Psychology is a fascinating area of study, helping us understand the social interaction, language, communication, motivation, emotions, and decision-making that comes with human behavior. Not only can studying psychology provide you with many financially rewarding career prospects, but a concentration in professional psychology can help you to understand more about yourself and those around you.
In the following guide, we provide you important information on the many psychology schools and programs that Louisiana has to offer, as well as the benefits of attending school in this state. Psychology schools in Louisiana provide both undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as general psychology, forensic psychology, and psychometrics psychology, with many flexible online alternatives to traditional degrees.
Featured Louisiana Schools With Psychology Programs
While psychology schools in Louisiana have been praised by students for their dynamic and culturally diverse student life, with hundreds of student organizations and activities to be a part of, there are several other reasons to attend psychology school in Louisiana.
It is a fact that Louisiana as a state ranks lower than the national average when it comes to key public health indicators, as well as healthcare access and quality. As a result, Louisiana has seen an increased demand for both psychology programs and the employment of licensed psychologists, counselors, and therapists.
While undergraduate degrees generally do not offer a form of specialization beyond the choice between a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, graduate programs in Louisiana do offer specializations in various psychology fields. These include general psychology, counseling psychology, community health, substance abuse/addiction counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, educational psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology.
Looking for a further reason to attend professional psychology school in Louisiana? Despite statewide tuition and fee increases over the past five years, Louisiana’s educational costs are still reasonable, especially compared to other states. Louisiana’s annual in-state tuition rates fall over $4,000 below the national average, which makes Louisiana the 12th most affordable state overall for college attendance.
What Courses Are Part Of An Online Psychology Degree Program in Louisiana?
Some of Louisiana’s best psychology schools offer an online psychology degree option, allowing for increased convenience, reduced fees, and an overall ideal alternative to those who do not have easy access to campus. Each psychology program in Louisiana will be slightly different in terms of its curriculum and specializations, whether in the case of an Undergraduate, Masters or Doctorate degree. The best psychology schools in Louisiana will provide students with a similar core foundation in theoretical, methodological, and applied knowledge, which will only become more specialized as they further their education.
Most colleges that offer psychology in Louisiana will offer one or more of the following core online pyschology courses:
Introduction to General Psychology
Usually offered in the first or second semester of an undergraduate psychology degree, an Introduction to General Psychology course will serve as a prerequisite for most psychology-based upper-division courses in an undergraduate psychology program, offering valuable psychology career skills. This course will build a foundation for the major theoretical and methodological perspectives of psychology and contemporary approaches to clinical psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, counseling psychology, neurobiological psychology, and social psychology.
Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology is usually offered as part of an undergraduate degree of psychology, with an Introduction to General Psychology often being one of the prerequisites required for this course. A course in Abnormal Psychology will explore psychopathological behaviors and the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment behind them.
Psychological Assessment
While a Psychological Assessment course is a master’s-level workshop, this advanced course offers training in test administration and results in integration, scoring, and report writing. Most importantly, this course will study the use of psychological tests to make life-changing decisions about individuals as students explore some of the major applications of psychological tests in education, industry, and clinical practice.
Environmental Psychology
A course in Environmental Psychology is a core course in Masters programs that wish to specialize in this emerging specialization. This course focuses on the interaction between the environment and human beings and how the physical features of the environment impact our own mental health. In turn, it examines how our actions produce immediate and long-term consequences on the environment, as well as an overview of several pressing environmental challenges.
Regression and Multivariate Statistics
A course in Regression and Multivariate Statistics will be offered at the doctorate level and typically must be completed before undertaking dissertation research. This course will introduce students to a variety of multivariate data analysis techniques that they are likely to use in analyzing data from their own research, including familiarizing doctoral candidates with multiple regression, multivariate analysis of variance, canonical analysis, canonical correlation, discriminant analysis, and cluster analysis.
What Louisiana Schools Are Known For Their Psychology Programs?
When looking for a psychology school in Louisiana, you may be lost on where to start. After all, there are currently 22 not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs in Louisiana, with 21 schools offering a bachelor’s degree in psychology and 14 schools offering a master’s or advanced degree in psychology. Let’s take a look at the top-ranking psychology schools in Louisiana.
