Top-notch bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee make following your passion for helping others in the “Volunteer State” engaging and exciting. Below is our second installment of accredited psychology schools (H-Q) where the brain and behavior take center stage.
Hiwassee College
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Started as Tullagalla Academy in 1826, Hiwassee College is a small private, nonprofit liberal arts institution tied to the United Methodist Church to educate around 400 faithful students on 60 rural acres in Madisonville near the Unicoi Mountains. Graded A+ for campus safety on Niche, Hiwassee is ranked in America’s top 5 percent of liberal arts and sciences on College Factual. In addition to career/vocational associates, the Baccalaureate Degree Programs division offers six bachelor’s from dental hygiene to equine science with a $12,198 net price.
Christian Leadership (B.A./B.S.)
Aspiring pastoral counselors interested in applying psychological principles to share God’s word for spiritual and personal growth could pursue the Christian Leadership (B.A./B.S.) at Hiwassee. This four-year, 124-credit program was launched in Fall 2016 to blend liberal arts core with in-depth Biblical studies and Church ministry. Preparing for pastoral care will span courses in biology, religion, behavioral science, foreign language, and communications. Students may get involved with the Christian Student Movement and HC Helping Hands. Graduates have excelled at top-notch graduate schools like Johns Hopkins and Oxford too.
Accreditation
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Contact
225 Hiwassee College Drive
Madisonville, TN 37354
(423) 442-2001
enroll@hiwassee.edu
Johnson University
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Nestled on 175 rural acres in Kimberlin Heights just six miles southeast of “Marble City,” Johnson University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution of the Restoration Movement that’s grown since 1893 to accommodate nearly 1,000 pupils. Recognized for America’s 35th best dorm housing, JUTN is ranked the 56th most financially fit private school nationwide in Forbes. With a four-year graduation rate of 67 percent, the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences prepares students for faith-based “helping” professions.
B.A./B.S. Human Services
Tennesseans dedicated to applied psychology careers may earn the B.A./B.S. Human Services degree as JUTN Royals with affordable tuition at $6,890 per term. Engaged faculty guide students’ spiritual formation for serving needy persons’ physical, emotional, and relational needs. The 125-credit curriculum offers two concentrations for Family Studies or Counseling, the first of which produces Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE). Courses like abnormal psychology and human development are applied outside the classroom with Harvesters Missions, the Future of Hope Institute, and Early Childhood Learning Center.
B.A./B.S. Intercultural Studies
Looking for more bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee could also lead to Johnson’s B.A./B.S. Intercultural Studies major, which is also conferred online. Christian students self-design their own 125-credit curriculum to suit God’s vocational calling for helping communities thrive. Psychology courses are available for several of the concentrations, such as Urban Studies, Latin American & Latino Studies, and Islamic Studies. The ABHE-accredited university offers unique learning opportunities like Preaching Emphasis Week, Christian Leadership Conference, and Spring Retreat in Knoxville.
