As far as higher education in Alabama goes, you have plenty of options for getting your graduate degree in psychology. From large public universities to small private schools, you can tailor your collegiate experience to your specific needs and wants.
Additionally, Alabama has many higher education programs in psychology in varying fields, ranging from clinical psychology to developmental psychology to school psychology and many points in between.
It can be overwhelming when searching for a top-quality program because there are so many choices. We have compiled the a list of popular options to help you narrow down your search.
Best Psychology Graduate Programs in Alabama
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering psychology graduate programs in Alabama:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of South Alabama
- University of West Alabama
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- Alabama A&M University
- Capella University
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alabama is home to many large public universities, one of which is the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). With more than 21,000 students, UAB is large enough that you get the “big school” college experience yet small enough that you still get the individualized attention you need to succeed in your program of study.
UAB is one of the newer universities in Alabama – it was founded in 1969. Over the years, the school has garnered a reputation for excellent academic programs. In fact, UAB is in the top eight percent of universities in the world. UAB offers nearly 150 degrees and programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, many of which are among the top programs in the nation.
Psychology Graduate Programs
The graduate program offerings at UAB include three distinct Ph.D. concentrations in Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Medical/Clinical Psychology.
The Behavioral Neuroscience track specifically explores brain bases of behavior. This research-oriented program is designed to prepare you for a career as a psychological researcher rather than a clinician. You can connect your psychology research with any number of other fields, including ophthalmology, anesthesiology, and neurobiology.
The Developmental Psychology track also focuses on research-based applications of psychology. Since UAB is an R1 research institution with a nationally-ranked medical center, you will have ample opportunities to conduct high-level research in human development topics like language acquisition, childhood psychopathology, and issues of aging, to name a few.
The medical/clinical psychology track is the most appropriate if you wish to pursue a clinical career. You will take courses in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and psychopathology. You will also explore medically-related areas like behavioral medicine, geropsychology, and health psychology.
You can start the application process online. No matter which track you select, you must already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, you must also provide the following:
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- The names of up to three faculty members with whom you’d like to conduct research
- TOEFL scores if English is not your native language.
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama was founded in 1963 as a new institution to expand educational access for Alabamians. The school did just that and ushered in thousands of students over the years who benefitted from getting a higher education.
Today, South Alabama is still a relatively small school with around 14,000 students. However, the school offers more courses and degree programs than ever before.
As a South Alabama student, you have dozens of degree and program options within the university’s ten colleges and schools. You will learn from highly qualified professors with real-world experience and do so in classes with few students – the school’s student-to-teacher ratio is just 17:1. This ensures you get to know your classmates and enables more one-on-one learning between you and your professors.
Psychology Graduate Programs
The University of South Alabama’s Master of Science in Psychology emphasizes behavioral and brain sciences. As such, the curriculum focuses primarily on psychological principles, theories, and methods relating to conducting psychological research.
You will take a variety of advanced courses that might include:
- Experimental Design
- Psychological Statistics
- Research Ethics
- Technical Writing
- Neuropsychology
This is a thesis-based degree that requires you to conduct significant independent research. You can select your area of research according to your interests, but topics must be approved by the department. Possible research areas include developmental psychology, psycholinguistics, and animal cognition, among others.
Most required courses are only offered during the day, so this is a traditional on-campus degree. Most students complete the requirements for graduation in about two years.
You can apply online, provided you already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and have earned the degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. At least 21 semester hours of your undergraduate work must be in psychology, including at least one experimental methods course and one statistics course.
GRE scores are not required. However, you can submit scores in support of your application if you wish.
University of Alabama
As Alabama’s oldest university, the University of Alabama is the state’s best-known, largest college. The school was founded in 1820 as a seminary with just over 50 students. But, as time passed and the university grew, the academic offerings became much more diverse. Likewise, the student body has grown to include almost 39,000 students.
