Best Online Psychology Programs in Michigan (MI)

Psychology Associate Degrees in Michigan

An associate degree in psychology is a great starting point if you’re interested in the field but not ready to commit to a four-year program. These two-year degrees introduce key psychological concepts, research methods, and human behavior studies, preparing graduates for entry-level roles like case managers, behavioral technicians, and social service assistants. Many students use this as a stepping stone to transfer into a bachelor’s program.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Michigan

A four-year BA or BS in psychology prepares graduates for job opportunities both inside and outside the psychology field in areas like education, human resources, sales, advertising and marketing, social work, and more.

According to the American Psychological Association, about 25% of psychology bachelor’s graduates continue onto graduate psychology programs and another 18% continue into non-psychology fields.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in Michigan

A master’s degree in psychology offers education and specialized training in various occupational settings and specialized fields. Some popular areas of study include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, school psychology, and social psychology.

Many students pursue a master’s degree in psychology to gain additional experience before applying to a doctoral program. A master’s program provides advanced training in a specific area of interest and can lead to career advancement opportunities.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Michigan

The majority of professional psychological service jobs, particularly those that require state licensure, demand a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology.

A PsyD degree is focused on preparing students for direct, clinical psychological practice with patients and clients. The program consists of coursework, clinical training (residency), and dissertation research. The typical length of the program is four to six years.

Like the PsyD, PhD in psychology programs provide education and training for professional practice in clinical settings. However, PhD programs place an equal emphasis on research competencies to prepare graduates for occupations in research and academia as well as for clinical practice. Popular fields include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology. Students can expect to take five to seven years to complete PhD programs.

FAQs From Michigan Psychology Students

Whether you’re wondering about career options, online degree availability, or what it takes to become a licensed psychologist, we’ve got you covered. This section answers some of the most common questions students ask when exploring psychology programs in Michigan, helping you make the best decision for your education and career.

What are the career opportunities for psychology graduates in Michigan?

Psychology degrees open doors to a variety of careers, whether you stop at a bachelor’s degree or go on to earn a master’s or PhD. In Michigan, psychology graduates find work in mental health, social services, business, education, and research.

If you pursue a master’s degree or higher, you can work as a:

• Licensed professional counselor (LPC) (requires a master’s in counseling psychology)
• School psychologist (requires an EdS or master’s in school psychology)
• Industrial-organizational psychologist (master’s or Ph.D. in I/O psychology)
• Clinical psychologist (PhD or PsyD, plus licensure)

Michigan has growing demand for mental health professionals, especially in underserved areas, making it an excellent place to start your career in psychology.

Can I earn my psychology degree online in Michigan?

Yes. Many Michigan universities offer fully online or hybrid psychology degrees, particularly at the undergraduate and master’s levels.

Some top online psychology programs in Michigan include:

• Northern Michigan University offers a fully online bachelor’s in psychology with optional specializations in mental health and behavioral psychology.
• Baker College’s online MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology focuses on workplace psychology and leadership.
• Michigan State University’s online Educational Psychology and Educational Technology PhD is designed for working professionals.

How long does it take to earn a psychology degree?

The time required depends on the level of degree you’re pursuing.

• Associate Degree in Psychology: 2 years (entry-level roles or transfer to a bachelor’s program)
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology: 4 years (foundation for various career paths)
• Master’s in psychology: 2-3 years (needed for counseling, school psychology, or industrial-organizational roles)
• PhD or PsyD in Psychology: 5-7 years (required for clinical and research careers)

If you attend part time or enroll in an accelerated program, your timeline may be different. For example, Baker College’s MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology offers an accelerated path, allowing students to graduate faster.

Do I need a license to work in psychology in Michigan?

To become a licensed psychologist in Michigan, you’ll need to:

1. Earn a doctoral degree, either a PhD or PsyD in Psychology from an APA-accredited program.
2. Complete supervised experience (2,000 pre-doctoral and 2,000 post-doctoral hours).
3. Pass the EPPP Exam, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), required nationwide.
4. Apply for Licensure and submit your credentials to the Michigan Board of Psychology.

How important is program accreditation for psychology degrees?

Accreditation is critical when choosing a psychology program. An accredited program ensures that the education meets industry standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards.

Key accreditations to look for:

• Regional Accreditation – Institutions like Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, and Western Michigan University are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring their psychology programs meet high academic standards.
• APA Accreditation – If you plan to become a licensed psychologist, your doctoral program should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Schools like Michigan School of Psychology and Wayne State University offer APA-accredited PsyD and PhD programs.

Salary & Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in Michigan

Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals in Michigan

Whether you’re figuring out licensure, searching for scholarships, or just trying to find a solid job, having the right resources makes all the difference. Here’s where to get the support, connections, and insider info to make your life easier.

Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP): The MASP is a professional association of current and retired school psychologists and school psychologist supervisors, administrators, educators, and students in Michigan. Useful resources include information on the school psychology profession, job and internship postings, and more.

Michigan Board of Psychology: The Michigan Board of Psychology is the state regulatory agency for professional psychological and related practice in the state. Its website gives comprehensive information on state licensing, exam, and continuing education requirements.

Michigan Counseling Association (MCA): The MCA is a nonprofit association of professional counselors working in a range of practice settings throughout Michigan. Membership benefits include networking events like the association’s annual conference. MCA also provides professional development webinar videos and lists internship opportunities for clinical graduate students.

Michigan Psychological Association (MPA): A state affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the MPA advances psychological science and the education and practice of psychology in Michigan. Student memberships are available with benefits that include networking events, mentoring opportunities, education program discounts, and more.

Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology: Psi Chi, an honor society of current and former psychology students, aims to “encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology.” There are nearly 30 Psi Chi chapters on Michigan college and university campuses throughout the state.

List of the Best Schools for Online Psychology Degrees in Michigan

Choosing the right psychology degree program is a big decision, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for a flexible online program or a hybrid option with in-person components, our rankings highlight the top psychology programs in Michigan based on key factors that matter most to students.

Our rankings consider a mix of affordability, flexibility, student success, and academic quality to ensure you’re getting the best education possible. Here are points we consider:

• Online Learning Opportunities – We prioritize programs that offer fully online or hybrid formats, making education more accessible.
• Affordability – Schools with reasonable tuition and strong financial aid options rank higher.
• Student Success – Graduation rates, retention rates, and student support services all play a role in how schools rank.
• Accreditation – We only feature regionally accredited programs and highlight those with specialized accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) for doctoral programs.