Accreditation
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
7900 Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37998
(865) 573-4517
admissions@johnsonu.edu
King University
School of Arts and Sciences
Endowed for $20.4 million, King University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution holding a covenant affiliation to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to educate over 2,900 students upon its 135-acre urban campus in Sullivan County near the Virginia border. Applauded as America’s 67th “Best Test Optional College” on Niche, King is deemed the South’s 91st best regional university by the U.S. News. The School of Arts and Sciences has two bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee for deepening insight into human beings.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
King’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology capitalizes on the 14:1 student-faculty ratio to hone students’ naturalistic observation skills for recording, analyzing, and interpreting how humans behave. Integrated with the Christian faith, the 124-credit degree is available in Bristol and online with courses like group dynamics, lifespan development, and cognitive psychology before the Major Field Achievement Test (MFAT). Students can benefit from presenting at the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference, joining Corps for Christ, and gaining cross-cultural experience from Washington DC to Montepulciano, Italy.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience
Currently charging on-campus tuition at $27,024, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience program lets King Tornadoes undertake an in-depth physiological and psychological study of the central nervous system. The 124-credit curriculum introduces students to brain science for a unique perspective on the roots of behavioral differences. Courses like neuroanatomy and organic chemistry are accompanied by rigorous labs, including the Institute of Neuroscience and Molecular Genetics. Experience is also gained with the two-credit internship and individual research project. Many alumni are attending graduate schools, including Vanderbilt and UNC.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1350 King College Road
Bristol, TN 37620
(865) 690-5803
jfsapp@king.edu
Lee University
College of Arts & Sciences
Opened in 1918, Lee University is a private, nonprofit evangelical Christian liberal arts institution that’s igniting the faith of over 4,900 Flames from a 120-acre suburban campus in Cleveland, Tennessee’s 14th-largest city. Ranked 13th for USA Today’s “Colleges Most Committed to Community Service, Lee is crowned the South’s 56th best university and 29th top value by the USNWR. Admitting 85 percent of applicants, the College of Arts & Sciences offers diverse majors from business to history, including America’s 148th best online bachelor’s degrees.
Psychology (B.A.)
Taught by PhD-level faculty trained at Georgia State, Alabama, Middle Tennessee State, and more, the Psychology (B.A.) informs Lee undergraduates about individual human behavior. The 120-credit bachelor’s program suits students fulfilling the great commission of Jesus by improving people’s welfare. Experience is gained in the BSS Research Lab with studies often published in Motivation Science and presented at the SEPA Annual Meeting. Elective credits could be tailored for the Teacher Licensure 9-12 Track, which adds two student teaching placements. There’s also an 18-credit Counseling Minor available.
Pastoral Ministry (B.A.)
Fostering commitment to God’s call, the Pastoral Ministry (B.A.) is an alternative to bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee for Lee undergraduates seeking Church-based vocations. The 120-credit curriculum draws on Biblical principles to address the social and spiritual concerns of congregants. Featuring a Greek language requirement, the major includes courses in pastoral counseling, discipleship, multicultural ministry, and personal evangelism. Coursework leads to a 150-hour supervised internship in local churches. Students could also participate in Pioneers for Christ and lead worship in the Dixon Center.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1250 Parker Street
PO Box 3450
Cleveland, TN 37320
(423) 614-8125
bss@leeuniversity.edu
Lincoln Memorial University
Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Attracting over 3,100 Railsplitters, Lincoln Memorial University is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution holding SACS accreditation and a $14.55 million budget to serve from 1,000 rural acres in Harrogate near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Ranked the South’s 59th best regional university by the U.S. News, LMU is recognized for America’s 112nd “Best College Dorms” on Niche. The Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers 10 four-year majors spanning from music to criminology.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Retaining 68 percent of freshmen, LMU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology builds comprehensive knowledge of human behavior through theory, research, self-awareness, and applied practice. The 128-credit program develops upon the Liberal Arts Common Core with courses that exceed the APA’s undergraduate guidelines. Elective coursework is tailored by three concentrations: General Psychology, Counseling, or Science & Research. All seniors complete a psychological services internship with agencies like Peninsula Lighthouse Center and Tennova Hospital. Majors could also join the Honors Program, study abroad in Barcelona, or declare the Appalachian Studies Minor.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate, TN 37752
(423) 869-6773
gary.verna@lmunet.edu
Lipscomb University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Named after the Restoration Movement minister in 1891, Lipscomb University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution endowed for $70.4 million to educate over 4,600 Bisons from 83 urban acres in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood. Noted for America’s 137th “Best College Location” on Niche, Lipscomb is ranked the 176th best national university by the USNWR. With a net price of $23,176 yearly, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides well-rounded education for 47 majors, including physics and English teaching.