Tulane University of Louisiana
Tulane University of Louisiana is a large private, not-for-profit college located in the city of New Orleans. Tulane University is a not-for-profit college means that revenue must be reinvested into the institution (such as in the case of improving operations, instructor salaries, library resources and student services) to fulfill its educational mission.
The popularity of Tulane University of Louisiana comes from its dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and community outreach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Tulane University offers the largest undergraduate major in the School of Science and Engineering, with graduate training at the doctoral level in both School Psychology and Psychological Science.
Tulane University also ranks highest on the most popular psychology schools in Louisiana due to the following statistics:
- During the 2018-2019 academic year, Tulane University handed out 136 Bachelor’s Degrees in General Psychology, ranking it #280 of all colleges and universities that offer this degree
- In 2019, 10 students received their master’s degree in psychology from Tulane University, ranking it #534 in the most popular schools for psychology master’s degree candidates in the country
- In 2019, 11 students received their doctoral degrees in psychology from Tulane University, ranking the school #181 on the list of most popular schools in the United States for this category of students
- General Psychology students from Tulane University have received an average increase in earnings of around $9,331 above the typical income of general psychology majors, with an average median salary of $34,100
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
When looking for a Louisiana university to pursue general psychology as a major, it’s hard to find a better option than Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. This Baton Rouge, Louisiana university has a long tradition of outstanding education and service.
It offers a high-quality undergraduate education to over 800 majors, with a curricular focus on brain and behavior science and its application. Psychology graduate programs at Louisiana state are divided into four distinct areas: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and School Psychology.
Not only does Louisiana State provide a wide variety of services to its students, but it also provides valuable public services to the community. A great example of this is their Psychological Services Center, which provides affordable mental health services to local residents.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College rank next in the list of most popular psychology schools in Louisiana due to the following statistics:
- During the 2018-2019 academic year, Louisiana State University handed out 182 Bachelor’s Degrees in General Psychology, ranking it #174 of all colleges and universities that offer this degree
- In 2019, 11 students received their master’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University, ranking it #157 in the most popular schools for psychology master’s degree candidates in the country
- In 2019, 11 students received their doctoral degrees in psychology from Louisiana State University, ranking this school #44 on the list of most popular schools in the United States for this category of students
- General Psychology students from Louisiana State University have received an average increase in earnings of around $4,431 above the typical income of general psychology majors, with an average median salary of $29,200
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans’ Xavier University of Louisiana is another of the most highly rated psychology programs in this state. This private, not-for-profit school has a small student population, making it ideal for students who prefer to work in smaller classes. Xavier University offers its students a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, preparing both for graduate study in psychology and career opportunities in psychology and other areas at the bachelor’s degree level.
Xavier University offers three tracks for its students: Psychological Science, for students pursuing graduate school or careers applying their Bachelor of Science degree, Psychology Premedical, for students pursuing medical school or graduate training in related health fields or careers in related areas at the Bachelor’s level and Neuroscience for students pursuing graduate training in neuroscience, medical school or other professional health programs.
Xavier University of Louisiana also ranks in the list of most popular psychology schools in Louisiana due to the following statistics:
- During the 2018-2019 academic year, Xavier University of Louisiana handed out 36 Bachelor’s Degrees in General Psychology, ranking it #781 of all colleges and universities that offer this degree
- Psychology majors who earn their Bachelor’s of Science degree from XULA have reported an average median salary of $23,000 a year
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
For students looking to study psychology in a medium-sized public school in a small city atmosphere, then the University of Louisiana at Monroe may be for you. ULM faculty designs their curriculum in accordance with the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, providing students with opportunities to gain highly valuable, career-relevant skills for a fulfilling career in psychology.
