Best Online Psychology Programs in Tennessee (TN)

Associate Degree Options for Tennessee’s Psychology Students

Earning an associate degree can be a great way to start working in an entry-level position in psychology or a related field, or might be a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees in psychology are usually two-year programs that offer learners foundational knowledge in mental processes, human behavior, and research methods. These associate programs are typically offered at community colleges.

Looking at Tennessee’s Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in psychology are typically four years and cover mental health, cognitive processes, and human behavior. Those who successfully graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology will have the opportunity to pursue entry-level psychology roles. Students can also continue their education and explore advanced careers in therapy, counseling, or clinical psychology.

Psychology Master’s Degrees: School Options in TN

With a psychology master’s degree, students can broaden their understanding of complex psychological theories, research methods, and specialized areas like industrial-organizational psychology and counseling. These degrees in Tennessee usually take two to three years to complete. Graduates can pursue advanced roles in business, research, or mental health or continue to study for their doctorate.

Tennessee PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates

PhD and PsyD programs in psychology in Tennessee are advanced doctoral degrees that prepare students for research, academia, or clinical practice careers. A PhD focuses on research and teaching, while a PsyD emphasizes clinical training. In contrast, graduate certificates provide specialized expertise in areas like counseling or forensic psychology, bettering career opportunities without a full degree.

FAQs From Tennessee Psychology Students

Deciding to undertake a degree in psychology is an exciting venture, but you likely have a few questions. Here are some answers to common questions from Tennessee psychology students.

Is financial aid available 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. You can also explore Pell Grants, and loans via the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loans program.

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 South College, offer scholarships and grants to their admitted students.

What jobs can you explore with a degree in psychology 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.

For example, depending on the degree type, you could become a clinical and counseling psychologist, a training and development specialist, an education, guidance, and career counselor, or even a market research analyst.

What is the earning potential for someone holding a degree in psychology in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, psychologists’ salaries vary by specialization and experience. Clinical psychologists earn an average of $188,952 per year. Counseling and school psychologists have average salaries of around $64,330 annually.

Overall, psychologists in Tennessee earn an average of $111,568 per year. These figures will fluctuate based on factors such as location, level of education, and years of experience.

What are the licensure requirements for psychologists in Tennessee?

To become a licensed psychologist in the state of Tennessee, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised experience (including an internship and postdoctoral hours), and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology oversees licensure.

However, with a master’s degree, you can pursue roles such as Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with additional state certification.

Do psychology programs in Tennessee require internships or practicum experiences?

Most undergraduate and graduate psychology programs require internships or practical experience. These hands-on learning opportunities help students develop clinical, research, and applied psychology skills while meeting licensure requirements.

So, although most courses can be completed online, programs usually require hands-on, in-person training at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels.

Salary & Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in Tennessee

Psychology Students & Professionals in Tennessee: A List of Helpful Resources

If you’re studying or working in psychology in Tennessee, there are plenty of resources for support. From professional organizations and associations to student honor societies, these groups offer networking, continuing education, and career development opportunities.

Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society

This is the local chapter of the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology of the American Psychological Association and aims to advance theories and practices. Its membership is primarily made up of psychoanalytic psychotherapists in the Appalachian region, which includes eastern Tennessee. By joining, you will have opportunities to learn, collaborate, and develop professionally.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the largest global student organization for psychology students and academics. Its membership includes undergraduate and graduate students from Tennessee, as well as faculty members and alumni. Joining Psi Chi provides psychology students with networking opportunities, research support, scholarships, leadership experience, and access to exclusive resources.

Tennessee Association of School Psychologists

The mission of the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists (TASP) is to help individuals advance the understanding and practice of psychology within academic settings. The TASP promotes professional and ethical standards and collaboration among peers in developing research and practice techniques.

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 state’s largest formal group of psychologists. It offers many benefits, such as networking opportunities, continuing education classes, professional committees, and legislative advocacy.

List of the Best Schools for Online Psychology Degrees in Tennessee

Programs on this list are among Tennessee’s top online psychology programs in terms of their online learning options, student service offerings, and academic quality.

To be included, the program must have at least one subject area offered online, be accredited by an organization recognized by the US Department of Education and provide career placement or academic counseling services.