Ever wonder what makes a person tick? If you’re curious about how the mind works, then earning a psychology degree at a top program in Arizona might be the right move for you.
Human relationships are the most essential element of our society, which is why psychology is such a vital field of practice. The study of psychology leads to a better understanding of how people think, behave, and develop. This growing field offers well-paying jobs, particularly in Arizona.
Our guide to the top psychology programs in Arizona outlines the various degrees you can earn, a breakdown of the various jobs available, how much each pays, what your education could cost, and more.
Best Psychology Colleges in Arizona
You’re probably wondering: What makes a degree program in psychology worthwhile?
It’s important to consider factors such as institutional quality, the cost of tuition, program accreditation, student support and resources, and the number of degree options and specializations available.
To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of top universities that offer the best psychology programs in Arizona. These schools are just a preview of our full ranking guide coming later in 2024.
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in psychology, from a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in applied human behavior to a doctorate in combined psychology and school counseling. Additionally, students pursuing a master’s degree in psychology can specialize in various areas, including school psychology, clinical mental health counseling, and human relations, among others.
Northern Arizona University also offers online degree programs including an MEd in Human Relations and a Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Human Development and Learning. Each program at Northern Arizona University is accredited by the relevant accrediting organization, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the National Association of School Psychologists.
Tuition for an undergraduate program cost $11,352 per year. For full-time graduate students, tuition is set at $11,846 per year for in-person courses and $14,640 for online courses.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies – Applied Human Behavior
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Educational Specialist in School Psychology
- MEd in School Counseling
- MEd in Counseling – Student Affairs
- MEd in Human Relations
- Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Human Development and Learning
- Graduate Certificate in College and Career Readiness
- PhD in Combined Counseling and School Psychology
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers various psychology degree programs both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Undergraduate students can earn a BS in psychology, psychological science, and neuroscience. They can also pursue a BA in psychology.
ASU has five graduate degree programs in psychology, including an MS in Addiction Psychology and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis. There’s also a PhD in Psychology, a PhD in Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods), and a graduate certificate in Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders. Students can choose from five specializations, including Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Science, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology.
Additionally, students have access to in-person and online tutoring sessions and student groups, among other resources. That includes research, volunteering, and internship opportunities.
Tuition varies depending on the degree program and the student’s residency. However, full-time students taking 12 credit hours per semester can expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 to $24,000 per year.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Neuroscience
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology (Psychological Science)
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Addiction Psychology
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods)
- Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders Certificate
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers numerous psychology degree programs, from a bachelor’s degree to a doctorate. The 33-credit-hour BA in Psychology provides a broad look at topics such as counseling and therapy, social work, and education. The BS in Psychological Science gives students an in-depth understanding of the research methods used to study the mind, brain, and human behavior. This 45-credit program is meant to prepare students to pursue an advanced degree. The university also offers an undergraduate certificate that focuses on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of the aging process.
Those interested in a graduate-level degree can earn their master’s in psychology as part of a PhD program. Master’s-only students are not admitted. The PhD program offers concentrations in clinical psychology, cognition and neural systems, and social psychology.
Tuition ranges from $576.50 per credit for undergraduate online students to $1,794 per credit for nonresident graduate students. Check the specifics for your program.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Psychology
- Dual Degree Program
Specialization Options:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognition and Neural Systems
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
- Neuropsychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Arizona
Online programs can be a great alternative to traditional on-campus study because they’re more affordable, flexible, and convenient—especially for working professionals. Most psychology degree programs in Arizona also offer accelerated courses that you can complete in 12 to 15 weeks.
Choose to take courses entirely online or in a hybrid format. Additionally, many online classes are offered asynchronously, meaning you can log in to your coursework at any time.
Here’s a look at some of the best online psychology programs in Arizona. Keep in mind that this is just a preview of our full rankings list, coming soon.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers one of the most affordable online psychology programs in Arizona, with a fixed-rate tuition of $398 per credit for undergraduate programs and $698 per credit for a master’s degree.
This online program offers a bachelor’s in industrial-organizational psychology or in applied psychology with a concentration in media and technology. Both programs require 120 credit hours to complete. Options at the master’s level include a master of science in psychology or a master of science in industrial-organizational psychology. Both programs require 36 credit hours. The school also offers a 12-course direct assessment master of science in psychology program, which is an individualized learning experience in which you demonstrate what you’ve learned through knowledge checks and assessments.
To save time and money, you can receive credit for prior academic and professional experience. All programs can be completed entirely online. However, note that the coursework doesn’t qualify you to be licensed as a psychologist, counselor, or other mental health practitioner.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Fully Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- BS in Applied Psychology
- BS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Options:
- MS in Psychology
- MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Specializations Offered:
- Media and Technology
Grand Canyon University
No matter where you are in life, Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of psychology degree programs in Arizona to help you meet your career goals. The BS in Psychology, for instance, offers concentrations in forensic psychology and performance and sport psychology. Students learn about the biological basis for behavior, cognitive and perceptual processes, and developmental stages of human growth. They’ll also learn about abnormal psychology and research methods and statistics. The program requires 120 credit hours to complete. However, students can transfer up to 90 credits.
The MS in Psychology also offers an array of specializations, including forensic psychology; general psychology; geropsychology; health psychology, human factors psychology; industrial and organizational psychology; and life coaching. Additionally,Grand Canyon University offers 10 doctorate degrees and 17 graduate certificates related to psychology and counseling.
Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $485 per credit and for graduate programs is $575 per credit.
