Best Psychology colleges in the U.S. 2024

Northwestern University’s psychology department prepares students who would like to pursue psychology across sectors as a human resource manager, organizational consultant, or family therapist. This program includes bachelor’s degree paths and five Ph.D. tracks, which include but are not limited to clinical psychology, personality development, and social psychology. Classes are currently available both in-person and remotely, though some required courses may include in-person labs. Students at Northwestern are encouraged to observe practicing psychologists in the Chicago metro to further their professional experience before graduation.

The psychology department at Columbia University provides a foundation for graduate students who want to become therapists, counselors, or even human resource managers. Students interested in exploring this graduate degree learn how to conduct clinical studies, and how to work with clients in a therapy session. Before applying for graduate programs at Columbia, the admissions department recommends prospective students identify faculty members to help supervise their Ph.D. pursuit. It is common for students to complete an on or off-campus internship at a private practice or participate in a research study in the New York City metro.

For students interested in pursuing a psychology degree in California, UC Davis offers undergraduate and graduate tracks with ample research opportunities on-campus. Graduate students can pursue specializations in biological psychology, social personality psychology, and cognitive neuroscience to name a few. Undergraduates are advised to apply to internships during their program and in summer breaks to gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable when they apply for professional roles post-graduation.

The psychology department at UC Santa Barbara offers classes geared toward students preparing to enter into the field as a clinical psychologist, family therapist, or enter into research at the academic level. In the classroom, students have opportunities to study mental illness, complete observational labs with faculty, as well as attend off-campus internships at private practices.

The University of Denver offers bachelor’s and Ph.D. programs in the department of psychology for students in Colorado who have an interest in working with children in a clinical psychology setting or as a therapist in a private practice. Courses that contribute to this program include cognitive development, counseling, and social psychology. Graduates should note that Denver has a large network locally to assist recent graduates in post-graduation job placement.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor’s psychology department is a top school for students interested in pursuing a career working as clinical psychologists, therapists, or research specialists. Their program areas include specialties like gender and femenist psychology, as well as cognitive neuroscience. Students should expect a rigorous workload, extensive practicum observation time, and professional internships to further their experience.

For New York City residents with aspirations of pursuing a degree in psychology, Fordham University offers bachelor's and master’s programs designed to prepare students for jobs working in clinical settings. The university also offers Doctorate degrees in Applied Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology for those who wish to further their research experience and tap into the school’s local network for post-graduation job placement.