Psychology is one of the more popular areas of study for college students. Not only is the coursework innately interesting, but a psychology degree can open doors to in-demand professions. For example, the projected growth for psychologists over the next 10 years is estimated to be 12% in Tennessee — about double the national average for all occupations.
The goal of this guide is to help you wade through the various psychology program and degree offerings. We’ll explain the different academic tracks and degrees available, examine a few individual psychology degree programs in Tennessee, and review what sort of jobs you can expect after graduating. Keep reading to learn more about this high-growth degree track.
Best Psychology Colleges in Tennessee
It’s a challenging goal to definitively identify the best psychology programs in Tennessee. There are so many factors to account for, and what’s best for you may not be ideal for other prospective psychology students. However, what we can do is give you an idea of what to look for during your own research. To that end, we’ve identified three psychology degree programs in Tennessee notable for their affordability, learning options, and student services. And even if these particular schools aren’t right for you, they’ll still give you a good idea of what to expect when you identify which school to attend. We’ll also be releasing a full rankings list later this year, so make sure to check back.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville features a Psychology Department with one of the most robust selections of programs in Tennessee. While notable for their diversity, the programs also boast a range of support options for students of psychology study.
For instance, undergraduate students will have ample opportunities to assist graduate students and faculty members with their research. They will also have internship and volunteer opportunities within the local community.
As for graduate students, they will enjoy training and coursework with extra emphasis on research. The Experimental Psychology concentration is available in both the master’s degree and PhD degree programs, and doctoral students gain experience at the University of Tennessee Psychological Clinic, a multidisciplinary training site.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- Neuroscience & Behavior
- Cognitive & Developmental Science
- Social Psychology
Tennessee Tech University
Tennessee Tech University’s Counseling and Psychology Department offers not just various undergraduate and graduate degree options, but also a range of resources to help students make the most of their degree. For example, the program features graduate and undergraduate scholarships available to psychology students, for which only one application is needed to apply for all eligible scholarships.
Academic resources include the Student Success Center and the Jeffers Learning Resource Center. For students interested in the psychology of first responders, Tennessee Tech University has a Responder Health Lab that studies the mental and psychological impact of this strenuous role. The psychology programs offer ample elective course options to let students customize their degree to fit their professional and scholarly interests.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Education Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Master of Arts in School Psychology
- Education Specialist in School Psychology
- Education Specialist in School Counseling
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Supervision
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- School Psychology
- Counseling and Supervision
Middle Tennessee State University
The Psychology Department at Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. Despite just two degrees offered, students will have a wide variety of psychology subspecialties from which to choose.
The undergraduate psychology major requires 38 credits, and 12 of these will consist of major-related electives. On top of that, undergraduates also need to complete two 15-credit minors, one of which may be in a specialized psychology area of study. However, to offer a more diverse and well-rounded education, the second minor must be in a non-psychology field.
At the master’s level, there are five concentrations or academic tracks available. Another flexible feature offered by MTSU is the fact that many of the programs include one or more online courses, allowing students to work while taking classes.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction in School Psychology
Specialization Options:
- General Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical
- Experimental
- Industrial/Organizational
- Quantitative
- Lifespan Development
- Behavioral Research
- Neuroscience
- Mental Health Services
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Tennessee
Today, most colleges and universities offer at least some degrees or classes remotely. But how do you know which is the best online psychology program in Tennessee? The answer to this question depends on your needs and circumstances. With that in mind, here are three top psychology online programs in Tennessee that stand out in terms of their online learning options, student service offerings, and academic quality. Even if they’re not perfect for you, this short list will give you a good idea of what to look for during your psychology program search. Check back soon to see our full rankings list later this year.
Tennessee State University
The Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling at Tennessee State University offers psychology degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. However, only the Master of Science programs in Counseling and Professional School Counseling are available fully online. The curricula in these two programs are also available in hybrid and evening-class formats for working students who still want in-person learning experiences. The bachelor’s degree and doctor of philosophy degrees are primarily on-campus programs, although distance learning opportunities for certain courses exist.
Students can complete online classes through Tennessee State University’s exclusive online course program or through TN eCampus, an online learning program used by many of the top online psychology programs in Tennessee. It is available statewide and provides for 100% online classes available in seven-week and 15-week lengths to best match the course load each term. Regardless of which degree a student chooses, they will have extensive research training and access to mentors.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Master of Science in Professional School Counseling
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Hybrid
- Online
Specializations Offered:
- General Psychology
- Counseling
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health
South College
The psychology department from South College offers online psychology degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. While students can earn an associate degree in psychology at the Knoxville or Nashville campuses, this degree and the bachelor’s degree also can be completed 100% online with no in-person learning required.
Given the online curriculum availability, self-paced learning allows students to take their time or to graduate as quickly as possible. For example, students can earn their master’s degree in psychology (which enjoys a curriculum that meets the American Psychological Association’s ethical learning standards) in just 18 months. And to help students pay for any of these degrees, generous financial aid options are available, including grants, work study, and scholarships.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Online
- Hybrid
Specializations Offered:
- General Psychology
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University offers some of the top online psychology programs in Tennessee, especially at the graduate level. Here, students can enroll in a Doctor of Psychology (one of the few available in the entire state) or a Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology. It’s this master’s degree that can be completed 100% online.
