Why do babies babble? Why do people behave the way they do in the workplace? Why do some people become addicted to drugs or alcohol while others don’t? If you’re always trying to figure out what makes people tick, look no further than a psychology career to satisfy your curiosity.
The field of psychology offers a wide range of career opportunities, from providing therapy to individuals to teaching and utilizing consumer behavior theories in sales. Whether you’re interested in a particular area of psychology or exploring the field in general, Georgia has some of the best psychology colleges to prepare you for success. Whether you prefer a traditional or online program, read on to discover top-rated psychology programs in Georgia and find the one that meets your needs.
2023’s Best Psychology Colleges in Georgia
Georgia is home to a diverse range of accredited psychology programs spread throughout the state. To assist you in selecting the most appropriate school and degree program, we have put together a list of the best psychology colleges in Georgia. These institutions have been selected based on their combination of affordability, quality, and student support, ensuring that you receive an excellent education and the support you need to succeed. Check back later in 2022 for our full rankings.
1
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers psychology B.A. and B.S. degrees to help you understand psychology fundamentals and scientific inquiry while also learning applications of concepts to individual patients and sociocultural groups. Upon completion, students also have well-developed written and verbal communication skills. Program objectives are accomplished through coursework in learning and behavior, psychology of gender, abnormal psychology, and personality psychology.
On the graduate level, Georgia Southern University has an M.S. in Psychology that prepares students for work in a doctoral program by emphasizing scientific psychology as well as statistics and research design. The school also offers a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology developed to train budding professionals to provide care to rural and underserved populations. The Psy.D. curriculum focuses on advanced psychology concepts, assessment skills, intervention strategies, and diagnostics.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A.
- B.S.
Graduate Programs:
- M.S.
- Psy.D.
2
Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers 4-year B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology. Admittance requires a high school diploma completed within two years of applying. In addition, students must complete GSU’s prerequisite introductory psychology classes with at least a 2.3 grade point average.
Classes in the B.A. and B.S. programs cover applied psychology, human sexuality, the evolution of human behavior, abnormal psychology, and drugs and behavior. In addition to a General Program in Psychology, both programs also offer a Concentration in Community Psychology where you learn how to use psychological theory to solve real-world problems, particularly violence, drug abuse, and homelessness. Students pursuing a B.S. can also choose a Concentration in Pre-Medicine designed for those wanting to pursue medical degrees and practice psychiatry.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.A.
- B.S.
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D.
Specialization Options:
- Community Psychology
- Pre-Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Sciences
- Clinical-Neuropsychology
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
3
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree heavily focused on sciences and mathematics to teach students about quantitative and experimental approaches to human behavior research. Coursework familiarizes you with biopsychology, cognitive psychology, personality theory, and psychological statistics. Those interested in learning about the business of psychology can also take coursework looking at the nuts and bolts of running a business with classes in financial management, accounting, marketing management, and entrepreneurship.
To give students opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, Georgia Tech also offers research assistantships where students work alongside professors in their laboratories for credits toward their degree or for a stipend. Focus areas include adult cognition, attention and memory, cognitive ergonomics, and decision processes. The psychology department also offers study abroad opportunities, and students can use this international education experience as the basis for their capstone projects.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- B.S.
Graduate Programs:
- M.S.
- Ph.D.
Specialization Options:
- Cognitive and Brain Science
- Cognitive Aging
- Engineering Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Quantitative Psychology
Top Online Psychology Programs in Georgia
Online psychology programs in Georgia are great options for students whose lifestyles need more flexibility than those allowed with a campus commute. Whether you’re working full time or have family responsibilities, or both, an online psychology program gives you the convenience you need to earn your degree in Georgia and manage your busy schedule at the same time. Some colleges offer psychology degrees completely online, while others have on-campus requirements like laboratory experiences. The top online psychology colleges in Georgia detailed below can help you begin your search for a quality virtual program. This list previews our full rankings coming soon.
1
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University has an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with courses lasting 16 weeks. Classes give a full look at the psychology field by covering topics like educational psychology, tests and measurements, the history of psychology, perception, cognitive psychology, and statistical methods. Augment your online coursework by participating in research opportunities offered through VSU’s Behavioral Biology Lab. Research possibilities include human factors and performance, cognitive neuroscience, and psychometrics. Admittance requires a high school diploma and a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
To help online students succeed, VSU offers the same level of mentoring and advising on-campus students receive. These services include help from a peer advisor who can advise on navigating your way through the psychology curriculum. Additionally, career services can help you reach your job goals successfully.
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
2
Fort Valley State University
The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Fort Valley State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology that covers personality, abnormal psychology, learning, behavior modification, and the psychology of religion. Students are also required to take coursework on psychological research to familiarizes them with choosing a research question, designing research strategies, obtaining and analyzing data, and writing an article about their study and its findings based on the American Psychological Association style guide. Additionally, students can participate in internships to apply the skills and knowledge they learned in class to a professional environment. The program also gives you the opportunity to complete seminars your senior year where you draft a psychological case study and multimedia presentation.
To be admitted into this program, students must have a high school diploma and a minimum 2.40 GPA. ACT or SAT scores are also required with the application.
