Best Accredited Psychology Colleges and Schools in Louisiana [Updated for 2024]

When exploring psychology colleges in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand the unique opportunities these institutions offer. Many students struggle to find a psychology program that aligns with their career goals and educational needs.

This is where Louisiana’s colleges come in, offering diverse and specialized programs. However, navigating through various programs can be overwhelming, with each college claiming to be the best.

This article provides an insightful guide to some of the popular psychology colleges in Louisiana, highlighting key features, academic excellence, and unique opportunities, making your decision-making process simpler and more informed.

Best Accredited Psychology Colleges and Schools in Louisiana Online

Psychology Colleges in Louisiana

Listed below are some of the popular psychology colleges in Louisiana:

  • Loyola University New Orleans
  • Louisiana Tech University
  • University of Louisiana – Monroe
  • Louisiana State University
  • Tulane University
  • Nicholls State University
  • Centenary College of Louisiana
  • University of Louisiana – Lafayette
  • Maryville University Online
  • Southern New Hampshire University Online

To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.

Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans, a private Jesuit institution in New Orleans, Louisiana, was initially founded as Loyola College in 1904 and became a university in 1912. Named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuit founder, it is part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

In 1996, following a branding rights grant by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities to Loyola University Chicago, the institution adopted its current trademark, Loyola University New Orleans.

The university has an enrollment of over 5,000 students, including 3,000 undergraduates, and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Undergraduate students at Loyola have the option to choose from over 60 degree programs and engage in various extracurricular activities. For graduate students, around a dozen programs are available, including those in the Joseph A. Butt, S.J., College of Business and the College of Law.

The university hosts numerous fraternities and sororities, along with diverse organizations ranging from the Muslim Student Association to the Anime Club. Community service is emphasized, with opportunities for volunteering through programs like the Loyola University Community Action Program and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Loyola’s athletic department includes intramural teams, club sports, and varsity teams in sports such as basketball, baseball, cross country, track, tennis, golf, and volleyball. The maroon and gold Loyola Wolf Pack teams compete in Division I of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics within the Southern States Athletic Conference.

Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has an acceptance rate of 78% and a graduation rate of 62%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate on-campus students before any aid is $62,240.

Psychology Programs

The Department of Psychological Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans offers pre-professional training to its undergraduate major students, preparing them for either direct entry into the workforce or further education in psychology or related fields.

The department also supports other academic divisions of the university by offering psychology courses to students majoring in disciplines other than psychology. Futhremore, it also contributes to the liberal arts education of all Loyola students by providing general courses that focus on information and skills vital for navigating a complex and rapidly evolving world.

The university offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Psychology, Psychology Pre-health, or Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience. The Psychological Sciences program focuses on the scientific study of behavior, aiming to deepen understanding of human and animal behavior. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

The faculty’s expertise covers various psychology fields, offering students opportunities for research and practical experience in areas like clinical and counseling psychology. The program’s flexibility allows students to customize their curriculum to match their interests and career goals. Courses include Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience.

The program offers a diverse range of courses, including Introductory Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and more specialized subjects like Physiological Psychology, Psychology of Learning, and Clinical Psychology.

Approximately one-third of the students from this program pursue further studies in graduate degree programs in various psychology specializations, including clinical, counseling, industrial, experimental, among others.

Another third opt for advanced graduate or professional degrees in related fields such as law, social work, business, medicine, dentistry, and other areas. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet their career objectives in psychology.

To successfully complete this program, students must achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in both the major curriculum and the cumulative curriculum at Loyola. Additionally, all courses required for the major must be completed within the department, unless an exception is granted by the department chair.

The psychology department at Loyola University New Orleans has many labs, including:

  • EEG machine in the Cog. Neuroscience Lab
  • Animal Operant Lab

Psychology Department Contact Information

Monroe Hall, Room 374,
6363 St. Charles Avenue, Box 194, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Phone: (504) 865-3125

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University (Louisiana Tech), a public research university located in Ruston, Louisiana, is a member of the University of Louisiana System and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”. The university was established as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana in 1894, during the Second Industrial Revolution, with the goal of educating students in arts and sciences to foster an industrial economy in post-Reconstruction Louisiana.

