Psychology Degree in Georgia - Best Programs for 2025

What is Psychology?

A psychology professional is a person whose work is centered around figuring out human emotions, motivations, and behaviors, as well as helping those people who have problems controlling their emotions and behaviors. Generally speaking, there are two camps in the world of psychology. The first is involved in research and formal, scientific study of the human mind. The other works with clients on an individual basis, where they may perform psychoanalysis and help their patients come to grips with their lives or their diagnosis. There are still others who bridge the gap. These psychology professionals may take scientific psychological data and then apply it in areas such as corporate organization, marketing, and other fields.

Typically, psychological professionals work with a master’s psychology degree as a minimum. Others, called psychologists, may work with a PhD, and psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a psychiatric rotation. However, there are ways for those with associate’s and bachelor's degrees to work in psychology. Many states license people with these degrees to work as substance abuse counselors, for example, and professionals with a bachelor's psychology degree are often found applying their analytical skill in marketing departments.

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Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Georgia

1

Georgia Institute of Technology

Score: 90.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,764
- Out-of-State:$32,876
Net Price: $17,402
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Retention Rate: 98%

Graduation Rate: 93%
Total Enrollment: 45,296
Undergrad Students: 18,415
Graduate Students: 26,881
Grads Salary: $95,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

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2

Emory University

Score: 83.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,774
- Out-of-State:$60,774
Net Price: $26,680
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Retention Rate: 95%

Graduation Rate: 90%
Total Enrollment: 14,841
Undergrad Students: 7,101
Graduate Students: 7,740
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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3

University of Georgia

Score: 79.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,180
- Out-of-State:$30,220
Net Price: $17,180
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 40,607
Undergrad Students: 30,714
Graduate Students: 9,893
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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4

Mercer University

Score: 73.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,890
- Out-of-State:$40,890
Net Price: $22,087
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 8,889
Undergrad Students: 4,859
Graduate Students: 4,030
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

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5

Spelman College

Score: 70.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,058
- Out-of-State:$30,058
Net Price: $37,085
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 3,102
Undergrad Students: 3,102
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

6

Morehouse College

Score: 67.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,725
- Out-of-State:$31,725
Net Price: $35,251
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 2,567
Undergrad Students: 2,567
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $87,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

7

Agnes Scott College

Score: 67.16

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,150
- Out-of-State:$48,150
Net Price: $24,305
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 77%
Total Enrollment: 1,114
Undergrad Students: 1,006
Graduate Students: 108
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

8

Wesleyan College

Score: 66.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,650
- Out-of-State:$27,650
Net Price: $13,900
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 660
Undergrad Students: 614
Graduate Students: 46
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 7:1

9

Thomas University

Score: 65.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,640
- Out-of-State:$11,640
Net Price: $16,308
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Retention Rate: 36%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,531
Undergrad Students: 793
Graduate Students: 738
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

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10

Covenant College

Score: 65.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,464
- Out-of-State:$40,464
Net Price: $25,028
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 886
Undergrad Students: 847
Graduate Students: 39
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

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11

Berry College

Score: 64.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,416
- Out-of-State:$40,416
Net Price: $25,359
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 2,360
Undergrad Students: 2,243
Graduate Students: 117
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

12

Georgia State University

Score: 64.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,478
- Out-of-State:$23,709
Net Price: $17,589
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 36,516
Undergrad Students: 28,924
Graduate Students: 7,592
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

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13

Georgia College & State University

Score: 62.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,998
- Out-of-State:$28,178
Net Price: $20,301
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 6,315
Undergrad Students: 5,265
Graduate Students: 1,050
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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14

Clayton State University

Score: 62.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State:$15,790
Net Price: $9,792
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 5,847
Undergrad Students: 5,283
Graduate Students: 564
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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15

Columbus State University

Score: 61.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,751
- Out-of-State:$16,805
Net Price: $12,902
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 7,479
Undergrad Students: 6,003
Graduate Students: 1,476
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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16

Piedmont University

Score: 61.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,680
- Out-of-State:$30,680
Net Price: $18,792
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 1,843
Undergrad Students: 1,245
Graduate Students: 598
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

17

Georgia Southern University

Score: 61.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,905
- Out-of-State:$16,959
Net Price: $15,352
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 25,481
Undergrad Students: 21,979
Graduate Students: 3,502
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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18

Kennesaw State University

Score: 61.38

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,786
- Out-of-State:$17,040
Net Price: $18,079
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 43,190
Undergrad Students: 38,927
Graduate Students: 4,263
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

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19

University of West Georgia

Score: 60.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,971
- Out-of-State:$17,024
Net Price: $15,625
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 11,893
Undergrad Students: 8,666
Graduate Students: 3,227
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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20

Truett McConnell University

Score: 59.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,568
- Out-of-State:$25,568
Net Price: $18,835
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 2,796
Undergrad Students: 2,683
Graduate Students: 113
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

21

Georgia Southwestern State University

Score: 59.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,980
- Out-of-State:$15,702
Net Price: $12,186
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 3,070
Undergrad Students: 2,473
Graduate Students: 597
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

