A degree in psychology provides graduates with the vital skills and knowledge they need to make an impact on individuals, companies, and society at large. The in-demand and versatile nature of this degree was reflected at a past University of Massachusetts psychology career fair, where 32 employers ranging from medical centers to research institutes attended.
While psychology applies to many industries, it can be overwhelming to know what level of psychology education and university is right for you. This guide helps you answer these questions and reveals the best psychology programs in Massachusetts.
Best Psychology Colleges in Massachusetts
Researching the top psychology programs in Massachusetts can be tricky because “best” is subjective. The best program for one student may not be suitable for another. It’s essential to research psychology programs in Massachusetts on your own. To jumpstart that search, we’ve rounded up three programs that stand out in academics, affordability, and student support. They can act as quality barometers when sorting through all the psychology programs in Massachusetts.
Harvard University
Harvard University should be added to your list when looking at the best psychology programs in Massachusetts. As an Ivy League school, Harvard University provides a rigorous curriculum, access to some of the best faculty in the world, and ample research opportunities for graduate students.
At Harvard, students can get their bachelor’s or PhD in psychology. In the graduate program, students have the option to specialize. Subspecialties include experimental psychopathy and clinical science, developmental psychology, social psychology, and cognition, brain, and behavior. All the programs tend to be lab-intensive or require clinical hours, so they must be completed in person. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for multiple financial aid packages offered by the university, and there are research grants to work on specific projects in the field.
Delivery:
- On Campus
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Experimental Psychopathy and Clinical Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognition, Brain, and Behavior
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers some of the best psychology programs in the state. At the undergraduate level, the school hosts a rigorous bachelor’s degree and a minor in psychology. Undergraduate programs are more general and focus on helping students discover what subspecialty they want to pursue in graduate school, while graduate programs are more specialized.
Students in the PhD program must specialize in behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, developmental science, and social psychology. All PhD candidates carry out clinical hours or help professors with research and are responsible for producing a thesis in the field, which includes conducting original psychology research. All degree programs are offered in person. To ease the financial burden of the degree, financial aid, including assistantships, grants, and scholarships, are available to psychology students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Delivery:
- On Campus
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Ph.D. in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Science
- Social Psychology
William James College
When looking at the best psychology programs in Massachusetts, William James College stands out in terms of academic rigor and flexible learning formats. It offers a hybrid and in-person bachelor’s in psychology that covers the field’s foundations. Those with an undergraduate degree can consider the master’s in psychology, with the option to specialize in behavioral analysis, clinical mental health counseling, organizational psychology, or general psychology.
All master’s degrees are offered online, in a hybrid format or in person, except for the clinical mental health counseling degree, which must be completed on campus. The school also hosts a PsyD degree with the opportunity for doctoral candidates to conduct original research, take all or some coursework online, and seek licensure upon graduating. William James College also offers online or hybrid graduate certificates in couples and family therapy, school leadership, executive coaching, classroom mental health, applied behavioral analysis, and crisis response.
Delivery:
- Online
- On Campus
- Part Time
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Psychology
- PsyD in Psychology
- Graduate Certificates in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Analysis
- Mental Health Counseling
- Organizational Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Massachusetts
An online or hybrid psychology degree provides students the same academic rigor as traditional programs. The only difference is the former is more convenient and sometimes more affordable, making it ideal for working professionals and those with time-consuming obligations outside of school.
When searching for online psychology degree programs in Massachusetts, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. First, ensure the program is accredited and the curriculum aligns with your career interests. You also want to explore any in-person components and the virtual learning format. Here are three of Massachusetts’s best online psychology programs to make the search easier.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Commonly considered one of the best psychology programs in Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Department of Psychology stands above the rest. The school offers degrees at the undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels, including fully online and hybrid degrees. Virtual degrees available include a bachelor’s in psychology, a PhD in psychology, a master’s in applied behavior analysis, and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. At all degree levels, students focus on the mental well-being of individuals, organizations, and the wider community.
Their master’s degree is intended for those interested in behavioral analysis, specifically with autistic populations, while the PhD provides multiple specializations. PhD subspecialties include cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and behavioral analysis. All PhDs have an applied focus, meaning students are prepared to work as clinical psychologists who see patients.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Psychology
- Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Full Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- General Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Analysis
Northeastern University
When looking at online psychology programs in Massachusetts, prospective students should consider Northeastern University. The school offers a robust bachelor’s in psychology through its online campus.
While all coursework can be completed online, bachelor’s candidates can complete an in-person co-op or internship. This provides hands-on experience and a chance to practice what they learn in the classroom. Depending on the employer a student works with, the co-op requirement may be able to be completed online. Since it is offered through the school’s professional campus, this bachelor’s is designed with the working student in mind. That means students complete their coursework in asynchronous class seminars or synchronous virtual sessions that fit around a typical 9-5 schedule. This degree is also offered on a part-time basis, making it easier to juggle with work obligations.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Psychology
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
- General Psychology
University of Massachusetts Global Campus
The University of Massachusetts’ Global Campus degrees are easily among Massachusetts’s best online psychology programs. As the name suggests, students can take courses from anywhere in the world, thanks to the school’s robust online learning platform. Depending on the degree type, students take asynchronous or synchronous online courses and complete virtual assignments, such as contributing to student discussion boards and taking online quizzes.