In 1898, the institution’s name was changed to Louisiana Industrial Institute following a state constitutional amendment. The name evolved to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1921, reflecting its expansion as a larger technological institute. The 1960s saw its desegregation, and in 1970, it was renamed Louisiana Tech University, acknowledging its status as a research university.

Louisiana Tech has an enrollment of over 12,000 students across five academic colleges, including over 1,200 graduate students. Besides its main campus in Ruston, the university offers classes at various locations including the Louisiana Tech University Shreveport Center, the Academic Success Center in Bossier City, Barksdale Air Force Base Instructional Site, and the CenturyLink campus in Monroe.

Louisiana Tech is known for its 16 varsity NCAA Division I sports teams and is part of Conference USA in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The university’s Bulldogs football team and the Lady Techsters women’s basketball program, with three national championships (1981, 1982, 1988) and 13 Final Four appearances, are particularly renowned.

Louisiana Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has an acceptance rate of 66% and a graduation rate of 59%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate on-campus students before any aid is $24,502.

Psychology Programs

The Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech offers following programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology Undergraduate Certificate
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology Graduate Certificate
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) – Counseling and Psychology
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) – Counseling and Guidance
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) – Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech provides a comprehensive background in both theoretical and applied psychology. Faculty research spans areas such as Neuroscience, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Counseling/Clinical Concerns, Personality, Career Choice and Development, and Gender and Sexuality. The department emphasizes the diverse applications of psychology, promoting critical thinking informed by scientific research.

Offering various degree programs, the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences features highly qualified faculty committed to teaching, research, and idea development. The department prioritizes critical thinking and values diversity, creating a rich learning environment.

The department’s objectives include delivering high-quality education, conducting top-tier research, and serving the university and wider communities. Students interested in Kinesiology, Psychology, or Teacher and Teacher Leadership programs, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, will find knowledgeable, supportive faculty and staff dedicated to their success.

The psychology department at Louisiana Tech has many research centers and labs, including:

  • A.E. Phillips Laboratory School
  • Office of Professional Outreach
  • Psychological Services Clinic
  • Science & Technology Education Center (SciTEC)
  • Human Performance Laboratories
  • Clinical Residency Research Center

Psychology Department Contact Information

Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences,
600 Mayfield Avenue,
Woodard Hall 118 Ruston, LA 71270.
Phone: (318) 257-5066

University of Louisiana – Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), a public institution within the University of Louisiana System, is located in Monroe, Louisiana. Founded in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College, it underwent several transformations. In 1934, it became the Northeast Center of Louisiana State University, and in the following years, its leadership included Dean Stephen A. Caldwell.

The institution’s name changed to Northeast Junior College of Louisiana State University in 1949, and a year later, it gained autonomy as Northeast Louisiana State College. In 1969, it began offering doctoral degrees and achieved university status, becoming Northeast Louisiana University (NLU). In 1999, it adopted its current name.

ULM has an undergraduate enrollment of over 6,000 students and a campus covering 238 acres. It follows a semester-based academic calendar. ULM is recognized for its award-winning groups, including the Sound of Today marching band and the competition cheerleading squad. The ULM water ski team, having won 28 National Collegiate Water Skiing Association championships since 1979, is notably successful in its field.

ULM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has an acceptance rate of 70% and a graduation rate of 54%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate on-campus students before any aid is $38,191.

Psychology Programs

The Psychology Department at ULM offers following programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Psychology
  • Master of Science (M.S.) – Psychology

The Psychology Department at ULM offers an undergraduate curriculum that encompasses various major content areas in Psychology. The faculty, experienced in a range of subfields such as Animal Behavior, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, and Social Psychology, ensure comprehensive education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology aligns with the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. It aims to build a knowledge base in psychology, enhance critical thinking, promote ethical awareness, improve communication skills, and support professional development. Elective courses allow students to explore minors in other fields.

The curriculum equips students with cognitive and interpersonal skills, such as professional communication, quantitative analysis, organization, and leadership, valuable for careers in Psychology and other disciplines. The program is designed to provide students with the background and skills essential for further professional or graduate study in psychology.

ULM provides both face-to-face and web-based class formats, with all major courses available online. Many classes incorporate Open Educational Resources (OER) to minimize textbook costs.

