Psychology Degree Programs in Alabama

Department of Foundations and Psychology

Initially founded in 1867 as a school for African Americans by nine freed slaves, Alabama State University is now a comprehensive four-year public research institution that welcomes more than 5,600 students of all races to study on its 172-acre urban campus in Montgomery within the birthplace of the civil rights movement. As one of the country’s oldest higher learning institutions established for black Americans, ASU is recognized as the 41st best historically black university in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the College of Education, the Department of Foundation and Psychology is focused on advancing psychological knowledge to improve people’s lives and eliminate social disparities.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Featuring a broad selection of specialty courses to complement a rigorous core of required psychology coursework, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to provide undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary for succeed in a variety of career aspirations. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in psychology, social work, military, business, education, counseling, or any other field, the program provides a solid foundation for understanding human behavior. Students also receive the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty mentors to publish the university’s Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology (JUEMP). Accreditation

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 915 South Jackson Street Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 229-4853 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology

Situated on a sprawling 1,875-acre suburban campus on the beautiful plains of eastern Alabama in the lively college town of Auburn within just 50 miles east of the capital, Auburn University is a major public academic and research powerhouse that serves more than 24,500 students. As one of the few universities in America to achieve land, sea, and space-grant status for breakthrough research, Auburn has been named the 103rd best university and 48th top public school in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. In the nation’s 77th best education school, the Department of Psychology is also acclaimed for the 101st best graduate psychology degree programs in the United States.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Focused on understanding the underling mechanisms of behavior to inspire undergraduate students to improve the quality of human life, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program will take students on a journey through studying the human mind and behaviors to provide more opportunities to fully understand themselves. With an interdisciplinary approach, the program promotes self-awareness to help students grow in their personal and professional lives within diverse career paths. In the 36-credit major core, students will also be provided with an introduction to the various content areas of psychology.

M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities

Structured as a non-thesis professional graduate program, the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities degree is concerned with providing students the scientific tools needed to understand, analyze, explain, describe, and predict human as well as non-human behaviors. Students are trained to provide therapeutic services to individuals with developmental intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders in order to significantly reduce behavioral problems. Within the 12-month full-time program, students will complete at least 42 credits with 20 hours of on-site training each week to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Consisting of at least four full-time academic years of graduate study beyond the baccalaureate level, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is structured to satisfy the APA’s broad and general knowledge requirements for developing professionals who can competently assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent psychological dysfunction to promote well-being. In a flexible 85-credit curriculum, students are encouraged to pursue coursework that aligns with their personal career goals in clinical practice. For completion, students must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive exam, complete an APA-approved clinical psychology internship, and finish an empirical-based dissertation.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

Based on the scientist-practitioner model of training, the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program is designed to provide qualified graduate students with the advanced training in scientific psychology link counseling theories and empirical-based research findings to practice in a variety of contexts. Typically requiring the completion of between five to seven years of full-time graduate studies, the program consists of at least 87 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students are responsible for completing all coursework, a comprehensive examination, thesis research project, doctoral dissertation, and one year of internship experience in an APA-approved site.

Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences

Intended to provide a foundation in the psychological processes that underlie behavior, the Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences program is focused on offering solidly grounded and cutting-edge training to qualified doctoral students for investigating these processes. The curriculum features a seamless blend of didactic classroom learning, practical experience, and scholarly activities to broad a customizable broad-based education in psychology. All students will also be prepared as effective educators by serving a graduate teaching assistantship and participating in the Teaching Fellows in Psychology program.

Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Offering a strong preparation in research methodology, statistics, and measurement to study broad areas of the I/O psychology field, the Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is available to prepare doctoral students for utilizing scientific methods to improve the quality of interactions within occupational work environments. Ideal for individuals pursuing careers in teaching, research, or applied behavioral sciences, the program is focused on understanding, predicting, and modifying behaviors within organizational settings. Since I/O psychology requires a high level of sophistication, the doctoral curriculum allows students to complete practicum placements to gain both research and applied experience. Accreditations

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 226 Thach Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 (334) 844-6664 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology

Priding itself on being the 87th oldest university in America with an illustrious history tracing back to 1841, Samford University is a comprehensive private Baptist liberal arts institution immersed in the arts and cultural scene of Birmingham on a beautiful 318-acre campus within the rolling hills of the Appalachians. As home to more than 4,800 students who complete over 20,000 hours of community service annually, Samford is named the 3rd best college and 12th top value school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the country’s 147th best education school, the Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program that strives to promote scientific studies of human behavior and mental experiences.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Based in a liberal arts context with the Christian mission of Samford, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program has the goal of educating undergraduate students about the internal and external influences that direct human thought and behavior. Ranging from the structure of the brain to the influence of culture on behavior, the 128-credit program is focused on teaching students about the principles of psychological research and the ethical dimensions of psychology for application in real-world situations. Graduates can be found working in businesses, industry, schools, government, healthcare, research, private practices, criminal justice systems, law offices, and much more. Accreditation

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229 (205) 726-2358 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology and Sociology

Well-known for being the only historically black university to be designated a Registered National Historic Landmark, Tuskegee University is an independent state-related liberal arts institution located on a vast 5,000-acre rural campus in the historic city of Tuskegee within just 40 miles east of the state’s capital. Serving a racially, ethnically, and religiously diverse population of over 3,000 students, Tuskegee is ranked as the 9th best college in the South and 5th top HBCU in America by the U.S. News and World Report. In particular, the Department of Psychology and Sociology is committed to helping students apply their learning to real-world issues in combating social problems.

B.S. in Psychology

In accordance with the university’s mission of instruction, research, and service, the B.S. in Psychology program has been established to prepare undergraduate students for successfully transitioning into advanced study in the field of psychology with strong research skills. To meet the needs of students with a range of career goals, the program provides a flexible 120-hour curriculum that incorporates several research-based courses, senior seminars, real-world practicum experiences, and an optional independent research project with a faculty member. In a holistic educational environment, students are challenged to become engaged in clinical practice, experiential learning, and community service to make a significant impact on society. Accreditation

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 1200 West Montgomery Road Tuskegee, AL 36088 (334) 727-8737 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology

As the state’s major flagship public research-intensive institution referred to as the “Capstone,” the University of Alabama is based on a historic 1,000-acre suburban campus with Southern charm in the vibrant college town of Tuscaloosa within just an hour’s drive from Birmingham for over 33,600 students. Honored with the highest federal recognition for its commitment to service learning by completing over 1.2 million hours of community service annually, UA is ranked as the 88th top university and 38th best public college in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Psychology is also nationally acclaimed for offering the 92nd best graduate psychology degrees.

Undergraduate Psychology Major

Including the study of human development, cognition, social relations, memory, brain mechanisms, abnormal behavior, reasoning, and much more, the Undergraduate Psychology Major at UA is available to provide students with a broad-based foundation in psychological principles in preparation for specializing in a special interest area in graduate school. In a liberal arts context, the program focuses on developing essential critical thinking, writing, research, analytical, and communication skills to apply psychological theories to everyday life. Within the 32-credit major curriculum, students will also be involved in hands-on research with faculty members to advance knowledge of animal and human behavior.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

First established in 1959 with full APA accreditation, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is offered to qualified doctoral students to offer the preparation needed to function as teachers, researchers, and practitioners of clinical practice throughout the Southeast. Based on the scientist-practitioner Boulder model, the program places a strong emphasis on the integration of scientific knowledge and professional skills to produce clinical psychologists in the cognitive-behavioral approach. Within the four to six-year program, students are given the freedom to select a concentration area in Clinical Geropsychology, Clinical Child, Psychology and Law, or Clinical Health.

Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology

Available with concentration areas in Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Science, or Social Psychology depending on future research interests, the Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology program is designed to prepare doctoral students with the skills needed to researchers, college-level educators, and program directors. After completing a broad background in psychology and in-depth studies in research methodology, students will complete advanced coursework in their chosen concentration. All doctoral students will benefit from receiving four years of funding, a weekly research seminar, guided teaching experience, a specific faculty mentor, and a vibrant collegial atmosphere. Accreditations

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 505 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 (205) 348-5083 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology

Stretching across 323 acres in the booming urban hub of the state’s largest city with a rich campus life for more than 11,500 students, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a top-ranked comprehensive public research institution that has received Carnegie classification for its very high research activity. As the leading graduate education provider for Alabama, UAB is named the 149th best university, 78th top public college, and 14th best up-and-coming school in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Department of Psychology has a national reputation for having America’s 78th best graduate psychology degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