While the Bachelor of Arts degree at ULM is designed to help students become career and/or graduate school ready, ULM Psychology offers a Master of Science degree, with concentrations in General Psychology, Psychometrics, and Forensic Psychology.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks highly in the list of most popular psychology schools in Louisiana due to the following statistics:
- During the 2018-2019 academic year, the University of Louisiana at Monroe handed out 138 Bachelor’s Degrees in General Psychology, ranking it #249 of all colleges and universities that offer this degree
- In 2019, 20 students received their master’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, ranking it #74 in the most popular schools for psychology master’s degree candidates in the country
- Psychology majors from the University of Louisiana at Monroe have reported receiving an average median salary of $26,600 a year
Pass Rate and Accreditation Information For Psychology Programs in Louisiana
When choosing a psychology school in Louisiana, it’s incredibly important to make sure that the school you are applying to is accredited, especially if you wish to further your education. Accreditation is a form of educational validation for universities and colleges, ensuring that your education will cover the requirements necessary to enter your chosen career field post-graduation successfully.
Not only is this important for both future employers and potential graduate schools to see, but it’s also important for you as a psychology major in ensuring that you are confident in your level of knowledge and skill to enter the workforce.
When it comes to psychology programs in Louisiana, students should look for the following accreditations when choosing their program: the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP), and/or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Students who graduate from an accredited college or university will have a much better chance of becoming licensed in their desired area of practice.
It’s also important to ensure that the Louisiana psychology program you are considering will meet the licensure requirements in the state where you wish to practice. In most states, the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), a licensing exam administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), is required to qualify for a Louisiana psychologist license.
What is the Average Pass Rate For Louisiana Psychology Programs?
When it comes to the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), the average exam results were studied from February 1, 2015, to March 21, 2017, with a minimum of four test-takers during the exam period. The following pass rates were as a result of students who participated only in APA-accredited or ASPPB-designated doctoral programs and are divided as an average pass rate per school:
- Louisiana State University and A & M College (Clinical Ph.D.): 100%
- Louisiana State University and A & M College (School Ph.D.): 100%
- Louisiana Tech University: 89%
- Tulane University: 88%
As you can see from these results, the average pass rate for students who attended accredited postsecondary psychology schools in Louisiana was incredibly high. Students from Louisiana State University and A & M College achieved an average pass rate of 100%.
Cost of Psychology Programs in Louisiana
Tuition for a Louisiana psychology program differs greatly depending on the institution. Students of private institutions that are not considered not-for-profit will see the highest tuition costs, with public, not-for-profit schools providing the lowest tuition costs. For psychology schools in Louisiana, the tuition cost per year for undergraduate programs ranges from $5,976 at the Southern University at New Orleans to $37,692 at Tulane University.
How Can You Save Money by Attending An Online Louisiana Psychology Program?
When you compare the overall cost of traditional psychology degrees, online psychology degrees in Louisiana can offer substantial financial savings. Online tuition costs and fees are often less expensive than a traditional Bachelor’s degree, with a potential for substantial savings for out-of-state students. While out-of-state students may be charged as much as three times the tuition amount of in-state students, many online Bachelor’s degree programs offer the same tuition rates for both. This opportunity enables students who live outside of Louisiana to potentially attend a psychology school for the same price as a school in their home state.
In addition, online psychology degree programs will often allow students to save on housing, food, and essential living expenses. While none of these costs are officially part of your college tuition, these costs are the reality for those who choose to attend a psychology school that is not within close proximity to their home.
Students can save a significant amount yearly if they can continue living with family and avoid the use of daily transportation, virtually eliminating many of these extra costs. A study conducted by the College Board indicates that the average student spends 24% of 43% of their educational budget on room and board, which can add up to huge savings for those who can complete their psychology degree online.
What Are the Most Affordable Psychology Schools in Louisiana?
As mentioned, the most affordable psychology schools in Louisiana are most often public, not-for-profit schools. These educational institutes receive funding from various sources such as the government, tuition fees, and donations.
The funds that these schools can secure often go directly back into the schools and the students themselves, offering an overall more affordable tuition option for students. For-profit colleges operate more like a traditional business and are usually subsidiaries of a larger corporation.
Having said this, these types of schools more often offer the more traditional college experience, with large campuses, a diverse student population, and an abundance of student clubs and organizations.
