Psychology Degree Programs in Arkansas

College of Education & Behavioral Science

Situated on a vast 1,376-acre urban campus in the state's northeastern corner within just 85 miles from Memphis, Arkansas State University is a destination public research institution offering more than 40 world-class degree programs for its over 13,100 students. Boasting a rather high first-year retention rate of 74.5 percent, ASU is currently ranked as the 53rd best regional college, 20th top public school, and 19th best university for veterans in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. The College of Education & Behavioral Science is dedicated to producing highly qualified professionals with the knowledge to improve education and the quality of life for all individuals in our diverse society.

B.S. in Psychology

With the mission of providing undergraduate students with a basic introduction to psychological principles in a stimulating environment, the B.S. in Psychology program seeks to help students foster a better understanding of themselves and others. This degree is ideal for undergrads planning to enter people-oriented careers or continue into graduate school for advanced psychology degree specializations. In addition to learning in "smart" classrooms capable of multimedia instruction, students participate in hands-on research at the experimental psychology lab, computer lab, and animal learning lab on campus.

Ed.S. in Psychology and Counseling with Emphasis on School Psychology

Leading to a Specialist in Education degree, the Ed.S. in Psychology and Counseling program with an emphasis on School Psychology is approved by the NASP for preparing graduate students to start their professional careers as school psychologists. In this 66-credit program, students are equipped with the knowledge needed to work with teachers, parents, students, and other educational professionals to best meet the needs of school-aged children. After completing all coursework and the year-long supervised internship, graduates will be eligible to take the Praxis II School Psychology specialty exam for licensure in Arkansas.

Accreditations

• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

2105 East Aggie Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-3057
[email protected]
Program Link

Department of Behavioral Sciences

Since being founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University has quickly evolved into one of the fastest-growing public higher learning institutions in the state with more than 12,000 students studying on its 559-acre rural campus in Russellville. Known for being the most affordable option among the top five universities in Arkansas, ATU is ranked as the 92nd best regional college and 47th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the College of Arts and Humanities, the Department of Behavioral Sciences offers programs for building interpersonal skills in psychology, sociology, rehabilitation science, anthropology, and criminal justice.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

With a 120-credit degree plan, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at Arkansas Tech has been designed to arouse the curiosity of undergraduate students seeking to delve deeper into the human mind in advanced psychology programs. Students also receive practical learning experience outside the classroom to build skills that can be translated into entry-level human services work in state and local agencies. Graduates of this program have used their basic understanding of human behaviors to follow diverse career paths in human resources, teaching, counseling, research, social advocacy, public service, industry, business, and mental health.

Master of Science in Psychology

Structured to provide advanced students with the breadth and depth of knowledge needed for application in a wide variety of professional environments, the Master of Science in Psychology program places an emphasis on research and psychological principles. Within the 30-credit curriculum, students will take courses in research design, statistics, advanced psychology, psychological testing, psychopathology, personality dynamics, developmental psychology, and cognitive perception. In the final semester, students will be assigned a faculty advisor for guidance through creating an independent research study and writing their master's thesis.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1605 North Coliseum Drive
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 968-0274
[email protected]
Program Link

Behavioral Sciences Department

Featuring a small close-knit community of just 827 students, Central Baptist College is a private Christ-focused higher learning institution operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas on a 15-acre urban campus in Conway within just 30 miles from the state's capital in Little Rock. With a firm commitment to holistic education for spiritual growth, CBC is currently ranked as the 69th best regional college and 23rd best school for veterans in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In particular, the Behavioral Sciences Department has the mission of integrating the Christian faith into psychological principles for assisting God's people in times of crisis.

B.A./B.S. in Psychology and Social Services

Leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology and Social Services program at CBC is designed for undergraduate students who have an passion for understanding, serving, and helping others in need. Focused on equipping students to work in a wide range of ministries and social service careers, the program seeks to develop an ability for integrating psychology with theology to assist people with various emotional, psychological, social, and relational issues. In addition to coursework, all students will be required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of fieldwork experience at a participating social service agency.

B.A./B.S. in Psychology and Counseling

For undergraduate students seeking to utilize their working knowledge of how people interact in marriages, families, and groups to provide individual or group counseling, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology and Counseling program prepares students for entering entry-level counseling careers or continuing their education in graduate school. While the B.A. degree allows students to complete nine credits in foreign language, the B.S. degree includes nine hours of research and statistics coursework related to social science. Students in this program will also be required to complete 120 hours of fieldwork in their senior year to counsel people at a participating mental health or community organization.