For psychology specifically, the global campus offers a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in psychology, and five graduate certificates. The graduate certificates are in suicide risk analysis, law and ethics for behavioral health professionals, emotional intelligence for behavioral health professionals, effective communication for behavioral health professionals, and conflict resolution for behavioral health professionals. The master’s and undergraduate programs have a specialty in behavioral health, though they also provide a foundation for the field.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Psychology
- Graduate Certificate in Suicide Risk Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Emotional Intelligence for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Law and Ethics for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Effective Communication for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Behavioral Health Professionals
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Full Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
- Behavioral Health
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Massachusetts
Psychology degree programs in Massachusetts are designed with different learners and career outcomes in mind. To understand which degree type is right for you, let’s explore the six most common psychology degrees and the best psychology programs in Massachusetts for each.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Massachusetts
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Those interested in dipping their toes into the field of psychology should consider getting an associate degree. This two-year program introduces students to the basics of psychology and is a low-commitment way to decide if this field is right for you.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- MassBay Community College (On Campus)
- Holyoke Community College (On Campus)
- Quinsigamond Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
To get a full grasp of the foundations of psychology, students should consider getting a bachelor’s degree. During this four-year degree, students learn about psychology research methods, different subspecialties, and the theory behind the field. After graduating, students can work in related areas, such as market research, or continue their education.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- University of Massachusetts Global Campus (Online)
- Harvard University (On Campus)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Massachusetts
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
To work as a psychologist in schools, workplaces, and other settings, a master’s degree is often required. At this level, students often complete a master’s thesis and coursework on a specific subspecialty of the field, such as school psychology or psychoanalysis. A master’s is ideal for individuals who want to continue their education but aren’t ready to commit to a five-year doctoral program.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- University of Massachusetts Global Campus (Online)
- Bridgewater State University (On Campus)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (Online)
PsyD Programs
To become a fully licensed psychologist in Massachusetts, an individual needs doctoral training. They can receive this training in either a PhD or PsyD program. The latter provides more clinical training and is ideal for those who want to open a private practice or work one-on-one with patients.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Springfield College (On Campus)
- William James College (Hybrid)
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (On Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
The other degree option for those wanting to become a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts is the PhD. In this program, there is a heavier emphasis on research and the theory behind psychology. While graduates can still work in clinical settings, they are also prepared to work as psychology researchers or professors.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (On Campus)
- Suffolk University (On Campus)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (Online)
Graduate Certificates
Continuing education is a requirement to maintain psychology licenses in Massachusetts. For a low commitment, quick way to meet this requirement, the best psychology programs in Massachusetts are often graduate certificates. Certificates dive into a specific topic in psychology and take about one to two semesters to complete.
Accredited Massachusetts Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- University of Massachusetts Global Campus (Online or On Campus)
- Harvard University (On Campus)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Massachusetts
Psychology degree programs in Massachusetts can be expensive, but you don’t have to pay tuition and student fees on your own. There are many financial aid options that can make your degree more affordable. The most popular include:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Work-study programs
- Fellowships
- Student loans
- Assistantships
Some forms of financial aid can be competitive. To increase your chances of being awarded financial aid, apply to location- or degree-specific scholarships and fellowships. Many of the best psychology programs in Massachusetts provide scholarships to students, and there are also state-wide opportunities. These include:
- MASSGrant: if you’re an undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need, you may be eligible for a grant from the state government.
- Scholarships and Practicum: the Massachusetts Psychological Association posts any scholarships or practicums their partners submit on this Listserv. Requirements and amounts vary.
- Psychological and Brain Sciences Undergraduates Scholarship: the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides undergraduate students in psychology with several
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Massachusetts
As a psychology grad, you’re trained to understand how the human mind works. This skill is valuable in various fields, including marketing, human resources, education development, and social work. You may also be qualified to work as a licensed psychologist, depending on your degree level. Online psychology programs in Massachusetts also prepare students for remote or hybrid work since they demonstrate your ability to work virtually.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychology graduates may see a higher-than-average job growth. They earn between $60,000 to $90,000 on average, with licensed psychologists making the most in the field.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2023) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Specialists | 20.62% | 1,073 | $63,080 |
| Licensed Psychologist | 21.72% | 2,183 | $85,330 |
| Survey Researchers | 38.97% | 3,400 | $60,410 |
| School Counselors | 19.41% | 1,490 | $60,140 |
| Market Research Analysts | 38.97% | 3,400 | $68,230 |
Sources: Massachusetts Department of Labor Research;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Massachusetts Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Massachusetts Psychological Association
This organization provides a variety of resources to members, including networking events, continuing education courses, and professional development resources. It also offers a student membership option and student support groups for doctoral candidates. - Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists
For official guidance on becoming a licensed psychologist, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists. This board also provides guidance on continuing education requirements and other state laws psychologists should be aware of. - Massachusetts Psychiatric Association
Some graduates of psychology degree programs in Massachusetts may decide to pursue psychiatry. If this sounds like your situation, this organization provides career resources, student support, and more to residents in Massachusetts. - Massachusetts School Psychologist Association
Those who work in school psychology or are interested in joining this field should explore this organization. It provides networking resources, professional development seminars, and more for students and working school psychologists in the state. - National Alliance on Mental Illness, Massachusetts Branch
Professionals who are passionate about improving the lives of people with mental health symptoms should consider joining the Massachusetts branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI provides educational seminars, peer support groups, and more.
