Best Online Psychology Programs in Michigan (MI)
Thinking of getting your psychology degree in the Great Lakes State? We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s degree or a PhD, our guide outlines the best online and hybrid psychology degree programs in Michigan and the variety of rewarding career paths they can lead to.
Are you a Michigan resident looking to further your psychology education? Look no further. We have researched and identified the top accredited psychology degree programs offered by colleges and universities in Michigan. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree or certificate in psychology, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we provide helpful information and advice on Michigan psychology degree online programs, financial aid opportunities, job prospects for psychology graduates, and more. Keep reading to learn about the best online psychology degree programs available in Michigan.
Top Online Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Distance learning has become an option for practically all majors in postsecondary education, including psychology. There are a growing number of online psychology degree programs in Michigan, and you can find them at every degree level from associate degrees to doctorates. Expect a trend toward even more distance education options as psychology programs in Michigan move substantial parts of their curriculums online.
Online psychology programs in Michigan come either entirely or partially online with coursework presented in synchronous or asynchronous formats or a combination of both. In addition, many online programs include field training experiences that require in-person attendance at a program-approved agency or practice facility located in and around the school’s or student’s local area.
In our college rankings below, we’ve listed this year’s top Michigan schools with online psychology programs to help you begin your search.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Public
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Public
Grace Christian University
Wyoming, Michigan
Private
Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Private
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Public
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Public
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Private
Lansing Community College
Lansing, Michigan
Public
Macomb Community College
Warren, Michigan
Public
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Michigan
With so many psychology degrees and certificate options available from Michigan colleges and universities, it’s not easy to know which one provides the skills and training most suited to your personal and career goals. The following descriptions and examples of the various types of psychology programs in Michigan can help you make the best choice.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Associate Degrees in Psychology
The associate degree in psychology is primarily offered at community colleges and provides graduates with the necessary skills for entry-level positions such as behavioral technicians, case managers, social and human services assistants, and youth advocates. This degree is often pursued as a stepping stone towards a bachelor’s program in psychology at a four-year college or university. Typically taking two years of full-time study to complete, this degree provides a solid foundation of coursework that can be transferred to a four-year institution.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Lake Michigan College (On-Campus)
Lansing Community College (Online, On-Campus, Hybrid)
Macomb Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
The four-year BA or BS in Psychology degree 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. Additionally, 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.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Grand Valley State University (On-Campus)
Northern Michigan University (Online and On-Campus)
University of Michigan – Flint (Online, On-Campus, Hybrid)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Michigan
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology offers education and specialized training in various occupational settings and specialized fields. Some popular fields 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. The master’s program provides advanced training in a specific area of interest and can lead to career advancement opportunities.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Baker College (Online)
Eastern Michigan University (On-Campus)
Western Michigan University (Hybrid)
PsyD Programs
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 is comprised of coursework, clinical training (residency), and dissertation research. The typical length of the program is four to six years.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Michigan School of Psychology (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
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 typically take five to seven years to complete PhD programs.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Central Michigan University (On-Campus)
Michigan State University (On-Campus and Hybrid)
University of Detroit Mercy (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Psychology graduate certificates provide foundational knowledge and skills in specific psychology-related subjects to those who have already earned, are currently enrolled in, or are not interested in earning a full graduate degree. Course, credit hour requirements, and program lengths vary significantly among programs.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Grand Valley State University (Online)
Michigan State University (On-Campus)
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Michigan
There are many financial aid resources available to Michigan psychology students, undergrads and postgrads alike. These include scholarships and grants, some of which are offered by the schools themselves for their psychology students. Examples of in-house scholarship programs include those from Central Michigan University and the Michigan School of Psychology. Other common funding sources include student loans, usually through the federal government, fellowships and assistantships for grad students, the VA for current military and veterans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Contact your school’s financial aid office for information on potential funding sources. Also visit STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide to learn more about ways to pay for your psychology education.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Michigan
The career outlook for Michigan psychology graduates seeking professional careers is highly dependent on various factors, including their career field, job title, employer, and level of experience. Location can also significantly impact earnings potential, as evidenced by the 2020 annual mean wage for psychologists in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area, which is $97,100, significantly higher than the statewide average of $83,380.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologists: Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 7.7% | 260 | $88,050 |
| Psychologists: All Other | -2.7% | 30 | $83,380 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 15.6% | 60 | $50,050 |
| Human Resource Managers | 2.3% | 340 | $124,410 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 8.4% | 470 | $50,160 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Michigan
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.
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 non-profit 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.