As a student at the University of Alabama, you can choose from hundreds of degrees and programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Additionally, the university offers a large selection of extracurricular activities, including student organizations and clubs, fraternities and sororities, and honor societies. In that regard, you can get a high-quality education both in and out of the classroom!
Psychology Graduate Programs
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama prepares you to be a licensed clinical psychologist. Your clinical experiences begin during the first year of the program and continue each year until you complete the requirements of graduation. Most students need at least five years to finish this degree.
You don’t just focus your learning in the clinical realm, though. You will take high-level courses in clinical psychology and participate in various research projects throughout your tenure in the program. You are encouraged to specialize your research in fields that align with your career goals. This might include studies in:
- Clinical Health Psychology
- Clinical Geropsychology
- Psychology and Law
- Clinical Child Psychology
Your training will take place at the University of Alabama in the Psychology Clinic. You will conduct supervised practice at the clinic in individual treatment, group therapy, couples therapy, and other common treatment modalities. Additionally, the university has training partnerships with dozens of organizations in the Tuscaloosa area where you can get more specialized practice.
You can apply online and to qualify, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, you must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and your program must have included courses in introductory psychology, research methods, and elementary statistics.
You must also submit the following documentation with your application:
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae
- A list of one to three faculty members with whom you’d like to conduct research
Auburn University
Alongside the University of Alabama, Auburn University is one of the largest and most well-known schools in the state. Auburn was founded as an all-male college in 1856, and in the 1870s began focusing on agricultural studies. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Auburn expanded its focus to become the comprehensive university that it is today.
The university has grown significantly as a result of the expansion of educational programs. Today, there are over 31,000 students pursuing degrees and programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Most of Auburn’s students are undergraduates. However, the school has a large graduate department, including the Psychological Sciences degrees outlined below.
Psychology Graduate Programs
Auburn University’s Psychological Sciences graduate program offers two tracks – a Master of Science or a Ph.D. There are several specialization areas to choose from as well:
- Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Clinical Psychology Master of Science/Ph.D.
- Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
Generally speaking, the MS programs require about three years of full-time study to complete. Meanwhile, the Ph.D. programs require five or more years of full-time study. In both cases, on-campus learning is required.
The specific coursework and graduation requirements vary from one program to the next. However, you can expect to take advanced courses, participate in seminars, and conduct psychological research no matter which degree and specialization you choose.
Basic admissions requirements are the same for each of Auburn’s graduate psychology programs. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You must also submit the following:
- Transcripts showing a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
- GRE scores
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, as appropriate
- Any additional documentation, as requested by the department
Additionally, you must be recommended for admission by the faculty in the psychology graduate program.
Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M was founded in Huntsville in 1875 by Dr. William Hooper Councill, a former slave. The school is a Historically Black College and University and, throughout its existence, has catered to the educational needs of African-American students and other minorities. Today, the school has more than 6,000 students, many of whom identify as minorities.
A&M has four colleges that span diverse areas of inquiry, including agriculture, technology, and education. You can choose from more than 60 programs and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels while also having the option to join one of more than 50 on-campus student organizations.
With a student-centered approach, A&M seeks to help you reach your educational goals and graduate with the skills you need to be successful.
Psychology Graduate Programs
Alabama A&M offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with three tracks to specialize your studies: School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Rehabilitation Counseling. In each case, you must complete a rigorous curriculum of coursework and research that might include studies in:
- Counseling Techniques
- Group Dynamics
- Advanced Developmental Psychology
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Use and Interpretation of Tests
Additionally, you will complete practicum experiences that help you understand the practical applications of your craft in a professional setting. An internship, in which you gain real-world supervised experience working directly with clients, may also be required, depending on the specialty area you choose.
Graduating from this program enables you to pursue professional licensure. You will also be qualified to take on various mental health roles, including, but not limited to:
- Vocational Counselor
- School Guidance Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Family Counselor
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor
A graduate application for admission can be submitted online. To do so, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution with a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher. Moreover, you must submit:
- Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended
- Official GRE scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume
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