B.S. in Psychology
Delivered in traditional daytime and adult evening formats, the B.S. in Psychology at Lipscomb uses a Christian worldview to nurture understanding of self and others for human services career applications. The 45-credit major involves courses in behavior modification, personality, psychological measurement, cognition, abnormal psychology, and more. It’s possible to add the 19-credit Family Science Minor for relational context. Valuable opportunities include joining Psi Chi, completing the Sandtray Therapy workshop, studying abroad in Chile or Austria, and presenting research at the SEPA Annual Meeting. Some continue for the M.S. in Psychology.
B.A. in Art Therapy
Creative artists seeking Christ-centered bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee should consider Lipscomb’s B.A. in Art Therapy. Offering a built-in Psychology Minor, the 51-credit major trains undergraduates to improve people’s well-being through the self-expression of artistic media like drawing and painting. After foundation studio courses, students study everything from art history to printmaking and color theory. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the program inspires students’ innovation with mentorships and unparalleled resources, such as the John C. Hutcheson Gallery. Graduates must earn a master’s for AATA certification though.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 966-5237
kathi.johnson@lipscomb.edu
Martin Methodist College
Social Sciences Division
Constructed in 1870 as an all-girls school for Giles County, Martin Methodist College has evolved into a private, co-educational Methodist liberal arts institution offering 30+ bachelor’s majors to 1,100 RedHawks on its 55-acre rural campus in Pulaski. Graded the nation’s 108th “Safest College” on Niche, Martin Methodist was recognized by Complete College America for Tennessee’s second-highest private graduation rate at 85 percent. The Social Sciences Division stands in Martin Hall to grant behavioral sciences, history, and criminal justice majors.
Behavioral Sciences Major (B.S.)
Following the APA’s guidelines for ethics, the Behavioral Sciences Major (B.S.) teaches Martin Methodist students to weigh scientific evidence on the underpinnings of human and animal behavior. The 121-credit curriculum is concentrated with emphasis areas in Human Services and Counseling or General Psychology. The latter has tracks for Addiction Psychology and Forensic Psychology to segue into graduate school. Students should expect courses like learning theory, personality, psychopharmacology, research methods, and psychometrics. Majors often add the International Studies Program (ISP) for trips from Harlaxton to Madero.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
433 West Madison Street
Pulaski, TN 38478
(931) 363-9804
info@martinmethodist.edu
Maryville College
Division of Behavioral Sciences
Occupying 320 suburban acres in Blount County near the Great Smokies, Maryville College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution founded in 1819 by Presbyterian minister Isaac L. Anderson that’s currently educating over 1,200 undergraduates. Ranked 171st nationally by high school counselors for the U.S. News survey, Maryville is the South’s 64th best bang for the buck according to Washington Monthly. The Sutton Science Center houses the Division of Behavioral Sciences for five majors and a pre-physical therapy track.
Major in Psychology
Featuring a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, the Major in Psychology at Maryville confers a B.A. or B.S. to undergraduates fascinated by exploring behavioral and mental processes. The 46-credit major builds upon a liberal arts foundation for advising concentrations like Global Citizenship, Child Welfare, and Psychology in the Community. Students dedicated to CACREP-accredited, post-graduate study could follow the Counseling Track. Field practicum is integrated with partnering institutes, including Haven House, Mane Support, and Clover Hill Senior Living. Seniors will also complete a research and creative expression capstone project.
Major in Neuroscience
Conferring a B.S., Maryville’s Major in Neuroscience launched in 2012 for undergraduates to examine the brain from the cellular to organismal level for better insight on behavior. Reporting a 94 percent satisfaction rate, the intensive 63-credit major offers a Psychology Track or Biochemistry Track for specialization. Coursework delves into neuroanatomy, clinical psychology, pharmacology, organic chemistry, and molecular biology. Students could be welcomed into the Scots Science Scholars Program with a $1,150 stipend. Graduates have excelled at Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital, Wake Forest, Mississippi State, and more.
