Are you a Michigan resident looking to further your psychology education? Look no further. We have researched and identified the top accredited psychology degree programs offered by colleges and universities in Michigan. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree or certificate in psychology, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we provide helpful information and advice on Michigan psychology degree online programs, financial aid opportunities, job prospects for psychology graduates, and more. Keep reading to learn about the best psychology degree programs available in Michigan.
Best Psychology Programs in Michigan in 2024
To jumpstart your search for the perfect psychology program in Michigan, we have highlighted three schools with exceptional offerings. Our selection criteria were based on key program factors such as affordability, comprehensive curriculum, program flexibility, and access to faculty and student support services. By showcasing these programs, we aim to give you an idea of what to look for when considering any psychology program. Our full rankings of psychology programs in Michigan will be released later in 2024, so be sure to check back for a more in-depth analysis.
1
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan offers excellent psychology programs on all three of its campuses, the most comprehensive of which is located on the university’s main campus in Ann Arbor. Michigan’s undergraduate psychology program offers bachelor’s degrees in two majors: Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN). Students in both majors also complete coursework in one of more than a dozen minor subjects. Advanced students may qualify for the Honors Program where they collaborate with faculty mentors to complete original research projects.
On the graduate level, Michigan offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program that allows its current psychology undergrads to take graduate-level courses during their senior year and continue earning a master’s with one additional year of studies. For students seeking their doctorate, Michigan’s Psychology Department offers a PhD program with six specialization options as well joint PhD degrees in Education and Psychology, Social Work and Psychology, and Women’s and Gender Studies and Psychology.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA Psychology
- Bachelor of Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Graduate Programs:
- Accelerated Master’s
- PhD
Specialization Options:
- Biopsychology
- Clinical Science
- Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality & Social Contexts
- Social Psychology
- Education and Psychology (joint degree)
- Social Work and Psychology (joint degree)
- Women’s and Gender Studies and Psychology (joint degree)
2
Central Michigan University
The Department of Psychology at Central Michigan University has a generous variety of degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, including what may be the broadest selection of bachelor’s degree options in the state. These options include a General Psychology major and concentrations in Business Psychology, Mental Health, and Neuroscience. CMU also offers a BS/MS in Experimental Psychology program that allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in an accelerated five-year format.
CMU graduate programs in psychology include master’s and doctorate degrees in several specialized areas of study. Programs include an MS in Experimental Psychology and PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology; MA and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology; and SPsyS and PhD in School Psychology. Also available is an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience program with both MS and PhD options. In addition, CMU offers coursework and research opportunities in behavioral analysis that meet the 5th edition track lists for qualification for BCBA and BCaBA certification. All CMU psychology degree programs are based on CMU’s main campus in Mount Pleasant.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- General Major
- BA/BS Business Psychology
- BA/BS Mental Health
- BS Neuroscience
- BS/MS Experimental Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MA/MS
- SPsyS
- PhD
Specialization Options:
- Clinical Psychology (PhD)
- Experimental Psychology (MS and PhD)
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MA and PhD)
- Neuroscience (MS and PhD)
- School Psychology (SPsyS and PhD)
3
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University offers several undergraduate and graduate psychology degrees through its campus in Kalamazoo, beginning with two campus-based bachelor options. The Behavioral Science major is for students intending to earn a graduate psychology degree. The program features a high degree of rigor in its coursework that places greater emphasis on professional skills, research, and applied experience. Students not planning to pursue graduate studies in psychology or intending to pursue a non-psychology graduate degree can opt for the General Psychology major. Both programs include courses in a range of major-related subjects as well as general education and minor-subject coursework.
Graduate students can choose from programs in three specialized areas: Behavioral Analysis, Clinical Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Behavior Management. MA and PhD tracks are available in all three areas. All graduate programs are entirely campus-based except for the MA in Behavioral Analysis, which offers a hybrid option for students based in the Metro-Detroit area.
