity considerations, what jobs can you do with a phd in forensic psychology, how much can you earn with a phd in forensic psychology, best forensic psychology phd programs.

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in forensic psychology represents the highest level of academic achievement in the field, blending the principles of psychology with the workings of the criminal justice system. This advanced degree prepares individuals to understand and assess human behavior within the context of the legal system typically as a forensic psychologist but this degree opens up a wealth of lucrative career opportunities.

A  forensic psychologist  is a professional who applies the principles of psychology to the legal system. They work in a variety of settings, including courtrooms, correctional facilities, and law enforcement agencies.

The PhD program typically takes around 4-6 years to complete and requires extensive coursework in both psychology and law. In addition to coursework, students will be required to complete research projects and often  clinical practicums .

Areas of study; forensic assessment and evaluation, criminal behavior and victimology, ethics and psychopathology.

There are a multitude of reasons why students pursue a PhD in forensic psychology, here are a few key reasons to consider it:

Higher earning potential

Individuals with a PhD in forensic psychology are typically able to earn higher salaries than those with only a  master’s degree  or  bachelor’s degree . The American Psychological Association (APA)’s  Graduate Study in Psychology  found individuals with a doctoral degree in psychology earn a median annual salary of a little under $100,000 vs master’s degree in psychology holders earn a median annual salary of $70,000.

Additionally, specializing in forensic psychology will likely result in higher career lifetime earnings than other psychology subfields. According to the APA, the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $97,200 in 2019, which is 18% higher than the median salary for psychologists overall.

Solid job prospects (and career flexibility)

A PhD in forensic psychology can prepare individuals for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, including academia, research, government agencies, and private practice.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of psychologists overall will grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029. However, employment in specialized areas such as forensic psychology may grow at a faster rate due to an increased demand for forensic services in the criminal justice system.

Advance your knowledge and your network

A PhD in forensic psychology provides individuals with an advanced understanding of both psychology and the legal system. This can lead to a deeper understanding of criminal behavior and the ability to conduct complex forensic evaluations and assessments.

PhD programs in general offer excellent networking opportunities with peers, faculty and partnerships with the industry that can set your network up for your entire career.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree:  A  master’s degree in psychology , criminology, or a related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Research Experience:  PhD programs may require applicants to have prior research experience, such as working as a research assistant, conducting independent research projects, or presenting research findings at conferences.
• Interview:  Some PhD programs may require applicants to participate in an interview with faculty members to assess their fit for the program.

A PhD in forensic psychology provides students with an in-depth understanding of psychology and the legal system, as well as the research and clinical skills necessary to conduct high-quality research and provide effective clinical services.

Here is an overview of the topics frequently covered:

• Psychology and the Legal System:  the role of psychology in the legal system, and ethical considerations for forensic psychologists.
• Forensic Assessment:  the assessment of individuals involved in the legal system, including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and risk assessment.
• Criminal Behavior:  theories and research on criminal behavior, including the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
• Research Methods:  research design, data analysis, and statistics.
• Clinical Training:  clinical training in forensic assessment, interviewing techniques, and report writing.
• Elective Courses:  choose from a variety of elective courses that align with your research interests, such as victimology, forensic neuropsychology, or the psychology of terrorism.

Here is a sample curriculum for a forensic psychology PhD program:

• Psychology and the Legal System
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• Social Psychology
• Ethics and Professional Issues in Forensic Psychology

Second Year

• Forensic Assessment and Evaluation
• Psychopathology and Personality Assessment
• Criminal Behavior and Victimization
• Advanced Research Methods
• Elective Course 1
• Advanced Forensic Assessment and Evaluation
• Advanced Topics in Criminal Behavior
• Legal and Professional Issues in Forensic Psychology
• Elective Course 2
• Practicum in Forensic Assessment and Evaluation

Fourth Year

• Advanced Research Seminar
• Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
• Elective Course 3
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• Clinical Supervision
• Advanced Elective Course
• Advanced Practicum in Forensic Assessment and Evaluation

According to the APA’s Graduate Study in Psychology report, the average tuition and fees for a PhD program in psychology for the 2020-2021 academic year were $11,248 for in-state students at public institutions and $38,686 for out-of-state students at public institutions. Private institutions had an average tuition and fees of $37,124.

It’s important to note that these figures are for all types of psychology PhD programs, not just forensic psychology.

Many PhD programs provide financial support to students in the form of  scholarships , assistantships, and  fellowships . These opportunities can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, although the availability and amount of financial support may vary by institution and program.

What to look for in a PhD program

It can be overwhelming with so many PhD programs out there and so many factors to consider. Choosing a program in forensic psychology is a significant decision that will impact the trajectory of your career. Here are a few key ways to compare programs/institutions:

Research the program’s job placement rates for graduates and the types of positions they obtain. A strong alumni network can provide support and job opportunities post-graduation.

The cost of tuition and fees for a PhD program in forensic psychology can vary widely depending on the institution and location. Consider the overall cost of the program, as cost of living varies considerably around the country. Consider also the availability of financial aid such as  scholarships , grants,  fellowships , and assistantships.

The location of the institution can impact the availability of career opportunities and resources. Proximity to courts, correctional facilities, or other related institutions might provide practical experience opportunities. Additionally, consider the quality of research facilities, labs, libraries, and other resources.

Consider also the future potential career opportunities in the area, as well as the quality of life (and as discussed, the cost of living) in the location.

The expertise and research interests of the faculty members in the program can impact the quality of education and training that students receive. Review faculty members and their areas of expertise ahead of committing to a program.

Check if the program fosters diversity and inclusivity. This can shape your educational experience and better prepare you for working with diverse populations. A study published in “ Training and Education in Professional Psychology ” emphasized the importance of multicultural competency in psychology training.

A PhD in forensic psychology can open up a wide range of career opportunities for individuals interested in the intersection of psychology and the legal system:

• Forensic Psychologist :  assess offenders, provide expert testimony in court, and advise on issues like parole.
• Correctional Psychologist: work in correctional facilities, providing counseling and treatment to inmates and conducting assessments to determine appropriate levels of security and supervision.  Explore available correctional psychology positions .
• Professor :  academic faculty member who teaches courses in psychology and  conducts research in the field .
• Researcher:  conduct research in areas such as criminal behavior, lie detection, witness credibility, or the reliability of eyewitness testimony. This could be in academic settings, government agencies, or private research firms.
• Expert Witness:  provide expert testimony in court cases on matters such as criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and mental health.
• Forensic Evaluator:  evaluate individuals involved in the legal system, such as defendants, witnesses, or victims, to assess their mental health and other factors.
• Forensic Consultant:  consult with law enforcement agencies on matters such as criminal investigations, hostage negotiations, and crisis management.
• Law enforcement:  there are a variety of positions in law enforcement which either require or encourage an education in forensic psychology e.g. border patrol agent however many of these do not require education to a PhD level.
• Consultant for Legal Firms: offer insights on jury selection, witness preparation, or how psychological principles might impact a case.
• Policy Advisor:  Work with government agencies to develop or refine policies related to criminal justice, corrections, or mental health based on psychological principles and research.
• Private Practice:  Provide therapy and counseling services, often specializing in areas related to trauma, crime, or the aftermath of legal issues.
• Director of Forensic Services:  Oversee forensic services in mental health institutions or correctional facilities, ensuring that practices align with current standards and research.

Specializing in forensic psychology will likely result in higher career lifetime earnings than other psychology subfields. According to the APA, the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $97,200 in 2019, which is 18% higher than the median salary for psychologists overall.

• Forensic Psychologist :  $101,000 annual salary
• Professor :  $85,050 annual salary
• Research Psychologist :  $79,000
• Correctional Psychologist: $65,000 – $95,000
• Expert Witness: Salaries can vary greatly due to the nature of the work, but experienced psychologists can charge $200 – $600 per hour or more when testifying.
• Forensic Evaluator: $70,000 – $95,000
• Criminal Profiler: $50,000 – $100,000, with those in federal roles (like the FBI) potentially earning more.
• Police Consultant: $60,000 – $95,000
• Consultant for Legal Firms: $70,000 – $150,000+, depending on experience and the scope of consultation.
• Policy Advisor: $55,000 – $120,000
• Private Practice: Earnings can vary widely based on client fees, specialization, and location but $200,000+ is not uncommon.
• Director of Forensic Services: $90,000 – $150,000+

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2024 Best Forensic Psychology Schools

College Factual looked at 39 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Forensic Psychology Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 2,290 degrees in forensic psychology during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Forensic Psychology Schools List

Choosing a Great Forensic Psychology School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Forensic Psychology Degree Level

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Forensic Psychology Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat , our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology .

Best Schools for Forensic Psychology in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the forensic psychology degree levels they offer.

10 Top Schools in Forensic Psychology

Every student who is interested in forensic psychology has to check out The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles. The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Los Angeles.

There were roughly 66 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus in the most recent data year.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in forensic psychology. Located in the city of Chicago, The Chicago School Chicago Campus is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

There were approximately 46 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Chicago Campus in the most recent data year.

Every student who is interested in forensic psychology has to check out The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC. The Chicago School Washington DC Campus is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Washington.

There were roughly 34 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Washington DC Campus in the most recent year we have data available.

Every student pursuing a degree in forensic psychology has to check out University of Denver. DU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Denver. A Best Colleges rank of #126 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means DU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 32 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #49 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 54 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the large suburb of Fort Lauderdale, NUS Florida is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #310 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means NUS Florida is a great university overall.

There were roughly 47 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at NUS Florida in the most recent year we have data available.

Cal Baptist is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Riverside. This university ranks 82nd out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 25 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at Cal Baptist in the most recent data year.

ASU - Skysong is a fairly large public university located in the city of Scottsdale. This university ranks 8th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 230 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent data year.

HNU is a fairly small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Oakland. This university ranks 93rd out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 10 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at HNU in the most recent year we have data available.

Capella University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #145 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Capella University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 74 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at Capella University in the most recent year we have data available.

Forensic Psychology by Region

View the Best Forensic Psychology Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology, doctor's degrees in forensic psychology, master's degrees in forensic psychology.

View All Rankings >

Forensic Psychology Related Rankings by Major

Forensic Psychology is one of 17 different types of Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology programs to choose from.

Most Popular Majors Related to Forensic Psychology

View All Forensic Psychology Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).

More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs in the Washington, D.C. Area

1-3 of 3 results

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

Washington, DC •

George Washington University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is top notch and they get you working hands on within the first couple weeks of starting the program. The support given by the professors and school are outstanding and I have had nothing but great interactions, even when I've needed help figuring things out. ... Read 2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

George Washington University ,

Graduate School ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is... .

Read 2 reviews.

School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Education - Marymount University

Arlington, VA •

Marymount University •

Marymount University ,

ARLINGTON, VA ,

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Washington D.C.

• • Rating 4.34 out of 5   32 reviews

Doctoral Student: I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional experience I've had in the program so far. The way the program has been structured and the level of support and guidance provided has truly made a significant difference. The thorough explanations about the program and coursework have been immensely helpful in navigating my academic journey effectively. I've felt well-informed and confident in my studies, thanks to this clarity. Moreover, the assistance extended towards my dissertation has been invaluable. It's comforting to know that there's a dedicated support system in place to help me succeed in this critical aspect of my academic pursuit. ... Read 32 reviews

32 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional experience I've had in the program so far. The way the program has been structured and the level of support and... The thorough explanations about the program and coursework have been immensely helpful in navigating my academic journey effectively. I've felt well-informed and confident in my studies, thanks to... Moreover, the assistance extended towards my dissertation has been invaluable. It's comforting to know that there's a dedicated support system in place to help me succeed in this critical aspect of... .

Read 32 reviews.

Kogod School of Business

American University •

Graduate School •

WASHINGTON, DC

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9

American University Washington College of Law

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   11

School of Communication - American University

School of Education - American University

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5

College of Arts and Sciences - American University

School of International Service

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   4

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How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Idaho

The field of forensic psychology lies at the crossroads between behavioral health and law. Forensic psychologists in Idaho work with organizations like the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Investigation to develop profiles of criminals like Lyda Southard of Twin Falls, one of America’s first female serial killers.

Forensic psychologists also work within the court system as expert witnesses, and work to determine whether or not a defendant has the competency to stand trial based on their mental status. These professionals also play an important role in creating forensic psychological reports and profiles for private organizations.

Idaho actively supports the development of its professional forensic psychologist workforce. As part of this effort the Idaho Psychological Association recently sponsored a Forensic Mental Health Conference in Boise, which covered topics like:

• Preventing ethical complaints and malpractice claims in forensic evaluations
• Building a successful forensic psychology practice
• Family law and forensic psychology
• Psychology and Idaho criminal courts
• Assessing civil competencies

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Idaho

The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses works with the state’s Board of Psychologist Examiners to issue psychology licenses to qualified applicants. You will need to obtain this license by following these steps in order to work as a forensic psychologist in Idaho.

Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in the Field of Psychology

Eligibility for a psychology license through the Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners requires a doctoral degree in the field of psychology. This means you will need to start by earning an undergraduate degree in this field.

A bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Forensic Psychology will give you the knowledge you need to pursue more advanced degrees in the future. Undergraduate degree programs would include:

• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology

A traditional major in Psychology will include the study of subjects such as:

• Human psychology
• Mental disorders
• Classification of psychological conditions
• Abnormal psychology

By majoring in Forensic Psychology as an undergraduate, you can study subjects like:

• Criminal psychology
• Psychological profiling
• Deviant behavior
• Social psychology

You can start thinking about your graduate education as you near completion of your bachelor’s degree program. Many doctoral programs enroll students who have earned an undergraduate degree in the field of psychology.

Step 2. Complete a Doctoral Program in the Field of Psychology

According to the psychology licensing law in Idaho, you can qualify for licensure as a psychologist – and therefore practice as a forensic psychologist – by completing one of these degree programs from an approved school:

• Doctoral degree in Psychology
• Doctoral degree in a field related to Psychology

All doctoral programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) meet this requirement. In Idaho there is one such university located in Pocatello. Schools that are recognized by the following regional accrediting bodies will also confer eligibility for an Idaho psychology license:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

The first step in fulfilling this requirement is to meet your graduate school of choice’s admission requirements, which may typically include:

• Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA
• GRE test scores, including the Advanced Subject Test in Psychology
• No significant criminal convictions
• Letters of recommendation
• Experience in the field of psychology

When considering different doctoral programs in psychology, remember there are several types such as the following examples:

• PhD in Forensic Psychology
• Clinical PsyD with a concentration in Forensic Psychology
• PhD-JD in Clinical Psychology and Law
• PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology

Course Subject Matter

A bachelor’s-to-doctoral program in psychology can take around four years to complete and involve in-depth study of subjects like:

• Forensic psychology theory and methods
• Psychology and the criminal justice system
• Psychopathology
• Psychodiagnosis
• Professional standards in clinical psychology
• Ethics in clinical psychology

To become licensed you will need to complete at least three semester credits in the following specific subjects:

• Biological bases of behavior
• Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
• Social bases of behavior
• Individual differences in personality, development, and abnormal psychology
• Research design and methodology
• Data analysis techniques
• Psychometric principles
• History and systems of psychology
• Individual diversity and multiculturalism

Some programs may also offer particular areas of concentration within the field of forensic psychology, including:

• family and juvenile court
• divorce mediation
• domestic violence
• child abuse and neglect
• sexual abuse

Step 3. Complete the Supervised Experience Requirement

To be eligible for a license you also need to complete two years of supervised work experience that relates to the field of psychology. One year is defined as 1,000 hours.

One of these years can be completed before you finish your doctoral degree, and cannot be started until you have completed your first year of graduate studies. For this segment you will be referred to as a Psychologist in Training. The second year must be post-doctoral and verified by your academic supervisor. During this time you will be referred to as a Psychologist Under Supervision.

Your graduate school will help you find an approved supervisor either within your college or university, or with a professional working outside of academia. Before you can start your second year of supervised work experience you will need to have passed the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

Some examples where your supervised training can take place include:

• Psychology Service at the VA Medical Center in Boise
• Counseling and Testing Center at the University of Idaho in Moscow

Step 4. Apply for a Psychology License with the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses

Your Application for Licensure with the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses in cooperation with the Board of Psychologist Examiners also serves as an application to take the EPPP. Once these agencies have determined you qualify for licensure they will notify the company that sponsors the EPPP, which will then notify you that you can register with that company for the EPPP.

