How to Choose a Psychology Program

Given the sheer number of psychology programs available in the U.S., finding the perfect match takes careful research. It also helps to perform that research with your long-term objectives in mind.

This guide outlines a systematic approach to identifying the best psychology programs for your learning goals. Use it to inform your school and program research as you seek the best available options.

Choosing a Traditional vs. Online Psychology Program

Accredited schools offer psychology programs in both traditional and online formats. Both options have distinct advantages and drawbacks. You need to consider the pros and cons in the context of your learning style, academic goals, budget, and preferences.

Traditional face-to-face programs offer extensive interpersonal interaction opportunities. You can form valuable relationships with peers and instructors, which can advance your personal and professional networking goals.

However, traditional psychology programs carry higher overall costs, especially if you need to relocate to attend your preferred school. You will also have less flexibility, as in-person classes follow rigid schedules.

Online programs trade the face-to-face aspects of interpersonal interactivity for greater flexibility. By studying online, you avoid the need to physically relocate and have greater control over your study schedule. Online psychology programs generally cost less in terms of both tuition and peripheral expenses.

The subsections below contain additional details to consider when choosing a program format.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Psychology Program

Researching Accredited Psychology Programs

Accreditation is the process of validating the educational quality of universities and colleges. Peer review boards establish the standards for accreditation. By attending an accredited school, you can have confidence that your education will meet the requirements for your chosen career after graduation. Graduates and transfer students from accredited schools are also more likely to be accepted by other accredited institutions.

Accreditation requirements may vary by region. Therefore, it is advisable to research the educational requirements for psychology professionals in your state, especially if you are considering an out-of-state or online program.

Institutional vs. Programmatic Accreditation

Institutional accreditation indicates a school's voluntary participation in a third-party review of its academic standards. When a school holds institutional accreditation, it meets or exceeds the quality guidelines upheld by the accrediting body.

Programmatic accreditation applies only to specific academic departments or degree plans. It signals that the accredited department or degree aligns with elevated and specialized standards or offers exceptionally deep coverage of relevant academic topics.

Organizations that offer programmatic accreditation to psychology departments or degrees include:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)

While APA accreditation carries particular prestige, note that it only applies to doctoral-level programs. Furthermore, the APA does not accredit programs that use fully online delivery models.

Consider Program Requirements and Admission Criteria

When comparing psychology programs, look closely at admission requirements. Note that prestigious schools have more selective criteria.

As you review acceptance rates, remember that large schools have more spots available to applicants. Thus, they admit a greater percentage of applicants than smaller schools.

Typical admission requirements vary by degree level. Associate and bachelor's programs usually focus on your grades and test scores.

At the graduate level, admission officials place more scrutiny on academic background. For instance, some master's psychology programs accept students with a bachelor's degree in another area. However, they will examine your record for evidence that you possess the necessary knowledge framework to succeed in the program.

Undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in psychology are essential prerequisites for the vast majority of doctoral programs.

In addition to your academic transcripts and test scores, school officials may request supplementary materials, including:

• Personal essays or statements of purpose
• Multiple letters of recommendation
• A resume or CV

For further information, consult this undergraduate psychology program application guide or this resource for graduate psychology applications.

Comparing Psychology Program Costs and Financial Aid

Multiple key factors affect psychology program costs. These include:

• Program delivery format
• In-state or out-of-state status at a public college
• Financial aid availability, including scholarship programs

Private colleges often cost more than public schools, even for out-of-state students.

The following table summarizes the median cost of a psychology degree according to factors like degree level and delivery method. Note that the quoted figures cover tuition, required fees, housing, books, and required learning materials.

Using the next table, you can compare the relative costs of attending a public college as an in-state or out-of-state student. In general, you can expect to pay less — sometimes much less — by studying in your home state or a neighboring state with a tuition reciprocity agreement.

Evaluating Internship and Practicum Opportunities

Many psychology programs require internship or clinical hours prior to graduation, particularly at the master's or graduate level. These upper-level programs often require students to gain on-the-job experience through supervised clinical training or an internship at an approved facility. Clinical hours are often supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist.

Some critical factors to consider when evaluating internship programs and opportunities include:

• Settings: Where will the internship take place? Does the setting directly reflect your learning and career development interests?
• Placement Assistance: Will the school help you find a placement, or will you have to source the opportunity yourself?
• Mentorship Opportunities: Who will supervise you, and what level of mentorship value might your supervisor(s) offer?
• Duration: How many hours are required on a weekly or monthly basis? Will that time commitment create challenges for your study schedule or outside pursuits?

Note that entirely online psychology programs may have limited internship opportunities available, or none at all. If internships are available, you will likely need to complete yours in person. Factor this into your planning at an early stage so you have enough time to manage the associated logistics.

Program Reputation

Finally, a student may benefit from considering a program's academic reputation prior to committing to a school. While not the most important factor in selecting a school, an institution's reputation may help graduates attain prestige and assist in landing their ideal career or gaining admission to another highly reputable school in the future. Each of the following factors may be considered in determining the prestige of a school or program.

• Graduate Job Placement Rate: Graduate job placement displays how many graduates of a program or school are employed and in what field. Many schools offer the percentage of graduates employed overall and the percentage of graduates employed in a relevant field. The latter qualification is more important for individuals looking to work in their field of study.
• Teacher Credentials: Teacher credentials include information, such as where faculty members attained their degrees, the level of degree faculty members hold, how long a teacher has held tenure, and whether or not faculty members are active in pursuing research and/or publishing their work. An active faculty indicates that a school is not offering a stagnant program.

Finding Your Perfect Program

Finding the ideal psychology program demands careful and extensive research. To narrow down your many options to a select list of appropriate candidates, use a systematic approach that prioritizes the factors most important to you.

Ultimately, the best psychology programs are those that most directly advance your academic and professional interests. You can maximize the value of your degree by identifying specific objectives and using them to guide your program selection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Programs

Page last reviewed on February 25, 2024