Georgia, renowned for its rich history and diverse landscapes, is also a prominent hub for higher education. From bustling urban campuses in Atlanta to serene settings in smaller towns, Georgia provides a wide array of learning environments for aspiring psychologists.
Among its esteemed institutions, the state boasts a range of online and traditional colleges offering comprehensive programs in psychology. These colleges cater to a diverse student population, aspiring to delve into the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. Whether you are aiming for a foundational undergraduate experience or seeking advanced graduate studies, Georgia’s institutions provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training.
This article explores some of the popular psychology colleges in Georgia, highlighting their unique strengths, offerings, and contributions to the field.
Psychology Colleges in Georgia
Listed below are some of the popular psychology colleges in Georgia:
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University, which hostsover 25,500 students, has 10 colleges, schools, and departments. Together, they offer around 138 degree programs. These programs range from bachelor’s to master’s and even doctorate levels. Students can enroll in these programs on the campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. There are also online courses available. Additionally, the university has a unique study-abroad center in Wexford, Ireland. This makes Georgia Southern the only public U.S. university with a facility in Ireland.
Since its establishment in 1906, the university has focused on combining classroom learning with real-world application. This approach helps students grow and succeed in life. The university believes in the importance of open discussion, setting high academic goals, and each student’s responsibility for their learning. The main values of the university include working together, maintaining high academic standards, being open to new ideas, and promoting a sustainable environment.
The Department of Psychology at Georgia Southern University offers many degree programs. They also provide psychological services to the community. They offer undergraduate degree programs, an M.S. Program in Experimental Psychology, and a PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology. There are about 1300 students in the undergraduate program, spread across the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.
The department also offers a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Armstrong Campus. The main goal is to give students a strong base in psychology, both in theory and research. After completing their undergraduate studies, students will have a good understanding of psychology and its applications. They will also have skills in data analysis, writing, and critical thinking, preparing them for jobs or further studies.
The M.S. Experimental Psychology program allows graduate students to go deeper into psychology. They do research with the guidance of a faculty member. There’s also an option to learn about teaching psychology. Those who finish the M.S. program can work in various sectors or continue their education.
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program trains students to offer therapy in rural areas. They learn skills in classrooms and then practice them in different community settings under supervision. The Rural Health Research Institute offers research and community outreach opportunities. After completing the Psy.D. program, students can apply for a license in Georgia.
All the programs in the department highlight the importance of science and evidence in psychology. Students also get the chance to learn directly from the faculty through research, service learning, and internships.
The faculty members of the psychology department believe in the value of diversity and inclusion. They think that psychology should help understand individual experiences and improve various parts of life. They respect and value all people, no matter their background.
The Regents Center for Learning Disordersprovides assessments for students planning to go to college in southern Georgia. These assessments help students and their families understand their strengths and areas that need improvement. The center also works with other centers in Georgia to do research and give advice to colleges and universities. The goal is to better understand learning disorders in the state.
Brannen Hall, Statesboro, GA 30458, United States.Phone: (912) 478-5539
Georgia State University
Since its establishmentin 1913, Georgia State University has seamlessly combined rigorous academics with a comprehensive college experience. The institution has been instrumental in transforming the lives of its students, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and molding the leaders of tomorrow.
With one of the most diverse student bodies in the country, the university offers learning opportunities from associate to graduate degrees, catering to a large number of students at its main campus in Atlanta and five other Perimeter College campuses. Recognized for its inclusive approach, Georgia State University stands as a leading example in the nation for achieving high student success rates.
The Department of Psychology at Georgia State University stands at the forefront in the study, dissemination, and application of behavioral science. Their faculty members are notably active in academic pursuits. Annually, these tenure-track faculty members produce roughly 300 peer-reviewed research articles and receive about $5 million in grants to support their research endeavors.
These faculty members employ innovative methods to deliver both foundational and specialized courses, such as introduction to psychology, abnormal psychology, and special topics like terrorism studies and positive psychology. Both faculty members and students actively collaborate and contribute to the Atlanta community and also participate in various domestic and international platforms. Their involvement spans research, clinical assistance, consultancy, and advocacy.
