Turning your service-oriented hobbies into a long-lasting career in the “Volunteer State” begins with bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee. Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, Tennessee is America’s 17th most populous state with 6.65 million residents. Music is perhaps Tennessee’s claim to fame, but its $233.9 billion economy is highly diverse. Psychology graduates enter a healthy social service sector with top employers like Community Health Systems Inc., Baptist Memorial, and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. The BLS reports that Tennessee employs 30,340 community advocates, including 1,690 psychologists making a mean annual wage of $74,660. Southerners wanting to help others achieve good mental health can discover success with the following psychology schools in Tennessee.
Argosy University-Nashville
College of Arts and Sciences
Originally opened by Michael Markovitz in 1976 as the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University a for-profit learning system enrolling over 24,800 students online and at 29 U.S.-based campuses, including Nashville. Deemed America’s 87th best online college on Niche, Argosy is continually selected for G.I. Jobs magazine’s “Military Friendly Schools.” The College of Arts and Sciences develops problem-solving skills with five bachelor’s degrees from business to information technology.
Psychology (B.A.)
Argosy’s Psychology (B.A.) is designed for flexibility with accelerated online or on-site courses in Nashville for Tennesseans seeking a broad introduction to social sciences theory. The 45-credit major offers six concentrations: Advanced Studies in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Organizational Psychology, Substance Abuse, or Child and Adolescent Studies. Presently charging $559 per credit, the program takes 40 months on average. Graduates may continue for the M.A. in Forensic Psychology or M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
100 Centerview Drive Suite 225
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 525-2800
materialsreview@argosy.edu
Austin Peay State University
College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
Operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents, Austin Peay State University is a public, co-educational teaching institution endowed for $22 million that’s educating over 10,100 Governors from 160 urban acres in Clarksville near the Kentucky border. Recognized for America’s 137th best campus on Niche, APSU is declared the 79th best university and 29th top public school in the South by the U.S. News. The College of Behavioral and Health Sciences utilizes an 18:1 student-faculty ratio for nine engaging majors like nursing and social work.
Psychological Science (B.S.)
Adopted to the APA’s learning goals, the Psychological Science (B.S.) prepares Austin Peay State undergrads to critically review scientific literature on human and animal behavior. The 41-credit major covers courses in behavioral statistics, sensory processes, cognition, social interaction, and more before a capstone research or field experience. Other valuable opportunities include leading the Psi Chi Chapter, interning at Western State Hospital, participating in the annual Help an Elf event, and studying abroad in Taiwan or Argentina.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Clement Building Room 205
P.O. Box 4537
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7233
knickmeyern@apsu.edu
Belmont University
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Taking over 7,300 Bruins “From Here to Anywhere,” Belmont University is Tennessee’s second-largest private, co-educational Christian liberal arts school standing on a 75-acre urban campus in Nashville near the Cumberland River. Ranked 18th on the Institute of International Education’s “Open Doors Report,” Belmont is the South’s sixth top college and second most innovative school according to the USNWR. With the region’s #2 best undergraduate teaching, the College of Sciences & Mathematics presents 10 majors from medical technology to biochemistry.
Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.)
Retaining 83 percent of freshmen, the Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.) program at Belmont nurtures students’ intellectual and personal development for applying scientific principles of behavior in societal betterment. The 128-credit curriculum offers five concentrations, including Occupational Therapy, Pre-Med, and Pre-Physical Therapy. Experiential learning is integrated with research in the Physiological Psychology Lab, internships with the Tennessee Voices for Children, and study abroad trips to Zhengzhou University. Alumni have excelled at top-notch graduate schools like Harvard and Vanderbilt.
Neuroscience Major (B.S.)
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Science program initiated Belmont’s Neuroscience Major (B.S.) to transform undergrads’ understanding of the brain and its behavioral effects. Biology, psychology, chemistry, and computer science converge in the 128-credit curriculum with an optional Neurobiology Minor. Students are mentored by PhD-level faculty on research projects like the National Institute of Health’s BRAIN Initiative. Majors may also join the Society for Neuroscience, become inducted in the Tri-Beta Chapter, pursue the Pathways Scholarship, and intern at the Centerstone Behavioral Health Organization.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
McWhorter Hall Room 420
1900 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 460-6806
linda.jones@belmont.edu
Bethel University
College of Arts and Sciences
Affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethel University is a private, nonprofit teaching institution enrolling over 5,800 students from a main 100-acre rural campus in McKenzie just 25 miles from Martin and satellites from Memphis to Chattanooga. On Niche, Bethel stands as America’s 100th “Best Online College” and 291st “Best Christian College.” The College of Arts and Sciences admits 84 percent of applicants in 23 majors.
