Psychology is one of the largest major fields of study in the United States, and students considering this career path would benefit by completing one of the top psychology degree programs in the South. Although master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology are terminal degrees that can lead to various employment positions, an undergraduate degree in psychology can also be a stepping stone to a number of career options. For instance, students completing degrees in psychology can apply their liberal arts education to fields such as:
- business
- human resources
- law
- medicine, to name a few.
The southern region of the U.S. is home to hundreds of fully accredited and respected universities and colleges offering training in psychology. From undergraduate to graduate programs in general psychology as well as specialized subfields of the discipline, the following ranking highlights the top 20 psychology degree programs in the South.
Methodology
This ranking list has been developed to help students narrow down the top 20 psychology degree programs in the South. To begin, we conducted a search for the term “Bachelor’s in Psychology degree” using the College Navigator database at the National Center for Education Statistics. We narrowed down the initial pool of 140 schools before finding the top 20 programs in the South based on the following ranking criteria.
Average Cost of Attendance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a psychology degree program is the average cost of attendance. The most expensive programs are not always the best, and the cheapest options are not always terrible. We compiled data from each institution as well as the National Center for Education Statistics and awarded points based on the following table.
Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $39,999: 2 points
$40,000 or more: 1 point
College Ranking
When choosing a psychology degree program, it’s also important to consider whether the school and its program are recognized by a national ranking body such as U.S. News & World Report. We used data compiled from ranking lists for best regional school, best national university, best value school, and top public school as well as best regional universities in the South and awarded points accordingly.
Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Best Regional Universities South Ranking
Top 10: 5 points
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 point
Top 100: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Top Public School, Best Value School Ranking
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point
University Acceptance Rates
Psychology degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels are growing in popularity across the country because more students are realizing that they can apply their degrees to a number of professional settings. As a result, schools are becoming increasingly competitive in terms of how many undergraduates they admit into their programs. We awarded points based on the following acceptance ranges using data obtained from U.S. News & World Report.
Acceptance Rates:
More than 90 percent: 5 points
81 percent to 90 percent: 4 points
61 percent to 80 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 60 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point
Percentage of Classes With 20 or Fewer Students
Although larger colleges and universities provide benefits to students looking for a diverse range of opportunities, smaller class sizes often result in closer relationships between faculty and students. There are also more chances for one-on-one research experiences or individualized studies. We awarded points based on the following percentages of each institution’s classes that enrolled 20 or fewer students.
Points
More than 60 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 59 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point
Accreditation
Accreditation is critical when selecting a prospective psychology degree program. It ensures that the school has met and exceeded high standards of quality in terms of its:
- tuition rates
- faculty
- student learning outcomes
- quality of programs
- mission statement
Although some psychology degree programs have been recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA), this ranking only evaluated schools based on regional and/or national accreditation.
Points:
Each Accreditation: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the South
20. Lipscomb University
Nashville, Tennessee
Lipscomb University offers graduate degrees in psychology, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
Points: 8
Program Website
Lipscomb University is a private Christian liberal arts university. The school’s psychology department offers a number of programs in the field of psychology, including:
- undergraduate degrees in both psychology and family science
- graduate degrees in psychology
- clinical mental health counseling
- marriage and family therapy
Students benefit from a number of opportunities to excel both outside and inside the classroom such as:
- working closely with faculty members to conduct psychological research
- participating in internship experiences
- attending and presenting research at local conferences
Students may also choose to become active in the Chi Sigma Iota National Honor Society in Counseling or the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology.
Degree Options:
Psychology
Family Science
Psychology (M.S.)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
Average Program Cost: $32,144
Acceptance Rates: 60 percent
Class Percentage: 56.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#194 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
19. Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
The Bachelor’s in Psychology trains students in the basic principles of modern general psychology as well as the many specialty areas within the field.
Points: 9
Program Website
Union University is a private Christian liberal arts college that also operates campuses in Hendersonville and Germantown. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The program trains students in the basic principles of modern general psychology as well as the many specialty areas within the field. Faculty members represent more than 40 years of cumulative experience as school psychologists and counselors, thus enriching and enhancing classroom teaching. Students benefit from:
- direct interaction with faculty
- intentionally small class sizes
- a Christian context-based curriculum
Practicum requirements, research presentations, and applied research provide:
- learning
- service
- practical experiences.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $32,610
Acceptance Rates: 60 percent
Class Percentage: 77.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#152 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
18. Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
The BA in Psychology develops knowledge of the field through the study of significant applications, research, and theories.
Points: 9
Program Website
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a private, historically black university. Hampton’s Department of Psychology is the second-leading producer of African-American psychology graduates in the country. The Department is one of the school’s most successful as measured by the number of graduating students, returning students, and enrolling students. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and develop knowledge of the field through the study of:
- significant applications
- research
- theories.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $22,630
Acceptance Rates: 36 percent
Class Percentage: 53.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#27 in Regional Universities South
#52 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
17. Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Students in psychology at Mercer University develop a strong foundation of the philosophical, theoretical, and scientific elements of the field.
Points: 11
Program Website
Mercer University is a private university that enrolls more than 8,600 students in its 12 schools and colleges. The school’s psychology major features several critical focus areas. Students develop a strong foundation in the philosophical, theoretical, and scientific elements of the field.
Students also strengthen their skills in:
- research
- technology
- communication
- writing
- critical thinking
Undergraduates have opportunities to participate in independent research projects based on their own interests. Faculty members operate research groups where students are encouraged to further their skills in real-world settings. In addition, many classes feature supporting laboratory components as part of the course requirements.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $36,594
Acceptance Rates: 73 percent
Class Percentage: 57.3 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#35 in Best Value Schools
#140 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
16. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida
The psychology curriculum integrates an understanding of how humans function physiologically, emotionally, and intellectually with interdisciplinary theory and knowledge.
Points: 12
Program Website
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree programs in:
- engineering
- business
- aviation
- sciences
- arts
The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology is the only program of its kind in the country. The curriculum integrates an understanding of how humans function:
- physiologically
- emotionally
- intellectually
This is done with interdisciplinary theory and knowledge. Students study the techniques and content of human factors research, including:
- computer techniques
- survey methods
- experimental design
- statistical and quantitative procedures
- other research methodologies
Students pursuing this degree have the option to accelerate their studies and earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as few as five years.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology
Average Program Cost: $35,714
Acceptance Rates: 75 percent
Class Percentage: 21 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#46 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
15. Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
The psychology program prepares students for graduate work in psychology as well as for careers in human resources, human services, and psychology.
Points: 13
Program Website
Opened in 1950 as Bellarmine College, Bellarmine University is an independent, private Catholic University. Bellarmine’s psychology department offers a psychology major that emphasizes a scientific approach to the study of human behavior. It’s supported by field placements and research projects. Students complete these research requirements under close supervision and interactions with the entire faculty.
Students may choose from:
- a general psychology concentration
- a clinical and counseling concentration
- or a human resources concentration
The program prepares students for graduate work in psychology as well as for careers in:
- human resources
- human services
- psychology.
Degree Options:
Psychology Major
Average Program Cost: $41,800
Acceptance Rates: 89 percent
Class Percentage: 57.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 in Regional Universities South
#33 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
14. Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Most of the courses in the psychology programs contain laboratory components.
Points: 14
Program Website
Loyola University New Orleans, originally established as Loyola College in 1904, is a private Jesuit university. The school offers a number of programs, including bachelor’s degrees in psychology and the psychological sciences. The sequence of courses are nontraditional by design. Most classes contain laboratory components, providing a solid preparation that is not always available in psychology departments at smaller liberal arts universities.
The practicum program is nationally recognized, and the undergraduate thesis program in psychology produces award-winning research projects. Faculty members are:
- professional psychologists
- experts in several disciplines of psychology
- nationally recognized researchers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences Pre-Health
Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $39,692
Acceptance Rates: 69 percent
Class Percentage: 53.3 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#12 in Regional Universities South
#12 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
13. Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
The general psychology coursework at Queens University introduces students to the basic principals of psychology.
