Best Online Psychology Programs in Tennessee (TN)
Considering pursuing a psychology degree in the Volunteer State? Our guide has all the details on the best psychology programs in Tennessee and how they can lead to exciting new careers. Read on for insights into different programs, financial aid options, and available job prospects.
Psychology is one of the more popular areas of study for college students. Not only is the coursework innately interesting, but a psychology degree can open doors to in-demand professions. For example, the projected growth for psychologists over the next 10 years is estimated to be 12% in Tennessee — about double the national average for all occupations.
The goal of this guide is to help you wade through the various psychology program and degree offerings. We’ll explain the different academic tracks and degrees available, examine a few individual psychology degree programs in Tennessee, and review what sort of jobs you can expect after graduating. Keep reading to learn more about this high-growth degree track.
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Tennessee
Today, most colleges and universities offer at least some degrees or classes remotely. But how do you know which is the best online psychology program in Tennessee? The answer to this question depends on your needs and circumstances. With that in mind, here are the top psychology online programs in Tennessee that stand out in terms of their online learning options, student service offerings, and academic quality. Even if they’re not perfect for you, this ranking should give you a good idea of what to look for during your psychology program search.
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
King University
Bristol, Tennessee
Private
Lipscomb University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Public
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Public
Bryan College-Dayton
Dayton, Tennessee
Private
South College
The psychology department from South College offers online psychology degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. While students can earn an associate degree in psychology at the Knoxville or Nashville campuses, this degree and the bachelor’s degree also can be completed 100% online with no in-person learning required.
Given the online curriculum availability, self-paced learning allows students to take their time or to graduate as quickly as possible. For example, students can earn their master’s degree in psychology (which enjoys a curriculum that meets the American Psychological Association’s ethical learning standards) in just 18 months. And to help students pay for any of these degrees, generous financial aid options are available, including grants, work study, and scholarships.
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University offers some of the top online psychology programs in Tennessee, especially at the graduate level. Here, students can enroll in a Doctor of Psychology (one of the few available in the entire state) or a Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology. It’s this master’s degree that can be completed 100% online.
Besides completing the coursework online, students also learn at their own pace. The online classes are available asynchronously. This means that in addition to completing coursework from anywhere there’s an internet connection, students can “attend” class at any time, even the middle of the night. This is maximum flexibility that many students will appreciate, especially those with full-time employment obligations or military students.
Lastly, students have another learning option by choosing either the thesis or comprehensive exam tracks. The latter is best suited for students seeking as much research and writing experience as possible.
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Tennessee
Psychology degrees can be found at every level of post-secondary education. The curricula outcomes range from introducing students to the study of psychology to preparing the next generation of counseling, therapy, and psychology professionals. Below is a broad look at some of the types of psychology degree programs you can find in Tennessee.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Tennessee
Associate Degrees in Psychology
This degree is ideal if you have plans to earn a later degree in psychology. For many students, this will be a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but in some cases, the associate degree can be the first step to a master’s degree. The associate degree can serve as a great way to start working in an entry-level position in the psychology or a related field.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Nashville State Community College (Online)
- Johnson University (On-Campus)
- Motlow State Community College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
The bachelor’s degree in psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate areas of focus because it’s one of the most universal degrees. It’s perfect if you want to earn a master’s or doctorate in psychology, but it’s also great for anyone who wants a solid liberal arts education that includes analytic instruction from the required math and science courses.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Middle Tennessee State University (Online or On-Campus)
- Union University (On-Campus)
- SouthCollege (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Tennessee
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Enrolling in a top master’s degree psychology program in Tennessee is ideal for those who need a master’s degree in a mental health related field. It’s designed for individuals who eventually want to earn a PhD or PsyD in psychology in the future.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees::
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (On-Campus)
- Tennessee State University (Online)
- Tennessee Tech University (On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
The Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD degree, is tailored for those who want training to advance their careers as a practitioner of psychology. Therefore, its curriculum is oriented toward those who wish to treat clients in a clinical setting and apply scientific concepts to real-world settings.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Austin Peay State University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology will open doors in research, teaching, and/or clinical practice as a licensed psychologist. Due to its research-heavy curriculum, it’s best-suited for those who aspire to work as a faculty member at a university where they can teach and engage in ground-breaking research.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- East Tennessee State University (On-Campus)
- University of Memphis (On-Campus)
- Vanderbilt University (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Many of the top psychology programs in Tennessee will offer graduate certificates in specialized fields in psychology. These programs are intended for current mental health practitioners who need additional skills and knowledge in a particular area, but who don’t want or need to spend the time and money to earn a graduate degree.
Accredited Tennessee Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- East Tennessee State University (Online)
- Tennessee Tech University (On-Campus)
- University of Memphis (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Tennessee
In Tennessee, you’ll find plenty of sources for financial aid to help pay for your degree from a top psychology program. Common types of aid include loans, grants, fellowships, work study, and scholarships. When it comes to student loans and the Pell Grant, the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid will be the primary source of funding.
But other sources of financial aid include the state of Tennessee (like the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Student Assistance Award), private organizations(like the American Psychological Association), and the schools themselves. The psychology departments at many schools, like at MiddleTennessee State University, offer scholarships and grants to their admitted students.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Tennessee
Graduating from any of the top psychology programs in Tennessee means you can expect promising job prospects. Because of the versatility of the psychology degree, you’ll also be eligible to pursue many different career paths. The following table provides a good overview of some of the occupations you can look forward to with a psychology degree.
You’ll also notice that all of these jobs enjoy very healthy estimated job growth rates for the foreseeable future. And while the annual compensation for these positions might seem low at first glance, it’s important to consider that residents of Tennessee enjoy a cost of living that’s roughly 10% lower than the national average.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 12% | 150 | $118,970 |
| Training and Development Specialists | 24% | 710 | $58,930 |
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 35% | 520 | $46,240 |
| Education, Guidance, and Career Counselors | 19% | 610 | $54,130 |
| Market Research Analyst | 34% | 1,420 | $66,570 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Tennessee Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society
This is the local chapter of the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology of the American Psychological Association and has the goal of advancing theories and practices. Its membership is primarily made up of psychoanalytic psychotherapists in the Appalachian region, which includes eastern Tennessee. - Psi Chi
Psi Chi is the largest student organization for psychology students and academics. Its membership includes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty members and alumni. Chapters of this international honor society are organized by institution, so interested students are encouraged to check with their school to learn more about joining. - Tennessee Association of School Psychologists
The mission of the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists (TASP) is to advance the understanding and practice of psychology within academic settings. The TASP does this by promoting professional and ethical standards and collaboration in the development of research and practice techniques among peers. - Tennessee Counseling Association
The Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA) helps prospective and existing counselors in Tennessee share ideas and promote professional growth. The TCA facilitates continuing education, develops ethical standards, supports government advocacy, and encourages networking events. - Tennessee Psychological Association
The Tennessee Psychological Association (TPA) is the largest formal group of psychologists in the state and offers a host of benefits like networking opportunities, continuing education classes, professional committees, and legislative advocacy.