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Psychology
Requiring on-campus attendance in McKenzie, the Bachelor of Arts or Science in Psychology trains Bethel Wildcats to empirically examine the underlying roots of behavioral and mental processes. The 42-credit major takes a liberal arts or natural science approach to exploring various psychological branches, including developmental, experimental, cognitive, learning, social, and clinical. Within the Vera Low Student Center, students also get involved in Psych Club’s events, including self-defense seminars and hypnotic training.
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Human Services
Another of the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee at Bethel is the Bachelor of Arts or Science in Human Services. Centered on a 48-credit major, the program takes an applied, interdisciplinary approach for preparing God’s followers to improve community well-being. Courses are held face-to-face in McKenzie to cover psychology, sociology, history, religion, and health science. Students can apply their skills with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and several internship partners, including Tennova West.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Campbell Hall Third Floor
325 Cherry Avenue
McKenzie, TN 38201
(731) 352-6427
moorea@bethelu.edu
Bryan College
School of Adult & Graduate Studies
After the 1925 Scopes Trial, Bryan College was established by William Jennings Bryan as a private, Christian liberal arts institution and endowed for $6 million to serve 750 Lions from a 125-acre rural campus in Dayton within Rhea County. Graded B+ as America’s 21st “Best Online College” on Niche, Bryan is ranked the 72nd best regional university in the South by the USNWR. The School of Adult & Graduate Studies offers six “Military Friendly” online degrees offering a $1,000 Helping Heroes Grant.
Online B.S. in Applied Psychology
Grounded in an ethical, Christ-centered framework, the Online B.S. in Applied Psychology program at Bryan stays consistent with God’s Word while evaluating human behavior and thought. The 124-credit program is available wholly online with accelerated, six-week classes for non-traditional students interested in human services careers. Credits could be covered via the Tennessee Transfer Pathway for graduating in just 18 months. Program start dates occur every other month to immediately delve into courses like counseling and childhood growth with a third-term psychology practicum.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
721 Bryan Drive
Dayton, TN 37321
(423) 939-9574
info@bryan.edu
Carson-Newman University
Division of Undergraduate Studies
Occupying a 200-acre suburban campus in Jefferson City in East Tennessee, Carson-Newman University is a private, nonprofit Baptist liberal arts institution serving a record enrollment of over 2,500 learners with a $49 million endowment. Named the seventh top baccalaureate university in Washington Monthly, C-N is ranked the South’s 59th best college and 13th best value by the U.S. News. The Division of Undergraduate Studies has a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for diverse bachelor’s majors from linguistics to dietetics.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Housed in the Chambliss Building, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology gives C-N Eagles a liberal arts education with comprehensive introduction to behavioral theory for allied health leadership from a spiritual perspective. The 31-credit major offers three concentrations for General Psychology, Applied Psychology, or Social Entrepreneurship. There’s also a Positive Psychology or Developmental Psychology Minor. Bachelor’s students can benefit from joining Psi Chi, writing APA-style research, participating in the Student Chaplaincy Program, and studying abroad in China or Spain.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1646 Russell Avenue
Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865) 471-3223
registrar@cn.edu
Christian Brothers University
Rosa Deal School of Arts
Tracing its origins to St. John Baptist de la Salle, Christian Brothers University is Memphis’ oldest private, nonprofit Catholic institution endowed for $34.5 million to educate around 1,700 Buccaneers from 76 urban acres in “Blues City.” Graded B on Niche, CBU is ranked the South’s 28th best university, 20th most veteran-friendly school, and 11th top value by the U.S. News. The Rosa Deal School of Arts has a yearly net price of $15,053 for teaching Lasallian values in 13 majors from history to creative writing.
B.A. in Psychology
The Behavioral Sciences Department maintains a productive research atmosphere for students in CBU’s B.A. in Psychology program to expand their knowledge on the human condition. Starting with Psych 105, the 120-credit curriculum allows students to specialize with Criminology, Engineering Psychology, or Sociology Minor. Majors benefit from entering Psi Chi, participating in the Gerard A. Vanderhaar Symposium, studying abroad in 18 countries, declaring Honors, and completing the Nonprofit Internship Community Experience (NICE).
