What do career advisors, psychotherapists, and public relations managers all have in common? They’re in-demand jobs in North Carolina that someone with a psychology degree is qualified for, according to Western Carolina University. Graduates from psychology degree programs in North Carolina can utilize their passion and expertise for mental healthcare in a variety of roles after graduating.
Yet for many students, it can be hard to determine what level of education they need to pursue their dream psychology career and where they should get their degree. To provide clarity for your search, we’ve rounded up the best psychology programs in North Carolina and some tips about choosing the right degree type for you.
Best Colleges to Earn a Psychology Degree in North Carolina
Looking for the best psychology programs in North Carolina can be hard since there are so many high-quality programs. There’s no one “best” program, as the right degree differs from student to student. However, some schools stand out in terms of affordability, accreditation, and student support resources. The three psychology degrees in North Carolina below can act as a quality barometer as you start your search.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
When looking for the best psychology programs in North Carolina, UNC Chapel Hill should be considered. The school offers psychology degrees at every level, including an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a PhD program. Candidates in the PhD program choose from six subspecialties: clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, quantitative psychology, social psychology, or behavioral neuroscience. At all degree levels, there is a large emphasis on clinical work and hands-on experiences in the field. Students learn course materials in lectures and apply them in either clinical internships or in-class labs.
Because of this, all UNC-Chapel Hill programs are offered in-person and require students to visit campus multiple times a week. The school is also known for providing some of the most generous scholarships and financial aid packages in the state, making Chapel Hill one of the most affordable options.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Quantitative psychology
- Social psychology
- Behavioral neuroscience
Western Carolina University
Whether someone is considering getting their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in psychology, they should consider Western Carolina University. The school provides some of the best psychology degrees in the state, including a bachelor’s, master’s, and PsyD in the field. At any level, students can take general psychology or school psychology courses.
PsyD candidates also have the opportunity to study assessment, therapy, consultation, and supervision in-depth, preparing them for psychology licensure. Their psychology department has also recently been awarded a 1.25 million grant, meaning there are ample research assistantships and financial aid opportunities available. On top of that, Western Carolina University has a robust financial aid program for undergraduate and graduate students, making this one of the most affordable degrees in the state. All their degrees are offered in person and significant travel to and from campus is required.
Delivery:
- MSCHE
Undergraduate Programs:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Graduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
University of North Carolina Pembroke
The University of North Carolina Pembroke hosts some of the best psychology programs in North Carolina. These programs include a bachelor’s of psychology and a minor in psychology. They also have some online certificates in specific subspecialties, such as their psychology of play graduate certificate. All of their programs focus heavily on how psychology interacts with other fields and students have the opportunity to customize degrees, minors, and certificates to their professional interests.
For the bachelor’s, students take coursework in three areas: experimental and cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental and clinical psychology. They also can take electives in subspecialties of interest to them, including some online elective options. The school also provides virtual and in-person student support resources, such as academic tutoring and professional development counseling. UNC Pembroke students also are eligible for generous financial aid packages.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Psychology of Play Graduate Certificate
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental/Clinical Psychology
- Social psychology
- Psychology of Play
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in North Carolina
Online psychology degree programs in North Carolina provide students with more flexibility and opportunities than traditional programs. They are a great alternative for working professionals and others who need added convenience and affordability to balance their studies with work and life obligations.
Virtual students receive the same quality of education as in-person peers but in a virtual learning format. To help you find the best online psychology programs in North Carolina in terms of affordability, academics, and accreditation, read on for three stand-out programs in 2024.
North Carolina Central College
North Carolina Central College’s undergraduate degree is often considered one of the best online psychology programs in North Carolina. This degree can be completed entirely online with synchronous class sessions run by leading psychological researchers and educators. The program focuses on human diversity, global change, and the psychology of the individual and collective. The curriculum covers the theoretical basis of the field and research methods, with students completing a research-intensive capstone project.
When students graduate, they are prepared to work in a variety of fields including human resources, public health, criminal justice, and psychology. The school also offers a master’s in psychology, though this program is hosted at their Durham campus, not online like their undergraduate program.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Psychology (in-person)
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- General Psychology
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University offers some of the best psychology programs in North Carolina, especially in terms of flexibility and convenience. That’s because many of their programs are offered online, including their two-year bachelor’s completion option and their master’s degree in psychology. They also boast some of the best student support resources when compared to other online psychology degree programs in North Carolina. Neither program offers specializations, though both have opportunities for students to take electives in areas of interest.
Elective areas include school psychology, abnormal psychology, and behavioral psychology. Most of their online courses are offered asynchronously, though some master’s and higher-level undergraduate seminars are offered at set class times to facilitate virtual conversations among students and professors. Students are also responsible for a variety of online assignments, including producing podcast episodes on course materials, taking online quizzes, and contributing to discussion boards through their online learning software, Canvas.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Two-year bachelor’s completion program
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s degree in psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Specializations Offered:
- General psychology
- Behavioral research
- Professional psychology
North Carolina State University
When looking at the best psychology programs in North Carolina, consider North Carolina State University. NC State has one of the best selections of online psychology degrees, including a master’s in mental health counseling and a graduate certificate in counselor education. For online courses, most classes are provided in a synchronous format, meaning there are set class times where students log in to a virtual classroom.