When it comes to the most affordable psychology schools in Louisiana, the following schools are known for providing the lowest yearly tuition costs for undergraduates:
- Southern University at New Orleans: $5,976
- Louisiana State University-Alexandria: $7,682
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport: $8,622
- The University of Louisiana at Monroe: $9,455
- Louisiana Tech University: $9,795
Scholarships and Bursaries Available to Psychology Students in Louisiana
Entry scholarships and bursaries have many potential benefits to both the potential student and the academic institution offering this type of financial aid and assistance. When it comes to the benefits for schools in offering partial or full scholarships and bursaries, there are two main potential benefits: schools may attract stronger students to a given university, and they also may promote better performance in university.
The benefit of receiving a scholarship and bursary for students can be as detrimental as choosing to attend and finish college in the first place. As tuition costs and fees steadily continue to rise, affordability is a major factor in students completing their postsecondary education.
Scholarships and bursaries can make all the difference in giving students the financial aid bump they need to take a leap and begin their psychology degree and boost a student’s confidence in their ability to work toward a better future.
How Can You Apply For Psychology Scholarships When Studying in Louisiana?
Each psychology scholarship is different in terms of its requirements for application. While some psychology scholarships will require a major in psychology with a minimum GPA, others will also require a written essay.
Psychology scholarships that are available through the University of Louisiana will generally require a minimum GPA of 3.0 but also include specific additional requirements per scholarship. Several scholarships and bursaries are available that are non-specific to psychology students and focus on those disciplines that belong to a certain overarching department, such as Liberal Arts.
What Kind of Scholarships Are Available For Psychology Majors in Louisiana?
There are several scholarships and bursaries available only for psychology majors in Louisiana and several more that are available for students of a specific school. General scholarships are also available for those who meet the individual requirements that are not school or program-specific. You can find more information on the best Louisiana scholarships here for college and university students.
The University of Louisiana offers several psychology-specific scholarship programs, with updated information readily available on their website. While students are required to contact the faculty directly for the full application process, the following psychology scholarships are available for students of this school:
Hait-Lewis Award for Academic Excellence in Psychology
This scholarship is awarded twice a year to a graduating undergraduate senior in the Fall semester and a graduating senior in the Spring semester. Each scholarship pays $100 for one semester.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be majoring in psychology
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Must be an undergraduate senior
The Aline Mitchell Garrett Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Psychology
The award for this scholarship ranges from $400 to $500 annually for two semesters, offering $200-$250 for the Fall semester and $200-$250 for the Spring semester.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be an African-American
- Be eligible to enter his/her junior year
- Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Be a psychology major
- Preference to be given to a student from St. Martin Parish
The UL Lafayette Psychology Department Scholarship
The award amount for this scholarship is not specified.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a psychology major
- Have successfully completed 30 credits or more by the end of the semester of application
- Have a 3.0 or better GPA
- Be able to demonstrate evidence of community involvement and financial need
- Have career plans that involve psychology
Emily “Mae Mae” LeBlanc Badeaux Memorial Scholarship in Psychology
This scholarship was specifically created to fund master’s degree thesis research in the areas of child, marital, or family psychology. Graduate students should apply at the end of their first year to receive funding for their second year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be conducting thesis research on child, marital, or family psychology
Besides Scholarships, What Other Forms of Financial Assistance Are Available to Psychology Students in Louisiana?
For students who are not eligible for scholarships or bursaries or need additional financial assistance, federal student aid is available. Applying for federal student aid is easy and allows for an affordable repayment plan once your study period is over. Several resources are available on the Federal Student Aid website, including more information on applying for scholarships and bursaries that you may not realize you are eligible to receive.
Should I Attend a Psychology School in Louisiana?
Louisiana not only offers some of the best-accredited psychology schools in the United States but also a strong sense of community within its campuses. Students of Louisiana psychology schools enjoy the overall experience that comes from being a member of a psychology school, spanning from the high amount of extracurricular activities to the high education ratings associated with the colleges. We hope that you consider the above guide in your search for the best psychology program in Louisiana.