Your application for licensure will ask you to list three people as references who can attest to your moral and professional qualifications. You will also need to read the following regulations that govern your practice as a forensic psychologist in Idaho:

• Idaho Statutes, Title 54, Chapter 23
• IDAPA 24, Title 12, Chapter 1
• Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners, Code of Ethics

Out-of-State Professionals

If you are already a licensed psychologist in a different state you can apply for licensure in Idaho by endorsement and possibly avoid taking the EPPP again. You can be eligible for this if you have completed two years of supervised work experience or have five years of professional experience as a psychologist. You must also have a good professional record with no disciplinary actions taken against you.

There are a few other ways to gain a license via reciprocity in Idaho:

• Registration with the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
• Certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology

You can also practice as a forensic psychologist in Idaho for 30 days if you hold a Certificate of Professional Qualification from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). You can sign up for this through the Psychology Licensure Universal System (PLUS) webpage .

Step 5. Pass the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) administers the EPPP. The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses will clear you to test based on your application for licensure, and notify the ASPPB. Once you have received notification you can register with ASPPB .

The EPPP is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers, with one location in Boise at 9183 W. Black Eagle Drive. You can also schedule the exam at nearby testing centers in neighboring states.

The test itself is made up of 225 multiple-choice questions given over the course of 255 minutes. As detailed in the EPPP Candidate Handbook , the exam is divided into several parts that cover topics like:

• Legal, professional, and ethical issues
• Diagnoses and assessment
• Treatment, supervision, prevention, and intervention
• Cognitive-affective, cultural, and social bases of behavior

The Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners has determined the minimum scaled passing score for the EPPP is 500.

Step 6. Start Your Professional Career as a Forensic Psychologist

Once you’ve earned your professional license you will be ready to start your new career as a forensic psychologist. You will be able to apply for forensic psychologist jobs in Idaho, such as the following (Examples detailed here are illustrative examples only taken from a survey of job postings in July 2015):

Psychologist with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – this professional is responsible for providing services to clients with developmental or emotional disorders, as well as those with developmental disabilities. Duties include conducting psychological assessments, group and family therapy, and diagnosing psychological disorders. This professional may also serve as a forensic expert or a court-designated examiner. Applicants must have a valid Idaho psychology license.

Chief of Psychology with Idaho Adult and Child Development Centers – this professional will serve as a consultant and chief diagnostician for state clients in need of psychological services. This includes providing services as a senior-level designated examiner, crisis intervention expert, emergency mental health outreach provider, and as a forensic expert. Applicants must hold an Idaho psychology license and have prior clinical experience.

Renewing Your License

Remember that you will need to renew your license every year before its indicated expiration date. Except for your first year as a new forensic psychologist, each year before you renew your license you will need to complete 20 credits of continuing education. In a year’s span, if you earn more than 20 credits of continuing education you can carry these forward and apply them to the next year. Every three years you will need to earn at least four credits in the following areas:

• Standards of care
• Laws pertaining to psychology

Professional Organizations

Local and national professional organizations can provide you with additional information about licensing, professional development, continuing education, and forensic psychology careers. These include resources like:

• Idaho Psychological Association , which recently held a Forensic Mental Health Conference
• Idaho Psychiatric Association
• Rocky Mountain Psychological Association
• American Board of Forensic Psychology
• American College of Forensic Psychology
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Forensic Psychologist Salary Information for Idaho

In a court case against serial killer Joseph Duncan, a forensic psychologist was brought in to conduct a psychological evaluation on the defendant. Duncan was charged with kidnapping, torturing, and killing two young Idaho children. Dr. Robert Engle, an experienced Idaho forensic psychologist, testified as an expert witness for the case. Dr. Engle conducted psychological evaluations to determine whether or not Duncan was competent to represent himself in court. Duncan tested extremely high for paranoia, but Dr. Engle found that he was capable to stand trial.

Though the insanity defense is not available to defendants in Idaho, forensic psychologists like Dr. Engle are often asked to be expert witnesses to shed light upon any psychological elements of court cases.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) has worked to implement multiple state and community based mental healthcare services in each of Idaho’s seven geographical regions. The Division of Behavioral Health of Idaho utilizes many different ways of serving the citizens of Idaho who suffer from mental illness.

Forensic psychologists in Idaho can find high-paying job opportunities in any of the departments run by the IDHW:

• Adult Mental Health
• Children’s Mental Health
• Family Support
• State Hospitals
• Suicide Prevention
• Behavioral Health Planning Council
• Sexual Violence Prevention

Job Growth and Salary Expectations in Idaho

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic psychologists in Idaho earned an average salary of $84,070 as of May 2021. In the forensic psychology profession, experience plays a large role in earning potential, and in Idaho, it’s no different. Here, experienced forensic psychologists earn about $51,000 more annually than their early-career colleagues:

• Early-Career: $62,240
• Mid-Career: $92,120
• Experienced: $113,630

Salaries for Forensic Psychologists in Idaho’s Major Metro and Non-Metro Areas

As expected, salaries for forensic psychologists in Idaho vary significantly based on location. For example, in the large, metro area of Boise, early career forensic psychologists earned about $64,250 as of May 2021, while mid-career professionals earned about $95,200 and top earners brought home about $113,630.

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for psychologists, all other . Job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2022.

Back to Top

• Idaho Resources
• Idaho Forensic Psychology Careers
• Idaho Forensic Psychology Salaries
• Idaho Forensic Psychology Programs
• Forensic Psychology Resources
• Forensic Psychology Careers
• Forensic Psychology Salaries
• Schools By State
• What is Forensic Psychology?
• Forensic Psychology Scholarships
• Forensic Psychology Specialties
• Civil Law and Personal Injury
• Corrections
• Criminal Psychology
• Criminology
• Expert Witness
• Family Law and Child Custody
• Insanity and Competency to Stand Trial
• Juvenile Justice
• Military PTSD Assessment
• Military TBI Assessment
• Trial Consultant
• Violence Risk Assessment

PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

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Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

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• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
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Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

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An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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50 Best Colleges for Psychology – 2024

May 10, 2024

Psychology continues to be one of the most popular majors in the country. In fact, more college grads obtain psychology degrees each year than English, Math, Economics, and Philosophy combined . Of course, the world is not populated by billions of “psychologists”; many degree holders enter related fields like social work, rehabilitation counseling, or mental health case management, while others explore private sector jobs in marketing, sales, or human resources. To become an actual psychologist, you’ll have to enter highly-competitive graduate programs. Whether you have years of training beyond your undergraduate degree ahead of you or a career in social services or business, earning a degree from a school on our list of the Best Colleges for Psychology is a step in the right direction.

You can read more about the educational path ahead by checking out our article How to Become a Psychologist .

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Psychology.

Best Colleges for Psychology

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten psychology institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) University of Michigan

2) Wesleyan University

3) Williams College

4) Columbia University

5) University of California, Santa Barbara

6) University of Chicago

7) Duke University

8) Stanford University

9) Harvard University

10) Boston College

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the area of psychology and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best psychology colleges, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—the university’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

Wesleyan University

• Middletown, CT

Academic Highlights: With 45 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. Under 75% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. Offerings in economics, English, film studies, and neuroscience typically receive the most praise from employers/grad schools; accordingly, the social sciences (24%), psychology (17%), and the visual and performing arts (12%) are the most popular.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of 2022 grads had entered employment, with tech/engineering/sciences, education, and arts/entertainment being the three top sectors. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included Google, Epic, Analysis Group, Boston Medical Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Apple. Graduate school was the next stop for 18% of new alums; enrolling institutions included MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, Temple, and UMass.

• Enrollment: 3,069 (undergraduate); 184 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,094
• Median SAT: 1430
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Retention Rate: 95%

Williams College

• Williamstown, MA

Academic Highlights: The school’s 25 academic departments offer 36 majors and a number of concentrations rather than minors. An unparalleled 40% of courses have fewer than ten students enrolled; the median class size is 12 students. Programs in economics, English, history, math, and political science are especially renowned, and the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (26%), the physical sciences (10%), math and statistics (9%), psychology (9%), and computer science (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, 92% were employed or continuing their educational journey within six months of graduating. Business and education typically attract the most students, with popular companies/organizations including Apple, Google, Goldman Sachs, The New York Times Co., the Peace Corps, and Teach for America. The median annual income for 2022 grads was $75,000. 75% pursue an advanced degree within five years of leaving Williams, with the most frequently attended graduate programs being Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 2,152 (undergraduate); 53 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $81,160
• Median SAT: 1520
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

Columbia University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

• Enrollment: 8,832
• Cost of Attendance: $89,587
• Median SAT: 1540
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Retention Rate: 98%

University of California, Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 90 undergraduate majors across three schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Creative Studies. The social sciences are the most popular area of study, accounting for 27% of the total degrees conferred. Biology (10%), math (9%), and psychology (9%) are next in popularity. The school has highly regarded programs in communication, computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, and the performing arts. More than half of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 72% enroll 29 or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of earning their diplomas, 84% of grads had found employment. The most popular industries were science/research (16%), engineering/computer programming (14%), business (13%), finance/accounting (11%), and sales (10%). Top employers of recent grads include Google, EY, KPMG, Oracle, Amazon, IBM, and Adobe. Many alumni also can be found at Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Two years after graduating, UCSB alumni make an average salary of $55k; more than half make $100k by mid-career.

• Enrollment: 23,460 (undergraduate); 2,961 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,289 (in-state); $73,863 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Stanford University

• Palo Alto, CA

Academic Highlights: Stanford has three undergraduate schools: the School of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. 69% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 34% have a single-digit enrollment. Programs in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, international relations, and economics are arguably the best anywhere. In terms of sheer volume, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), computer science (16%), engineering (15%), and interdisciplinary studies (13%).

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries in equal distribution: business/finance/consulting/retail (19%); computer, IT (19%); and public policy and service, international affairs (19%). Among the companies employing the largest number of recent grads are Accenture, Apple, Bain, Cisco, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, and SpaceX. Other companies that employ hundreds of Cardinal alums include LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Airbnb. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

• Enrollment: 8,049 (undergraduate); 10,236 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,833

Harvard University

• Cambridge, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50 undergraduate fields of study referred to as concentrations; many are interdisciplinary. Even with a graduate population of over 14,000 to cater to, undergraduate class sizes still tend to be small, with 42% of sections having single-digit enrollments and 71% being capped at nineteen. Economics, government, and computer science are the three most popular areas of concentration at Harvard. Biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics, sociology, history, English, and psychology all sit atop most departmental ranking lists.

Professional Outcomes: The Crimson Class of 2022 saw 15% of students head directly into graduate/professional school. Of the graduates entering the world of work (virtually everyone else), 58% were entering either the consulting, finance, or technology field. Over 1,000 Harvard alumni presently work for Google and over 500 for Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. Turning our attention to those moving on to graduate school, Harvard grads with at least a 3.5 GPA typically enjoy acceptance rates into medical school of 90% or greater.

• Enrollment: 7,240
• Cost of Attendance: $79,450
• Median SAT: 1550
• Acceptance Rate: 3%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Boston College

• Chestnut Hill, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. BC offers highly respected programs in communications, psychology, and business through the renowned Carroll School of Management. Other popular and well-regarded majors include economics, biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Class of 2022 had landed at their next destination. The most favored industries were financial services and real estate (26%), health care/science (20%), and business/consulting (16%). The median starting salary for a 2022 BC grad was $67,000. Eighteen percent of the Class of 2022 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Yale. Examining the Class of 2022 data, 16% entered law school, and 14% pursued some other type of doctoral degree.

• Enrollment: 9,484
• Cost of Attendance: $86,155
• Average SAT: 1482
• Average ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs in a number of schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts & Sciences. 44% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. The social sciences (15%), biology (12%), media/journalism (9%), computer science (8%), and business (6%) are the areas in which the most degrees are conferred. The Kenan-Flager Business School is internationally renowned and requires separate admission. Other strong programs include those in chemistry, journalism, psychology, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 97% of 2022 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Wells Fargo, IBM, Cisco, Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $70,619. 18% of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 20,210 (undergraduate); 11,739 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,036 (in-state); $60,040 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1450
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Barnard College

Academic Highlights: Barnard has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a sensational 71% of courses are capped at nineteen or fewer students; 18% have fewer than ten. Many get the chance to engage in research alongside a professor as 240+ undergraduates are granted such an opportunity through the Summer Research Institute each year. Barnard’s most popular majors, by number of degrees conferred, include economics, English, political science, history, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and art history.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 91% of 2022 Barnard grads had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, Citibank, and Morgan Stanley all appear on the list of the top fifteen employers of Barnard alumni. Within ten years of graduation, over 80% of Barnard alums eventually enroll in graduate school. Those entering graduate school flock in large numbers to Columbia, with 112 heading there over the last three years.

• Enrollment: 3,442
• Cost of Attendance: $90,928
• Median SAT: 1490
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

University of California, San Diego

• San Diego, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 140+ undergraduate majors offered at UCSD, and all students join one of eight undergraduate colleges meant to forge flourishing communities within the larger university. Biology has the highest representation of all majors (19%) followed by engineering (12%), the social sciences (11%), and computer science (9%). UCSD’s computer science and engineering programs have stellar reputations in the corporate and tech communities, and programs in biology, economics, and political science are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Employers of recent graduates included the Walt Disney Company, Tesla, NBC Universal, PwC, Northrop Grumman, and EY. More than 1,000 current Google employees are UC San Diego alumni, and Qualcomm, Amazon, and Apple all employ 500+ each. The median early career salary is $65,000 across all majors, placing the university in the top 10 public universities in the country. UCSD also fares well in measures of its return-on-investment potential.

• Enrollment: 33,096 (undergraduate); 8,386 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,830 (in-state); $64,404 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights : 90 distinct degrees are available across four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Applied Science and Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the world-renowned Wharton School. The greatest number of students pursue degrees in business (19%), social sciences (14%), biology (11%), health sciences (9%), engineering (9%), and computer science (9%). The university boasts an exceptional 26% of courses with an enrollment under ten and 59% with an enrollment under twenty as well as multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research.

Professional Outcomes: 75% of Class of 2022 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 18% were in graduate school. Finance attracted the highest percentage of grads (30%) followed by consulting (20%), technology (15%), and healthcare (10%). Employers hiring the greatest number of 2022 grads included JPMorgan, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Meta, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is $80,000. For those continuing their educational journeys, the most popular move is to remain at Penn, followed by Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 9,760 (undergraduate); 13,614 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,028
• Acceptance Rate: 7%

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Median SAT: 1530
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 11%

Claremont McKenna College

• Claremont, CA

Academic Highlights: CMC offers 33 majors and 11 “sequences,” series of courses that can be completed across the neighboring schools in addition to one’s major. The college boasts an average class size of eighteen, and 82% of course sections have fewer than twenty students. Economics, government, international relations, biology, and psychology are the most popular majors, and among the strongest. Interdisciplinary majors such as Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) also carry outstanding reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-eight percent of 2022 graduates found employment within six months of graduation, and only 4% were still looking for work. The median starting salary for a 2022 Claremont grad is $87,000. You name the prestigious graduate/professional program and, chances are, a recent CMC grad (or two or three) is presently studying there. Since 2001, more than 120 alumni have enrolled at USC and UCLA. More than 60 grads have headed to UChicago, Columbia, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,386
• Cost of Attendance: $86,500
• Median SAT: 1500
• Acceptance Rate: 10%

University of California, Berkeley

• Berkeley, CA

Academic Highlights: More than 150 undergraduate majors and minors are available across six schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Chemistry, the College of Engineering, the College of Environmental Design, the College of Natural Resources, and the Haas School of Business. Many departments have top international reputations including computer science, engineering, chemistry, English, psychology, and economics. 22% of sections contain nine or fewer students, and over 55% of students assist faculty with a research project or complete a research methods course.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 49% of Cal’s Class of 2022 had already secured employment, and 20% were headed to graduate school. Business is the most popular sector, attracting 62% of employed grads; next up are industrial (17%), education (8%), and nonprofit work (7%). The median starting salary was $86,459 across all majors. Thousands of alumni can be found in the offices of Google, Apple, and Meta, and 500+ Golden Bears are currently employed by Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 32,831 (undergraduate); 12,914 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $48,574 (in-state); $82,774 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 94%

Dartmouth College

• Hanover, NH

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 61% of course sections have under twenty students, but 18% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Top programs offered by Big Green include biology, economics, neuroscience, and government. The social sciences are the most popular, accounting for 32% of degrees conferred, followed by computer science (10%), mathematics (9%), engineering (9%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Included in the top ten employers of Dartmouth grads are a number of investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bain & Company, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank. Right off the bat, 52% of graduates make more than $70,000 in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.

