Exploring the field of psychology is not only a fascinating journey of self-discovery and understanding of others, but it also leads to countless career opportunities in diverse fields such as therapy, counseling, marketing, and sales. Florida is home to several renowned universities that offer exceptional psychology programs both on-campus and online. However, choosing the right program from the vast array of options available can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision, this guide highlights some of the top psychology programs in Florida. Discover the unique features and benefits of each program, and find the one that aligns with your education and career aspirations.
Best Psychology Programs in Florida (FL)
The popularity of psychology as a major means plenty of program options, so deciding from the many top psychology programs in Florida might feel overwhelming. To help you with the process, we’ve identified some of the top on-campus and online psychology degree programs in Florida based on factors like accreditation, affordability, and student support. See who stands above the rest and check back for our full rankings later this year.
1
The University of Florida
The University of Florida is among the premier institutions of higher learning in Florida, and the Department of Psychology lives up to the school’s reputation. Students enrolled in UF’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program take part in internships at sites convenient to them, and, if approved, gain real-world experience and course credit at the same time. There are also courses with built-in hands-on learning components as well as plenty of research assistantships providing ample chances to learn and enhance research skills. Gaining teaching experience through teaching assistant positions is also an option.
Graduate students also have plenty of hands-on training opportunities. They can work closely with faculty members as unofficial apprentices to receive training and get exposure to what professional practice is like. There are also nine-month teaching assistantships that include tuition waivers and stipends.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.S. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
- Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
- Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Specialization Options:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
- Behavioral Analysis
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Counseling Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
2
The University of South Florida
Psychology students looking for high-quality instruction at the graduate or undergraduate levels can find it in the University of South Florida’s Department of Psychology. The department is large, consisting of more than 2,600 students, and hosts more than 50 emeritus faculty members who teach classes for both undergraduate and graduate students.
USF’s Department of Psychology offers several features not found in other comparable programs. Ph.D. students with Ed.S. or equivalent degrees can earn their graduate degrees on a part-time basis. Additionally, USF’s clinical psychology doctoral students can practice what they learn by treating actual patients at USF’s Psychological Services Center where clients of all ages in the Tampa Bay area can receive low-cost mental health services. USF also provides a special website containing tools and links to sources for potential funding for psychological research. These include both USF-based and external sources of research funding.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
- M.A. in Psychological Sciences
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Infant-Family Mental Health
Specialization Options:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social
- Industrial-Organizational
- Forensic Psychology
3
The University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Department of Psychology offers access to internships for course credit, various student organizations, research assistant opportunities, and participation in psychology studies for academic credit. Thanks to the size of UCF’s Psychology Department, one of the largest in terms of student enrollment, the variety of program offerings is significant.
Most programs are designed for full-time, on-campus enrollment, but there are also options for students seeking an online bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as for part-time study. At the graduate level, there are both master’s and doctoral degree offerings in multiple concentrations with thesis or research options. An additional option is the Ed.S. in School Psychology offered through both the School Psychology and Counselor Education departments.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.S. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. or M.A. in Psychology
- Ed.S. in School Psychology
- Ph.D. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Neuroscience
- Experimental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Best Online Psychology Degrees in Florida
The growth and acceptance of online learning have revolutionized higher education in recent years, offering students greater flexibility and affordability than traditional programs. Accredited online psychology degree programs in Florida are no exception, with nearly every university offering these academic offerings. These programs are especially popular for their convenience and affordability, making them an excellent option for working professionals and others needing flexibility.
Fortunately, many of these programs are fully online, which means no on-campus visits are required. To help you find the right online psychology programs in Florida, we’ve highlighted three high-quality options below. These schools showcase the standards of a top psychology program in Florida and also preview our full ranking, coming soon.
1
Florida Tech
Florida Institute of Technology stands out because of its College of Psychology and Liberal Arts. Florida Tech, a relatively small private school with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has a robust offering of psychology degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Though its on-campus programs are top quality, the online undergraduate psychology degrees offered by Florida Tech are where the school really shines. Its primary online psychology degrees are the Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. Florida Tech also stands out because of the opportunities it offers for academic and professional growth. The Psychology Honors Program, for example, allows gifted students with junior standing to take on extra challenges through seminars and by writing an undergraduate thesis.
Undergraduate Programs:
- A.A. in Applied Psychology
- B.A. in Applied Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- None (all are on-campus)
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Child Advocacy
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
2
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is one of the leading providers of online psychology degrees in Florida. Most of NSU’s psychology programs offered through its College of Psychology have traditional learning formats, meaning classes are on campus and full time. However, most of NSU’s master’s programs are also available to night and weekend students as well as in online and hybrid formats.
In addition to completing many of the required courses virtually, online master’s students also have ample opportunity to gain practical experience through as many as 15 on-site clinical learning experiences. Masters students can also choose from four areas of specialization, including counseling. Upon successful completion of this academic track, graduates are eligible for state licensure.
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.S. in Psychology
- B.S. in Neuroscience
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. in Psychology
- Psy.S. in School Psychology
- Psy.D. in School Psychology
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Neuroscience
- Psychology for Health sciences
- Forensic Studies
- General Psychology
- Counseling
- Forensic Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- General Psychology
3
Saint Leo University
In addition to the programs available at its main campus in St. Leo and its many Education Centers throughout the U.S., Saint Leo University’s psychology degree programs also allow students to earn a psychology degree through fully online and hybrid learning formats. The two Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programs consist of 120 credit hours with 39 of those credits directly relating to the study of either general or clinical/counseling psychology.