Besides completing the coursework online, students also learn at their own pace. The online classes are available asynchronously. This means that in addition to completing coursework from anywhere there’s an internet connection, students can “attend” class at any time, even the middle of the night. This is maximum flexibility that many students will appreciate, especially those with full-time employment obligations or military students.
Lastly, students have another learning option by choosing either the thesis or comprehensive exam tracks. The latter is best suited for students seeking as much research and writing experience as possible.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Online
Specializations Offered:
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Tennessee
Psychology degrees can be found at every level of post-secondary education. The curricula outcomes range from introducing students to the study of psychology to preparing the next generation of counseling, therapy, and psychology professionals. Below is a broad look at some of the types of psychology degree programs you can find in Tennessee.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Tennessee
Associate Degrees in Psychology
This degree is ideal if you have plans to earn a later degree in psychology. For many students, this will be a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but in some cases, the associate degree can be the first step to a master’s degree. The associate degree can serve as a great way to start working in an entry-level position in the psychology or a related field.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Nashville State Community College (Online)
- Johnson University (On-Campus)
- Motlow State Community College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
The bachelor’s degree in psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate areas of focus because it’s one of the most universal degrees. It’s perfect if you want to earn a master’s or doctorate in psychology, but it’s also great for anyone who wants a solid liberal arts education that includes analytic instruction from the required math and science courses.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Middle Tennessee State University (Online or On-Campus)
- Union University (On-Campus)
- SouthCollege (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Tennessee
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Enrolling in a top master’s degree psychology program in Tennessee is ideal for those who need a master’s degree in a mental health related field. It’s designed for individuals who eventually want to earn a PhD or PsyD in psychology in the future.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees::
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (On-Campus)
- Tennessee State University (Online)
- Tennessee Tech University (On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
The Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD degree, is tailored for those who want training to advance their careers as a practitioner of psychology. Therefore, its curriculum is oriented toward those who wish to treat clients in a clinical setting and apply scientific concepts to real-world settings.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Austin Peay State University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology will open doors in research, teaching, and/or clinical practice as a licensed psychologist. Due to its research-heavy curriculum, it’s best-suited for those who aspire to work as a faculty member at a university where they can teach and engage in ground-breaking research.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- East Tennessee State University (On-Campus)
- University of Memphis (On-Campus)
- Vanderbilt University (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Many of the top psychology programs in Tennessee will offer graduate certificates in specialized fields in psychology. These programs are intended for current mental health practitioners who need additional skills and knowledge in a particular area, but who don’t want or need to spend the time and money to earn a graduate degree.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- East Tennessee State University (Online)
- Tennessee Tech University (On-Campus)
- University of Memphis (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Tennessee
In Tennessee, you’ll find plenty of sources for financial aid to help pay for your degree from a top psychology program. Common types of aid include loans, grants, fellowships, work study, and scholarships. When it comes to student loans and the Pell Grant, the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid will be the primary source of funding.
But other sources of financial aid include the state of Tennessee (like the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Student Assistance Award), private organizations(like the American Psychological Association), and the schools themselves. The psychology departments at many schools, like at MiddleTennessee State University, offer scholarships and grants to their admitted students.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Tennessee
Graduating from any of the top psychology programs in Tennessee means you can expect promising job prospects. Because of the versatility of the psychology degree, you’ll also be eligible to pursue many different career paths. The following table provides a good overview of some of the occupations you can look forward to with a psychology degree.
You’ll also notice that all of these jobs enjoy very healthy estimated job growth rates for the foreseeable future. And while the annual compensation for these positions might seem low at first glance, it’s important to consider that residents of Tennessee enjoy a cost of living that’s roughly 10% lower than the national average.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 12% | 150 | $118,970 |
| Training and Development Specialists | 24% | 710 | $58,930 |
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 35% | 520 | $46,240 |
| Education, Guidance, and Career Counselors | 19% | 610 | $54,130 |
| Market Research Analyst | 34% | 1,420 | $66,570 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tennessee Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society
This is the local chapter of the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology of the American Psychological Association and has the goal of advancing theories and practices. Its membership is primarily made up of psychoanalytic psychotherapists in the Appalachian region, which includes eastern Tennessee. - Psi Chi
Psi Chi is the largest student organization for psychology students and academics. Its membership includes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty members and alumni. Chapters of this international honor society are organized by institution, so interested students are encouraged to check with their school to learn more about joining. - Tennessee Association of School Psychologists
The mission of the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists (TASP) is to advance the understanding and practice of psychology within academic settings. The TASP does this by promoting professional and ethical standards and collaboration in the development of research and practice techniques among peers. - Tennessee Counseling Association
The Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA) helps prospective and existing counselors in Tennessee share ideas and promote professional growth. The TCA facilitates continuing education, develops ethical standards, supports government advocacy, and encourages networking events. - Tennessee Psychological Association
The Tennessee Psychological Association (TPA) is the largest formal group of psychologists in the state and offers a host of benefits like networking opportunities, continuing education classes, professional committees, and legislative advocacy.