• Enrollment: 4,458
• Cost of Attendance: $87,793

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign-Urbana, IL

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. There are 150 academic programs offered, including those at the acclaimed Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business. In sheer volume of degrees conferred, engineering and business/marketing are tied at 19%, followed by the social sciences (9%) and psychology (6%). 39% of sections are capped at 19 students. 29% of undergraduates work with a faculty member on a research project; another 22% have some type of fieldwork, practicum, or clinical experience.

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the members of the Class of 2022 landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 38% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 57% were employed full-time; the most popular sectors were finance, consulting, healthcare, electronics, and education. Corporations landing the most recent Illini grads were KPMG, Deloitte, Epic Systems, EY, PwC, and Amazon. The average salary across all Class of 2022 majors was an extremely solid $75,000.

• Enrollment: 35,120 (undergraduate); 21,796 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,926-$41,190 (in-state); $55,386-$63,290 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Bates College

• Lewiston, ME

Academic Highlights: Thirty-four percent of courses at Bates have a single-digit enrollment, and 63% of classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and not a single graduate student is present to vacuum up professorial attention. Twenty-eight percent of all degrees earned at Bates are in the social sciences, and psychology (14%), biology (13%), and the physical sciences (7%) are next in popularity. Though strong across many disciplines, Bates boasts exemplary programs in political science, art, philosophy, economics, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 99% of the Class of 2022 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or otherwise meaningfully engaged in a fellowship or internship. The most frequently entered fields were healthcare (17%), education (16%), finance/banking (14%), and technology (7%). Within ten years of graduation, approximately 13% of Bates graduates are in, or have completed, law school whereas 7% enroll in medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,790
• Cost of Attendance: $81,382

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ

Academic Highlights: 39 majors are available at Princeton. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 31% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Engineering Department is widely recognized as one of the country’s best, as is the School of Public and International Affairs.

Professional Highlights: Over 95% of a typical Tiger class finds their next destination within six months of graduating. Large numbers of recent grads flock to the fields of business and engineering, health/science, & tech. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary ranges from $40k (education, health care, or social services) to $100k (computer/mathematical positions). Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 5,604 (undergraduate); 3,238 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,700

Davidson College

• Davidson, NC

Academic Highlights: With its small size, the impressive part of the college is the exceptional quality of its offerings, not the breadth of them, as only 37 majors are available. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows the college to ensure that 62% have fewer than twenty students and 24% have enrollments you can count on two hands. Overall, the average number of students per class is only 18. Top programs at Davidson include psychology, political science, chemistry, and English; biology is also quite popular, accounting for 12% of degrees conferred in 2022.

Professional Outcomes: Looking at the outcomes data for 2022 grads, 70% landed jobs within six months of graduation, 26% were enrolled in a graduate program, and 3% were still seeking employment. Of those who attended grad school, the highest number were in healthcare-related programs (including MDs), law school, and laboratory sciences. Significant numbers of students pursue advanced degrees at other Southern gems including Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC.

• Enrollment: 1,927
• Cost of Attendance: $76,450
• Retention Rate: 94%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 31%

University of Rochester

• Rochester, NY

Academic Highlights: U of R’s 160 undergraduate programs offer a rigorous yet flexible educational experience at a small liberal arts college within a renowned research institution. 66% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and an impressive 77% of students are involved in undergraduate research. The Eastman School of Music is one of the best music conservatories in the United States, and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences is a top 50 institution. Other strong majors include mathematics, economics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their diplomas, 97% of Class of 2022 grads had achieved positive outcomes with 57% employed and a notably high 38% already pursuing an advanced degree. Popular industries included internet and software (14%), healthcare (14%), and investment banking (6%). Top employers of 2022 grads included Google, Goldman Sachs, Epic Systems, and Deloitte. The average starting salary for the most recent cohort of grads was an impressive $82,325; that figure was over $105k for graduates of the Hajim School of Engineering.

• Enrollment: 6,767 (undergraduate); 5,430 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,858
• Median SAT: 1460
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

Carleton College

• Northfield, MN

Academic Highlights: Students work closely with their professors, and the college is routinely rated atop lists of best undergraduate teaching institutions. Small classes are the norm with the average being only sixteen students. It offers 33 majors, the most popular of which are within the disciplines of the social sciences (19%), the physical sciences (14%), biology (11%), computer science (11%), mathematics (10%), and psychology (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Target, Epic Systems, Google, Wells Fargo, and Amazon all employ large numbers of graduates. Carleton is a breeding ground for future scholars as a ridiculously high number of graduates go on to earn PhDs. In fact, by percentage, Carleton is one of the top five producers in the country of future PhDs. They produce an incredible number of doctoral degree holders in the areas of economics, math, political science, sociology, chemistry, physics, biology, and history.

• Enrollment: 2,034
• Cost of Attendance: $82,167

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

• Enrollment: 7,101
• Cost of Attendance: $83,702

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. 65% of class sections enroll 29 or fewer students. The most commonly conferred degrees are in biology (13%), business & marketing (11%), engineering (10%), the social sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and psychology (8%). The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management have strong national reputations, and the chemistry, economics, psychology, and political science departments are also well-regarded.

Professional Outcomes: The top seven companies snatching up the largest number of recent grads are all companies headquartered in the state of Minnesota: Medtronic, Target, 3M, United Health Group, US Bank, and Cargill. Google, Apple, and Meta all employ hundreds of Twin Cities alumni. The mean starting salary for recent grads was $50k. With 130 graduate programs in science, art, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and the humanities, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

• Enrollment: 39,248 (undergraduate); 15,707 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,032-$35,632 (in-state); $54,446-$57,046
• Median SAT: 1370
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 75%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Cornell University

Academic Highlights: A diverse array of academic programs includes 80 majors and 120 minors spread across the university’s seven schools/colleges. Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 55% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Most degrees conferred in 2022 were in computer science (17%), engineering (13%), business (13%), and biology (13%). The SC Johnson College of Business houses two undergraduate schools, both of which have phenomenal reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 68% entered the workforce, 28% entered graduate school, 1% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 3% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. The top sectors attracting campus-wide graduateswere financial services (18%), technology (17%), consulting (15%), and education (10%). Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 15% were pursuing JDs, 5% MDs, and 22% PhDs.

• Enrollment: 15,735
• Cost of Attendance: $88,150

Haverford College

• Haverford, PA

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers 31 majors, 32 minors, 12 concentrations, and eleven consortium programs—areas of study that can be pursued at partner campuses. The school’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and exclusive emphasis on undergraduate education lead to exceptionally intimate classes, 33% of which have fewer than 10 students, and 72% have fewer than 20. The most popular areas of study at Haverford include the social sciences (24%), biology (14%), psychology (11%), physical sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and mathematics (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Haverford, 63% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, 19% had enrolled in graduate school, and 9% were still job hunting. Employers hiring multiple recent Haverford grads include Epic, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, the National Institutes of Health, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Of the 19% of 2022 grads who elected to continue their education, the most commonly entered fields of study were STEM (51%) and medicine/health (15%).

• Enrollment: 1,421
• Cost of Attendance: $87,180

Smith College

• Northampton, MA

Academic Highlights: Smith has 50 academic departments and programs. The social sciences are most popular, accounting for 21% of the degrees conferred, with programs in economics and government carrying very strong reputations. Next in line are biology (6%), computer science (5%), English (5%), data science (5%), and engineering science (5%); more than two-fifths of current students are majoring in a STEM field. 19% of undergraduate sections have single-digit enrollments, and 69% of total class sections enroll fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 97% of alumnae had found employment. More than 25 alumnae can be found at the US Department of State, Google, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Accenture, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon. Within two years of graduating, 40% of alumni had already entered a graduate program, and within ten years, 70% had earned or were working toward an advanced degree. Many Smith women rise to high ranks —twenty years after graduation, 18% of alumnae report holding a chief executive or other executive-level position.

