As you begin your educational journey to learn about the mind and human behavior, we’re here to guide you through the top psychology programs in Colorado. Tailored for traditional and online learners, these programs offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best on-campus and online psychology degree programs in Colorado and learn how to identify the ones that cater to your educational and professional aspirations. From understanding the spectrum of degrees available to uncovering financial aid opportunities and job prospects, this guide is your compass to navigate Colorado’s diverse landscape of psychology education.
Read more to see which top psychology programs in Colorado made our list, how to navigate financial aid opportunities, the importance of accreditation and how to spot it, and the job outlook and salaries for careers you may want to pursue in Colorado with your psychology degree.
Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado
Colorado is home to some of the most esteemed psychology programs in the country. These schools offer a blend of quality education, affordability, and student support, making them ideal for launching or advancing your career in psychology. Here’s a deep dive into three top-tier psychology programs in Colorado for 2024, but be sure to come back later in the year to see our complete school and program rankings.
University of Denver
The University of Denver’s psychology program is distinguished by its integrative approach, blending academic rigor with real-world application. It’s a place where intellectual curiosity thrives, and community impact is vital.
- Curriculum Details: An integrative approach encompassing affective, social, cognitive, child clinical, and developmental psychology.
- Tuition and Fees: $1,669 per credit, with a flat rate of $20,028 for students enrolled in between 12-18 credits a quarter.
- Standout Student Services: Students can receive extensive career counseling and mental health support.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Various scholarships, grants, and work-study options are available.
- Accreditation Status: The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, and the University of Denver has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association.
- Intended Career Outcomes: Roles such as clinical psychologists, research analysts, and educational psychologists.
- Research Opportunities: In-depth experiences through faculty labs, lab internships, and the departmental distinction program for advanced research methods.
- Field Experiences: Offers nine months of exposure to clinical settings, including off-campus placements.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Psychology
- Undergraduate Experiential Learning in research and clinical settings
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Affective/Social/Cognitive Psychology
- PhD Clinical Psychology (Child Emphasis)
- PhD Developmental Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Clinical Psychology
- Child, Family, and School Psychology
- Certificate in Psychology Micro-Credentials
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience is a hub of excellence, blending a rich curriculum with diverse research opportunities.
- Curriculum Details: Comprehensive education in psychology and neuroscience, integrating historical perspectives, values, and ethical standards.
- Learning Outcomes: Development of critical thinking, creativity, complex reasoning, research skills, and effective communication.
- Tuition and Fees: Tuition costs are tiered and range from $13,624 to $47,688 per year for undergraduate students. Students who have Colorado residency pay the lowest tuition costs, while out-of-state and international students pay the most.
- Standout Student Services:Employment opportunities in research labs with competitive hourly wages.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Tuition waivers, stipends funded by assistantships, and partial health insurance coverage for graduate students.
- Accreditation Status: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Intended Career Outcomes: Preparation for careers in psychology, neuroscience research, clinical practice, and academia.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts or Science in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- PhD in Cognitive Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience
- PhD in Social Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s Department of Psychology offers an in-depth exploration of human behavior backed by extensive research opportunities and diverse specialization areas.
- Curriculum Details: Broad coverage of psychological disciplines, emphasizing development, perception, learning, motivation, and thinking.
- Learning Outcomes: Prepares students for comprehensive understanding and application of various psychological processes and their physiological and social implications.
- Tuition and Fees: Tuition varies depending on your residency and the level of degree you’re pursuing. A full-time undergraduate student with Colorado residency would pay $6,433.68 per semester for tuition and fees, while a graduate student with Colorado residency would pay $6,863.48. Out-of-state students pay more.
- Standout Student Services: Robust research opportunities in diverse fields like cognition, social behavior, and memory.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Access to university and college scholarships, with additional fellowship information provided.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- General Psychology
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Addictions Counseling
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology
- Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Applied Social & Health Psychology PhD
- Cognitive Psychology PhD
- Cognitive Neuroscience PhD
- Counseling Psychology PhD
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology PhD
Specialization Options:
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Addictions Counseling
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Colorado
Online and hybrid psychology programs in Colorado are becoming increasingly popular, especially for working professionals and others seeking the convenience and affordability of online learning. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed online, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. With advancements in digital education, students can expect interactive coursework, virtual discussions, and access to a wealth of online resources. The following are top schools in Colorado providing quality online psychology programs.
University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver offers an enriching and versatile Bachelor of Arts in psychology program, available entirely online. This program dives deep into the multifaceted world of psychology.
- Curriculum Details: A comprehensive curriculum focusing on a range of psychological fields, including experimental psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, and more.
- Learning Outcomes: Students thoroughly understand psychological principles, research methods, and the application of psychology in various domains.
- Additional Skills: Emphasis on developing skills in research methods, inferential statistics, ethical standards, effective communication, and science-based reasoning.
- Career and Further Education Opportunities: Prepares students for careers across various industries and serves as a solid foundation for graduate studies in psychology, social work, education, law, criminal justice, medicine, and health sciences.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Program Options:
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Cognitive psychology
- Personality psychology
- Industrial/organizational psychology
- Abnormal psychology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a dynamic online bachelor’s in psychology, including a specialized clinical and counseling concentration. This program is an ideal choice for students eyeing careers or further studies in mental health.
- Curriculum Details: A comprehensive curriculum that covers foundational psychology topics with additional focus on clinical and counseling areas.
