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Guide to Top Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia for 2023

Psychology master’s programs in Georgia offer a range of options, from traditional campus programs focused on clinical practice to convenient online degrees in exercise and organizational psychology. Find the one that’s right for you in this guide.

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Whether you aspire to provide mental health care, work in areas such as exercise or organizational psychology, or take the initial step towards pursuing your Ph.D., Georgia universities offer psychology master’s programs that align with your career goals and academic interests. An increasing number of colleges also offer these degrees online, making them ideal choices for students requiring more flexibility.

This guide provides everything you need to discover the ideal psychology master’s program in Georgia for you. It features the top online and on-campus programs, prevalent specialization tracks and the colleges that provide them, financial aid opportunities that can assist in saving on college expenses, and more.

Best Accredited Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia for 2023

Georgia’s top psychology master’s programs offer accredited curriculums and challenging coursework, equipping students for a psychology career or further pursuit of a psychology graduate degree. We’ve highlighted three exceptional psychology master’s programs below that differentiate themselves through affordability, accreditation, and student support. These Georgia graduate programs in psychology provide an insight into what to anticipate from a high-quality program, and offer a preview of our comprehensive ranking to be released later in 2023.

1

University of West Georgia

Located in Carrollton, Georgia, the University of West Georgia offers an MA in psychology that boasts a diverse community of students and educators. Utilizing an integrative curriculum, this program delves into theoretical and historical foundations of psychology while emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning.

Primarily an on-campus program, UWG does offer some online and hybrid classes. Students complete both foundations of humanistic psychology and psychology as human science along with the remainder of the curriculum comprising elective courses that allow you to customize your learning plan based on your academic interests.

Applicants must provide official transcripts from all prior schools and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. They must also submit GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal narrative statement

Program Delivery

  • Full-Time
  • On-Campus
  • Some online/hybrid classes

Specialization/Concentration Tracks

  • Pedagogy
  • Pre-Doctoral
  • Pre-Clinical
  • Social Justice

2

Augusta University

Augusta University has an on-campus Master of Science in Psychology program designed for students interested in pursuing another graduate degree in psychology or in beginning a psychology career. This program highlights the theoretical and clinical fundamentals of the field while providing small class sizes and a collaborative environment.

As one of the top psychology graduate programs in Georgia, this master’s program provides three academic specializations: clinical, applied experimental, and general experimental tracks. Standard courses include developmental psychology, diversity issues in counseling, and clinical and addictive psychopharmacology. You can choose either clinical practicums or a thesis option for your degree-culminating experience.

Prospective students must complete an online application and provide academic transcripts from all previous institutions. Applicants must also submit a personal statement and complete an interview with the program’s admissions team

Program Delivery:

  • On-Campus
  • Full-Time

Specialization/Concentration Tracks:

  • Clinical/Counseling
  • Applied Experimental Track
  • General Experimental Track

3

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro’s Georgia Southern University offers an MS in Psychology program that prepares students with the skills needed to begin clinical careers or continue their education at the doctoral level. Georgia Southern also offers a teaching emphasis that provides hands-on preparation for teaching at the college level.

Students typically complete this program in two years and tackle classes in advanced cognitive psychology, statistics for psychology, and research design. In addition to traditional coursework, you’ll also complete a thesis project over the last two semesters for your degree-culminating experience.

This psychology graduate program in Georgia only admits 10-12 students yearly, so preparing application materials early and thoroughly can help your admittance chances. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. GRE scores are optional for Fall 2022 admissions because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Program Delivery:

  • On-Campus
  • Full-Time

Specialization/Concentration Tracks:

  • Clinical/Counseling

Popular Specialization Options for Master’s Psychology Programs in Georgia

Graduate programs in psychology in Georgia provide various specializations that enable students to enhance specific skills essential for advanced psychology careers. Whether your interest lies in comprehending how psychology operates in a corporate environment or in aiding individuals in a clinical setting, a master’s in psychology can equip you with the knowledge and skills required to achieve your goals. Learn more about common specialization options below.

Clinical Psychology

A master’s degree in clinical psychology readies you for a career as a mental health practitioner, concentrating on diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental health concerns. Through this program, students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to offer competent care. This degree is typically attained within 1-3 years, and it typically provides a pathway to state licensure. Coursework includes theories of counseling, psychopathology, and theories of psychotherapy.

Examples of Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program

Clayton State University (On-campus)

Brenau University (On-campus)

Augusta University (On-campus/Hybrid)

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

A master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology centers on the interaction between institutions and employees, emphasizing conflict resolution and mitigation, workplace productivity, and organizational development. This expanding field provides career opportunities across various sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing. Standard courses in this program include human factors psychology, professional issues in organizational psychology, and employment law and personnel practices. Many programs also necessitate a hands-on practicum or internship experience.

Examples of Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program

University of Georgia (On-campus)

Valdosta State University (On-campus)

Wesleyan College (On-campus/Hybrid)

Educational Psychology

A master’s degree in educational psychology provides the training necessary to tackle the behavioral, emotional, and learning difficulties that young students face in an academic environment. This psychology master’s specialization is frequently offered through both education and psychology departments, and it delves into topics such as learning, instruction, and applied behavioral analysis. Standard educational psychology courses include research methods in education, foundations of cognition for education, and applied statistical methods in education. Students typically complete 30-40 credits before graduation.