• Enrollment: 2,523 (undergraduate); 350 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $88,980
• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Retention Rate: 91%

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

• Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,705

Pomona College

Academic Highlights: There are 48 majors and minors to select from with the most popular being social sciences (23%), biology (13%), and computer science (12%). Majors in economics, international relations, chemistry, and mathematics receive especially high marks. More than 600 courses are on the menu at Pomona alone, but students can access any of the Claremont Consortium’s 2,700 courses. Pomona’s 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio leads to an average class size of only 15 students, and over 50% of the undergraduate population conduct research alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: 71% of the Class of 2022 were employed within six months of graduating. Overall, the largest number of alumni can be found at Google, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Recently, economics degree-earners have landed jobs at Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, or Accenture. Majors in the hard sciences frequently landed at top research laboratories and hospitals. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who were accepted directly into graduate school, the most frequently attended institutions included the University of Cambridge, Duke, Harvard, Caltech, UChicago, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,761
• Cost of Attendance: $88,296

Colby College

• Waterville, ME

Academic Highlights: Offering 56 majors and 35 minors, Colby provides a classic liberal arts education with a high degree of flexibility and room for independent intellectual pursuits. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. Being a true liberal arts school, Colby has strengths across many disciplines, but biology, economics, and global studies draw especially high praise. These programs along with government and environmental science attract the highest number of students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had either obtained jobs or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighteen percent of graduates enter the financial industry and large numbers also start careers in education, with government/nonprofit, STEM, and healthcare next in popularity. The Medical school acceptance rate over the past five years is 68%, nearly double the national average.

• Enrollment: 2,299
• Cost of Attendance: $86,720
• Average SAT: 1485
• Average ACT: 33
• Graduation Rate: 87%

College of William & Mary

• Williamsburg, VA

Academic Highlights: Forty undergraduate programs are available and William & Mary has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Class sizes are rarely tiny seminars, but 44% do enroll fewer than twenty students, and only 9% contain more than fifty. Among the college’s most notable academic programs are (1) government and (2) international relations, both of which serve as pipelines to Washington, DC, employers. The Mason School of Business is highly regarded in the corporate world. The social sciences (20%) and biology (11%) are also popular.

Professional Outcomes: 52% of the most cohort joined the workforce, and 36% entered graduate school within six months of graduation. Over 500 employers snatched up at least one member of the Tribe. Companies hiring at least four 2020 grads included Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, KPMG, and Deloitte. Many of those opting for immediate entry into graduate school stayed at their alma mater and the next most frequented universities included Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago.

• Enrollment: 6,797
• Cost of Attendance: $39,595 (In-State); $63,967 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 33%

Tufts University

• Medford, MA

Academic Highlights: Three schools serve Tufts’ undergraduate population: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The three schools combined offer more than 90 majors and minors; approximately one-third of all students double major, and half declare a minor. 15% of all courses see fewer than ten students enrolled, and 60% have sub-twenty enrollments. The most popular majors include international relations, economics, computer science, political science, and biology—all of which receive very high marks.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after earning their diplomas, 97% of 2022 graduates were employed or attending graduate school. The most commonly entered fields were finance, consulting, real estate (23%); engineering and technology (22%); health, life sciences, environmental (21%); and education, advocacy, social services (11%). Prolific employers of Tufts alums include Booz Allen Hamilton, JPMorgan, MITRE, Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Raytheon, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who went directly to graduate school, 85% were accepted into their first-choice institution.

• Enrollment: 6,815 (undergraduate); 6,616 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $88,300

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 3,687
• Cost of Attendance: $86,242

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828

Vassar College

• Poughkeepsie, NY

Academic Highlights: Vassar students have the choice of 50 majors and only three foundational curricular mandates, which means that there is plenty of room to explore electives and intellectual passions. A 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 17 students, and 23% of all sections have an enrollment of nine or fewer. Professors are extremely available outside the classroom. The most popular majors are in the social sciences, biology, the visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of alums enjoy positive outcomes within six months of graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in a graduate or professional degree program. A solid number land at competitive companies like Google, Meta, EY, Deloitte, Microsoft, Citi, and Amazon. Elite universities such as Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Columbia are also among the top employers of former students, many of whom earn advanced degrees and enter academia. The school is one of the top 15 PhD producers.

• Enrollment: 2,459
• Cost of Attendance: $85,220
• Median SAT: 1480
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921
• Median SAT: 1510
• Acceptance Rate: 12%

Skidmore College

• Saratoga Springs, NY

Academic Highlights: An undergraduate-only institution, there are 40+ majors to choose from with the most popular being business, English, psychology, political science, economics, studio art, theater, biology, and environmental studies. Known for its superior undergraduate teaching, Skidmore’s average class size is only 16 students, and 98% of sections have fewer than thirty students. The most degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), business (14%), visual and performing arts (13%), and biology (12%).

Professional Outcomes: 65% of 2022 grads were employed within six months of completing their degrees and 26% were enrolled in graduate school. The most frequently entered industries were STEM (20%), business (17%), education (16%), health science (9%), and finance (7%). The median starting salary range for Class of 2022 grads was $40,000-$49,000. Fairly large numbers of Skiddies can be found at major corporations including Google, Morgan Stanley, EY, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity Investments, and IBM.

• Enrollment: 2,776
• Cost of Attendance: $85,240
• Median SAT: 1380
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 82%

Rice University

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights : Rice offers more than 50 majors across six broad disciplines: engineering, architecture, music, social science, humanities, and natural science. Programs in biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, and music are incredibly strong, while the School of Architecture and the George R. Brown School of Engineering are among the highest-ranking schools in their disciplines. One-third of computer science majors are female, almost twice the national average. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fourteen.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Deloitte, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Google, and Microsoft. Over one hundred alumni are also current employees of companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture, and Meta. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $73k. One-third of graduates move directly into graduate or professional school, with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and Berkeley being the most popular destinations.

• Enrollment: 4,494 (undergraduate); 4,178 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $78,278
• Median SAT: 35

Bucknell University

• Lewisburg, PA

Academic Highlights: Over 60 majors and 70 minors are on tap across three undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the areas of the social sciences (26%), engineering (14%), business (14%), biology (11%), and psychology (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 94% of the Class of 2022 had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Financial services is the most common sector for Bucknell grads to enter, attracting 24% of alumni. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a Class of 2022 grad was $69,540. Bucknell saw 18% of 2022 grads go directly into an advanced degree program. Bison alumni heading to graduate school predominantly pursue degrees in the medical field, social sciences, business, or engineering.

• Enrollment: 3,747
• Cost of Attendance: $80,890

Connecticut College

• New London, CT

Academic Highlights: In typical liberal arts fashion, students are required to complete one course in every major discipline and over one-quarter of undergrads complete a double major. The student-faculty ratio is an inviting 10:1, and 69% of classes contain fewer than 20 students; 19% contain fewer than ten. In terms of the most frequently conferred degrees, the social sciences at large lead the way (30%), followed by biology (17%), visual and performing arts (9%), psychology (8%), and computer science (5%).

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of alumni are employed or in graduate school. A solid 20% of recent grads entered the finance industry, but a large swath also veered toward education (17%); art, design, and entertainment (11%); and health care (11%). Conn College students are known for being grad school ready as a surprising (given the small size of the school) 27 alumni earn their doctoral degrees each year and it is common for multiple students to land at prestigious schools such as NYU, Columbia, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 1,948
• Cost of Attendance: $82,697
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 40%
• Retention Rate: 87%

Grinnell College

• Grinnell, IA

Academic Highlights: Grinnell offers 42 areas of study and over 500 courses each semester. Thanks to a 9:1 student/faculty ratio and no competition from graduate students, 64% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and roughly one-quarter of sections have single-digit student enrollments. A top producer of PhDs in both the sciences and the social sciences, Grinnell has strong offerings in biology, chemistry, physics, economics, and history. The largest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences, foreign languages, biology, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduation, 62% of Grinnell students head into the workforce, 26% to graduate school, 2% to postgraduate service, and 2% earned fellowships. Multiple recent grads accepted positions with JPMorgan, Epic, and Google. The mean salary of those employed was roughly $64,397. Close to 40% of those entering graduate school pursue PhDs or master’s degrees in the hard sciences, 8% head to law school, and 3% were bound for medical school; 88% of all applicants were accepted into their first or second choice program.

• Enrollment: 1,759
• Cost of Attendance: $82,890

Vanderbilt University

• Nashville, TN

Academic Highlights: Four of Vandy’s ten schools cater to undergrads: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Blair School of Music, the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and the School of Engineering. In the 2022-23 school year, 87% of course sections contained 19 or fewer students. Of the 70 undergraduate majors, economics, politics and government, and neuroscience are the most popular. The School of Engineering has a strong national reputation as do offerings in biology, economics, education, and music.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 96% of the Class of 2021 were employed or in graduate school. The most commonly entered industry was finance followed by technology, consulting, education, and engineering. Alumni can be found in droves at Capital One, Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Meta. Among 2022 alumni who directly pursued advanced degrees, the majority enrolled at Vanderbilt followed by Columbia, Harvard, Penn, NYU, and Northwestern.