The department emphasizes the importance of diverse representation, especially advocating for members of historically marginalized U.S. populations. This includes a wide range of identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, physical and mental abilities, and gender identity. Moreover, they promote a diverse spectrum of thought and perspectives.
Georgia State University’s expansive campus, centrally located in Atlanta, is in close proximity to some of the nation’s major businesses and institutions. Due to its strategic location and strong connections, the university community – students, staff, and faculty – benefits from unmatched access to significant city landmarks, industries, and opportunities.
Serving as a focal point of activity and growth, the university significantly contributes to Atlanta’s downtown vitality. Additionally, the five Perimeter campuses situated in Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, and Alpharetta further amplify Georgia State University’s influence across the metropolitan region.
Georgia State University, Urban Life Building,11th Floor, 140 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.Phone: (404) 413-6217
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia, commonly referred to as UGA or Georgia, is a distinguished public land-grant research institution with its primary campus situated in Athens, Georgia. Having been charteredin 1785, it proudly ranks among the oldest public universities in the United States. Besides its principal Athens campus, which encompasses approximately 470 buildings, UGA also maintains two smaller campuses in Tifton and Griffin. Additionally, there are satellite campuses in both Atlanta and Lawrenceville.
Within the University of Georgia, the Department of Psychology stands out as one of the most extensive departments, not only within the College but across the entire institution. It accommodates more than 2,000 undergraduate students and around 100 graduate students in its Athens-based Psychology building. Extensions of this department are also present on the Gwinnett and Griffin campuses.
The undergraduate psychology curriculum at UGA provides a broad spectrum of classes and research opportunities. These cover a myriad of topics ranging from clinical psychological issues, child development, social function, sensation & perception, to workplace dynamics, health psychology, and even primate cognition.
At the graduate level, the department offers PhD programs in three primary areas: behavioral and brain sciences; clinical psychology; and industrial–organizational psychology. Upon admission, students typically enter one of these specific doctoral tracks and are usually required to first complete a master’s degree en route to their Ph.D. Notably, the department does not mandate proficiency in a foreign language.
Founded in 1930, the Psychology Clinic operates as an outpatient mental health facility and is a part of the Clinical Training Program of the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia. Being associated with one of the nation’s top-ranked clinical psychology graduate programs, the clinic emphasizes top-notch graduate training. It offers cost-effective psychological services, including psychotherapy and child psychological assessments, catering to adults, children, and families in the Athens vicinity.
The Psychology Clinic, while maintaining an intimate and community-focused approach, also boasts the resources of a high-caliber clinical psychology program. Both the APA andthe Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation Systemfully accredit UGA’s Clinical Training Program.
Graduate students from UGA’s Clinical Training Program staff the Psychology Clinic. They operate under the vigilant guidance of the clinical faculty and other affiliated licensed psychologists. This clinical faculty has earned both national and regional acclaim for their excellence in training, service, and research endeavors.
125 Baldwin St, Athens, GA 30602, United States.Phone: (706) 542-2174
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a premier public research institution in the United States. It boasts a student body of over 45,000. These students pursue their studies at the primary campus in Atlanta, at additional campuses in France and China named Georgia Tech-Europe and Georgia Tech-Shenzhen respectively, and through various online and distance learning platforms.
Annually receiving closeto $1.3 billionin research grants across its six Colleges and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the institution establishes itself as one of the most research-centric universities in the country. Moreover, its contributions significantly impact economic growth, benefiting not only the state of Georgia but also the broader Southeast region and the entire nation.
The School of Psychology at Georgia Tech is recognized for its comprehensive academic approach. The school’s research and study programs aim to delve deep into understanding human behavior and experiences. The School of Psychology is committed to training its graduate students to not just contribute but also to lead.