22

Shorter University

Score: 59.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,044
- Out-of-State:$24,044
Net Price: $13,490
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 1,515
Undergrad Students: 1,373
Graduate Students: 142
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

23

Valdosta State University

Score: 59.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,007
- Out-of-State:$17,062
Net Price: $12,836
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 10,209
Undergrad Students: 7,573
Graduate Students: 2,636
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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24

Clark Atlanta University

Score: 58.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,446
- Out-of-State:$26,446
Net Price: $30,015
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 4,000
Undergrad Students: 3,427
Graduate Students: 573
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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25

Fort Valley State University

Score: 57.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,392
- Out-of-State:$16,114
Net Price: $13,016
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 2,605
Undergrad Students: 2,360
Graduate Students: 245
Grads Salary: $52,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

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Online Psychology Education in Georgia

Psychology is a rapidly evolving field. New technologies are constantly rolling out, which enable deeper and deeper insights into what makes people tick. The rise of big data, for instance, is allowing researchers new ways of deciphering what makes people do what they do. To help aggregate and make sense of all of this are the psychology professionals who apply psychological theories and scientific methods to interpret all of the information. Naturally, every state wants to retain a competitive edge with regard to this revolution in knowledge and technology. To meet the challenge of both research and clinical psychology, the state of Georgia is supporting educational resources that keep the state in the proverbial game with other states.

As for research psychology, Georgia has been pouring funds into its colleges and universities for decades. When the state implemented its lottery program, the legislature made certain that the resulting revenue would be dedicated solely to education. This created a boom in growth across the state's educational sector. Every school, from kindergarten through university, benefited from the lottery revenue, and that benefit continues to this day. Thus, when a public Georgia university needs new brain imaging technology for its psychology department, the funds are available.

When it comes to clinical mental health psychology practices, Georgia is also at the vanguard. The state has responded to the opioid crisis by licensing addiction counselors with high school diplomas through master’s degrees. There are addiction counseling programs available throughout the state's community college system, and the lottery money helps students afford their counseling education with grants and scholarships.

For each of those licenses, students must meet certain requirements. While the entry-level license only requires a high school diploma or the equivalent, addiction counseling professionals will benefit from at least an associate counseling degree. Those at this level and the bachelor's degree level can earn a degree in psychology or counseling, and the state will accept some related degrees, but everyone must also pass an examination before receiving their license. At the master’s level, the educational requirements become more specific in that these students must hold specific counseling degrees and then also pass the examination. For a master’s level license, there is also a required period of supervised work before they can work one-on-one with clients in private practice.

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Essentially, the state of Georgia recognizes the deep value in studying psychology. As proof, their laws and public policies have been structured to help advance both research and clinical psychology at all levels.

Online Associate (AS)

An associate psychology degree is a terrific way to kick-start a career in the field. Students in Georgia who want to work as counselors or in the mental health field can use their community college diploma to land a license to work as a substance abuse counselor. Addiction counseling requires that they pass an examination and work under supervision, but it is a terrific way to get started.

On top of this opportunity to launch a career as a counselor, an associate psychology degree can have other applications. Those who study the research aspects of psychology, as well as the theory, will have the sort of analytical skills needed to work in a field such as marketing. A psychology background that includes a two-year degree may also help land an entry-level job in a human resources department or consulting firm.

Finally, a Georgia community college degree will satisfy the core college curriculum required by Georgia's public colleges and universities. Psychology degree holders can then apply to a bachelor's degree program and then focus solely on psychology or their degree of choice.

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Online Bachelors (BS)

With a bachelor's psychology degree from a Georgia college or university, students will find many opportunities. They can pursue work in counseling as an addictions counselor or they might seek an entry-level position in some other counseling capacity. For instance, one good choice might be work as an admissions counselor for a college or university. Others may work as career guidance counselors or rehabilitative counselors.

Over the course of a bachelor's psychology degree, students will necessarily take research methods, which can be a solid background for work in marketing. Some psychology majors also apply their skill with statistics to work in finance or elsewhere in business. Students who are eager to work with the public might apply their knowledge of psychology to sales or some sort of customer service field. Finally, a bachelor's degree in psychology has many uses, but those who are passionate for the field will use their four-year degree to apply for a master’s psychology degree for clinical work or psychological research.

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Online Masters (MS)

A master’s psychology degree is generally the launchpad for a true career in psychology. During the course of a master’s degree, psychology students can dig deep into the corner of psychology that intrigues them most. Some will get a master’s psychology degree in organizational psychology, while other choices include clinical psychology, research psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, and more.

A master’s degree in clinical psychology is perhaps what most think of when they consider this degree option. With a master’s clinical psychology degree, graduates can earn a Georgia state licensure to perform therapy with individual clients. They will have to satisfy other requirements, but a little hard work and dedication will carry them clear to licensure before they know it.

For those who pursue other fields, such as organizational psychology or research psychology, a PhD might be of better use. However, nobody ever earned a doctorate without first completing their master’s psychology degree.