Points:
Program Website
Queens University of Charlotte is a private university. It enrolls approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that consists of two optional areas of study:
- human and community services
- general psychology
General coursework introduces students to basic principles of psychology. Upper-level courses offer opportunities for further study in specific areas of interest. Courses are available in:
- clinical issues
- abnormal psychology
- physiological psychology
- cognition
- learning
- social psychology
- developmental psychology
Students also benefit from opportunities for internships and independent studies.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $33,434
Acceptance Rates: 79 percent
Class Percentage: 63.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#18 in Regional Universities South
#32 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
12. Elon University
Elon, North Carolina
The Bachelor’s in Psychology emphasizes the field as an applied and basic science.
Points: 15
Program Website
Established in 1889, Elon University is a private liberal arts university that enrolls more than 6,500 students per year. The Department of Psychology represents the school’s largest liberal arts major. At the heart of the Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is an emphasis on the field as an applied and basic science. Required courses cover areas such as:
- research methods and statistics
- behavioral neuroscience
- cognitive psychology
- social psychology
- lifespan development
It offers a range of research opportunities, internships, and courses normally associated with a larger school. However, it’s small enough to provide intimate personal mentoring. The psychology program is based on the idea that students learn psychology best through active participation.
Degree Options:
Psychology A.B.
Average Program Cost: $35,319
Acceptance Rates: 67 percent
Class Percentage: 50.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Regional Universities South
#30 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
11. College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
The BA in Psychology provides a broad overview of the field for students considering entering a career in human services, business, education, or social work.
Points: 15
Program Website
Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is a public space- and sea-grant university. Students pursuing a psychology degree at the College of Charleston can choose from either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
The B.A. provides a broad overview of the field for students considering entering a career in:
- human services
- business
- education
- social work
The B.S. is useful for those looking to pursue:
- medical research
- neuroscience
- advanced graduate-level study in psychology
In both programs, students study many traditional subject areas as well as more recently uncovered areas of psychological study.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Average Program Cost: $12,738
Acceptance Rates: 80 percent
Class Percentage: 40.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Top Public Schools
#11 in Regional Universities South
#62 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
10. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
The Master’s in Psychology offers three degree concentrations.
Points: 15
Program Website
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, also referred to as UNC Wilmington or The Dub, is a public research university. It enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students each year. The department of psychology offers both an undergraduate and graduate degree in psychology.
The bachelor’s program allows students to work closely with faculty to investigate a wide variety of topics. Undergraduates can apply what they have learned in the classroom in community research projects or practicum experiences.
The master’s program in psychology consists of three concentrations. Each emphasizes the scientific principles and methods common to all fields of psychology. Supervised research and a thesis are required.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $7,048
Acceptance Rates: 67 percent
Class Percentage: 27.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 in Top Public Schools
#15 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#63 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
9. Rollins College
Winter Park, Florida
The psychology department offers both bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Points: 16
Program Website
Founded in 1885, Rollins College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college. Students may choose from either a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both programs use the content and methods of psychological science to teach students to understand the reasons behind others’ and their own behavior. Student also learn to:
- respect human diversity
- become critical and competent decision-makers
- fulfill their social responsibilities
All psychology majors develop invaluable life skills and benefit from individual mentoring. They have the opportunity to tailor their degree to meet their interests and professional goals.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $49,760
Acceptance Rates: 64 percent
Class Percentage: 74.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Regional Universities South
#19 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
8. Stetson University
DeLand, Florida
The BS in Psychology consists of coursework in behavioral statistics, research methods, and a senior project.
Points: 16
Program Website
Established in 1883, Stetson University operates a primary undergraduate campus in DeLand, Florida as well as three other colleges and schools throughout Central Florida. Stetson enrolls more than 4,000 students each year in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree that consists of:
- coursework in behavioral statistics
- research methods
- a senior project
The curriculum is broken into five pillars of psychology:
- biological
- cognitive
- developmental
- social and personality
- physical and mental health
Graduate programs are also available in:
- marriage, couple, and family counseling
- school counseling
- clinical mental health counseling.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master’s Degree in School Counseling
Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
Average Program Cost: $46,030
Acceptance Rates: 68 percent
Class Percentage: 60.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Regional Universities South
#17 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
7. Belmont University
Nashville, Tennessee
The psychology department offers both a BA and a BS in Psychology.
