best psychology schools

Best Psychology Schools

The best undergraduate psychology programs prepare students for enriching careers across a wide array of fields. With its flexibility and broad scope, it’s no surprise that psychology ranks among the most popular college majors in the U.S. year after year. The best psychology schools teach students important and marketable skills, from communication and analysis to research and teaching. You don’t have to be an aspiring psychiatrist or counselor to benefit from attending a top psychology program.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best undergraduate psychology programs in the country. Instead of simply presenting a list of the best colleges for psychology, we’ll approach the topic from various angles. We’ll cover:

  • The benefits of attending the best universities for psychology
  • Types of degrees offered at the best psychology schools
  • The best overall undergraduate psychology programs in the country
  • Top psychology master’s programs and PhD programs
  • How to search for “best psychology colleges near me”
  • The best psychology schools in Texas, California, Florida, Michigan, and New York
  • The best psychology schools among small schools and Ivy League universities
  • How to determine the best colleges for psychology for your college list

Ready to get started? Before exploring some of the best colleges for psychology in the world, let’s cover the basics. What is psychology, and why is it important?

What is Psychology?

Broadly speaking, psychology is the study of the mind and human behavior. When you think of a psychologist, you may think of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis — but psychology covers so much more. There are near-endless specializations within the field; you’ve probably heard of clinical psychology and developmental psychology. Other subfields include cognitive, forensic, industrial, and even organizational psychology.

Psychology and its specializations are important in many crucial areas of modern life, from mental health care to the workplace. Human resources professionals benefit heavily from a thorough understanding of human behavior and communication. Entrepreneurs and economists can leverage ideas from psychology in reading the market or working with clients and investors. Educators draw on psychology insights for dealing with students of all ages (and often, parents).

It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that most careers could be enhanced with some experience with psychology. Many jobs nowadays require some interaction with people; a little insight into their behavior can go a long way. In light of that, it makes sense why psychology is such a popular major. So what are your options if you’re interested in pursuing a psychology degree at a top school?

Types of Psychology Degrees Offered at Top Schools

best psychology schools

The best psychology schools offer a number of psychology degrees and tracks. The most common degree types at top schools are:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Bachelor of Science (BS)

The best undergraduate psychology programs grant bachelor’s degrees; some offer both options, with the type being determined by coursework. A BA often entails more practice and experiential learning, where BS degrees typically focus on research. This is just a generalization, however — you’ll need to research individual schools to learn about their offerings.

Master of Arts (MA)/Master of Science (MS)

At the best psychology schools, students can often pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Similar to the above, MA degrees tend to be less research-focused than MS degrees.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Also called a doctorate or a doctoral degree, a Ph.D. grants the holder the title of “Doctor.” It is not, however, a medical degree: one can hold a Ph.D. in psychology, computer science, or women’s studies. Regardless of the field, earning a Ph.D. usually takes years of research and experience.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

This is a degree specifically for those intending to work with patients in a clinical setting. Unlike a Ph.D., a Psy.D. emphasizes experiential learning and direct contact with patients. Psy.D. programs may be tailored to a specific specialization depending on the student’s goals. Note that to practice psychiatry, a state license is also required.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This doctoral degree focuses on education and prepares graduates for administrative and policy roles in education. Rather than training solely as a classroom teacher, Ed.D. students study topics like curriculum design, multicultural education, and leadership.

While the best colleges for psychology of course offer general psychology degrees, the very best psychology schools may offer specialized programs. Graduates of the best universities for psychology may get a BA or BS in a subfield like criminal psychology or developmental psychology. But specializations aren’t the only thing to look for in the best psychology schools.

What to look for at the Best Psychology Schools

There are numerous factors to consider when searching for the best psychology schools — and ranking isn’t at the top. An obvious start is faculty and impact: have faculty or alumni won prestigious awards in their field? Is the university known for hosting and funding groundbreaking research? The best psychology schools hire and retain accomplished faculty who train equally or even more distinguished alumni.