Delivery:
- Hybrid (MA Behavioral Analysis Metro-Detroit area only)
- On-Campus
- Part-Time (MA Behavioral Analysis Metro-Detroit area)
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS Behavioral Science
- BS General Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- M.A. Psychology
- PhD Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Analysis
- Clinical Psychology
- Industrial Organizational Behavior Management
Top Online Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Distance learning has become an option for practically all majors in postsecondary education, including psychology. There are a growing number of online psychology degree programs in Michigan, and you can find them at every degree level from associate degrees to doctorates. Expect a trend toward even more distance education options as psychology programs in Michigan move substantial parts of their curriculums online.
Online psychology programs in Michigan come either entirely or partially online with coursework presented in synchronous or asynchronous formats or a combination of both. In addition, many online programs include field training experiences that require in-person attendance at a program-approved agency or practice facility located in and around the school’s or student’s local area.
In our college rankings below, we’ve listed this year’s top Michigan schools with online psychology programs to help you begin your search.
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
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Whether you want to become a clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, talent acquisition specialist, or behavior technician, Western Michigan University can prepare you for a variety of careers based in psychology. WMU graduates have gone on to work for a variety of employers, including the Great Lakes Center for Autism and Treatment Research, the Oxford Recovery Center, Centria Healthcare, and Total Spectrum. This is not surprising, considering the school's career outcomes report states that 94% of those who graduate from the psychology program successfully find employment or continue their education. Also, 93% of graduates report that they've had at least one resume-worthy experience during their time at the school.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $603.92/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University's psychology department offers a program evaluation master's degree for students who want to contribute to their communities by using research skills to determine if programs and policies are effective. This work of helping to improve policies and programs that address specific social problems can be done in a variety of settings, including charitable, recreational, governmental, and educational programs. To prepare students for this career, the curriculum covers the fundamentals of how evaluations are conducted, designed, and managed. In addition to online classes, students are required to participate in a practicum where they work with professionals to understand how best practices of evaluation are applied in real-world settings.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts Degree in Program Evaluation
- Credits: 37
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $730/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Ypsilanti, Michigan
To be admitted into Eastern Michigan University's online educational psychology master's degree program, applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Prospective students should also have either a 3.0 grade point average in at least half of their undergraduate work, a 3.30 GPA in 12 hours of graduate study, or at least a four score on the GRE writing test. In addition to providing official transcripts and test scores, applicants should also submit a statement of purpose explaining their professional goals and interests and how this program will help them build their careers. After being admitted, students take foundational psychology classes, such as human development, basic concepts in educational psychology, and principles of learning in education. These courses help provide a look at how psychological and educational principles intersect so professionals can use both in their work. Also, students must take a seminar in educational psychology, where they create a proposal for the final project they're required to complete to graduate.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $512/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEP
4
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
5
Wyoming, Michigan
6
Owosso, Michigan
7
Marquette, Michigan
8
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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
Warren, Michigan
Whether you take classwork in educational, industrial, abnormal, or social psychology, the pre-psychology program at Macomb Community College provides expertise from instructors who gained invaluable insights through both graduate study and first-hand professional experience. This associate degree is a good choice for students who want to gain a foundation of psychological knowledge to go on to earn a bachelor's degree and beyond. Also, this program can help those who want to pursue other professional paths gain an understanding of psychology that enhances their job performance. In addition to psychology classes, you will take general education coursework in mathematics, anthropology, sociology, and English.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Pre-Psychology
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $208/credit in-state; $265/credit out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Lansing, Michigan
If you're not ready to enroll in a four-year program, you can learn the foundations of psychology and gain solid footing for further education by earning an associate psychology degree from Lansing Community College. You'll be required to take an introduction to psychology course that provides an overview of the field and courses in abnormal psychology, human growth and development, and social psychology. Also, there are general education requirements in English composition, humanities and fine arts, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. This way, you have the education you need to continue studying psychology or move on to another bachelor's program.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $117/credit
- Mode: 100% online or partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Highlighting Accredited Online Psychology Degrees in Michigan
1
Baker College
CSU’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers an array of undergraduate and graduate psychology degree programs and certificates, many of which are available online. The online programs offer maximum convenience with all classwork delivered through distance learning methods such as the CalSouthern Learning Center online learning platform. Most curriculum components are online, though some degrees have hands-on learning requirements like the internship for the PsyD degree. Additionally, services like the Learner Support Specialists may require a campus visit.