Delivery:
- Fully Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Psychology
Specializations Offered:
- Forensic Psychology
- Performance and Sport Psychology
- Geropsychology
- Health Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Life Coaching
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Students enrolled in The University of Arizona Global Campus earn either their BA or MA in psychology entirely online. Coursework in the 120-credit-hour online bachelor’s degree program explores how the mind and brain evolve from infancy to old age. Students learn how environmental influences shape our behavior and how certain disorders, such as autism and Alzheimer’s, impact the brain.
The school also offers a 36-credit-hour online master’s degree in psychology, which teaches students how to integrate psychological research into real-world applications. The online psychology degree program in Arizona offers accelerated courses that last six weeks. Additionally, students are allowed to transfer up to nine credits.
Tuition at The University of Arizona Global Campus is $510 per credit for an undergraduate degree and $665 per credit for a graduate degree. Undergraduate students who are new to the online school may apply to the Welcome Grant, which covers 10 percent of tuition. Additionally, students who apply to the psychology and education graduate programs may also be eligible for a 10 percent tuition reduction through the Scholar Grant.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Fully Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Arizona
We’ve compiled a list of various types of psychology degrees you’ll find at top programs in Arizona. Scan the list to see which feels right for you.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Arizona
Associate Degrees in Psychology
An associate degree program is designed for students who plan on transferring credits they’ve earned from a two-year school to a four-year degree program. Earning an associate degree in psychology can serve as a gateway to related careers such as in social services, behavior health, education, and human resources.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Arizona Western College (Hybrid)
- Phoenix College (Hybrid)
- Cochise College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree program establishes the framework for a career in psychology, and it prepares you to enter the workforce in a job that draws upon those skills, such as an advertising or marketing manager, sales representative, or human resources specialist, among other positions. You’ll learn to conduct research, tell a story with statistics, and gain a better understanding of current psychological theories and therapy techniques.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Ottawa University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Arizona State University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Arizona
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology further prepares you for a career in psychology or a related field as an educator, clinical psychologist, or counselor. It also sets the foundation for a doctorate degree. Most students earn their master’s degree within two to three years.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- University of Phoenix (Online or On-Campus)
- Grand Canyon University (Online or On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
You can earn a PsyD by enrolling in a doctoral-level degree program that emphasizes hands-on experience working with patients. This degree prepares you for a career as a licensed psychologist, which could lead you to positions as a counselor, therapist, or other mental health professional.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Midwestern University (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Arizona Global Campus (Online)
Psychology PhD Programs
A PhD in psychology focuses more on research and academia. It typically involves in-depth research in topics such as affective, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, or social psychology. With a PhD in psychology, you could work as a health psychologist, a forensic psychologist, a professor, a school psychologist, or a neuropsychologist, among other roles.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- Arizona State University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates are meant for those who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and want to expand their knowledge in a particular area of psychology.
These certificates are ideal for those who need to meet continuing education requirements, are entering emerging fields, or who want to acquire new skills to improve their career prospects.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Grand Canyon University (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Arizona
More than likely, earning your psychology degree at a top program in Arizona will cost you thousands of dollars. However, there are ways to cut the cost.
Most schools offer scholarships, loans, and grants, among other forms of financial aid. Plus, some scholarships are specific to psychology students. For instance, the Roni Rogers Undergraduate Scholarship in Psychology awards up to $15,000 to students at The University of Arizona. Other scholarships include the Adrienne G. and Amy “Jace” Hurley Scholarship, which awards up to $2,500 twice a year.
ASU offers undergraduates seven scholarships specific to psychology majors. Graduate students qualify for loans such as the Grad PLUS Loan, which has a fixed interest rate currently at 8.05 percent. To apply, you’ll need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.
For more information on ways to fund your psychology degree program in Arizona, visit STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Arizona
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in mental health-related occupations has grown over the past decade — and it’s expected to continue growing for the next 10 years. Employment for those working with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues is projected to grow the fastest, increasing by 18 percent through 2032.
Nationwide, the median annual wage for professionals in the mental health field ranges from $37,330 for psychiatric technicians and aides to $226,880 for psychiatrists. As you’ll see below, in Arizona psychiatrists, for example, make more than $20,000 over the national annual mean wage. Data collected by the BLS showed that employment related to psychology is most abundant in Tucson and Phoenix.
| Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 6% | 12,800 | $85,330 |
| Psychiatrists | 9% | 1,000 | $247,350 |
| Human Resources Specialist | 6% | 78,700 | $64,240 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3% | 7,400 | $59,860 |
| School Psychologist | 6% | 12,800 | $85,330 |
Sources: Projections Central;BLS
Arizona Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Arizona Association of School Psychologists (AASP)
If you’re interested in attending a conference focused on school psychology, then consider becoming a member of the AASP. This organization also offers various awards to professionals in the field and promotes networking, professional development, and advocacy. - Arizona Psychological Association (APA)
The APA is a nonprofit organization that works to advance the profession, preserve integrity within the field, and promote health. This organization is often involved in advocacy work, collegial relations, and professional education and support. - Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
If you want to work as a marriage and family therapist, counselor, social worker, or substance abuse counselor providing psychotherapy services, then you’ll need to obtain licensure through the state’s Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. - Mental Health America of Arizona (MHAAZ)
Through education and advocacy, MHA AZ works to eradicate the stigma that plagues mental health illness and treatment. This organization also offers referrals to other resources and training. It manages an annual conference that raises public awareness and brings accessible care statewide. - Southern Arizona Psychological Association
This organization strives to provide quality and evidence-based information during public crises such as mass shootings or the COVID-19 pandemic. The group provides education workshops and luncheons. Membership is open to psychologists, school psychologists, and students.
