Top Accredited Masters in Psychology Programs in Arkansas
Looking at Master’s in Psychology Programs in Arkansas for your graduate studies? “The Natural State” beckons with its natural beauty and excellent academic institutions. Arkansas’s psychology programs will equip you for influential careers.
The University of Arkansas psychology doctoral program delivers rigorous training in both clinical and experimental psychology. Students can specialize in areas from social psychology to neuroscience. On top of that, Arkansas State University’s offerings include a 36-semester hour Master of Science in Psychological Science program. This program emphasizes both simple and applied psychological research. These programs help you deliver complete psychological services to individuals and groups across the state.
These programs shine with their focus on real-life application. Many graduates work as Licensed Professional Counselors in community mental health centers, private practice, and agencies of all types. The UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute enhances your education by combining top research, education, and patient care in one location. Your educational experience in Arkansas blends academic excellence with quality of life – from Fayetteville, the country’s 3rd best place to live, to the state capital, Little Rock.
1. University of Arkansas – Clinical Psychology PhD
The University of Arkansas’s Clinical Psychology PhD program has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1966. This long-running accreditation shows the program’s dedication to training tomorrow’s psychology professionals.
Program Overview
The Clinical Psychology doctoral program follows the scientist-practitioner model. Students become scientifically informed mental health service providers and clinically informed researchers. The program teaches students to apply psychological theory, research methodology, and clinical skills to complex problems in a variety of populations. Students learn to become culturally-responsive health service psychologists who understand diverse population needs. The program received several federal Graduate Psychology Education grants from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. A recent 3-year training grant (2022-2025) aims to increase behavioral healthcare providers working in interprofessional teams.
Admission Requirements
Competition for this prestigious program runs high. The department receives between 100-200 applications but typically admits only 4-6 students each year. The selection process looks at prior research experience, future scholarship potential, fit with faculty mentors, recommendation letters, undergraduate institution quality, GPA, and interpersonal skills.
Applicants must submit:
- Department of Psychological Science application
- Unofficial transcripts
- Resume/CV detailing relevant accomplishments
- Statement of purpose addressing career goals and research interests
- Three letters of recommendation
- Optional writing sample and GRE scores
About 15-20 promising candidates receive interview invitations, usually in January. Applicants must complete criminal background checks before these interviews.
Curriculum Highlights
Students follow a recommended 5-year sequence: four years of campus-based education and a one-year predoctoral internship. Each semester blends coursework, practicum involvement, and research requirements, combining science and practice from early in students’ graduate careers.
Core clinical courses include:
- Assessment of Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities
- Introduction to Clinical Science
- Psychopathology Theory & Assessment
- