Psychology, the fascinating exploration of the human mind and behavior, beckons those with a curiosity about the complexities of the human experience. Choosing the right psychology school is crucial in unlocking the secrets of the mind, honing research skills, and preparing for a career dedicated to understanding and improving mental health. Let's break down the best schools for psychology in the United States, and how to decide which psychology program is the best for you.
Why Study Psychology?
If you are intrigued by the intricacies of human behavior, emotions, and cognition, psychology offers a rewarding academic and professional path. The field encompasses a diverse range of sub-disciplines, from clinical psychology and counseling psychology to cognitive and social psychology, providing opportunities for exploration and specialization. Studying psychology not only equips you with valuable insights into individual and collective behavior but also prepares you to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
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Top Schools for Psychology in the US
Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: $51,904
Why it’s a top school in this field: Harvard University's Department of Psychology is renowned for its comprehensive programs and groundbreaking research. The faculty's commitment to advancing psychological science and the program's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches make Harvard a hub for psychological exploration.
Notable faculty:
Daniel Gilbert: Psychologist known for his work on happiness and decision-making.
Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Tuition: $56,169
Why it’s a top school in this field: Stanford's Department of Psychology is at the forefront of psychological research and innovation. The program's collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, coupled with cutting-edge facilities, provides students with a rich environment for exploring various subfields within psychology.
Polygence research program mentor:
Brian: I finished my BS and MS in Biology and English at Stanford University. During my undergrad I conducted research in immunology, which led to an honors thesis and publication in the journal Blood. Over the past year I have worked as a medical scribe in Oncology at Stanford Health Care. I am now a medical student at Stanford. Outside of the classroom I love to read and write, particularly in the area of Narrative Medicine - writing and reflecting about patients and healthcare. My other interests include nature photography and citizen science, Wikipedia article writing and editing, and running.
Notable faculty:
Carol Dweck: Psychologist known for her research on mindset and motivation.
University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
Tuition: $14,245 for in-state, $44,219 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UC Berkeley's Department of Psychology offers a dynamic and diverse environment for psychological studies. The program's commitment to research excellence and its emphasis on addressing real-world issues through psychological inquiry make it a standout choice.
Notable faculty:
Dacher Keltner: Psychologist specializing in the study of emotions and social interactions.
Polygence research program mentor:
Shaina D: My three main passions include drug and medical device safety, health advocacy, and children's health. Through epidemiology research and data analysis, I synthesize and communicate meaningful results to a lay audience. Academically, I also love continual exposure to a large breadth of public health issues to broaden my perspective. In my free time, I sing and play the guitar. During football season, you will find me watching every NFL game I have the time to watch. I also love exploring New York City by watching Broadway shows, trying new restaurants, and walking around the many parks.
Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Tuition: $57,700
Why it’s a top school in this field: Yale's Department of Psychology combines a strong foundation in psychological theory with a commitment to empirical research. The program's emphasis on both basic and applied research, coupled with a supportive academic community, makes it a top choice for aspiring psychologists.
Notable faculty:
Laurie Santos: Psychologist known for her work on cognition and the psychology of well-being.
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuition: $17,275 for in-state, $51,144 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: U-M's Department of Psychology is recognized for its excellence in both research and teaching. The program's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration make it a top destination for psychology enthusiasts.
Notable faculty:
Richard Nisbett: Psychologist known for his work on cognitive psychology and decision-making.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: $55,878
Why it’s a top school in this field: MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences offers a unique blend of psychology and neuroscience. The program's emphasis on cutting-edge research and its collaborative approach to understanding the brain and behavior make it a top choice for students interested in the neural underpinnings of psychology.
Notable faculty:
Nancy Kanwisher: Cognitive neuroscientist known for her research on visual processing.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition: $13,254 for in-state, $43,326 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UCLA's Department of Psychology is known for its diverse and innovative research. The program's commitment to addressing real-world issues, coupled with its emphasis on applied psychology, makes it a standout choice for students seeking a holistic approach to the field.
Notable faculty:
Matthew Lieberman: Psychologist specializing in social cognitive neuroscience.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana, Illinois
Tuition: $16,862 for in-state, $33,352 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UIUC's Department of Psychology is recognized for its commitment to research excellence and teaching innovation. The program's diverse range of subfields and its emphasis on preparing students for careers in academia and applied settings make it a top choice among public institutions.
Notable faculty:
Dolores Albarracín: Psychologist known for her work on social psychology and health communication. (previously at UIUC, currently at UPenn).