For undergraduates, the School of Psychology at the Georgia Tech offers a curriculum that emphasizes a broad-based, research-centric approach to psychology. This includes foundational courses in subjects like mathematics, biology, and chemistry, in addition to in-depth psychology modules. A unique feature of the program is its focus on methodological skills, ensuring students are adept at both posing and answering questions related to human behavior and mental processes.
The school offers a diverse range of graduate programs, including Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These span five specialized areas: Cognition and Brain Science, Adult Development and Aging, Engineering Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology. All programs ensure students receive a solid foundation in psychology’s theoretical and methodological aspects, with an added emphasis on quantitative skills.
All five graduate programs have a shared core curriculum in general psychology and quantitative methods. Typically, students take three calendar years to fulfill the course requirements and complete the master’s thesis. The doctoral program encompasses added coursework, tailored study programs, and research leading to the dissertation. Generally, students who commence the program with a bachelor’s degree need a minimum of five years to obtain a doctoral degree.
The School of Psychology does not admit students for a terminal masters program. Rather, all students are admitted with the expectation of pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology.
Research is a cornerstone of the School of Psychology. Multiple laboratories are dedicated to both foundational and practical research. Topics range from basic psychological processes to the more applied realms of human-technology interaction.
Five main research areas stand out within the school, each with its distinct focus. A highlight within the school isthe Center for Advanced Brain Imaging (CABI), a collaboration between Georgia Tech and Georgia State, dedicated to advancing brain function understanding.
Furthermore, the School of Psychology utilizes advanced technologies to study brain and behavior. This encompasses brain imaging methods, wearable tech for physiological monitoring, and simulation platforms for hands-on training. The school also welcomes volunteer participants for research, encouraging both students and the general public to partake.
654 Cherry St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, United StatesPhone: (404) 894-2680
Agnes Scott College
The Psychology Department atAgnes Scott Collegeequips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful professional journey. The department’s students possess the insight, emotional intelligence, and empathy to effectively interact with diverse individuals in various scenarios. Whether aspiring for roles in clinical settings, corporate environments, or educational institutions, students are primed for success.
This department is dedicated to offering an enriching blend of theory, research, and practical application, ensuring that students are well-versed in supporting the mental well-being of different populations. Furthermore, it lays a robust foundation for those considering further studies at the graduate level.
The low student-to-faculty ratio fosters a conducive learning atmosphere where students learn the intricacies of human behavior and develop a deeper appreciation for individual variances. Within this environment, students participate in vibrant discussions, assimilate knowledge from enlightening lectures, analyze empirical data, scrutinize academic papers, and evaluate real-world case studies.
Agnes Scott’s psychology faculty actively promotes undergraduate research, often leading to students co-authoring academic papers. There are opportunities to showcase research during the campus’s Spring Annual Research Conference (SpARC) and even at wider regional and international events.
Many students in the program undertake internships, gaining practical experience in diverse settings, from industrial psychology at TalentQuest and City of Decatur HR to clinical roles at Emory Autism and the Grady Trauma Project. Some also collaborate with neuroscientists at renowned institutions likeZoo Atlantaandthe Yerkes Primate Research Center.
The student-led Psych and Neuro Club welcomes all psychology enthusiasts and offers a platform for leadership development. Similarly, the Agnes Scott chapter of Psi Chi, an international psychology honor society, provides avenues for recognition and growth.
A significant 60% of psychology students at Agnes Scott proceed to apply for graduate programs, mostly within two years post-graduation. Impressively, the department boasts a 92% graduate program acceptance rate, which escalates to 99% for those reapplying after an initial unsuccessful attempt.
Bullock Science Center 105E,141 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.Phone: (404) 471-6000
Is Psychology a Popular College Major?
Yes, psychology is a popular college major. It consistentlyranks among the top majorsin undergraduate programs across many colleges and universities. Students are often drawn to psychology because of its diverse subfields, potential for various career paths, and the opportunity it provides to understand human behavior and mental processes.
The skills and knowledge acquired from studying psychology can be applied in numerous professions, not just in clinical or counseling settings. However, it’s worth noting that many advanced positions within the field of psychology, such as clinical psychologist or counselor, require graduate-level training or degrees.