• Enrollment: 7,151 (undergraduate); 6,559 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,590

Binghamton University

• Binghamton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is on the high side at 19:1, but class sizes are reasonably small with 48% of sections containing fewer than twenty students. In the spring of 2022, Binghamton awarded the greatest number of degrees in business (17%), biology (15%), the social sciences, (11%), engineering (11%), and health professions (7%). The School of Management is renowned for its accounting program and is well-known by NYC-based companies. Programs in chemistry, psychology, and nursing are also well respected.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 50% of job-seeking graduates land their first professional job and 49% enter grad school within six months of commencement. The average starting salary procured was $72,438, well above the national average for college grads. Graduates were successful in finding employment at firms like Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup. Of the Binghamton grads seeking to transition directly into graduate studies, 91% were already enrolled in a program six months after graduation.

• Enrollment: 14,402
• Cost of Attendance: $30,577 (in-state); $48,617 (out-of-state)
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 42%

University of Colorado Boulder

• Boulder, CO

Academic Highlights: CU Boulder offers 90 bachelor’s degree programs across seven different schools and colleges; the College of Engineering & Applied Science and the Leeds School of Business both possess excellent national reputations. Business/marketing is the discipline where the greatest number of degrees (15%) were conferred in 2022. Engineering (13%), biology (12%), social sciences (12%), and journalism (10%) are next in popularity. 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and only 19% of courses enroll 50 or more students.

Professional Outcomes : Within six months of leaving CU Boulder, 91% of recent grads were working or in graduate school. Those employed earned an estimated median salary of $54k, with the greatest number working at Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Deloitte, Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, KPMG, Charles Schwab, and Boeing. More than 100 alumni can also be found at Google, Oracle, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. 20% of new grads immediately jumped into an advanced degree program, and 80% were accepted into their first-choice school.

• Enrollment: 31,103 (undergraduate); 7,110 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,744 (in-state); $60,118 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1280
• Retention Rate: 88%
• Graduation Rate: 75%

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Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Genevieve Carlton

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated May 2, 2024

Reviewed by

Megan Pietrucha

Contributing Reviewer

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Master's in psychology online.

Completing an online master's degree in psychology can help you advance in the field to provide therapeutic services, advance research, and manage administrative functions.

Prospective master's students may wonder, "What can I do with a master's degree in psychology?" With a master's degree in psychology , graduates work as behavioral therapists, school psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The degree also prepares enrollees for doctoral programs.

Many online colleges offer psychology graduate degrees . Our list ranks the top online master's in psychology programs for 2023. Prospective applicants can use the rankings to find the best fit for their interests and professional goals.

Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

McNeese State University

• Lake Charles, LA
• Online + Campus

The master's in psychology degree at McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, uses a flexible distance learning format. The MA in psychology builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.

The master's curriculum explores psychology research and methodologies. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants who majored in psychology or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.

McNeese State University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, four-year

Admission Rate: 81%

Total Online Master's Programs: 10

Program Name: Psychology, applied behavior analysis concentration, MA

Graduate Tuition In State: $5,703

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,740

#2 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

University of Louisiana at Monroe

The online master's degree in psychology at University of Louisiana at Monroe offers high academic quality. The master of science in psychology program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.

The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on psychology. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local community. Internships and other practicum activities provide professional networking experiences.

University of Louisiana at Monroe at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 80%

Total Online Master's Programs: 16

Program Name: Master of science in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $6,490

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,590

#3 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

The University of Alabama

• Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, offers a flexible online master's in psychology. The master of arts in educational psychology builds specialized skills for advanced psychology practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. With a master's degree, candidates advance their current career or more into new career paths.

The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the psychology field. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.

The University of Alabama at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 83%

Total Online Master's Programs: 23

Program Name: Master of arts in educational psychology, concentration in learning and assessment

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,780

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,250

#4 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

• Manchester, NH

The master's in psychology degree at Southern New Hampshire University, located in Manchester, uses a flexible distance learning format. The master's in psychology program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.

The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of psychology. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a degree in psychology or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The psychology program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.

Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Admission Rate: 88%

Total Online Master's Programs: 22

Program Name: Online master's in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $18,810

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,810

#5 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Arizona State University

• Scottsdale, AZ

Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Arizona State University offers an online master's in psychology. The master of science in psychology program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. With a master's degree, candidates also pursue new career opportunities.

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to psychology. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The master's program builds on prior psychology experience gained during a bachelor's program.

Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The psychology program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.

Arizona State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 64%

Total Online Master's Programs: 48

Program Name: Online master of science in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $6,384

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $6,384

#6 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Regent University

• Virginia Beach, VA

Graduate students interested in a master's in psychology can earn their degree from Regent University, located in Virginia Beach. The MS in psychology program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates often pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants without a degree in psychology or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees work with the psychology program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Regent University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 86%

Total Online Master's Programs: 37

Program Name: MS in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $15,552

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $15,552

#7 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Pepperdine University

From its campus in Malibu, California, Pepperdine University hosts a top-ranked master's in psychology program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the master's in psychology program. After completing a master's degree, candidates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.

The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. Applicants with a background in psychology typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.

Pepperdine University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 32%

Total Online Master's Programs: 12

Program Name: Master's in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $34,900

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $34,900

#8 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

University of Idaho

Located in Moscow, the University of Idaho enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online psychology program. The master's in psychology with an emphasis in human factors strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes current research in psychology. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.

Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.

University of Idaho at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 78%

Total Online Master's Programs: 7

Program Name: Master's in psychology, human factors

Graduate Tuition In State: $7,754

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,990

#9 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Fayetteville State University

• Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University, located in Fayetteville, offers a flexible online master's in psychology. The master's of arts in psychology program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.

The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on psychology. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants who majored in psychology or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.

Fayetteville State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 69%

Total Online Master's Programs: 4

Program Name: Online master's of arts in psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $3,438

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,503

#10 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Lynn University

• Boca Raton, FL

The online master's in psychology program, offered by Lynn University from its Boca Raton campus, ranks as a top program in the field. The master of science in psychology program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. With a master's degree, candidates may advance their current career or more into new career paths.

The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in psychology. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Internships and other practicum activities also build professional connections.

Lynn University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 74%

Graduate Tuition In State: $13,320

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,320

#11 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Fort Hays State University

Graduate students seeking an online psychology degree can enroll in the master's program at Fort Hays State University. Graduates prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous online school psychology program. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.

The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the psychology field. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.

Online enrollees work with the psychology program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local community. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.

Fort Hays State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 91%

Program Name: Online school psychology program

Graduate Tuition In State: $3,582

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,206

#12 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Nova Southeastern University

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

From its campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University hosts a top-ranked master's in psychology program. The MS in psychology program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the psychology field and related industries. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.

The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to psychology. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in psychology.

Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local community. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.

Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:

Total Online Master's Programs: 46

Program Name: MS in general psychology

Graduate Tuition In State: $19,665

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,665

#13 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Medaille College

• Buffalo, NY

The online master's in psychology degree at Medaille College, located in Buffalo, New York, prioritizes flexibility. The MA in psychology program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to psychology. Learners individualize their course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in psychology or a related field.

Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.

Medaille College at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 62%

Total Online Master's Programs: 3

Program Name: Psychology (MA)

Graduate Tuition In State: $21,176

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,176

#14 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Indiana Institute of Technology

• Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana Institute of Technology, located in Fort Wayne, enrolls master's students in its online psychology program. The MS in psychology program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles with increased earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates may also pursue new career opportunities.

The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners individualize the psychology program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.

Indiana Institute of Technology at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 60%

Total Online Master's Programs: 5

Program Name: Psychology, MS

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,026

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,026

#15 Best Online Master’s in Psychology

Tiffin University

The online master's degree in psychology at Tiffin University offers high academic quality. The master of science in psychology program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.

The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to psychology. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends a background in psychology or a related field for applicants.

Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Tiffin University at a Glance:

Total Online Master's Programs: 24

Graduate Tuition In State: $12,600

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,600

Online Master's in Psychology Ranking Methodology

We selected the following programs based on their quality, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation – including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degrees.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Featured Online Master's in Psychology Programs

What is an online master's in psychology.

While individuals who complete bachelor's degrees in psychology can work in several types of support roles, they lack the credentials and licensure required to provide therapeutic services. The curriculum provides an advanced understanding of generalist and specialized topics.