Additionally, ULM offers a thesis based 36-credit Master of Science in Psychology with concentrations in General Psychology, Psychometrics, and Forensic Psychology. The General Psychology track prepares students for doctoral programs, while the Psychometrics concentration focuses on psychological assessment. The Forensic Psychology track combines Psychology and Criminal Justice courses, catering to a growing field.

Admission to the master’s program requires an online application, official transcripts from all attended institutions, and GRE or GMAT scores when necessary. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from accredited institutions, except for special programs. Transcripts must be complete, with any in-progress classes needing subsequent official documentation upon completion.

Psychology Department Contact Information

ULM Psychology,
Strauss Hall #307,
700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209.
Phone: (318) 342-1105

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU), a public land-grant research university, is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in 1860 near Pineville, Louisiana, as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy, it has evolved significantly over time. The current main campus features over 250 buildings inspired by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and spans a 650-acre plateau along the Mississippi River.

As Louisiana’s flagship university and a central institution of the Louisiana State University System, LSU has over 28,000 undergraduate and 4,500 graduate students enrolled across its 14 schools and colleges. It is recognized among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

LSU offers a wide array of programs in more than a dozen colleges, including graduate degrees in the E. J. Ourso College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the law school, among others. Students can engage in over 350 student organizations and have access to unique facilities like the 14-acre Hilltop Arboretum or the Louisiana Museum of Natural History.

The university is involved in 800 sponsored research projects, funded by agencies like the National Institutes of Health and NASA. LSU is one of only eight U.S. universities with comprehensive professional programs, including dental, law, veterinary, medical, and MBA programs.

LSU’s athletic department includes 21 varsity sports teams, participating in the NCAA and the SEC, represented by their mascot, Mike the Tiger.

LSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It has an acceptance rate of 71% and a graduation rate of 68%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate on-campus students before any aid is $25,432.

Psychology Programs

The Psychology Department at LSU offers following programs:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Psychology
  • Online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Forensic Psychology Concentration
  • hD in Psychology
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Cognitive and Brain Sciences
    • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    • School Psychology
    • Behavior Analysis

The Department of Psychology at LSU, part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. The department, with over 800 majors, focuses on the science of brain and behavior and its applications.

It offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, providing a strong foundation for graduate training. Courses cover areas like biological bases of behavior, industrial psychology, and social psychology. The department also offers concentrations in Cognitive Neuroscience and Forensic Psychology.

The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology is provided by the LSU Department of Psychology and the LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences. This program aims to develop students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, offering a comprehensive overview of psychology and forensic science.

The curriculum provides a fundamental understanding of human behaviors, psychological disorders, the interplay between psychology and law, and psychological methods related to cognition. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in various fields, including criminal and civil investigation, forensic interviewing, peer support specialist roles, judicial assistance, and other related professions.

The doctoral program in psychology at LSU features areas like Behavior Analysis and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The admission process is competitive, with the department requiring a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. GRE scores are required for I/O psychology specialization. The doctoral program in psychology follows the mentor model.

Graduate students typically receive funding, including stipends and tuition waivers, through various sources like assistantships and research positions. Doctoral students are expected to study full-time and complete coursework in Baton Rouge with no options for online or correspondence courses.

The Psychological Services Center at LSU offers testing and psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. Located at 33 Johnston Hall, it serves both the university community and the Baton Rouge area, with fees based on a sliding scale. The center treats a range of issues like depression and ADHD, with clients seen by supervised graduate students from the Department of Psychology.

Psychology Department Contact Information

Department of Psychology
236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
Phone: (225) 578-8745

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Psychology in Louisiana?

With a master’s degree in psychology in Louisiana, you have a variety of career paths available to you. The specific opportunities can depend on your area of specialization within psychology, as well as your individual interests and skills. Here are some potential career options:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • School Counselor
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
  • Researcher
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Healthcare Facility Administrator
  • Social Services Manager
  • Correctional Treatment Specialist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Behavioral Analyst
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Market Research Analyst

Additional certifications or licenses may be required for some of these roles, and the scope of practice can vary by state. Engaging in internships, networking, and staying informed about the local job market in Louisiana will also be beneficial in finding a suitable career path.

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