Students also complete a variety of online assignments, such as responding to discussion boards, taking online tests, and presenting course material and submit it through a virtual learning platform. NC State also provides stand-out student support resources, including online professional development appointments and virtual tutoring services. Depending on the degree type and students’ interests, there may be the option to complete a degree in a hybrid format.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor in Psychology (in-person)
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
- Graduate certificate in Counselor Education
- PhD in Psychology (in-person)
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- Partially-Online
Specializations Offered:
- School Psychology
- Counselor Education
- Mental health counseling
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in North Carolina
Psychology is an interesting field because there isn’t one-degree level all students must achieve. Instead, there are opportunities for students at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels. Keep reading to discover which degree type is right for you and some more of the best psychology programs in North Carolina.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in North Carolina
Associate Degrees in Psychology
If you want to dip your toes into the field of psychology, but aren’t ready to commit to a four-year degree, consider getting an associate’s. An associate’s degree in psychology takes about two years to complete and covers the basics of the field.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Durham Technical College (On-Campus)
- The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (On-Campus)
- Guilford Technical Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
Those who want to take their psychology education to the next level should consider getting a bachelor’s degree. This four-year degree introduces students to the foundations of the field and how to conduct psychology research. It also provides space to explore different career options within psychology.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Fayetteville State University (Online)
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (On-Campus)
- North Carolina Central College (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in North Carolina
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
If someone wants to work with patients in North Carolina, a master’s degree is the minimum required to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate. A master’s also provides more opportunities for students to specialize in a specific area of psychology, such as industrial psychology or psychotherapy.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- North Carolina State University (Online)
- North Carolina Central College (On-Campus)
- Fayetteville State University (Online)
PsyD Programs
To be a licensed psychologist in North Carolina, students must have their Ph.D. or PsyD. A PsyD emphasizes clinical training earlier in the program and may be the ideal doctorate for those who want to work as a licensed counselor or psychologist in the state.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Appalachian State University (On-Campus)
- Western Carolina University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
Those who want to become experts in the theory behind psychology should consider getting their Ph.D. With this degree, students can become licensed psychologists, researchers in the field, or psychology professors. This degree can take up to five years to complete, making it a significant investment.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- North Carolina State University (On-Campus)
- UNC Charlotte (Hybrid)
- University of North Carolina Greensboro (On-Campus)
- Duke University (On-campus)
Graduate Certificates
If you’re already working as a psychology associate or licensed psychologist, but want to improve your skills, consider graduate certificates. These certificates are often in highly specialized areas and provide critical training on those topics. Typically, these are short (about one to two semesters) and require less commitment than a formal degree.
Accredited North Carolina Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- UNC Pembroke (Online)
- Duke University (On-Campus)
- North Carolina State University (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in North Carolina
The best psychology programs in North Carolina often come with a high price tag, but that doesn’t mean you have to cover the cost alone. There are many financial aid resources to help students, such as scholarships, work-study programs, fellowships, assistantships, and student loans.
Along with federal aid, there are also some scholarships and financial aid options specifically for North Carolina residents. These include:
- Undergraduate psychology scholarships: Eastern Carolina University provides select undergrad psychology students with scholarships up to $2,000.
- North Carolina APA Fellowship: the North Carolina branch of the American Psychiatric Association provides fellowships for psychology undergraduates interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in psychiatry.
- School psychology scholarship: UNC-Chapel Hill provides scholarships to master’s students pursuing a degree in school psychology.
For a more general idea of how financial aid sources work, check out our financial aid guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in North Carolina
Psychology grads work in a variety of fields and demand for graduates with this skillset is growing quickly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for psychologists is projected to expand across all sectors and industries. Because psychology interacts with all aspects of life, there are opportunities for grads in all workplace settings, from schools to hospitals to corporations.
On average, graduates also make between $60,000 to $90,000 a year. Those who have a Ph.D. and are licensed psychologists typically make more than those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. To explore career options and salary expectations, check out the table below.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed psychologist | 1.2% | 4,806 | $85,330 |
| School counselors | 0.9% | 22,822 | $60,140 |
| Market research analysts | 1.3% | 37,924 | $68,230 |
| Survey researchers | 1.3% | 37,924 | $60,410 |
| Training and development specialists | 0.9% | 22,822 | $63,080 |
Sources: North Carolina Department of Commerce;Bureau of Labor Statistics
North Carolina Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- North Carolina Psychological Association
The North Carolina Psychological Association provides networking opportunities, professional development resources, and more for residents interested in working in the field of psychology. The organization also offers a student membership at a reduced price. - North Carolina Psychology Board
For information on becoming a licensed psychologist and networking events and educational seminars hosted by the state, visit the North Carolina Psychology Board’s website. You can also learn more about continuing education requirements for psychologists. - North Carolina Association of Professional Psychologists
Professional psychologists and psychology associates who are licensed in the state of North Carolina should check out this organization. Perks of membership include access to networking events and continuing education resources. - NC Psychiatric Association
Let’s say you get an undergraduate degree in psychology, only to realize you’re more interested in exploring psychiatry. Consider joining the NC Psychiatric Association. They can provide networking events, career development resources, and more to support your professional endeavors. They also have a search engine tool to help members find psychiatric residencies. - Graduate Association of Students in Psychology
Housed through North Carolina State University, the Graduate Association of Students in Psychology provides professional development and emotional support for graduate students pursuing a psychology degree. The organization regularly hosts networking events and professional development seminars.
