Best Psychology Programs in New Jersey: Online & On-Campus

Psychology Associate Degrees in New Jersey

If you’re interested in psychology but not ready to commit to a four-year degree, an associate degree is a great way to start. Typically offered at community colleges, these two-year programs introduce you to key topics like human behavior, mental health, and research methods. They also prepare you for entry-level roles in psychology-related fields or set you up to transfer into a bachelor’s program later.

In New Jersey, earning an associate degree in psychology can open doors to jobs like behavioral health assistants, psychiatric aides, and case managers. Many programs also emphasize general education coursework, ensuring that students who want to transfer to a four-year university can do so smoothly.

Schools like Hudson County Community College and Brookdale Community College offer strong associate programs with flexible scheduling, including online and hybrid courses.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in New Jersey

This degree will prepare you for most careers that require a bachelor’s degree. It also serves as a solid starting point for a graduate degree, whether it’s in business, psychology, or social work. Because of its universal applicability, this degree is ideal for those who think they want a career in psychology but want a degree that will still be useful if they change their minds.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in New Jersey

A master’s degree in psychology is for current professionals who want additional training and skills to take the next step in their careers. It’s also for those who want to eventually earn a PhD or PsyD degree.

While there are many psychology doctoral programs that accept applicants with just a bachelor’s degree, already having a master’s degree can save time and money earning a doctorate.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the best PsyD and PhD programs for anyone looking to become a licensed psychologist. If you want hands-on clinical training, a PsyD is your best bet — programs at Rutgers, Montclair State, and Kean focus on therapy, assessment, and real-world practice. If research and academia are more your thing, a PhD (like Montclair State’s Clinical Psychology PhD) will prepare you for teaching, research, and clinical work.

FAQs From New Jersey Psychology Students

There’s a lot to cover when looking into psychology programs to figure out which is the best fit. In this section, we’ll get into some frequently asked questions that may be top of mind for you.

How long does it take to earn a psychology degree in New Jersey?

It depends on the degree:

• Associate degree: 2 years (community college)
• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years (or less with transfer credits)
• Master’s degree: 1.5–2 years (full-time)
• PhD/PsyD: 4–7 years (depending on research, internship, and dissertation)

Some programs, like Saint Peter’s University’s online Master of I/O Psychology, can be finished in just 15 months.

Are there online psychology degree programs in New Jersey?

Yes. Many schools in NJ offer fully online or hybrid psychology programs. Rowan University has an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, while Saint Peter’s University offers an online Master of Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree. Some graduate programs, like William Paterson University’s Clinical & Counseling Psychology MA, are hybrid, meaning some classes are online, but clinical training happens in person.

How important is accreditation for psychology programs in New Jersey?

Accreditation is essential, especially if you plan to become a licensed psychologist. Look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for doctoral degrees or regional accreditation (like Middle States Commission on Higher Education) for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Schools like Rutgers, Montclair State, and Kean have APA-accredited doctoral programs, which are required for licensure in New Jersey.

What are the job prospects for psychology graduates in New Jersey?

New Jersey has a strong job market for psychology grads, with opportunities in mental health, education, human resources, and research. Clinical and counseling psychologists in NJ earn an average salary of $111,000+, while industrial-organizational psychologists can make $122,000+. With its high demand for mental health professionals, the state is a great place to launch a career.

How do I become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey?

To become a licensed psychologist in NJ, you need:

1. A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program.
2. 1,750 hours of supervised experience (internship) during your doctorate.
3. An additional 1,750 postdoc supervised hours.
4. Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
5. Apply for state licensure through the NJ Board of Psychological Examiners.

If you’re aiming for counseling or school psychology, different licenses apply, such as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or school psychologist certification.

Salary & Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in New Jersey

Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals in New Jersey

To help you find out more information about potential programs, student support, financial aid, career advice and more, we’ve rounded up some helpful resources for psychology students like you that can help you build a meaningful career in the field.

• New Jersey Psychological Association: The goal of the New Jersey Psychological Association is to promote and advance the science and field of psychology to improve lives and increase the understanding of mental health issues and concerns. Resources include free professional consultations, networking events, and continuing education programs.
• New Jersey Counseling Association: By joining the New Jersey Counseling Association, members can take part in networking and education events to advance their professional careers. Membership is open to graduate students, retired counselors, practicing counselors, and counselor educators.
• New Jersey School Counselor Association: This organization represents the professional interests of school counselors so they may provide better counseling services and advice to their students. Professional development and training benefits include conferences, career services, and webinars.
• New Jersey Association of Women Therapists: The New Jersey Association of Women Therapists is for mental health professionals who identify as women and would like to take advantage of a professional network of peers to improve their understanding of their practice and pursue career advancement.
• Psi Chi: Psi Chi is the largest organization for psychology students. Members of this international honor society work to encourage the study and science of psychology through research, collaboration, and educational programs.

List of the Best Schools for Online Psychology Degrees in New Jersey

New Jersey is a small state, but it has many colleges and universities that offer psychology degrees and certificate programs. To help you find the right psychology degree program in New Jersey, we’ve identified three top options. These stand out in terms of affordability, learning flexibility, academic quality, and student services.

Even if these are not the right fit for you, you will still get a solid picture of what type of academic features you should look for in your psychology program search.