As one of the largest undergraduate majors at UAB, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program delivers a variety of educational experiences to provide students with an understanding of the basic principles and mechanisms of human behavior. With an emphasis on the scientific method throughout, the program is flexible in nature to provide a strong intellectual foundation for careers in psychology, teaching, personnel administration, public health, medicine, nursing, ministry, law, politics, and much more. Within the 120-credit program, students will gain first-hand experience working in numerous laboratory, clinical, and community settings to apply their knowledge of psychological principles to creating real-life solutions.

Psychology Doctoral Program

Offered with tracks for specialization in Behavioral Neuroscience, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, or Medical/Clinical Psychology, the Psychology Doctoral Program has the goal of providing graduate students with an in-depth knowledge in core substantive areas of psychological science to build specific skills in their area of specialization. With qualified faculty members, students will conduct research, provide professional service, actively participate in scientific organizations, receive grant funding, publish in respected journals, and participate in international conferences. Graduates are well-equipped with the intellectual habits necessary for building a successful career in research, teaching, or advanced professional practice. Accreditations

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 1530 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294 (205) 934-3850 [email protected] Program Website

Department of Psychology

Nestled on the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains on a beautiful 400-acre urban campus within just 100 miles from Nashville, the University of Alabama at Huntsville is an elite top-ranked comprehensive public research institution with a total enrollment of over 7,700 students. As one of only 73 public universities nationwide granted the Carnegie designation for very high research activity, UAH is ranked as the 181st best college, 102nd top public school, and 63rd top university for veterans in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Psychology is a small academic division focused on experimental psychology to better understand human interaction.

B.A. in Psychology

In a tremendously varied field with a promising future, the B.A. in Psychology program is specifically focused on training undergraduates to solve problems, reason verbally, organize material, think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with others. With a very student-centered environment, students take major courses exploring clinical, experimental, social, developmental, cognitive, biological, industrial, and animal psychology. In particular, the 120-credit degree is focused on building an appreciation for the scientific method to fully understand the tools utilized by psychologists to conduct breakthrough research.

M.A. in Psychology

At the graduate level, the M.A. in Psychology program is oriented towards developing an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the scientific bases of behavior. Offered with or without a Specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, the program is intended primarily for qualified graduate students who have the goal of continuing their scholarly study, research, and writing within a doctoral degree program. While the 30-credit program provides a general experimental approach to advanced coursework with a required thesis project, the curriculum does not qualify graduates for receiving licensure to provide therapeutic services. Accreditation

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 301 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35805 (256) 824-2321 [email protected] Program Website

Psychology Department

As the fastest-growing state university for the past decade with a total headcount of over 15,000 students, the University of South Alabama is a comprehensive public research and teaching institution located on a sprawling 1,224-acre suburban campus in the Mobile metropolitan area on the central Gulf Coast. According to Forbes magazine, USA is ranked as the 224th best research university and 593rd overall top college in the United States. The Psychology Department is home to graduate degree programs that embrace all aspects of human experience to enhance scientific understanding of behavior.

M.S. in Psychology: Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Available for completion in just two years full-time, the M.S. in Psychology: Behavioral and Brain Sciences program is designed to provide graduate students with advanced knowledge of current theories, principles, and methods of experimental psychology. With an extensive focus on research design, the program offers training for students to build the critical background needed to be successful at research and/or to pursue a doctoral degree in their chosen area of specialization. Students can further choose a sub-specialty area in Cognitive Neuroscience, Comparative Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Psycholinguistics, Health Psychology, and more.

Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology

As an innovative combined doctoral program, the Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology degree is accredited by the APA to train doctoral students for providing the most effective types of psychological services to care for the mental health of individuals, families, and communities. Focused on the asset-strength model, the program is focused on building the competencies to work successfully in clinical practice for promoting health and treating the presence of mental illness. For a grand total of 96 credits, the doctoral curriculum includes advanced coursework, research seminars, master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation research, and capstone internship. Accreditations

• American Psychological Association (APA) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Contact 75 South University Blvd. Mobile, AL 36688 (251) 460-6371 [email protected] Program Website