Psychology is a fascinating field of study that can pave the way for many potential professions. Among the most common are clinical and counseling psychologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for these jobs is expected to grow 11% nationwide, with New Jersey’s demand mirroringthis growth.
Yet this isn’t the best thing about earning a psychology degree in New Jersey — this universal degree can also lay the foundation for occupations and graduate degrees outside the psychology field. The goal of this guide is to offer a glimpse into the top psychology programs available in New Jersey and shed some light on professional options you can expect after you earn your degree.
Best Psychology Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey is a small state, but it has many colleges and universities that offer psychology degrees and certificate programs. To help you find the right psychology degree program in New Jersey, we’ve identified three top options. These stand out in terms of affordability, learning flexibility, academic quality, and student services.
Even if these are not the right fit for you, you will still get a solid picture of what type of academic features you should look for in your psychology program search. For a more complete list of top schools and programs, stay tuned for our full 2024 ranking list later this year.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Known simply as Rutgers, this university is one of the largest and most-recognized institutions of higher learning in the state. As a result, students can choose from a wide selection of graduate and undergraduate programs. Many are traditional, on-campus programs, but some courses from the Rutgers Department of Psychologyat Rutgers are available synchronously online, with set meeting times. Students should keep in mind that along with these online courses, they will be expected to spend considerable time completing experiential and in-person learning requirements, including labs, fieldwork, and internships.
Psychology students at Rutgers will enjoy one of the biggest alumni networks and myriad research opportunities. Many of Rutgers faculty members have collaboration agreements with peer institutions and departments inside and outside of Rutgers.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences
- Master of Arts + Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
- Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Child/Adolescent Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Seton Hall University
The undergraduate and graduate psychology programs at Seton Hall University are spread between two colleges. Department of Psychology students can choose from various undergraduate, dualdegree, and certificate programs. In the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, there are several master’s and PhD-level psychology programs offered.
Seton Hall offers a wide selection of learning options, including both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in psychology, plus the undergraduate psychology honors program. There are also certificate programs and accelerated bachelor’s and master’s dual degree options.
All of these programs are offered primarily or exclusively on-campus.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Psychology Honors Program
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Psychological Studies
- Master of Arts + Education Specialist in School Psychology
- Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Master of Arts + Education Specialist in Professional Counseling
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
- Graduate Certificates
Specialization Options:
- Data and Visualization Analysis
- Sports and Exercise Psychology
- School Counseling
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Psychology and Counselingoffers a variety of graduate and undergraduate psychology degree programs as well as dual degree tracks.
What makes Fairleigh Dickinson University unique is its post-baccalaureate re-specialization track. The program is for students interested in psychology who hold a degree in other disciplines, like science or business. Students complete 18 credits of basic psychology coursework and are then eligible to apply to the graduate psychology program of choice.
Once enrolled, students can transfer up to nine credits from the re-specialization program toward their graduate psychology degree.
In addition to this transfer and transition process for students with non-psychology backgrounds, students receive personalized advisement on the best psychology program for their professional goals and how to navigate the application process.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Master of Arts in School Psychology
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
- Doctor of Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Forensic Psychology
- General-Theoretical Psychology
- School Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Consumer Psychology
- Mental Health
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in New Jersey
Some of the best psychology programs are in New Jersey and they’re available online. These remote learning options make it far more convenient for students to earn their degree while fulfilling their personal and professional obligations. The ability to work while in school can also make it easier to afford tuition.
But what is it like to learn online? Do you still need to come to campus or meet other in-person requirements? We answer these and many other questions by spotlighting three top online psychology programs in New Jersey. These schools are notable for not just their online programs, but their academic quality, cost, and academic resources. Note that a full list of ranked schools will be released later in 2024.
Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s University is one of the few universities in New Jersey that offers a 100% online graduate program in psychology. Specifically, the Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology is 36 credits and allows most full-time students to graduate in just 15 months. To offer better flexibility in course selection, the academic terms are trimesters, each lasting 11 weeks.
Besides being online, this program has several features that make it stand out among the other top online psychology programs in New Jersey. Each class is limited to just 18 students, allowing maximum faculty-student interaction. Students can earn either a master of science or a master of arts degree. Either option requires six core classes, with plenty of elective options to tailor your degree. Students can choose to complete a final project with a thesis or capstone.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- FullyOnline
Specialization Option:
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
Rowan University
Rowan University offers psychology degrees at all undergraduate and graduate levels. However, only its Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is offered online. The curriculum meets the American Psychological Association’s undergraduate psychology program guidelines. As a result, graduates will be fully prepared to enter a variety of professions in human services, marketing, sales, business, and community activism. Additionally, graduates will possess the foundational knowledge to earn a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology should they choose.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credits, 33 in the psychology major. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and can begin their studies in either fall or spring terms.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- FullyOnline
- Partially Online
William Paterson University
William Paterson University has some of the best online psychology programs in New Jersey. At the undergraduate level, there is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, offered 100% online, so students can complete all required 120 credits from home. For added flexibility, students can choose from one of four annual start dates, with each term lasting just seven weeks.