Points: 16
Program Website
Belmont University is a private Christian liberal arts university. It continues to emphasize a Christian identity despite cutting ties with the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 2007. Students seeking a degree in psychology can choose from either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Major requirements for both programs include:
- an introductory seminar
- research methods
- a senior capstone seminar in psychology
Students have the option of tailoring their degree to meet their interests and career goals. They gain valuable practical experience through a number of community internships. Undergraduates also may choose to present their research and develop important contacts at national and regional meetings.
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.A./B.S.
Average Program Cost: $34,310
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 42.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#37 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
6. University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, Virginia
The psychology department offers a BS in Psychology.
Points: 16
Program Website
Founded in 1908 as the Fredericksburg Teachers College, the University of Mary Washington was renamed Mary Washington College in 1938 after Mary Ball Washington, mother of former president George Washington.
The Department of Psychological Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree that is for students who will be entering the workforce upon graduation and for those planning to pursue graduate training in the social sciences. Students receive a broad background in academic psychology as well as rigorous training in:
- experimental methodology
- statistics
- research techniques
Students are also encouraged to participate in internships and to work on independent research projects that they may then present at local, statewide, regional, and/or national conferences.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $12,654
Acceptance Rates: 73 percent
Class Percentage: 47.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Top Public Schools
#19 in Regional Universities South
#64 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
5. Christopher Newport University
Newport News, Virginia
Students can receive either a BA or a BS in Psychology from Christopher Newport University.
Points: 17
Program Website
Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts university. It’s the youngest comprehensive postsecondary institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Christopher Newport’s department of psychology offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that covers the breadth of modern psychology.
Students are required to study and master:
- the methods and literature of the field
- courses emphasizing theory
- practical applications
- techniques of psychological science
Students also have the opportunity to take part in:
- team research projects
- individual faculty-mentored research opportunities
- seminars
- field experiences.
Degree Options:
Psychology, B.A.
Psychology, B.S.
Average Program Cost: $26,574
Acceptance Rates: 72 percent
Class Percentage: 59 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Top Public Schools
#10 in Regional Universities South
#54 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
4. James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
James Madison University offers numerous research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Points: 17
Program Website
JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The JMU Department of Psychology offers two undergraduate programs: a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. The Department of Graduate Psychology and Counseling offers nine distinct graduate degrees.
All programs share the common goals of:
- personal and professional growth
- development of applied and research skills
- academic excellence
Students benefit from small, seminar-style classes and individualized academic advising with involved, concerned faculty. Both undergraduate and graduate students may also take advantage of numerous research opportunities.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.Ed. – College Student Personnel Administration
M.A./Ed.S. – School Psychology
M.Ed. – School Counseling
M.A./Ed.S. – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Ph.D. – Counseling and Supervision
Ph.D. – Assessment and Measurement
Psy.D. – Clinical and School Psychology
Average Program Cost: $11,386
Acceptance Rates: 75 percent
Class Percentage: 33.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Top Public Schools
#6 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#60 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
3. Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
The psychology department of Samford University offers a BA in Psychology.
Points: 18
Program Website
Founded as Howard College in 1841, Samford University is the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the country. It enrolls 5,600 students from 30 countries and 44 states. The Howard College of Arts and Sciences at Samford offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
The program studies the external and internal influences that direct behavior and thought. These range from genetics and basic neuroscience through cultural and social influences. Psychology majors also receive a strong foundation in research skills. These enable them to think critically about behavior and conduct their own research projects. The program stresses the application of psychological knowledge to help others.
Degree Options:
Psychology Major (B.A.)
Average Program Cost: $31,650
Acceptance Rates: 83 percent
Class Percentage: 65.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Regional Universities South
#25 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
2. Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
The department of psychology emphasizes empirical scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the application of psychology to daily functioning.