B.S. in Psychology (PACE Program)

In the unique Professional Adult College Education (PACE) program, a B.S. in Psychology degree is offered for working adults who need a flexible schedule with one-night classes each week to complete their education. With a 120-credit curriculum, the program builds on general education requirements with courses in social services, child development, aging, counseling, crisis intervention, abnormal psychology, statistics, human sexuality, personality, testing, research, organizational behavior, and social psychology. The PACE program meets in smaller seminar-style classes to help students improve communication skills, complete small group projects, receive individualized instruction, and fulfill educational goals while working full-time.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1501 College Avenue
Conway, AR 72034
(501) 329-6872
[email protected]
Program Link

College of Behavioral Sciences

As a private four-year Christian liberal arts institution providing over 6,200 students with spiritual-based education, Harding University is nestled on a 350-acre suburban campus in Searcy at the foothills of the majestic Ozark Mountains near the sparkling Little Red River. Ranking among America's leading colleges for the admission of high-achieving National Merit Scholars, Harding is currently named the 22nd best regional university and 2nd top value school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In the College of Behavioral Sciences, the Psychology Department aims to integrate truths found in God's Word to expand students' knowledge of modern psychological sciences.

Psychology Major

Committed to integrating spirituality and faith into the exploration of human behavior, the Psychology Major at Harding is available for undergraduate students interested in receiving a basic education in the science of psychology to render greater service in the community and the church. Psychology majors choose from a range of career paths in the workforce and graduate school, including clinical psychology, counseling, education, marriage and family therapy, cognitive neuroscience, and physical therapy. Graduates are well-prepared for the rigors of advanced studies with adept research skills learned in producing their own original research and presenting it at a professional conference.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

915 East Market Avenue
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 279-4425
[email protected]
Program Link

Ellis College of Arts and Sciences

As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) in Arkansas with a reputation as the "School with a Heart," Henderson State University is home to more than 3,700 students on a beautiful 152-acre rural campus in Arkadelphia within just eight miles from DeGray Lake Resort State Park in the Ouachita Mountains. Since opening 125 years ago as the second university in Arkansas, Henderson State has been accredited by the NCA to deliver over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs. Within the Ellis College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Psychology has the mission of helping students create new scientific knowledge in psychology to pioneer positive contributions in research.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

At Henderson State, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is structured to embrace a well-rounded liberal arts core strongly based in the humanities and social sciences. Students will be required to complete a specified number of credits in English, communications, mathematics, physical wellness, fine arts, humanities, history, natural science, and social science before moving into the psychology major coursework. In the senior year, B.A. students are given the opportunity to complete a senior capstone project with an independent research project or advanced psychology practicum to fit their specific career goals. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone into human services careers or graduate education.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Focused on an experimental-based curriculum, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Henderson State is offered to prepare undergraduate students for graduate study in all areas of psychological science, including clinical, counseling, social, and developmental psychology. Within the 120-credit program, students will complete more science-intensive coursework in statistics, calculus, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, experimental psychology, testing methods, and abnormal psychology. During the final two semesters, students must complete a senior capstone project that includes advanced independent research in psychology under the close supervision of an experienced faculty mentor.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1100 Henderson Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5320
[email protected]
Program Link

Psychology Department

Founded in 1876 by the United Methodist Church as a small four-year private residential liberal arts institution, Hendrix College is located on a 180-acre suburban campus in the city of Conway within just a half hour's drive from Little Rock to educate over 1,400 students. Named among the "Top 50 Schools that Produce Science PhDs" by CBS, Hendrix is currently ranked as the 81st best national liberal arts college and 1st top up-and-coming liberal arts school in America by the U.S. News and World Report. In the Social Sciences Division, the Psychology Department is focused on introducing students to the social sciences for becoming the future leaders of practice and research in the discipline.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Built around the objectives asserted in the "Handbook for Enhancing Undergraduate Programs in Psychology" from the APA, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree at Hendrix is designed to help undergraduate students develop the useful capacity to think critically and scientifically about human behaviors. While strengthening students' oral and written communication abilities, the program seeks to cultivate an appreciation for diversity and offer a sound knowledge base for applying psychological principles in real-life settings. After completing all coursework in the 120-credit program, students must successfully pass the 140 multiple-choice items asked on the Major Field Test (MFT) in Psychology for graduation.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