Examples of Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program

University of Georgia (Online)

Georgia State University (On-campus)

Georgia Southern University (On-campus)

Exercise Psychology

This interdisciplinary academic specialization integrates the physical and mental components surrounding exercise and physical wellness. In addition to exploring how the body responds to movement, you’ll study theories and techniques designed to encourage physical activity and regular exercise. This research-based degree prepares you for further academic work, teaching, and corporate lab research. Standard courses include ethical issues in sport and exercise psychology, psychology of sport and exercise performance, and health and exercise psychology. Students commonly choose between a thesis or practicum as a degree-culminating experience.

Examples of Georgia Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program

Georgia Southern University (On-campus)

University of Georgia (On-campus)

Inside Look at Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia

While online graduate programs in psychology in Georgia aren’t as widely available as on-campus options, there are a . Also, since many schools relied on distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may continue offering online learning as part of their curriculum moving forward. For example, schools like the University of Georgia, Wesleyan College, and Toccoa Falls College currently provide at least some portion of their coursework online.

Numerous online programs utilize asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. While this approach requires a high degree of self-discipline, it provides a flexible option for working students. However, it’s worth noting that clinical psychology programs generally necessitate hands-on clinical training in person, even if the classroom portion is offered virtually.

We spotlight online learning opportunities for graduate programs in psychology in Georgia below to give you an idea of what’s available. To learn more about online psychology masters’ programs in general, check out our guide to getting your online Master’s in Psychology.

Online Georgia Psychology Master’s Program Spotlights

1

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia’s online learning program offers an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology that spotlights the cognitive, developmental, and motivational psychological factors influencing educators and students alike. In addition to core coursework, students also take on a secondary area of focus that can include educational technology, lifetime learning, and development of intellectual capability. Over six semesters, master’s students complete 34 credits through classes like foundations of human development for education, foundations of cognition for education, and introduction to computer-based education.

Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.6. Applicants also submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. GRE/MAT may be considered alongside application materials but are not required.

Program Delivery:

  • Fully-Online

Specialization/Concentration Tracks:

  • Educational Psychology

2

Wesleyan College

Located in Macon, Georgia, Wesleyan College offers both online and in-person options while also increasing flexibility for working students by hosting evening classes. Wesleyan’s MA in industrial/organizational psychology gives you the knowledge necessary to pursue careers in HR training, consulting, and diversity education.

Common courses for this psychology master’s program include applied research design and statistics, applied social psychology, and organizational behavior and theory. Before graduation, you’ll also complete a senior project or practicum experience that provides the chance to put learned skills into practice.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prospective students also submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and complete an interview with the program director. You must also provide evidence of grad school readiness through either GRE scores or an academic writing sample.

Program Delivery:

  • Fully-online
  • Hybrid

Specialization/Concentration Tracks:

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

3

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls’ psychology graduate program offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. This is a hybrid program that gives working students the flexibility they need to meet both personal and professional obligations. Additionally, this academic track prepares students for licensure as counselors or therapists in the state of Georgia.

As a graduate MFT student, you’ll take classes like premarital therapy, psychopathology, and diagnosis and treatment planning. As this is a Christian institution, Toccoa also requires courses like Christian worldview identity and ethics and spiritual formation and integration.

Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. In addition to other standard application requirements, the school also requires that applicants complete six credits of psychology or counseling undergraduate classes.

Program Delivery:

  • Hybrid

Specialization/Concentration Tracks:

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

More Schools with Accredited Online Master’s Psychology Programs in Georgia

University of Southern Georgia

FAQs About Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia

What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in Georgia?

Admissions requirements for graduate programs in psychology in Georgia vary among schools, but there are some standard requirements you can expect. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and to provide official transcripts before admission. Additionally, most programs have a minimum GPA requirement somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0.

Other common requirements include letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a personal essay or statement of purpose. Due to COVID-19, many schools are waiving GRE scores for applicants. Some schools still require standardized test scores, though, and a solid GRE score can also help your admissions prospects if your undergraduate GPA doesn’t meet a school’s requirements.

How long do psychology master’s programs in Georgia take to finish?

Most graduate programs in psychology in Georgia take 1-3 years to complete. The University of Georgia’s M.Ed. in educational psychology, for example, takes six semesters, while Georgia Southern expects students to graduate in two years. Your status as a part-time or full-time student can impact how long it takes to finish your degree. Sometimes built into a curriculum, summer courses can help shorten the time it takes to get a diploma.

How much do psychology master’s programs in Georgia cost?

The cost for your psychology master’s program in Georgia depends on several factors. For example, a school’s status as a public or private institution has a big impact on tuition rates, and in-state tuition at a public Georgia college is often less expensive than out-of-state tuition. Additionally, online coursework has the potential to cut costs for things like travel, gas, and campus-based fees. We’ve highlighted several Georgia-based master’s programs in psychology below to provide a quick overview of tuition rates in the state.

University of Georgia

M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition & Development

Total Credits: 34

$629/credit

Augusta University

Master of Science in Psychology

Total Credits: 41

$2,752/semester (full-time, in-state)

Georgia Southern University

Master of Science, Kinesiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration

Total Credits: 36

$3,318/semester (full-time, in-state)

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Master’s Students in Georgia

A master’s degree in psychology requires a significant investment of time and money. Fortunately, scholarships, grants, work/study options, financial aid opportunities are available for psychology master’s students in Georgia. Additionally, individual programs often provide scholarships, fellowships, and awards. The University of Georgia’s psychology department, for example, lists funding opportunities that span from graduate school fellowships to an outstanding teaching assistant award. There are also popular loan forgiveness initiatives from groups like the National Institutes of Health and the Indian Health Services.