Psychology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S., yet it remains predominantly white, with only 5% of active psychologists being Black as of 2021. For Black students aspiring to join the field, attending an HBCU offers an excellent pathway, providing a culturally inclusive environment and a more positive, affirming learning experience.
HBCU psychology programs provide students with the skills needed to pursue careers at various levels, from mental health technicians with associate degrees to clinical psychologists and researchers with doctoral degrees.
This article will explore why you should consider attending an HBCU, what you can expect from these programs, potential courses, career outlook, how to choose the right program, and answers to frequently asked questions about earning a psychology degree at an HBCU.
Why Attend an HBCU Psychology Program?
HBCUs have a long-standing record of providing Black students with a significantly better educational experience than predominantly white institutions. According to a 2015 Gallup-Purdue poll, Black graduates of HBCUs are more than twice as likely as their counterparts from non-HBCUs to recall having professors who made them excited about learning, cared about them as individuals, and encouraged them to pursue their goals. This supportive and culturally affirming environment fosters personal and academic growth.
Upon graduation, HBCU alums are more likely to secure fulfilling jobs and be engaged at work, making HBCUs appealing to Black students pursuing a psychology degree.
Top HBCU Psychology Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best HBCU psychology programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of HBCU psychology programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What to Expect from an HBCU Psychology Program
By enrolling in a psychology program at an HBCU, you’ll gain access to a culturally supportive learning environment designed to help students build a strong foundation in psychological principles.
At the associate level, students will explore the basics of human behavior, development, and introductory research methods. Bachelor’s programs elevate this learning, focusing on cognitive, abnormal, and social psychology, preparing students for entry-level positions or further education.
Those pursuing a master’s degree can specialize in certain areas, like clinical psychology or counseling, preparing for mental health or marriage and family counseling licensure. For students with their sights set on becoming licensed psychologists, a doctoral program will provide opportunities for advanced research, clinical practice, or academia – with these students becoming experts in their field and leaders in mental health.
Potential courses you’ll take in an HBCU psychology program
- Introduction to Psychology: In this foundational course, students learn essential concepts of human behavior, cognition, and emotion — preparing for more advanced studies.
- Abnormal Psychology: Frequently deemed a core requirement in most bachelor’s programs, this class explores psychological disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- Counseling Theories and Techniques: Typically reserved for master’s students, this course teaches different counseling approaches and helps students develop practical skills for effectively working with clients in clinical settings.
- Advanced Research Methods: Often offered at the doctoral level, this course trains students in designing, conducting, and analyzing psychological research, preparing them for academic or clinical research careers.
What Can I Do with a Psychology Degree?
A psychology degree offers versatile career opportunities, preparing graduates for further study or immediate careers in counseling, social work, or even fields like business and human resources. While a doctorate is required for licensure as a psychologist, students can specialize in clinical, industrial-organizational, and health psychology, among others.
Notably, the field is expected to grow significantly, adding over 200,000 jobs annually, with social workers seeing the most job growth in this expanding sector.
Career outlook
- Marriage and Family Therapist — These professionals help couples and families navigate and resolve interpersonal conflicts, improving relationships and emotional well-being through counseling.
- Median annual salary: $58,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 16%
- New jobs projected: 7,500
- Human Resources Specialist — An HR specialist manages employee relations, recruitment, and organizational policies, ensuring the effective operation of a company’s workforce.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New jobs projected: 86,200
- Licensed Psychologist — Psychologists study mental processes and behavior, provide therapy, conduct research, or work in specialized areas like clinical, counseling, or forensic psychology to support mental health.
- Median annual salary: $92,740
- Project employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New jobs projected: 13,000
How to Choose the HBCU Psychology Program That’s Right For You
Consider your needs and goals
Choosing the right program can feel daunting, but you can make this significantly easier by first identifying your priorities. Consider the following:
- What is my current education level?
- Do I want an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate?
- What specialization interests me most?
- Do I need full-time or part-time study?
- Is asynchronous or synchronous learning best for my schedule?
While specializations often only come into play for higher-level degrees, like a master’s or doctorate, these are still important to consider to map your career trajectory accurately. For example, clinical psychology prepares students to become licensed therapists, while industrial-organizational psychology is for business and human resources roles.
Additionally, determining your logistical needs is crucial. Full-time programs offer an immersive experience, ideal for students who can commit fully to their studies, while part-time or asynchronous options suit those balancing work or family responsibilities.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve determined your goals, it’s time to begin researching schools and programs. You may come into this process with questions of your own, but here are a few more to guide your research further:
- Is the program accredited?
- Do I meet the eligibility requirements?
- Does the curriculum align with my career goals?
- What are the faculty’s credentials and areas of expertise?
- What support services, like academic advising and career counseling, are offered?
This information can be found on program websites, through admissions counselors, or by attending open houses and information sessions.
Determine how you’ll pay for your psychology degree program
For many students, paying for their degree with minimal debt is a top priority. If you’re in a similar situation, start by filing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. You’ll also benefit from applying for institutional and external scholarships and grants, which don’t need to be repaid. If you need part-time work, look into work-study programs or assistantships. For those currently employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
If necessary, opt for federal loans over private ones, as they typically offer better repayment terms and lower interest rates.
HBCU Psychology Programs Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an HBCU psychology program?
While some application requirements vary by program, many institutions share similar criteria.
This often involves having a high school diploma or equivalent, providing official transcripts, and submitting a personal statement and a certain number of letters of recommendation for undergraduate programs. Some schools may require SAT or ACT scores, while others may have test-optional policies.
At the graduate level, application requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, official college transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose, and two to three letters of recommendation. These schools often require GRE scores.
Be sure to speak with an admissions counselor before applying to ensure you meet all requirements.
How much does a psychology degree cost?
According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for an undergraduate degree and $20,513 for a graduate degree.
Beyond tuition, you’ll also want to budget for other costs such as housing, transportation, course materials, textbooks, and personal expenses. These additional expenses can vary significantly depending on whether you live on or off campus and your program’s format. Proper financial planning is crucial to managing these costs and ensuring you’re fully prepared for the overall expense of your education.
How long does it take to complete a psychology degree program?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology typically takes four years to complete, while a master’s degree usually takes two years. Doctoral programs generally take around five years. These timelines can be extended if you study part-time, as your course load per semester directly affects your progress.
Be sure to double-check credit requirements for each program, as they can vary and impact how long it takes to graduate.