Pursuing an online master's degree in psychology helps you build skills and knowledge in psychopathology, lifespan development, theories of behavior and change, and assessment/consulting. Learners can also pursue concentrations in developmental psychology, clinical psychology, or school psychology, among others.

Individuals who want to work in specific clinical roles often pursue this degree, along with learners looking to take on managerial and leadership positions. Students who aspire to earn a doctorate in psychology can either complete a master's degree first or apply directly to a doctoral program. A master's degree is not typically required for admission into a doctoral program.

Why Pursue a Master's in Psychology Online?

Many programs deliver degrees asynchronously, which allows learners to watch pre-recorded lectures, interact with faculty and peers, and submit assignments at their convenience.

Other programs offer synchronous classes , which require students to sign in at specific times to participate in live lectures. These schools often schedule meetings on evenings or weekends for busy students.

Online psychology degrees at the master's level may also appeal to individuals looking to save money. Some public colleges allow out-of-state enrollees to pay the same rate as in-state learners if they study exclusively online. Distance learning can also help save on costs related to transportation, insurance, campus-based fees, and room and board.

What Can I Expect in an Online Master's in Psychology Program?

Master's in psychology programs train students in research methods, ethics, behavioral assessment, and experimental design. In addition to core psychology classes, learners take specialized courses in their concentration area.

Most programs also offer practicum options for degree-seekers to develop practical experience. A clinical practicum will be required to do clinical work such as counseling and therapy. Graduate students may also complete master's thesis projects or exams.

Earning a master's degree in psychology typically takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer part-time or accelerated options.

Master's in Psychology Concentrations

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes 54 divisions of psychology. Many psychology master's programs offer specializations in these divisions, such as those highlighted below.

Behavioral Psychology

• Social worker
• Mental health counselor
• Crisis intervention counselor
• Substance abuse counselor
• Applied behavioral analyst
• Marriage and family therapist

Educational Psychology

• Student development specialist
• School counselor
• Assessment coordinator

Forensic Psychology

• Jury consultant
• Victim advocate
• Court liaison
• Juvenile offender counselor

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

• Human resources manager
• Talent management specialist
• Hiring/management consultant

Counseling Psychology

• Bereavement counselor
• Crisis response counselor

Child and Adolescent Psychology

• Child therapist
• Behavior therapist
• School psychologist
• Postsecondary psychology teacher

Accreditation for Online Master's in Psychology Degrees

Attending an accredited master's in psychology program is very important. Failing to do so can create problems related to transferring credits, receiving licensure, and competing for jobs.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs primarily accredits counseling degree programs . This organization provides accreditation for master's and doctoral programs, while the APA only accredits doctoral programs in psychology. You can use the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify that a school or program holds proper accreditation.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?

What can you do with a master's in psychology? Graduates can pursue careers as counselors or therapists or enroll in doctoral programs to pursue licensure as a psychologist. Behavioral counselors, child protection case managers, human resource managers, rehabilitation specialists, and school counselors can launch their careers with master's in psychology degrees.

Common Questions About Psychology Master's Degrees

What's the difference between a master's in counseling and a master's in psychology.

Graduate-level counseling and psychology programs both emphasize assessment and treatment plans. However, there are some key differences. A psychology degree focuses on behavioral research, psychopathology and cognitive processes, while a counseling degree might focus on community mental health, social justice, research, and the socioemotional well being of individuals, families, and groups.

What's the Difference Between a Master of Science and Master of Arts in Psychology?

Can you be a psychologist with a master's.

Some psychology careers only require a master's degree. School psychologists often hold master's degrees. A career in industrial organizational psychology is also possible with a master's degree.

Can You Open Your Own Practice With a Master's in Psychology?

Professionals with master's degrees in psychology can open counseling or therapy practices once they have achieved the appropriate level of independent licensure in their state. However, a clinical psychologist must hold a doctorate and be licensed in their state to practice independently.

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton's work at genevievecarlton.com .

Reviewed by: Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D.

Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who currently practices in the Chicago area. She holds a bachelor's in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. Her clinical interests include the treatment of eating and body image concerns, college student and student-athlete mental health, mood disorders, health and wellness, mindfulness, sport and performance psychology, and consultation. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Pietrucha has served as the training director for an APA-accredited internship program and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. She has also worked with high school and college athletes and teams, as well as recreational fitness programs, to provide mental skills training for athletic performance and fitness adherence.

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Carson College of Business celebrates faculty, staff, and PhD student success

Washington State University’s Carson College of Business recognized the exceptional contributions of its faculty, staff, and graduate students at an annual awards event.

Outstanding Faculty Research

Kunter Gunasti

Department of Marketing and International Business

Since joining the Carson College in 2016, Gunasti has established himself as a prolific researcher, publishing highly regarded work in top journals including the Journal of Consumer Research, the Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Consumer Psychology. His research spans a number of fields including numerical cognition, consumer experiences, and branding. In 2023, his research was published in highly regarded journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Business Ethics, underscoring his reputation as a leading scholar in consumer behavior.

Outstanding Faculty Service

Chuck Munson

Department of Finance and Management Science

Munson is recognized for his significant contributions to education and academic development. He serves as director of the PhD program, where he guides aspiring educators and chairs numerous dissertation committees. Munson is committed to advancing teaching methodologies through workshops and actively participates in university committees. He serves on five editorial boards, showcasing his dedication to fostering educational excellence and engagement.

Outstanding Faculty Teaching

Mesut Cicek

Cicek is honored for his role as an engaging and caring professor who provides immense value to his students and the Carson College of Business. In 2023, Cicek taught more than 700 students across six courses, making him one of the most sought-after instructors in the college. Even while managing large classes, Cicek excels in fostering personal connections with his students. He also serves as faculty advisor for the International Business Club, among other mentorship roles. His commitment to student success and innovative teaching approaches exemplify excellence in faculty instruction.

Outstanding Staff Award for Student Engagement

Dan Kennedy

Carson Center for Student Success

Kennedy personifies dedication to student success. Under his leadership, the Carson College’s mentorship program grew from 80 to 150 pairs of mentors and mentees in just two years. Kennedy meticulously oversees the matching process, ensuring meaningful connections that benefit students and mentors alike. He collaborates with stakeholders, including employers and alumni, to market and enhance the program’s reputation. His efforts have significantly impacted students’ success, helping them secure internships and job opportunities after college.

Outstanding Staff Award for Faculty Engagement

Melissa Painter

School of Hospitality Business Management

Painter is a crucial support figure in the School of Hospitality Business Management. Despite staffing challenges, she works hard to ensure smooth departmental operations while managing events and addressing technical challenges with grace, even while recovering from a broken leg. Her commitment and resilience showcase her exceptional contributions to supporting faculty engagement.

Outstanding Staff Award for College Engagement

WSU Vancouver

Baden’s commitment to students, staff, and faculty is evident through her strategic problem-solving and innovative approach to departmental operations. Baden not only oversees administrative functions but also contributes to teaching professional development courses, demonstrating her impact on student career readiness. She manages staff, student workers, and teaching assistants, ensuring the college runs smoothly and exceeds expectations at every level.

Outstanding Doctoral Student Research Award

Department of Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship

Bates has achieved remarkable success in research during his tenure. Notably, he coauthored a peer-reviewed paper accepted at the prestigious Academy of Management Journal. He is also lead author on another paper accepted by the Journal of Business Ethics. His extensive contributions to data analysis, study execution, and scholarly writing demonstrate his dedication and proficiency as a researcher. Bates’s research portfolio, including multiple manuscripts under review and ongoing projects, underscores his outstanding contributions to the field.

Outstanding Doctoral Student Teaching Assistant Award

Xu has excelled as a teaching assistant for over two years, having received outstanding evaluation scores. His dedication is reflected in student feedback, praising his responsiveness, support, and engaging teaching style. Xu’s proactive approach extends beyond teaching, ensuring smooth classroom operations and invaluable assistance to faculty. His enthusiasm for hospitality education and commitment to student success are exemplary.

Outstanding Doctoral Student Teaching Award

Shirin Shahsavand

Shahsavand’s teaching consistently garners high marks in course evaluations and praise from her students. She continuously seeks feedback to refine her teaching strategies. Shahsavand’s dedication to improving her instructional methods reflects her commitment to student success and academic excellence. Her thoroughness, engaging delivery, and genuine care for her students contribute to a positive and enriching classroom experience.

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