The best psychology schools not only have outstanding professors, but also keep class sizes relatively small. Small class sizes and good student-to-teacher ratios mean students are likely to have more in-depth discussions with professors and peers. Individualized attention can be a powerful motivator, for both students and teachers alike. At the best psychology schools, students are also supported with study groups and academic advising.

The best undergraduate psychology programs equip their students for the job force with educational experiences outside the classroom. At the best colleges for psychology, students have access to research opportunities, lab work, and clinical training. Look for programs that partner with local clinics and hospitals to provide real-world experience. 

Research post-graduation outcomes: how many students graduate on time, or start work or school within a few years? While not all psychology majors end up in the field of psychiatry, many do. To support them, the best psychology schools offer internship placements and even licensure preparation. These resources are more common in graduate programs, but they’re still positive indicators of top psychology schools.

When researching psychology master’s programs, check accreditation: is the program recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA)? The APA accredits postgraduate programs — mostly doctoral — in several fields of psychology. There are currently over 1,000 accredited doctoral programs, internships, and postdoctoral residencies. Graduates aspiring to work in clinical psychology should check the APA accreditation status of their programs of choice.

Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the U.S.

Now, let’s look at some of the best undergraduate psychology programs in the country. Below, we’ve listed the 15 best psychology schools and given some information on why they’re so acclaimed.

15 Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

1. Stanford University

Given its prestigious standing, Stanford may well be one of the best colleges for psychology in the world. It’s certainly one of the best psychology schools in California, receiving recognition from the Smithsonian Institution. Stanford’s undergraduate psychology program curates courses and opportunities in developmental, social, affective science, cognitive and neurological psychology. Stanford offers a psychology major (BA), minor, and an honors major.

2. Harvard University

One of the best psychology schools in the U.S. (and the world) is Harvard. Like many of the best undergraduate psychology programs, Harvard’s psychology degree program offers several concentrations. In addition to the General Track, Harvard offers a Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology Track and Cognitive Science Track. Among their faculty are decorated scholars like Steven Pinker, a prominent psycholinguist and prolific author.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

3. Yale University

Next on our list of the best colleges for psychology is Yale, another university with undisputed global standing. Yale’s popular undergraduate psychology program offers a general track and a neuroscience concentration. Moreover, students can choose to pursue an interdepartmental major in computer science and psychology. Yale also has a chapter of Psi Chi, a nationwide undergraduate honors society in Psychology.

4. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

The psychology department at UMich offers two majors: psychology and biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience (BCN). The psychology major focuses on clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, in addition to biopsychology, and personality and social contexts. On the other hand, BCN leans more heavily into the natural sciences, like neuroscience and cognitive science. Dozens of faculty are in the world’s top 2% of cited researchers, demonstrating a very strong department.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

5. University of California–Los Angeles

UCLA is one of the best psychology schools in California, offering three specializations for undergraduates. Students can pursue the general psychology BA degree, a psychobiology BS, or a cognitive science BS. The department also offers a minor in applied developmental psychology. Through community partnerships, UCLA offers opportunities to work with a community organization for a semester for college credit.

6. Princeton University

One of the world’s best colleges for psychology — and many other subjects, for that matter — is Princeton. Psychology majors at Princeton are heavily encouraged to conduct research and engage in independent work. Students are even able to do research before their third year of university. Professors emerita include Daniel Kahneman, who pioneered the field of behavioral economics.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

7. University of Pennsylvania

The best psychology schools encourage independent scholarship, and UPenn is no exception. Psychology majors are required to design and undertake an independent study project with guidance from a mentor. For students who want to go above and beyond, there is an honors program for psychology. Current faculty include Angela Duckworth, whose research on grit and self-control has entered popular science circles.

8. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

At UIUC, students can major in psychology or in brain and cognitive science. The psychology degree program, like that at many of the best psychology colleges, is research-based with a liberal arts structure. The brain and cognitive science major program, meanwhile, taps into computer science and neuroscience to explore questions of cognition. UIUC offers community internships with local organizations, such as counseling and behavioral centers.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

9. University of Chicago

With its proven reputation for excellence, UChicago is one of the best colleges for psychology. Their psychology major program emphasizes research methods, with generous fellowships available to third-year students. Ambitious students may undertake an independent research project with a faculty advisor to graduate with honors. Among current faculty are scholars like Susan Goldin-Meadow, who’s leading a 10-year study in language development.

10. Northwestern University

Typical of the best universities for psychology, Northwestern’s psychology major focuses on research and statistical methods. To support student research, Northwestern allows research for course credit, as well as work-study programs with other labs. Through the university’s Chicago Field Studies program, many undergraduates do internships with local organizations for academic credit.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

11. Columbia University

Somewhat unique among the best psychology colleges, Columbia offers both a major and a concentration in psychology. The concentration allows students from other majors to gain expertise in psychology; it’s somewhat more intensive than a minor. Aside from these tracks, Columbia also offers a neuroscience & behavior major, co-sponsored with the Biological Sciences department. Advanced research and honors programs are also available for motivated students.

12. University of Wisconsin–Madison

One of the best undergraduate psychology programs for students interested in research is at UW-Madison. The department offers a psychology BA and BS, differentiated by coursework requirements, but any student can apply for research opportunities. Like the other best psychology schools on this list, UW-Madison has an Honors in the Major (HM) program for undergraduates who want to dig deeper.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

13. New York University

At NYU, one of the best psychology schools, students have a wealth of opportunities to conduct research. The NYU Access Grads program connects undergraduates with graduate student mentors who guide them in finding research opportunities. In the classroom, faculty are highly experienced and passionate educators, with many holding teaching awards from the university. The department hosts events and outreach activities to connect with and welcome the local community.

14. Duke University

As we near the end of our list of best psychology schools, we continue the trend of psychology and neuroscience major offerings. Duke students can major in either psychology or neuroscience, with several degree types available. Neuroscience majors can benefit from a state-of-the-art teaching lab, working with real human brain specimens. In either major, there are numerous research and internship opportunities available, with undergraduate student groups like Psi Chi supporting students.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

15. Vanderbilt University

The last school on our list of the best universities for psychology may have the most specializations. Vanderbilt’s College of Arts and Science has majors and minors in Psychology, as one would expect. Meanwhile, the Department of Psychology and Human Development offers three undergraduate majors: Child Development, Cognitive Studies, and Child Studies. Between the two departments, there are numerous research labs and opportunities for undergraduates.

Top Psychology Schools for Masters and Ph.D.

As you may have guessed, most of the schools listed above also offer world-class psychology master’s and doctoral programs. Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton all offer rigorous Ph.D. programs for those who want to produce original research. Harvard even allows Ph.D. candidates to select a specialty: Clinical Science, Social, Developmental, or Cognition, Brain, and Behavior.

Here are a few more of the best universities for psychology graduate studies.

3 Top Graduate Schools for Psychology

best psychology schools

1. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

Psychology doctoral students at UNC can select from six sub-fields for their research, spanning neuroscience and psychology. Faculty are heavily involved in research, making UNC a great choice for Ph.D. hopefuls with very particular research interests.

2. University of California–Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s graduate program also has six research areas for applicants to choose from, like Social-Personality and Cognition. Rather than being siloed, these divisions allow for interdisciplinary research and cross-cutting discussions.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

3. Washington University in St. Louis

With four areas of specialization, Washington University in St. Louis may seem like it has less to offer. However, it’s one of the best universities for psychology for a reason. In addition to specializations, the department offers Diversity Studies, which entails cross-cutting research on underrepresented and understudied populations. Additionally, they offer a specialized interdisciplinary curriculum through their Cognitive, Computational and Systems Neuroscience Pathway.

