10 Best HBCUs for Psychology Master’s Programs

Situated in the nation's capital, Howard offers an M.Ed. in school psychology. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competencies and the African American experience. You'll complete practicums in Washington, D.C., schools and clinics while taking classes in human development and research methods. 

Howard features the highest graduation rate on this list. The school helps students stay on track for graduation with offices focusing on student accessibility, veterans services, and advocacy and support.

Consider FSU if you want a customizable educational experience. This HBCU lets you get two graduate certificates in addition to your degree. In class, you'll build upon your undergraduate education in psychology with classes in the biological aspects of behavior, the psychology of diversity, and the psychology of social and interpersonal communication. 

Other reasons to apply to FSU include a fully online curriculum. The university provides new learners with in-depth online learning guides and other resources. You can access the same student services as on-campus degree-seekers, as well.

NCCU developed its master's in psychology program with the needs of North Carolina residents in mind. You can specialize in general or clinical psychology, and classes include ethics in psychology, advanced statistics, and research methods. Only the clinical psychology concentration requires an internship. 

Over 95% of degree-seekers at NCCU receive some form of financial aid, making this school an attractive option if you're on a budget. The university's Graduate Tuition Award can reduce your cost of attendance by at least $1,000 per semester. 

Choose Hampton University if you want to work as a licensed counselor. The 31-credit program offers two annual start dates and features classes in lifespan development, introduction to research, and counseling with diverse populations. You show what you learned by taking a comprehensive exam in the final semester. 

Hampton's Career Center helps you maximize your education with on-campus and virtual career fairs, one-on-one counseling, and a mobile app accessible 24/7. Free software such as Symplicity helps you discover counseling careers aligned with your interests.

Experienced education professionals choose PVAMU's master's in counseling program to develop the skills necessary to help K-12 students plan for the future and overcome problems. Learning options include asynchronous online instruction. Degree-seekers take classes in professional ethics for school counselors, human growth and development, and the theory and practice of counseling. 

Nearly 100% of PVAMU degree-seekers receive financial aid, and learners enjoy an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. This HBCU also boasts a robust athletics program.

Bowie State University's master's in counseling psychology prepares you for licensure with classes in:

• Career counseling and development
• Legal and ethical issues in counseling
• Drug and alcohol counseling

Students are also required to complete a supervised internship and practicum. Applicants without a bachelor's in psychology may apply if their undergraduate transcripts reflect at least 12 credits in the social sciences. 

Nearly all psychology degree-seekers at Bowie State University learn online, making the university an attractive option if you work or raise children and need a flexible option.

Southern University's master's in clinical mental health counseling features a 60-credit curriculum with classes in group counseling, the analysis of the individual, and the techniques and methods of behavioral change. You apply what you learn in the classroom during a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, both required for licensure. You can customize your education by selecting two electives from five options.

Although this HBCU charges Louisiana residents the lowest tuition rate, this school is more affordable for out-of-state degree-seekers than at some other schools. Full-time, out-of-state learners paid about $10,000 in tuition and fees in spring 2023.

This school made the list of best HBCUs for psychology programs for its MA in interdisciplinary behavioral sciences. The curriculum features classes focusing on law, statistics, and criminal behavior. You can also align your education with your career goals by taking electives in addiction or the psychology of victims. 

Nearly 100% of KSU students receive financial aid, and some out-of-state degree-seekers may qualify for a tuition waiver. You need to study full time and submit FAFSA results to apply for many institutional scholarships and grants.

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Fisk University offers a master's in psychology with clinical and general psychology concentrations. Both tracks take about two years to complete and require a thesis. All students take classes in personality theory, statistics and research design, and psychopathology.

At Fisk, you'll enjoy a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 90% of learners receive financial aid. The university does not require a separate financial aid application and awards up to a full tuition scholarship if you have excellent high school or undergraduate transcripts.

Tennessee State University's master's program awards an MS with a clinical mental health counseling concentration. You can graduate in just two years, and classes include the foundations of counseling, counseling theory, and group counseling and guidance. The program prepares you for both a career and further education by requiring a thesis and two internships. 

TSU offers tuition discounts to out-of-state students who meet specific requirements, such as living within a 250-mile radius of campus. The university also awards 96% of degree-seekers financial aid, and fewer than two-thirds of these learners use loans to finance their education.