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
3
Middle Georgia State University
Middle Georgia State University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program requires students to earn at least a C average in prerequisite classes on introductory psychology, human development, and statistics. Program-specific courses are in a convenient eight-week format and include topics such as research methods, abnormal psychology, behavioral science statistics, cross-cultural psychology, and experimental psychology. Students also take a capstone course their senior year that requires them to draft a series of reports based on controversial issues in psychological science to develop strong analytical, evaluation, and writing skills.
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Georgia
Psychology colleges in Georgia offer degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, tailored to meet specific academic and career goals. Whether you opt for an on-campus or online psychology program, you can find one that provides the skills and knowledge necessary for success. To help you determine what to expect when enrolling in a specific program, we have outlined the various degree paths available for obtaining a psychology degree in Georgia.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Georgia
Associate Degrees in Psychology
The Associate Degree in Psychology, which takes two years to complete, is for students wanting to enter the field quickly and get an entry-level position after graduation. Common classes include abnormal psychology, counseling skills, personality, and human development. Potential jobs with this degree include psychiatric technician, social work assistant, home care aide, and correctional officers.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Georgia Military College (On-Campus)
East Georgia State College (On-Campus)
Georgia Southern University (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology provides graduates with a broad range of job opportunities and also prepares them for graduate studies. Coursework typically includes topics such as abnormal psychology, counseling, lifespan development, and psychological assessment techniques. Graduates are equipped with a solid foundation in the principles of psychology and are well-prepared for various career paths or further education.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Valdosta State University (Online and On-Campus)
Georgia College (On-Campus)
Georgia Southern University (On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Georgia
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Individuals with a master’s degree in psychology have a variety of employment options in mental health service providers, corporations, and government agencies due to their more advanced education and specialized training. Concentration options include counseling, forensic, industrial-organizational, and social psychology. A master’s degree program in psychology typically takes two to four years to complete and builds upon the foundations and theories learned during a bachelor’s degree. Students can also select a specialization area, such as consumer psychology, forensic psychology, psychopharmacology, school psychology, and others. Graduates can work as family therapists, counselors, or in various fields such as market research, project management, human resources, and social services.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Clayton State University (On-Campus)
Brenau University (On-Campus)
Augusta University (On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
PsyD degree programs can take four to seven years to complete and are for those wanting careers working directly with patients. PsyD students learn advanced concepts related to group therapy, lifespan development, cognitive functioning, psychopathology, and professional ethics. Possible areas of concentration include clinical, school, forensic, and counseling psychology.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Georgia Southern University (On-Campus)
Mercer University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
Psychology Ph.D. programs typically take four to six years to complete and emphasize research and psychological theory. These programs are ideal for individuals interested in teaching psychology or conducting original research in the field. Concentration areas within a psychology Ph.D. program may include industrial-organizational, experimental, and social psychology, among others. Graduates of a psychology Ph.D. program possess advanced knowledge and skills necessary for success in academia, research, or other related fields.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
University of Georgia (On-Campus)
Georgia Institute of Technology (On-Campus)
Georgia State University (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Psychology graduate certificates allow you to develop expertise and advance your career. Admissions requirements depend on the program. Some colleges admit students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology while others require a master’s or doctorate.
Examples of Accredited Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Georgia Institute of Technology (On-Campus)
Georgia Southern University (On-Campus)
Liberty University (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Georgia
Most students attending one of the many psychology colleges in Georgia usually need some form of financial assistance. If you attend a school like Georgia State University or the University of Georgia, you may be eligible for a scholarship through the psychology department. There are also state funding sources that include scholarships and grants from the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Psychology-specific organizations like the American Psychological Association also offer financial aid as part of their contribution to the profession.
For more information about the financial aid options for funding your education at a psychology college in Georgia, review our financial aid guide and our scholarship guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Georgia
The psychology profession in Georgia is expected to grow in many areas. Marriage and family therapists, for example, will experience the highest growth of 35.7%, while psychologists can expect a 32.4% increase in jobs by 2028. Additionally, marriage and family therapists in Georgia make $54,550, which is higher than the national average of $51,340, while psychologists can make $89,660, which is higher than the national average of $89,290. Other high earners in Georgia are those who may have a psychology degree but do not work with patients. Those include human resources managers with salaries of $122,450 and marketing managers with salaries of $142,760 annually.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 35.7% | 20 | $54,550 |
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 32.4% | 320 | $89,660 |
| Human Resources Managers | 15.6% | 580 | $122,450 |
| Marketing Managers | 14% | 850 | $142,760 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Georgia
Georgia Association for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
This association caters to the needs of psychologists who research workplace issues, teach, study, or otherwise promote industrial-organizational psychology. Members can participate in professional development workshops and continuing education classes.
Georgia Association of School Psychologists
Members of GASP participate in networking events and regional workshops, get access to quarterly publications, and take continuing education classes. GASP also advocates for professionals by bringing attention to the issues school psychologists are concerned about.
Georgia Psychological Association
The Georgia Psychological Association promotes the field by encouraging compassion, innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness among professionals. Member benefits include meetings, networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and advocacy services.
Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology
The Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology provides a conference and continuing education classes for psychologists and counselors in the state.
Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
The Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists provides information on licensing requirements and the laws and policies professionals are expected to adhere to.