Where are the best Psychology Colleges Near Me?

If you’re looking to stay local, you’re probably spending your days searching “psychology colleges near me.” Did you know there are also resources for finding the best undergraduate psychology programs in your state or by specialization? Online search tools created by groups like Psy Colleges make it easy to find the best psychology colleges by location. That way, you can spend more time digging deep into each school.

If you’re staying in your home state, don’t forget to research public schools. Public schools typically offer discounted in-state tuition rates for local students. You may also qualify for in-state scholarships, particularly if you excel in high school. The money you save in undergrad could go toward pursuing a master’s at a more prestigious institution later on. So don’t be afraid to search for “public psychology colleges near me” next time you’re researching.

In the following sections, we’ll zoom in on the best psychology schools from a few different states. Specifically, we’ll look at the best psychology schools in Texas, New York, Florida, Michigan, and California. Rather than repeating schools from our top 15 list, we’ve chosen to include even more of the best psychology colleges — so keep reading!

Best Psychology Schools in New York

To start our regional lists of the best undergraduate psychology programs, let’s take a look at New York state.

New York’s Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

Cornell University

This Ivy League university offers two majors and minors for undergraduates interested in psychology. In addition to the general psychology major, students at Cornell may choose to pursue a human development major or minor. Students can pursue research in one of four research areas: Cognition, Development, Social and Personality, and Neuroscience. As one of the best psychology schools, Cornell also offers funding for travel and research.

University of Rochester

While the University of Rochester has just one psychology major program, there are seven clusters including Psychopathology and Personality Psychology. Students are encouraged to get involved in student groups like Phi Chi and to do research assistantships in faculty labs. Those looking for more distinct opportunities can apply for the research honors program or even design their own major.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

Stony Brook University

Undergraduates at Stony Brook can pursue a BA or BS in psychology, with ample opportunities for research in either. Stony Brook also has a wealth of volunteering and community service resources, promoting students getting active in the local area. Internships are also encouraged, with an elective available to get credit for internship work.

Best Psychology Schools in Florida

Now, let’s turn our gaze south and check out some of the best undergraduate programs for psychology in Florida.

Florida’s Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

University of Florida

Psychology majors at UF can choose from three specializations: General Psychology, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, or Behavior Analysis. While the coursework requirements differ slightly, each specialization offers chances to get hands-on with research, teaching, or internships. Some students do all three!

Florida State University

At FSU, students can major in psychology or behavioral neuroscience, with the option of pursuing honors. The Directed Individual Study course lets students get involved in faculty research labs, while the honors track opens the door to original research. For students looking to go abroad specifically for psychology, FSU has a program in London open to select students every year.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

University of Miami

The University of Miami offers both a BA and BS degree in psychology, along with a BS in neuroscience. There are a number of research labs open to undergraduates, as well as job and internship opportunities on campus and beyond. The ongoing inPSYt seminar series, open to undergraduates, covers everything from career opportunities to ongoing research.

Best Psychology Schools in Michigan

Now, let’s take a look at three of the best psychology schools in Michigan. All three are public universities, so in-state students have plenty of options to earn their psychology degree at a lower cost.

Michigan’s Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

Michigan State University 

Located in East Lansing, Michigan State University is known for having one of the best undergraduate psychology programs in Michigan. Students can study within six different disciplines, including Clinical Science, Ecological/Community, and Behavioral Neuroscience. Undergraduate students can participate in research and get support for their graduate school applications as well. 

Wayne State University 

Wayne State University offers degrees in psychology and neuroscience. As one of the best colleges for psychology, Wayne State offers a robust program for undergraduate students. For students interested in psychology master’s programs, Wayne State offers an Accelerated Graduate Enrollment program, allowing students to earn both their BA and MA in five years. 