Degrees and certificates at CSU are very affordable, with most programs costing $545 per credit. To make online learning as beneficial as possible, students also have access to faculty mentors who not only understand the academic material but also have experience in clinical practice.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- MS Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time (Standard MS)
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
2
Michigan State University
When it comes to online graduate psychology programs in Michigan, MSU currently leads the pack with its two masters and one doctorate both having substantial online components. The Department of Psychology’s Online Master of Arts Degree in Program Evaluation prepares graduates to help organizations of all types and sizes improve their programs and policies impacting any number of social problems. The program consists of 24 credit hours of coursework culminating with a practicum where students work alongside evaluation professionals in a real-world practice setting. All coursework is presenting entirely online, and full-time students complete the program in 16 months. Part-time study options are also available. MSU also offers a 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation for students not interested in a full master’s degree in the major.
The MSU College of Education offers two psychology-related degree programs through its Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education. The MA in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered in a hybrid format for coursework along with in-person fieldwork experience. Students also complete research practicums as part of their master’s thesis. The hybrid-format PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology prepares leaders in human learning and/or technologies in support of teaching and learning. The EPET degree can be completed with five years of rigorous study completed mostly online. A nine-credit online Graduate Certificate in Educational Psychology option is also available.
Graduate Programs:
- MA Program Evaluation
- Certificate Program Evaluation
- MA Applied Behavior Analysis
- PhD Educational Psychology and Educational Technology
- Certificate Educational Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- Clinical Psychology, Doctoral Respecialization
- LGBT Human Services and Mental Health
3
University of Michigan – Flint
Michigan’s Flint-based Bachelor of Science in Psychology program takes a generalist approach to prepare graduates for careers in psychology practice as well as in fields like business, education, social work, law, and healthcare. The program is offered in on-campus, fully online, and hybrid formats. As with the on-campus and mixed formats, the fully online program requires completion of a minimum of 124 credit hours that include 46 credits of foundational and applied research courses along with core courses in biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and applied psychology. Degree requirements are rounded out with general education and elective courses.
Students in the fully online program have access to the same support services as their on-campus counterparts, including faculty mentorship and academic and career counseling. Additional resources for online students include online tutoring, 24/7 online library resources, and a First Year Experience course that prepares students to succeed in the virtual learning environment.