Points: 19
Program Website
Founded as a teacher’s college in 1899, Appalachian State University is a comprehensive public university. The Department of Psychology supports a number of both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology. The Department is comprised of dedicated faculty who emphasize:
- empirical scientific inquiry
- critical thinking
- the application of psychology to daily functioning
Degree options include:
- a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology
- an M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management
- an M.A. in Psychology with a concentration in either clinical psychology or experimental psychology
Regardless of the program chosen, the school promotes an understanding of the science of psychology and its importance to the community of scholars, members of the University community, and the public.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management
Master of Arts in Psychology – Clinical Psychology Concentration
Master of Arts in Psychology – Experimental Psychology Concentration
School Psychology, SSP/MA
Average Program Cost: $7,303
Acceptance Rates: 70 percent
Class Percentage: 32.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Top Public Schools
#8 in Regional Universities South
#20 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
1. The Citadel
Charleston, South Carolina
The Citadel offers an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as two graduate degree programs.
Points: 20
Program Website
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is a state-supported, comprehensive college. Established in 1842, it is one of six U.S. senior military colleges. Citadel offers an undergraduate degree in psychology as well as two graduate degree programs.
The B.A. in Psychology is strongly established in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. It emphasizes training in the humanities and sciences with a focus on the study of human behavior. Psychology majors develop an approach to their studies that combines an objective, empirical methodology built upon statistical and observational strategies. Graduates are prepared for graduate study in any subfields of psychology as well as for employment in careers that require motivating and understanding others.
Degree Options:
B.A. Degree Program in Psychology
Ed.S. Degree Program in School Psychology
M.A. Degree Program in Clinical Counseling
Average Program Cost: $12,516
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 40.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#3 in Regional Universities South
#11 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
SACSCOC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree?
Although a master’s or doctorate is required to work as a psychologist, a bachelor’s degree can be a valuable starting point for a number of career paths across a range of industries. Most students with a bachelor’s in psychology degree go on to work in human or social services as:
- case managers
- rehabilitation specialists
- psychiatric technicians
- career counselors
These positions require skills taught in undergraduate programs. These include the abilities to:
- express empathy and compassion
- keep accurate and organized records
- evaluate the needs of a client
- work towards the client’s best interests
Other common career paths for someone who has completed a bachelor’s in psychology degree include:
- Advertising Agent
- Laboratory Assistant
- Childcare Worker
- Parole or Probation Officer
- Market Researcher
- Sales Representative
- Writer
- Teacher
- Social Service Specialist
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
The field of psychology is vast, so narrowing down this industry to one specific salary range is difficult. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups the main areas of psychology together for the purpose of gathering employment data.
For instance, the BLS indicates that general psychologists earned an average salary of $77,030 per year or $37.03 per hour as of May 2017, the most recent information available. The highest 10 percent of psychologists earned more than $124,520 per year, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,330.
The BLS also reports that clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned an average annual wage of $81,330 per year as of May 2017. The highest 10 percent of professionals in these fields earned $123,920 annually, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,460. A third group, mental health counselors, reportedly earned $46,050 per year as of May 2016. The highest 10 percent earned more than $70,100, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,950.
Salary will depend not only on the field in which one works but also the location, level of experience, and level of education. In addition, those with a terminal master’s or doctoral degree are typically awarded more responsibilities and are able to command higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
What Will You Study in a Bachelor’s in Psychology Program?
Although exact course requirements will vary depending on the school and the specific program, there are a number of classes that undergraduate students can expect to take while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Students receive:
- a broad overview of the field
- core concepts and a history of the field
- an introduction to scientific methodology
- specialization areas.
Coursework for bachelor’s in psychology degrees may include:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychology of Education
- Perspectives on Psychological Issues
- Psychology of Aging
- Introduction to Drugs and Behavior
- Introduction to General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sex, Evolution, and Human Behavior
- Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
Psychology is a versatile degree. There exists a common misconception that a bachelor’s degree in psychology by itself is useless. The reality is that this degree can function as either a stepping stone to graduate study or be applied to several other career paths than psychology. Whether you want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree or you are seeking employment after graduation, our list of the top 20 psychology degree programs in the South can help to get you started.
OPD Staff
