Do you want to enroll in some of the best grad schools for psychology? Then this article is for you. When deciding on which grad schools are the top colleges for psychology, there are many factors that you have to consider. You must decide if you want to work in academia or if the private industry is your forte.
You may wonder what type of city is best for those interested in this degree program. There are many factors to consider when deciding which grad schools are the top colleges for psychology. There are many kinds of psychology programs available through colleges and universities all over the world. The field of psychology encompasses things you may be familiar with, like child psychology and clinical psychology, as well as some you may have never heard of before, like human factors and ergonomics.
You must have a doctorate in the field to work as a psychologist in a clinic, hospital, college, high school, or middle school. Here are the ten best grad schools to study psychology in.
Page Contents
- What Grad School Has The Best Psychology Program?
- 1. Teachers College, Columbia University
- 2. Claremont Graduate University
- 3. CUNY Graduate Center
- 4. Divine Mercy University
- 5. Wright Institute
- 6. Adler University
- 7. Rackham School of Graduate Studies
- 8. Loyola University Chicago
- 9. Keiser University
- 10. Regent University
What Grad School Has The Best Psychology Program?
Psychology is a fascinating field that can be applied to many career paths. If you are interested in this field, you may be wondering which school is best for your needs. Many factors go into choosing a psychology program, but the right institution would smooth learning and decision-making.
with that said, here are some of the best grad schools for psychology.
1. Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia Institution (TC) is a private educational institution in New York City that houses graduate programs in education, health, and psychology. It was established in 1887, and ever since 1898, it has been one of the formal colleges and the Department of Education of Columbia University.
It is regularly rated as one of the top 10 graduate schools in the United States (currently 7th as of 2023). The graduate school of education there is the oldest and most significant in the country. Beginning shortly after its inception and merger with the university, even though it was initially created as an independent institution and still maintains some independence, it has remained connected to Columbia University.
Art Garfunkel, John Dewey, Dr. Ruth Westheimer (Dr. Ruth), Carl Rogers, Margaret Mead, Rollo May, Donna Shalala, Bill Campbell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Thorndike, and Albert Ellis are noteworthy alumni and instructors.
- Average Tuition Fee: $26,520
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Students: 5,299
- Founded: 1887
2. Claremont Graduate University
California’s Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a private, all-graduate research institution. CGU, one of the best grad schools for psychology, was established in 1925 and is a part of the Claremont Colleges, a group of five undergraduate institutions of higher learning (Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Scripps College, and Pitzer College) and two graduate institutions (CGU and Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences).
Claremont Graduate University offers a Ph.D. in Clinical/School Psychology, a Psy.D. in Clinical/School Psychology, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and an M.S.W. in Interpersonal Practice with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling and Social Justice Advocacy.
The department is located on the Claremont University Consortium (CUC) campus — composed of five Southern California universities: Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Claremont Graduate University, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College — which allows students to take advantage of resources at other schools while still earning their degree from one institution.
Claremont Graduate University is ranked as one of the best Education Schools right now.
- Average Tuition Fee: $36,000
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Students: 2,261
- Founded: 1925
3. CUNY Graduate Center
The CUNY Graduate Center Psychology Grad Program is an excellent option for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree in psychology and want to pursue further study in the field.
The program offers both a master’s degree and a Ph.D., with courses covering experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
The CUNY Graduate Center Psychology Grad Program requires students to complete a minimum of 36 credits over four sessions. Students can also choose one of two options for completing their master’s thesis: either by conducting original research or by writing an integrative essay on a topic related to their coursework.
Students should expect to spend around 30 hours per week on coursework alone and any time spent working on an independent study project and studying for exams. The CUNY Graduate Center Psychology Grad Program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in teaching or research at colleges or universities.
CUNY graduate programs are also open to applicants who have earned bachelor’s degrees outside of New York City; however, applicants must complete at least one year of coursework at City College before being considered for admission into any program at The Graduate Center.
- Average Tuition Fee: $12,820/Semester
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 10 to 1
- Students: 4,600
- Founded: 1961
4. Divine Mercy University
In Sterling, Virginia, Divine Mercy University (DMU) has a graduate psychology program called the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS). The institution was established in 1999 to serve as a worldwide hub for academic research and expert training while also basing the scientific study of psychology on a Catholic perspective of the individual, the marriage, and the family. It is currently ranked as one of the best grad schools for psychology in the world.
It aims to train the next generation of mental health specialists and psychologists and to open up new fields of study for psychological theories that investigate the connection between psychology and the Catholic-Christian conception of the human person. The institution offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology.
Divine Mercy University’s psychology program prepares graduates to work in various clinical and counseling settings. Graduates will be prepared to serve as therapists, counselors, and psychologists in private practice and community-based settings.
Master’s and doctorate programs were accredited in 2005 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)/National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology designated the Psy.D. program as a designated doctorate program in psychology a year later.
After completing all 86 standards and conditions, SACS confirmed IPS certification in 2010 for a further ten years. The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology was accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2016. (Psy.D.).
- Average Tuition Fee: $21,360
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Students: 160
- Founded: 1999
5. Wright Institute
The Wright Institute is a graduate psychology school focusing on clinical psychology. The Wright Institute has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1968.
The Wright Institute has a small student population and emphasizes hands-on learning. Graduates are prepared to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and private practice. The program accepts around three hundred students per year.