Psychology and Teacher’s Certificate Minors, both of which can be completed entirely online, are also available.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Psychology Minor
- Teacher’s Certificate Minor
Program Options:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Hybrid
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Michigan
With so many psychology degrees and certificate options available from Michigan colleges and universities, it’s not easy to know which one provides the skills and training most suited to your personal and career goals. The following descriptions and examples of the various types of psychology programs in Michigan can help you make the best choice.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Associate Degrees in Psychology
The associate degree in psychology is primarily offered at community colleges and provides graduates with the necessary skills for entry-level positions such as behavioral technicians, case managers, social and human services assistants, and youth advocates. This degree is often pursued as a stepping stone towards a bachelor’s program in psychology at a four-year college or university. Typically taking two years of full-time study to complete, this degree provides a solid foundation of coursework that can be transferred to a four-year institution.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Lake Michigan College (On-Campus)
Lansing Community College (Online, On-Campus, Hybrid)
Macomb Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
The four-year BA or BS in Psychology degree prepares graduates for job opportunities both inside and outside the psychology field in areas like education, human resources, sales, advertising and marketing, social work, and more. Additionally, according to the American Psychological Association, about 25% of psychology bachelor’s graduates continue onto graduate psychology programs and another 18% continue into non-psychology fields.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Grand Valley State University (On-Campus)
Northern Michigan University (Online and On-Campus)
University of Michigan – Flint (Online, On-Campus, Hybrid)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology offers education and specialized training in various occupational settings and specialized fields. Some popular fields of study include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, school psychology, and social psychology. Many students pursue a master’s degree in psychology to gain additional experience before applying to a doctoral program. The master’s program provides advanced training in a specific area of interest and can lead to career advancement opportunities.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Baker College (Online)
Eastern Michigan University (On-Campus)
Western Michigan University (Hybrid)
PsyD Programs
The majority of professional psychological service jobs, particularly those that require state licensure, demand a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology. A PsyD degree is focused on preparing students for direct, clinical psychological practice with patients and clients. The program is comprised of coursework, clinical training (residency), and dissertation research. The typical length of the program is four to six years.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Michigan School of Psychology (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
Like the PsyD, PhD in psychology programs provide education and training for professional practice in clinical settings. However, PhD programs place an equal emphasis on research competencies to prepare graduates for occupations in research and academia as well as for clinical practice. Popular fields include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology. Students typically take five to seven years to complete PhD programs.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Central Michigan University (On-Campus)
Michigan State University (On-Campus and Hybrid)
University of Detroit Mercy (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Psychology graduate certificates provide foundational knowledge and skills in specific psychology-related subjects to those who have already earned, are currently enrolled in, or are not interested in earning a full graduate degree. Course, credit hour requirements, and program lengths vary significantly among programs.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Grand Valley State University (Online)
Michigan State University (On-Campus)
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Michigan
There are many financial aid resources available to Michigan psychology students, undergrads and postgrads alike. These include scholarships and grants, some of which are offered by the schools themselves for their psychology students. Examples of in-house scholarship programs include those from Central Michigan University and the Michigan School of Psychology. Other common funding sources include student loans, usually through the federal government, fellowships and assistantships for grad students, the VA for current military and veterans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Contact your school’s financial aid office for information on potential funding sources. Also visit STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide to learn more about ways to pay for your psychology education.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Michigan
The career outlook for Michigan psychology graduates seeking professional careers is highly dependent on various factors, including their career field, job title, employer, and level of experience. Location can also significantly impact earnings potential, as evidenced by the 2020 annual mean wage for psychologists in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area, which is $97,100, significantly higher than the statewide average of $83,380.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologists: Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 7.7% | 260 | $88,050 |
| Psychologists: All Other | -2.7% | 30 | $83,380 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 15.6% | 60 | $50,050 |
| Human Resource Managers | 2.3% | 340 | $124,410 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 8.4% | 470 | $50,160 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Michigan
Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP)
The MASP is a professional association of current and retired school psychologists and school psychologist supervisors, administrators, educators, and students in Michigan. Useful resources include information on the school psychology profession, job and internship postings, and more.
The Michigan Board of Psychology is the state regulatory agency for professional psychological and related practice in the state. Its website gives comprehensive information on state licensing, exam, and continuing education requirements.
Michigan Counseling Association (MCA)
The MCA is a non-profit association of professional counselors working in a range of practice settings throughout Michigan. Membership benefits include networking events like the association’s annual conference. MCA also provides professional development webinar videos and lists internship opportunities for clinical graduate students.
Michigan Psychological Association (MPA)
A state affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the MPA advances psychological science and the education and practice of psychology in Michigan. Student memberships are available with benefits that include networking events, mentoring opportunities, education program discounts, and more.
Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi, an honor society of current and former psychology students, aims to “encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology.” There are nearly 30 Psi Chi chapters on Michigan college and university campuses throughout the state.