National Online Rankings - best masters degree programs

Online Doctorate (PhD)

PhD/Doctorate Degree: The PhD or doctoral degree is the ultimate academic achievement in any field. For psychological professionals, it is the gold standard, and those with this degree are sure to have brilliant careers. Those who work as therapists can only earn the title psychologist with a PhD. That degree also entitles them to charge more and comes with heightened professional status. Elsewhere in the psychology ecosystem, the PhD is all but a requirement for success.

This is because the field is dominated by academia. Many will earn their doctorate and seek employment as professors in universities. Their doctoral degree will help land the best positions at the best schools, while also enabling them to eventually earn a tenured position. To bring the field forward, professionals need to conduct research, and nothing trains them better for a career in research than a PhD. However, some, such as organizational psychologists, may enter the corporate world where they might not conduct as much original research. Nevertheless, a PhD will help them land the clients they need to succeed.

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Become a Psychologist in Georgia

There is a long road for professionals to walk on the way to become a psychology professional in Georgia. This road typically starts in their early years. Even as young children, many future psychology professionals start showing clear signs that they are intrigued with human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While most of us may fit this description, future behavioral scientists take it a step further. They might constantly analyze their and other's actions and motivations. When they gain access to the internet, some may start combing through the pop psychology magazines or even some of the copious amounts of actual psychological literature available there.

In high school, budding psychology professionals need to focus not only on finding psychology courses but also courses in statistics, biology, and any social science courses available to them. Those who are thinking of a career in counseling might consider reading more novels and focusing on their literature courses. They can also investigate volunteer positions that put them in contact with people in need. This will offer experience in ways that school cannot.

When it comes time to find a college degree program for psychology, students should look for programs that focus on the specific areas they are interested in. It's also important to investigate what sorts of resources schools make available to students. Some larger universities may allow undergraduate students access to brain imaging centers or other laboratories. Those who wish to start off in Georgia's community college system may look for degree programs in addiction counseling that will lead to a license and an entry-level position in the mental health field. Regardless of where they wish to take their education and career next, this will prove to be invaluable experience.

Those who go on to a four-year bachelor's psychology degree should make certain that their Georgia college or university has the proper accreditation. At a minimum, their program should hold regional accreditation from a CHEA-approved agency. During the course of the degree, students who wish to pursue a career in research psychology should consider taking additional courses in statistics, sociology, or economics. Those who are interested in clinical work can follow a similar path, but they may also be helped by exploring more work in literature, which can lend added insights into the human condition.

From there, students can pursue their master’s psychology degrees and their PhDs. At the end of their educational journey, they are sure to build brilliant careers in psychology.

Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates

Psychiatric Technician:
With a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate, a person can enter the world of psychiatry as a technician. This is a demanding field that will expose workers to the realities of the mental health field. On a daily basis, psychiatric technicians assist people who suffer from a variety of psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Typically, these workers receive on-the-job training. Though this position is very demanding, it can be a terrific entry-level job for someone seeking a long career in psychology.
Social Work Assistant:
This position can take many forms, but typically these assistants work alongside a social worker who holds a master of social work. They might help their social worker organize their schedule, field calls from their caseload, and even conduct some preliminary interviews with new additions to the caseload. Typically, a social work assistant only needs to hold a high school diploma, though an associate psychology degree will be tremendously helpful.
Social Worker:
Social workers come in all shapes and sizes. That is, there is no one sort of job that can be called social work. Social workers can earn master’s degrees and work in psychotherapy or as caseworkers for state or non-profit agencies. Some only hold a high school diploma and yet they can work one-on-one with clients with one of many developmental or mental difficulties.
Teacher:
Teachers need to be experts in many fields, including psychology. While a psychology degree isn't necessary, these educational heroes must understand how to motivate students while also having a keen eye for any sorts of difficulties their students may have. After all, teachers are mandatory reporters who are mandated to report any signs of abuse or trauma they detect in their students.
Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor:
This position is one for people at nearly any educational level. The state of Georgia licenses addictions counselors at the high school, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and master’s levels. At the lower levels, professionals need to work under tight supervision. However, once they attain a master’s degree and a Georgia state license, they can work in private practice or for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, as they choose.
School Counselor/Career Advisor:
The state of Georgia does not require a license for these counseling professionals. However, a typical entry point for the career is a master’s degree in the field. These professionals typically work with undergraduate students to help them build the sort of academic and experiential resume they need to succeed in the field that most interests them.
Child Counselor/Psychologist:
These psychological professionals are counselors who work exclusively with children who are in need of help. To enter the field, a Georgia state license in counseling psychology is required. Some will come to the field from a master of social work degree program, while others have chosen the more academic master’s in clinical psychology. This field is quite specialized, so budding professionals will need specialized degrees and licensure to work with children. After all, young children need a wholly different approach from adolescents and adults.

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How to Become a Psychologist in Georgia

What is Psychology?

Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Georgia

Spelman College

Morehouse College

Agnes Scott College

Wesleyan College

Berry College

Piedmont University

Truett McConnell University

Georgia Southwestern State University

Shorter University

Online Psychology Education in Georgia

Online Associate (AS)

Online Bachelors (BS)

Online Masters (MS)

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Become a Psychologist in Georgia

Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates

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