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

Western Michigan University

In Kalamazoo you’ll find Western Michigan University, home to one of the best undergraduate psychology programs for students interested in autism research and therapy. At Western, students have access to the Kalamazoo Autism Center, one of the leading autism research centers. Western Michigan University also offers programs in music therapy and social work, as well as criminal justice.  

Best Psychology Schools in Texas

With such a robust public university system, it may come as no surprise that Texas offers some of the best undergraduate psychology programs for both Texas residents and out-of-state students.

Texas’ Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

University of Texas–Austin

The psychology department at UT Austin is one of the best undergraduate psychology programs in the country. With a focus on experiential learning, psychology students at UT Austin are prepared to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including business, academia, healthcare, government, and nonprofits. The Behavioral Data Science Initiative at UT Austin helps students enhance their career prospects — and it keeps the school at the cutting edge of psychology research. 

Rice University

Rice has highly ranked faculty and robust internship opportunities through the SURE Program, making it one of the best psychology schools in Texas. With programs in industrial & organizational psychology and cognitive & affective neuroscience, Rice provides ample opportunities for students interested in a wide range of psychological studies.

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

Texas A&M University

At Texas A&M, students can choose between two different majors housed within the school’s Department of Psychological Sciences: Psychology and Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. With a wide variety of classes, research opportunities, and internships, Texas A&M is definitely one of the best colleges for psychology in Texas. 

Best Psychology Schools in California

Considering we already saw some California schools on our top 15 list, it’s no surprise that California is home to some of the best undergraduate psychology programs in the country. Here are three more of the best psychology schools in California.

California’s Best Psychology Schools

best psychology schools

University of California–Davis 

This school’s reputation as an innovative university makes it one of the best colleges for psychology. UC Davis offers a robust psychology program that focuses on five different areas of emphasis, including biological psychology and quantitative psychology. Undergraduates can also study abroad through programs tailored to psychology students.

University of California – San Diego 

UCSD is considered one of the best psychology colleges because of its wide range of majors and specializations. In addition to offering a BA and BS in psychology, UCSD also offers majors in business psychology and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Students interested in exploring a more specific area of psychology can also choose from six specializations, including sensation and perception, social psychology, and clinical psychology, to name a few.  

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

University of Southern California

Recognized as one of the best psychology schools, USC is located in the heart of Los Angeles. USC’s psychology department allows students to explore a wide variety of concentrations, including a psychology and law minor. Often considered one of the best colleges in the U.S., it’s no wonder that USC is also one of the best psychology colleges in California. 

Best Ivy Leagues for Psychology

Ivy League schools offer plenty of benefits to their psychology majors, including access to world-class faculty and incredible facilities and resources. These top schools also offer strong networking opportunities for students and alumni, which can be helpful when applying to graduate programs or looking for jobs. 

Here, we’ve chosen to highlight three of the best universities for psychology among the Ivies: Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. 

Top Ivies for Psychology

best psychology schools

Harvard University

Thanks to its global prestige and impressive faculty, Harvard is one of the best colleges for psychology in the world. At Harvard, students have a unique opportunity to study at the school’s Center for Brain Science. And, students are able to conduct research with some of the top psychologists and neuroscientists in the world. Without a doubt, no matter your major, Harvard will provide you with the best resources available. 

Yale University

Yale is one of the best colleges for psychology for a number of reasons. To start, it’s one of the highest ranking programs in the country. As one of the best psychology schools, Yale offers a concentration in neuroscience, as well as psychology. Additionally, Yale’s unique Senior Requirement gives students the opportunity to write a substantial paper on a topic of their choosing. Having a significant body of work can help students stand out when applying to psychology master’s programs. 

best psychology schools
best psychology schools

Princeton University

As one of the best psychology schools, it’s clear why Princeton’s program is among the highest ranked in the world. Students can combine their studies with a specialized concentration, allowing them to gain specific skills to help prepare for advanced graduate study. With one of the best undergraduate psychology programs in the country, Princeton is a great option for students interested in psychology. 