1600 Washington Avenue
Conway, AR 72032
(501) 329-6811
[email protected]
Program Link

Psychology Department

Originally founded in 1919 as a private interdenominational Christian liberal arts institution, John Brown University is based on a main 200-acre rural campus in Siloam Springs with satellite centers in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Rogers, and online from anywhere to educate over 2,500 students. Recognized by Forbes magazine for having the 65th most grateful grads in America, JBU is currently ranked as the 1st best regional college, 3rd top value school, and 3rd best up-and-coming university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In the Psychology Department, students will be encouraged to consider the valuable correlations between biblical and psychological truths.

B.S. in Psychology

Solidly rooted in the Christian liberal arts tradition, the B.S. in Psychology program at JBU is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the empirical study of human behavior and mental processes from the perspective of both scientific investigation and scriptural principles. In this 124-credit program that can be completed in three or four years, students learn the core tenets of psychology while gaining practical experience in human services through supervised fieldwork. Graduates can choose to immediately enter service in community mental health, Church-based, and social service settings, but many transition into graduate studies for psychology or counseling.

B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling in Five Years

As a unique five-year program, the B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling at JBU has been created to allow undergraduate students to seamlessly complete both degrees concurrently in an accelerated format. After developing a sound foundation in the science of human behavior, students are challenged to use their knowledge of psychological language, literature, and principles to develop effective counseling techniques. Students can choose to specialize in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or Marriage & Family Therapy. All graduates will have the education needed to take the NCE and pursue state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

2000 West University Street
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(479) 524-9500
[email protected]
Program Link

School of Social Science

Initially founded in 1872 as the first college in Arkansas, Lyon College is a private residential liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church to educate around 700 students on a 136-acre rural campus in Batesville. Ranked among the Princeton Review's "Best in the Southeast" for a decade, Lyon is named the 165th best national liberal arts college in America by the U.S. News and World Report. In the School of Social Science, students can earn their undergraduate degree in anthropology, psychology, physical education, or secondary education.

B.A. in Psychology

Focused on the study of behavior and mental processes, the B.A. in Psychology program at Lyon College is designed to give undergraduate students a broad introduction to empirical research related to human and animal behavior. From interpersonal relationships and human growth to learning and personality, the program covers topics relevant to psychological phenomena with the goal of turning students into skilled researchers and applied practitioners. In the senior year of the 33-credit major, students can complete a senior thesis project or participate in an applied senior internship.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

2300 Highland Road
Batesville, AR 72503
(870) 307-7215
[email protected]
Program Link

Sutton School of Social Sciences

Nestled on a 200-acre rural campus in Arkadelphia within just 65 miles southwest of the state's capital city, Ouachita Baptist University is a Christ-centered private liberal arts institution serving more than 1,500 students. Boasting a freshman retention rate of 76%, OBU is currently ranked as the 176th best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the Sutton School of Social Sciences, the Department of Psychology is committed to studying human behavior and experience in a systematic fashion.

Psychology Major

From infancy through older adulthood, the Psychology Major at OBU is designed to increase undergraduate students' understanding of human behavior across the lifespan to apply psychological principles in nearly any conceivable setting. Many students use this major as a stepping stone for graduate studies in psychology, sociology, religion, education, business, and even medicine. Not only do psychology courses incorporate up-to-date psychological research findings, but they also give students the chance to design and carry out their own original research projects.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

410 Ouachita Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71998
(870) 245-5000
[email protected]
Program Link

Division of Social Sciences

Founded in 1877 to educate African Americans, Philander Smith College is a small private four-year institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church on a 25-acre urban campus within walking distance from downtown Little Rock. As a founding member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), PSC is proudly ranked as the 43rd best college in the South and 35th top historically black university in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Division of Social Sciences aims to prepare students for a multitude of career options dealing with the social aspects of human behavior.

Psychology Program

At PSC, the Psychology Program is open to undergraduate students who are interested in forming a better understanding of the complex issues involved in human behavior and mental thought processes. As a highly scientific degree program, the curriculum is focused on preparing students for further graduate study at the master's or doctoral level in any human service profession. Closely linked to the Association of Black Psychologists, the program encourages students to join the Robert L. Williams Psychology Club for building their resume with professional learning opportunities.

Accreditations

• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)

Contact

900 West Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 370-5228
[email protected]
Program Link