At the graduatelevel, there’s the Master of Arts in Clinical & Counseling Psychology, a hybrid program accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. Students can choose to take on-campus courses during the day or synchronous online classes in the evenings. During the summer, all courses are offered online in an asynchronous format.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Clinical & Counseling Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specialization Option:
- Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in New Jersey
Finding the best on-campus and online psychology programs in New Jersey can be challenging, given the number of available undergraduate and graduate programs. Offerings include everything from foundational knowledge to advanced research and clinical skills. Let’s look at the various types of psychology programs in New Jersey.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in New Jersey
Associate Degrees in Psychology
The associate degree in psychology is intended for students looking for a well-rounded degree that will serve as a platform for future learning. This learning can come after graduation while working in an entry-level position or more commonly, after transferring into a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Hudson County Community College (On-Campus)
- Union College of Union County, NJ (On-Campus)
- Brookdale Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
This degree will prepare you for most careers that require a bachelor’s degree. It also serves as a solid starting point for a graduate degree, whether it’s in business, psychology, or social work. Because of the universal applicability of this degree, it is also ideal for those who think they want a career in psychology, but want a degree that will still be useful if they change their minds.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- The College of New Jersey (On-Campus)
- New Jersey City University (On-Campus)
- Rutgers, The State Universityof New Jersey (Hybrid)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in New Jersey
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
The master’s degree in psychology is for current professionals who want additional training and skills to take the next step in their careers. It’s also for those who want to eventually earn a PhD or PsyD degree. While there are many psychology doctoral programs that accept applicants with just a bachelor’s degree, already having a master’s degree can save time and money earning a doctorate.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Kean University (On-Campus)
- Felician University (On-Campus)
- Saint Peter’s University (Online)
PsyD Programs
Of the top psychology programs in New Jersey, PsyD programs are some of the most popular among those who want the most advanced clinical training possible. This doctorate in professional psychology is best suited if you want to work directly with clients in a clinical setting as a licensed psychologist.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- William Paterson University (On-Campus)
- Georgian Court University (On-Campus)
- Felician University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
A Doctor of Philosophy in psychology degree is for anyone who wants to work as a licensed psychologist or as a faculty member conducting novel research and teaching mental health and psychology students. However, since the curriculum is research-heavy, the PhD in psychology is designed for those interested in careers in academia than private practice.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- Montclair State University (On-Campus)
- Princeton University (On-Campus)
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificate programs in psychology require about one year of full-time study. They are intended for existing psychology professionals who desire additional training in a particular area, but who don’t want to commit the time and/or money to earn another degree.
Accredited New Jersey Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- Rider University (On-Campus)
- Seton Hall University (On-Campus)
- Montclair State University (Hybrid)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in New Jersey
To help pay for tuition and other education costs at any of the top psychology programs in New Jersey, there are a host of financial aid options. Among the most common are student loans, which often come from the federal government (the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid). But there are also financial aid options that don’t need to be paid back, such as scholarships, grants, work-study, and fellowships.
These gift-based sources of financial aid are available from private entities, such as the American Psychological Association, as well as the schools themselves. For example, Montclair State University offers several merit-based scholarships and awards in the Psychology Department. Finally, there may be state-based sources of financial aid, such as the merit-based and need-based grants and scholarships from New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in New Jersey
If you’re interested in a psychology-related job in New Jersey, you can expect compensation that is among the highest in the country. However, with its proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, New Jersey’s cost of living is about 20% higherthan the national average. To give you an idea of what graduating from a top psychology program in New Jersey can do for your professional future, check out the data in the table below.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 11% | 300 | $164,110 |
| Training and Development Specialists | 9% | 630 | $85,890 |
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 22% | 1,320 | $65,090 |
| Education, Guidance, and Career Counselors | 9% | 780 | $76,580 |
| Market Research Analyst | 19% | 2,630 | $88,420 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
New Jersey Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- New Jersey Psychological Association
The goal of the New Jersey Psychological Association is to promote and advance the science and field of psychology to improve lives and increase the understanding of mental health issues and concerns. Resources include free professional consultations, networking events, and continuing education programs. - New Jersey Counseling Association
By joining the New Jersey Counseling Association, members can take part in networking and education events to advance their professional careers. Membership is open to graduate students, retired counselors, practicing counselors, and counselor educators. - New Jersey School Counselor Association
This organization represents the professional interests of school counselors so they may provide better counseling services and advice to their students. Professional development and training benefits include conferences, career services, and webinars. - New Jersey Association of Women Therapists
The New Jersey Association of Women Therapists is for mental health professionals who identify as women and would like to take advantage of a professional network of peers to improve their understanding of their practice and pursue career advancement. - Psi Chi
Psi Chi is the largest organization for psychology students. Members of this international honor society work to encourage the study and science of psychology through research, collaboration, and educational programs.