Major in Child Development and Learning
Searching for youth-oriented bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee will likely lead to Maryville’s Major in Child Development and Learning, which provides a B.A. degree. The 42-credit major examines developmental psychology to sharpen students’ skills for serving children in intervention and prevention roles. There’s an optional K-5 teacher licensure embedded for individuals planning to educate. Coursework like sociology, counseling, and language development ends with a 480-hour internship for Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) distinction. Past placements have included Cherokee Health Systems, Anderson County Schools, and Knoxville Autism Center.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN, 37804
(865) 981-8270
kathie.shiba@maryvillecollege.edu
Middle Tennessee State University
College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
Governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, Middle Tennessee State University is a public, co-educational institution organized into eight colleges for 22,700 learners on its 500-acre suburban campus in Murfreesboro, Money magazine’s 84th best place to live. Ranked America’s 271st “Top Public University” on Niche, MTSU is the South’s 180th best college according to Forbes. The College of Behavioral and Health Sciences boasts a 91 percent placement rate for 17 majors from fashion merchandising to nursing.
B.S. in Psychology
With an admission rate of 73 percent, the B.S. in Psychology at MTSU accepts freshmen who want to explore connections between human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a generalist perspective. The flexible, 38-credit major includes two 15-credit minors, such as Neuroscience, Behavioral Research, or Mental Health Services. Students with a minimum 3.25 GPA overall could pursue the Pre-Graduate Psychology track. Valuable opportunities include volunteering with Nashville CARES, studying abroad in 65+ countries like Japan, pursuing the Buchanan Fellowship, and participating in Psi Chi Honor Society.
B.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
MTSU Blue Raiders looking to build business acumen within bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee would prefer the B.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Approved for the Academic Common Market, this 43-credit major focuses on applying behavioral science to help employers resolve human workforce issues. Candidates must pass courses in personnel selection, salary administration, abnormal psychology, personality, cognition, and psychological testing. Lab apprenticeships are available with the Center for Organizational and Human Resource Effectiveness (COHRE). Students have also interned at Nissan USA, Vanderbilt Hospital, Bridgestone Inc., and more.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2706
psychology@mtsu.edu
Milligan College
School of Social Sciences & Education
Affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, Milligan College is a selective private, nonprofit liberal arts school with a $23.3 million endowment and over 1,200 Buffaloes studying upon its 181-acre suburban campus in Upper East Tennessee. Graded B+ as America’s 81st “Best Christian College” on Niche, Milligan is deemed the 22nd top regional university and fourth-best value in the South by the USNWR. Maintaining an impressive 9:1 student-faculty ratio, the School of Social Sciences & Education offers 16 undergraduate study options from geography to gender studies.
Psychology Major
Offering a B.A. or B.S., the Psychology Major at Milligan retains 81 percent of freshmen who immediately begin shaping substantive social science knowledge for investigating behavioral patterns. Adhering to APA standards, the 36-credit major offers two distinct tracks: General Psychology or Pre-Professional. Students could also add the Secondary Teaching Grades 9-12 Licensure with extra educational practicum. Before the Major Field Test, coursework spans developmental, social, cognitive, physiological, and learning psychology. Students may benefit from the Appalachian Service Project, New York City Semester, and RISE Above Research programs too.
Child and Youth Development Degree Completion
Transferring adults wishing to earn bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee for working with children could instead choose Milligan’s Child and Youth Development Degree Completion option. This B.S. is reserved for individuals with 52+ college-level credits from regionally accredited schools and at least two years of work experience. Rooted in behavioral sciences, the 35-credit major offers licensure and non-licensure tracks for Early Childhood Education depending on students’ intention to take the Praxis exam. Accelerated learning can unlock careers in preschools, community centers, hospitals, group homes, child welfare agencies, and more.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 Blowers Boulevard
Milligan College, TN 37682
(423) 461-8700
admission@milligan.edu
Learning about the work of influential psychologists like Ivan Pavlov and Jean Piaget is simple with the Southeast’s multitude of behavioral science schools. We’ll conclude our listing of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee (R-Z) here.
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