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Top Psychology Programs in Florida (FL)

From entry-level associate degrees to advanced PhD doctoral programs, explore top-ranked psychology programs in Florida and find the one that best matches your goals.

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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

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

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

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

2024’s 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 the best overall options below. Schools were ranked on important criteria like affordability, study flexibility, and academic quality. See which online psychology degrees in FL rose to the top for 2024.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at the University of Florida provides students with a science and research-based education that focuses on the human mind and behavior. The psychology major requires students to complete 30 psychology credits plus courses in statistics, mathematics, and biological science. To make learning as convenient and flexible as possible, the vast majority of the courses can be completed online, asynchronously. This means students can attend class from anywhere and at any time. Additionally, they can customize their course load to take anywhere from 3 to 18 credits per term. One of the only in-person curriculum requirements in this program is the psychology internship. Students will work at an approved community organization to demonstrate what they've learned.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: About 4 years
  • Cost: $129.18/credit (resident); $552.62/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 57%

2

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

The Master of Science in Educational Psychology: Learning and Cognition at Florida State University teaches high-level concepts and theories relating to how the human mind learns and thinks. (This program is not intended for students interested in earning credentials in school counseling or school psychology.) Students can choose between the thesis track and the fully online coursework track which can be completed in five semesters. Both tracks include six elective credits, allowing students to focus on a particular area of interest. In addition to their application and transcripts, students need GRE scores from the last five years and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Program Highlights:

Master of Science in Educational Psychology

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: About 2 years
  • Cost: $444.26/credit (resident); $1,075.66/credit (non-resident
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 58%

3

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate programs at the University of South Florida. Most major classes are taught on campus, but some general education and psychology major coursework can be competed online. The general education and lower-level psychology courses are large, but class sizes get much smaller as the coursework advances. The curriculum is well-suited for students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in areas like counseling, law, medicine, and human services.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: About 4 years
  • Cost: $211.19/credit (resident); $575.01/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

5

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 30:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

6

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

7

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 50%

8

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 84%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 64%

10

Hodges University

Fort Myers, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 93%

11

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 52%

12

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 41%

13

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 43%

14

Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 45%

15

Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 41%

Spotlighting Accredited Florida Online Psychology Degrees

1

Florida Tech

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

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

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

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 Psychologists19.0% 540 $77,410
Market Research Analysts30.1% 5,370 $62,110
Human Resources Managers12.4% 770 $113,630
Psychology Postsecondary Teacher11.9% 130 $81,600
Marriage and Family Therapists29.4% 460 $42,460

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Florida

Florida Board of Psychology

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.

Florida’s Psychology

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.