As Ivy League universities and some of the best colleges for psychology in the world, it’s important to note that all of these schools are highly selective. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a balanced college list when applying. It can be helpful to identify why you’re interested in a specific program, and research which schools (outside of the Ivy League) offer similar programs. You can research “psychology colleges near me” to get a sense of your local options. 

Best Small Colleges for Psychology

For some students, the best colleges for psychology will have a smaller population and campus size. Students can take full advantage of a school’s resources on a smaller campus, which helps students build up their work experience. A smaller program also allows students to build closer relationships with professors, which can lead to valuable research opportunities, internship placements, or glowing letters of recommendation for graduate school applications. 

Here are six of the top psychology schools for students looking for a smaller campus experience. 

6 Top Small Schools for Psychology

best psychology schools

Wesleyan University

Located in Connecticut, Wesleyan University is one of the best psychology schools for students interested in a smaller college experience. Wesleyan also offers a combined B.A/M.A program in psychology, allowing students to earn their master’s degree alongside their undergraduate degree. Wesleyan has one of the highest ranked psychology programs in the country, so it’s a great choice for many students. 

Williams College

Next, is Williams College. Found in a small, rural town in western Massachusetts, Williams provides students with ample opportunities to explore nature and the rural communities in the area. Williams College has one of the best undergraduate psychology programs in the area, allowing students to complete a year-long research project their senior year. 

best psychology schools
amherst college psychology

Amherst College

Located in Amherst, MA, Amherst College provides the best of both worlds: a small college experience, and access to other local college campuses via the Five College Consortium. Amherst College is one of the best colleges for psychology due to its robust program, as well as the research opportunities available to students. 

Davidson College

Davidson College is found in a small suburb north of Charlotte, NC. Through the collaborative research program, Davidson provides students with ample opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty. Students can conduct research over the summer, or through a guided senior thesis. 

best psychology schools
swarthmore college psychology

Swarthmore College

Located in Swarthmore, PA, Swarthmore College allows students to study psychology, neuroscience, as well as psychology & educational studies. Swarthmore also offers special awards for their psychology students, including the Hans Wallach Fellowship. This fellowship provides funding for students to conduct a research project over the summer. 

Carleton College 

Carleton College is found in Minnesota, just south of Minneapolis. With a focus on biological processes, cognitive studies, and clinical psychology, Carleton aims to educate students about the multiple different theories of thought within psychology. Additionally, Carleton helps students find internships, research opportunities, and complete graduate school applications. 

carelton college

Top Psychology Colleges by Specialization

Most undergraduate psychology programs offer generalized psychology degrees, allowing students to pursue specialization at the graduate level. However, some schools offer more specialized tracks for their undergraduate psychology majors. 

With such a broad field, psychology specializations can help students hone specific skills to work with certain populations, such as adolescents or the elderly. Some schools offer specific programs that focus on certain sub-specialites; others do not. So, it’s important to identify your interests and research each program as you build your list.

We’ve broken down four of the most common psychology specializations below, along with schools that offer specific programs or certificates in those areas. 

Family/Child 

Students interested in studying family/child psychology should consider applying to Vanderbilt University and the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Vanderbilt offers a specialized major in Child Development and Child Studies, and UM Twin Cities is home to the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research

Cognitive 

For students interested in cognitive psychology, Stanford University and UCLA offer the best undergraduate psychology programs. Both offer a cognitive science major, allowing students to study the foundational theories of psychology, but with a specific focus on cognitive science. Both programs are highly ranked across many different lists, and the wide range of study options reflect their positions as some of the best psychology schools. 

Forensic 

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a unique major in forensic psychology, which prepares students to work within legal systems and on criminal cases. As one of the best undergraduate psychology programs, students can take courses in social, developmental, cognitive, and correctional psychology. They also have the opportunity to earn credit through fieldwork or supervised research in forensic psychology.