Both bachelor’s degree programs require the completion of online and in-person coursework. However, the Master of Science in Psychology is fully online. The program is set up in a cohort model with students progressing through their curriculum requirements as a group. Its 36 required credits can be completed asynchronously, allowing the opportunity for self-paced learning. The master’s program culminates with a final Capstone Project.
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A. in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
- General Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Florida
Psychology programs in Florida are found at all levels of higher learning and in both traditional and online formats. You’re sure to find a program that fits where you are in your psychology education and career. Learn more about top psychology programs in Florida below where we detail the various degree programs available and give examples of quality schools offering them.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Florida
Associate Degrees in Psychology
The associate degree is ideal for those wanting a two-year degree teaching concepts that apply to a variety of professional settings. It’s also an affordable way to start earning a bachelor’s degree as well since you can earn your Associate Degree at a community college or tech school then transfer to a 4-year school to complete your degree.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Eastern Florida State College (Both)
Miami Dade College (On-Campus)
Florida Tech (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A bachelor’s-level program in psychology is for those with a strong interest in human behavior and thinking. Whether it’s intellectual curiosity or to set the foundation for earning a graduate degree in psychology, a bachelor’s degree provides a well-rounded education, especially by offering significant training in statistics and research.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
The University of Florida (Both)
Florida National University (On-Campus)
Hodges University (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Florida
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
While many psychologist positions require a doctorate, some positions in schools or industrial/organizational settings only require a master’s degree. A master’s degree in psychology is well-suited for those interested in the more advanced psychology topics or for those who know they’ll eventually earn a PsyD degree or PhD in psychology.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
University of South Florida (On-Campus)
The University of North Florida (On-Campus)
Saint Leo University (Online)
PsyD Programs
Programs offering a PsyD are ideal for individuals seeking careers as clinical psychologists. Compared to a PhD in psychology, the PsyD degree offers more training and instruction on clinical skills. As a result, anyone with the goal of treating patients should strongly consider enrolling in a PsyD program.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Florida Tech (On-Campus)
Nova Southeastern University (On-Campus)
National Louis University (Online)
Psychology PhD Programs
The PhD in psychology differs from the PsyD in that its curriculum places a heavier emphasis on research skills and concepts. A PhD opens doors for graduates to teach at the post-secondary level, conduct research, or treat patients.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Florida Atlantic University (On-Campus)
University of Central Florida (On-Campus)
Keiser University (Online)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificate programs in psychology are perfect for completing continuing education requirements or for gaining knowledge in a specialized area. Whether you’re a psychologist looking to complete a deep dive in an unfamiliar area or a non-psychology professional gaining a bit of knowledge in psychology, graduate certificates offer academic tracks that don’t require the cost or time needed to complete a full degree.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Psychology Degree
The University of Florida (On-Campus)
University of West Florida (On-Campus)
The University of South Florida (Online)
Financial Aid for Psychology Students in Florida
Psychology students have an array of financial aid options to help pay for their schooling, including access to student loans, scholarships, grants, and work study. Additionally, the field of psychology is unique in that graduate students have access to other forms of financial aid, including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. In most cases, like at the University of Miami, these are offered through the school. Top psychology programs in Florida also usually provide plenty of financial aid resources for their students. To help you make the most of them, see our financial aid guide and scholarship guide to learn how to pay for your education in psychology.
Job Growth and Potential Earning for Florida Psychology Grads
With increased awareness of mental health issues, the need for mental health professionals like psychologists, therapists, and counselors in Florida will grow for the foreseeable future. The demand is not just for psychologists in private practice, either, but also for a multitude of roles such as teaching, management, and market research. Many of these careers have double-digit growth projections and annual average salaries that easily exceed the national average of $41,950. Below are concrete numbers for what someone with a psychology degree can expect in terms of job growth, annual openings, and annual mean wage in the state of Florida.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 19.0% | 540 | $77,410 |
| Market Research Analysts | 30.1% | 5,370 | $62,110 |
| Human Resources Managers | 12.4% | 770 | $113,630 |
| Psychology Postsecondary Teacher | 11.9% | 130 | $81,600 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 29.4% | 460 | $42,460 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Florida
If it pertains to the licensing of psychologists in Florida, this is the official source of information. From this website, you can apply, renew, or verify a license, file a complaint, or get more information about the licensing process.
Florida Psychological Association
As Florida’s largest and most prominent professional organization for psychologists, the Florida Psychological Association’s goals include improving the mental health of Floridians, advancing professional standards for the profession, and promoting the development and dissemination of knowledge.
Florida Psychological Association Graduate Students
This is the Facebook page for the graduate student arm of the Florida Psychological Association. Students can communicate with fellow members and get the latest information on organizational news and events.
As the official Twitter account for the Florida Board of Psychology, this is the best place to get a quick look at the latest news and updates from the Florida Board of Psychology as well as the psychology profession as a whole.
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is the premier honors society for the advancement of the study of psychology. Membership includes undergraduate and graduate psychology students. Psi Chi chapters are based at schools with psychology programs, including many schools in Florida.