B.A. in Applied Psychology
Offered with emphases in Organizational Psychology or Consumer Behavior, the B.A. in Applied Psychology at CBU blends behavioral theory with a business strategy to help promote workplace well-being. Boasting 97 percent job placement, the 120-credit program includes courses in human development, media psychology, gender studies, human factors, business decision making, and persuasion. Seniors could add a 100-hour field practicum at placements like Memphis City Government, St. Francis Hospital, and Federal Express Corporation.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
650 E. Parkway South
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 321-4297
rvogl@cbu.edu
Cumberland University
School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts
Celebrating its 175th anniversary, Cumberland University is historically linked to the Presbyterian Church as a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution with over 1,500 Phoenix on its 44-acre suburban campus in Lebanon within Middle Tennessee. Ranked America’s 311st “Hardest College to Get Into” on Niche, Cumberland was placed as the 30th most affordable selective school by Best Value Schools. The School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts retains 66 percent of freshmen choosing their six majors from English to public service.
Psychology Major
Leading to a B.S., Cumberland’s Psychology Major offers in-depth, experiential learning to sharpen students’ awareness of the human mind’s complexities for behavioral science. The 39-credit major offers four concentrations in Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Experimental Psychology, or Social Psychology. Most student-centered courses are on-site in Lebanon, but some are available online via The NET.WORK. Majors can also engage in community outreach with the Pi Gamma Mu Chapter, Circle K Club, and Ride for Reading program.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 Cumberland Square
Lebanon, TN 37087
(615) 547-1338
jmason@cumberland.edu
East Tennessee State University
College of Arts & Sciences
Endowed for $115 million, East Tennessee State University is the fourth-largest public, co-educational research institution serving approximately 14,300 scholars in Appalachia with a 340-acre urban campus standing within Johnson City. Crowned America’s 332nd “Most Conservative College” on Niche, ETSU is ranked the 236th top public university nationally by Forbes. The College of Arts & Sciences encourages good citizenship across 18 departments, including the Medical Professions Advisement program.
Psychology Major, B.A./B.S.
ETSU’s upper-division Psychology Major confers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science for Buccaneers who are dedicated to advancing society’s understanding of the brain and behavior. Along with a General concentration, students can emphasize in Behavioral Neuroscience, Child Psychological Science, Clinical Psychological Science, or Cognitive Science. The Honors in Discipline (HID) Program is available for majors holding a minimum 3.5 psychology GPA. Other opportunities include researching in the Infant Visual Cognition Lab, interning at the Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic, or joining Psi Chi.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
420 Rogers-Stout Hall
P.O. Box 70649
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4424
psych@etsu.edu
Fisk University
School of Humanities and Behavioral Social Sciences
Since becoming the first SACS-accredited private, historically black school in 1930, Fisk University has grown to serve over 800 diverse students in the UNCF from 40 urban acres around Jubilee Hall in downtown Nashville. Given a Forbes financial grade of “A,” Fisk is ranked America’s 171st best liberal arts college and 8th top HBCU by the U.S. News. The School of Humanities and Behavioral Social Sciences cultivates leaders from music to education with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
B.A. in Psychology
Consisting of 32 major credits and plentiful electives, the B.A. in Psychology at Fisk takes undergrad Bulldogs on a social sciences exploration to apply theories toward real-world problems, especially in African American communities. After orientation, freshmen immediately enroll in coursework on cognitive science, quasi-experimental design, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and more. Students gain hands-on lab experience in facilities like the NSF Center of Excellence for Biological Signatures and Sensing (BIOSS). Majors may also join the Minority Access to Research Careers program.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1000 17th Avenue NW
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 329-8564
dasmith@fisk.edu
Freed-Hardeman University
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Nestled on a 96-acre rural campus in Henderson just 17 miles southeast of Jackson, Freed-Hardeman University is a private, nonprofit teaching institution tied to the Churches of Christ to enlighten over 1,900 Lions with a $50 million endowment. Ranked America’s 191st “Best College with No Application Fee” on Niche, FHU is the 43rd best regional college and 14th top value according to the U.S. News. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences supports Christian service in five majors under the Tennessee Department of Education.
B.S. Major in Psychology
Featuring a Biblical core, the B.S. Major in Psychology at Freed-Hardeman is a full-time, residential program for God’s children to expand their awareness of normal and maladaptive human behavior. From Hall-Roland Hall, the 126-credit curriculum instills the vocational skills to enter various community service occupations with confidence and compassion. Majors could participate in the FHU Connections Series, studying abroad in Costa Rica, attend the Annual Bible Lectureship, and intern at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. There’s also a B.S. Major in Child and Family Studies.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
158 East Main Street
Henderson, TN 38340
(731) 989-6645
lbeene@fhu.edu
Don’t pick your college match quite yet because we’ve only started evaluating the plethora of undergraduate majors for Tennesseans to study behavior. Check back soon for our next journey from Memphis to Knoxville in search of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Tennessee here.
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