Rehabilitation

For students interested in rehabilitation studies, the University of Wisconsin Madison offers a unique B.S program in rehabilitation psychology. Students complete a community-based internship and work to help those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. 

The best psychology programs offer a wide range of courses to help students gain valuable experience and foundational knowledge. No matter which sub-specialty you’re interested in, be sure to review the course offerings of each program you’re considering. Look for unique electives or opportunities to collaborate with faculty conducting research in your areas of interest.

5 Benefits of attending the Best Psychology Schools

So, why should you apply to the best psychology schools? While psychology is a popular major found at most colleges, the best psychology schools provide unique opportunities to get involved in research, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for grad-school applications. 

Here are five key benefits of attending the best psychology schools. 

5 Benefits of the Best Psychology Schools

Best undergraduate psychology programs

1. Stronger foundation for competitive careers and graduate programs

Attending the best psychology schools allows students to build a strong foundation for their careers, including graduate schools. The connections available to students at the top psychology schools can help them secure letters of recommendation, as well as job opportunities. The best colleges for psychology also help students explore their career options, giving students a stronger sense of what they want to pursue after graduation.

2. Access to funded research and advanced facilities

Even if you’re not interested in research, having the opportunity to work with faculty can help you hone your skills and determine what career might be your best fit. The best universities for psychology offer students the opportunity to conduct research or participate in research projects.

3. High-quality clinical and fieldwork opportunities

If you want to become a therapist or psychologist, access to clinical work and fieldwork is crucial to your future career. The best undergraduate psychology programs allow students to gain experience in the field. That means working directly with specific populations in a clinical setting.

4. Broader and more specialized course offerings

The best universities for psychology offer both general and more specialized course offerings, exposing students to a wide range of psychological concepts and careers. Specialized course offerings are a good sign that the school’s program is robust and the faculty are engaged in different types of research and areas of study. 

5. Strong career services and alumni networks

The best psychology schools offer support to their students in the career search, and they help students tap into their alumni network. As many students interested in psychology may pursue a graduate degree, the best universities for psychology will also help their students with graduate school applications. 

How to choose the best psychology school for you

Choosing the best psychology schools for your list can be challenging, especially since nearly all schools will offer some type of psychology degree. The amplitude of options can make it hard to determine which schools are the best fit for you. But remember, the best universities for psychology will reflect the factors that are most important for your college experience. It can be helpful to research “psychology colleges near me” to get a sense of your local options — visiting can help you decide what factors are non-negotiables in your college search. 

Be sure to consider your long-term career goals and passions. Many schools will offer both a B.A and B.S in psychology. Some programs are geared toward research, while others are more clinical in nature. If you’re interested in graduate school, the best psychology schools may be ones with graduate programs, as well as undergraduate programs. 

As you search “psychology colleges near me,” be on the lookout for differences between programs. We’ve created a checklist of factors for you to consider as you research the best psychology schools: 

  • Degree options
  • Research opportunities
  • Faculty
  • Internship opportunities
  • Location
  • Campus size
  • Financial aid options

Beyond online research, be sure to visit your top choice schools in-person — talking with professors or current students can help you compare different psychology programs. Once you’ve searched “psychology colleges near me” and have decided which factors are most important to you, you can expand your search with a clearer sense of what you want. We also recommend watching our webinar on psychology majors to help break down your options. 

Best Psychology Schools – Final Takeaways

Finding the best psychology schools will depend on what areas of the field interest you most and what you hope to do with your degree. The best universities for psychology will help you determine which career path is right for you and give you opportunities to gain real-world experience. Additionally, the best colleges for psychology often have robust research and internship opportunities, allowing students to develop the necessary skills for a career in psychology. 

As you navigate the college application process, CollegeAdvisor is here to help! Our advisors can help you build the perfect college list, craft essays, find scholarships, and get into your dream psychology program.

best psychology schools

This article was written by Gina Goosby and Jessica Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.