- Learning Outcomes: Students acquire a broad understanding of psychological principles and research methods, focusing on clinical, developmental, and social psychology.
- Additional Opportunities: Opportunities for teaching and research internships and involvement in an active research club with presentations at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association.
- Senior Experience: Requirement to complete an internship at an approved facility for students enrolled in the clinical and counseling concentration.
- Alternative Path: Offers a fully online psychology major without a concentration or internship requirement for broader study.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology with or without Clinical and Counseling Concentration
Program Options:
- Fully-Online
- In-person
- Hybrid options
Specializations Offered:
- Clinical and Counseling Concentration
Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a comprehensive and versatile online Bachelor of Science in psychology, designed to dive into the complexities of the human mind and behavior.
- Curriculum Details: Focuses on various psychological fields, including behavioral, biopsychology, clinical, forensic, and industrial/organizational psychology.
- Learning Outcomes: Students develop an understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications in diverse areas.
- Additional Skills: Emphasis on developing skills in research methods, inferential statistics, ethical standards, effective communication, and science-based reasoning.
- Career and Further Education Opportunities: Prepares students for careers across various industries and serves as a solid foundation for graduate studies in psychology, social work, education, law, criminal justice, medicine, and health sciences.
- Career Opportunities: Skills acquired are applicable in healthcare, law enforcement, business, and more, preparing students for various career paths.
- Degree Features: Opportunity for close interaction with faculty and peers in an average class size of 21 students.
- Program Details: 120 Credits, $476 per credit. The time frame varies based on study intensity and previous coursework.
- Admission Requirements: High school graduation or equivalent, with a preferred GPA of 2.7+ for first-year students or 2.5+ for transfer students.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Program Options:
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Behavioral psychology
- Biopsychology
- Clinical psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Industrial/organizational psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Colorado
Psychology is an interesting field because there isn’t one-degree level all students must achieve. Instead, there are opportunities for students at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels. Keep reading to discover which degree type is right for you and some more of the best psychology programs in North Carolina.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Colorado
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Associate degrees in psychology are tailored for individuals beginning their exploration into human behavior and mental processes. These two-year programs lay the groundwork for further study or entry-level positions in various sectors requiring an understanding of psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Pikes Peak Community College (On-Campus)
- Arapahoe Community College (On-Campus)
- Front Range Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
Bachelor’s degrees in psychology are designed for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and applications. These four-year programs prepare students for graduate studies or careers in human services, education, and business.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- University of Colorado Boulder (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- Regis University (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Colorado
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Master’s degrees in psychology are aimed at students seeking advanced knowledge in specialized areas of psychology. These programs are ideal for people pursuing clinical practice, research, or higher education careers.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- University of Denver (Online or On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- University of Northern Colorado (Online)
PsyD Programs
PsyD programs focus on clinical practice rather than research, preparing graduates for therapy, counseling, and psychological assessment careers. These programs are ideal for those seeking to become licensed clinical psychologists.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- University of Denver (On-Campus)
- University of Colorado Denver (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
PhD programs in psychology are research-intensive degrees preparing individuals for academic careers, research institutions, and advanced clinical settings. The best psychology programs in Colorado often emphasize creating new knowledge in psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- University of Colorado Boulder (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- University of Denver (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates in psychology offer specialized training in areas like mental health, organizational psychology, or forensic psychology. These programs are suitable for professionals looking to enhance their expertise or transition into a new area within psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- Colorado State University (Online or On-Campus)
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (On-Campus)
- Regis University (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Colorado
Colorado psychology students have various financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and fellowships. The state offers specific aid for students pursuing degrees in behavioral health, such as the Behavioral Health Incentive Program, which provides financial incentives to rural and low-income students to obtain credentials in specific behavioral health programs.
Additionally, universities like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a range of scholarships and fellowships for psychology students. These can include awards based on academic merit, financial need, or specific areas of study within psychology.
For comprehensive information on ways to fund your psychology education, refer to STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Colorado
The job market for graduates of top psychology programs in Colorado is thriving, particularly in its bustling metro areas. With growth rates aligning with or surpassing national averages, Colorado offers promising opportunities in various psychology-related fields. Professions like human resources specialists, psychologists, and school psychologists show healthy growth and boast competitive salaries.
Particularly notable is the significant demand for clinical and counseling psychologists. Colorado’s market provides a favorable landscape for psychology graduates, offering diverse job opportunities and impressive earning potential. Detailed job growth rates and average salaries for these roles in Colorado are outlined in the table below.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Colorado Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Colorado Psychological Association (CPA)
CPA offers resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for psychology professionals and students in Colorado, promoting the field of psychology and supporting practitioners’ professional development. - Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA)
Serving psychology professionals and students in the Rocky Mountain region, RMPA provides educational and networking opportunities, including annual conferences. - Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners
This state board licenses psychologists in Colorado and ensures that practitioners meet professional standards. The website offers information on licensure requirements, renewal processes, and regulations. - Colorado Counseling Association (CCA)
CCA serves counselors and counseling students in Colorado, offering professional development, networking, and advocacy to enhance the counseling profession’s quality and effectiveness. - Behavioral Health Incentive Program, Colorado Department of Higher Education
This program provides financial incentives for students in Colorado pursuing degrees in behavioral health, aiming to address the workforce needs in this field.