Wright Institute offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree program emphasizing clinical assessment and treatment of mental health problems within a multicultural context. Students can choose from two specializations: behavioral health or developmental disabilities.
Students must complete 60 units at Wright Institute, including 12 units of electives; three semesters each of coursework in human development and behavior, research methods, and statistics; one semester each of internship and practicum; one semester each of advanced topics in research methods and statistics; one semester each of advanced topics in human development and behavior; one summer internship; one summer practicum; one yearlong internship at another site approved by the faculty advisor; and an oral examination at the end of the program by faculty members who have taught you throughout your time at the institute.
- Average Tuition Fee: $21,360
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 3:1
- Students: 355
- Founded: 1968
6. Adler University
Adler University’s Master of Arts in Psychology program is designed to prepare students for positions in a wide range of human service professions. As one of the best grad schools for psychology, the program is designed to meet the needs of those who have earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and are seeking to become licensed professional psychologists. It also prepares for graduate study in psychology or related fields such as counseling, social work, and education.
Adler University’s Master of Arts in Psychology Program Features:
- A unique curriculum that blends theory with the practical application of psychological principles
- A full complement of electives allows you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals
- An emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity within the classroom.
- Experiential learning opportunities through internships, practicums, and research projects
Adler University offers a Master of Arts in Psychology degree designed to prepare students for licensure as a psychologist or counselor in Illinois and throughout the United States. This program can be completed on campus at Adler University’s Chicago or online through our distance learning program. Students in both locations complete the same coursework but have different opportunities for hands-on experience during their studies.
- Average Tuition Fee: $25,248
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Students: 1,200
- Founded: 1952
7. Rackham School of Graduate Studies
Psychology is the study of human behavior, thought, and feeling. Psychology is a diverse field with many specialties, and students often choose programs that reflect their interests and career goals. The Rackham School of Graduate Studies offers several different psychology graduate degrees, including:
Ph.D. in Psychology: This program is designed for students who want to conduct research at the highest level, either as an academic or a professional. Students study fundamental and applied research methods, statistics, and theory to develop their original research plan. They also learn to communicate their findings in oral and written forms.
MA/MS in Psychology: This program offers two-degree options: the MA or MS, depending on whether you want to pursue more coursework or have fewer credits toward your degree. The MA is designed for students interested in research-based careers such as teaching or counseling; the MS is designed for students interested in clinical or industrial settings such as management consulting or marketing research. Both degrees require completing at least one year of full-time study (32 credits).
Ph.D./MD Program: This program allows students to earn both a Ph.D. in Psychology and an MD degree by completing five years of coursework followed by four years of residency training at one of the University’s medical schools (Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine or Feinberg School of Medicine). The program is designed for students interested in careers as clinical researchers and medical school faculty members.
- Average Tuition Fee: $12,451
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Students: 9,000
- Founded: 1912
8. Loyola University Chicago
The Loyola University Chicago Psychology Grad Program, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, offers a variety of degree options for students interested in pursuing a career in psychology. The program is unique because it combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge through real-world settings.
The program offers two main degrees: the Master of Science (MS) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both programs require students to complete an internship during their final year. In addition, students may choose from three concentrations: clinical child psychology; developmental psychology; or social psychology.
Students also have the option to pursue an interdisciplinary degree with Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences or its College of Education. The MS is designed for students who want to pursue research or clinical practice careers but do not plan to become college or university professors.
The program takes approximately three years to complete and includes 240 hours of coursework spread across three semesters per academic year. Students must also complete an internship during their final year before graduating with their MS degree.
The Ph.D. is geared toward those who wish to become professors at colleges or universities after completing their graduate studies in psychology.
- Average Tuition Fee: $19,894
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Students: 1,500
- Founded: 1912
9. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning with more than 90 campuses and locations in 15 states throughout the U.S. and two international campuses. It was established in 1977. Keiser University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States and has been granted more than 100,000 degrees since its founding.
The school offers an online master’s program in clinical mental health counseling that prepares students for professional counselors or therapists’ careers. The program includes three semesters of coursework and one year of supervised experience in an agency setting. The curriculum includes courses on human growth and development, psychological testing and assessment, theories of counseling and psychotherapy, counseling skills and techniques, ethics in the counseling profession, and other topics related to working with people experiencing psychological difficulties.
- Average Tuition Fee: $22,000
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Students: 1,618
- Founded: 1977
10. Regent University
Regent University is a Christian educational institution with a mission to educate students to be competent, compassionate, and influential leaders in the marketplace and the world. The school offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in traditional, online, and hybrid formats.
Regent University offers an online Master of Arts in Psychology that covers core areas of psychology, including general psychology, developmental psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, social/organizational psychology, and abnormal psychology.
The program includes courses like; Psychology of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology.
- Average Tuition Fee: $17,190
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Student/Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Students: 5,950
- Founded: 1968
As you can see from this list, the best Grad Schools For Psychology consider many factors when ranking. Location, School student body Size, and Cost are three key factors when finding the best school for your situation. We also listed factors about financial aid, research opportunities, and rankings as necessary.
Another factor is the student population size; this will help you find a small campus where you can get to know your classmates and professors more personally. Take these into consideration when deciding where to go to grad school.