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tuition: $8,987 for in-state, $36,159 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UNC's Department of Psychology offers a comprehensive and collaborative environment for psychological studies. The program's commitment to community engagement and its emphasis on research with real-world impact make it a top choice among public universities.
University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Tuition: $18,695 for in-state, $52,640 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top public school: UVA's Department of Psychology combines a strong foundation in psychological science with a focus on individualized mentorship. The program's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community makes it an ideal choice for psychology enthusiasts seeking a public university experience.
Notable faculty:
Timothy Wilson: Psychologist known for his work on social cognition and self-knowledge.
University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Tuition: $6,380 for in-state, $28,658 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UF's Department of Psychology is known for its diverse and collaborative approach to psychological studies. The program's commitment to research excellence and its emphasis on preparing students for careers in research, clinical practice, and beyond make it a standout choice among public universities.
Notable faculty:
Linda Bartoshuk: Psychologist specializing in taste perception and sensory science.
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Lesser-Known Top Schools for Psychology in the US
Indiana University Bloomington
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Tuition: $11,220 for in-state, $37,600 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: IU Bloomington's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a vibrant and collaborative community for psychological studies. The program's emphasis on research mentorship and its commitment to exploring diverse areas of psychology make it a lesser-known but impactful choice for aspiring psychologists.
University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, New York
Tuition: $59,020
Why it’s a top school in this field: The University of Rochester's Department of Psychology is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to psychological studies. The program's commitment to research innovation and its focus on preparing students for careers in academia and industry make it a lesser-known but dynamic choice for psychology enthusiasts.
Northeastern University
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition: $56,330
Why it’s a top school in this field: Northeastern's Department of Psychology combines traditional psychological studies with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The program's cooperative education model and its commitment to applied psychology make it a lesser-known but impactful choice for students seeking practical experience in the field.
University of Miami
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Tuition: $53,682
Why it’s a top school in this field: The University of Miami's Department of Psychology offers a collaborative and research-focused environment for psychological studies. The program's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its emphasis on preparing students for diverse career paths make it a lesser-known but distinctive choice for aspiring psychologists.
University of Delaware
Location: Newark, Delaware
Tuition: $15,080 for in-state, $34,310 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UD's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a supportive and research-oriented community for psychological studies. The program's commitment to mentoring and its focus on preparing students for careers in research, clinical practice, and beyond make it a lesser-known but impactful choice for psychology enthusiasts.
University of Connecticut
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
Tuition: $18,878 for in-state, $42,458 for out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UConn's Department of Psychological Sciences is recognized for its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to psychological studies. The program's commitment to community engagement and its emphasis on addressing real-world issues make it a lesser-known but impactful choice for aspiring psychologists.
Baylor University
Location: Waco, Texas
Tuition: $47,364
Why it’s a top school in this field: Baylor's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience offers a supportive and research-oriented environment for psychological studies. The program's commitment to integrating faith and science, coupled with its emphasis on preparing students for diverse career paths, makes it a lesser-known but distinctive choice for aspiring psychologists.
These lesser-known schools may not always be in the spotlight, but they offer exceptional programs in psychology, providing students with unique opportunities for research, clinical training, and academic exploration. As you consider your options, explore the specific research interests, faculty expertise, and hands-on experiences each school provides to find the best fit for your psychological journey.
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What You Will Study as a Psychology Major
When you major in psychology, you'll embark on a fascinating journey exploring the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. The curriculum typically covers a diverse range of topics to provide a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles. Here's a glimpse of what you might study:
Introduction to Psychology
Research Methods
Biology
Cognitive Psychology
Social Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Personality Psychology
Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Health Psychology
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Positive Psychology
Remember, the specific courses may vary depending on the university and program. Additionally, psychology majors often have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences such as internships, research projects, and practical applications of psychological principles. This diverse curriculum equips you with a versatile skill set applicable in various fields, from mental health and counseling to research, business, and beyond.
How to Find the Right Psychology Program for You
There are many excellent options for schools to study psychology, but deciding which one you want to pursue is a monumental decision for your future in psychology. So how do you as a prospective student decide?
You'll first want to research the psychology department at each institution. You can look into the faculty, professors, the program director, and all of the opportunities that the department offers psychology majors. Are there any research opportunities that stick out to you? Does the psychology program offer the specialty you are interested in?
You can also research student admissions information and network with current students. Gathering as much information as you can will help you decide on a psychology program that you feel aligns with your goals and aspirations. For psychology majors, it might also be helpful to look into the school psychology graduate program if you wish to continue your education after undergrad. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the admission requirements, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and overall cost of living in the area of the psychology schools you decide on.
Be sure to decide on a psychology school that will fulfill your goals for your collegiate career.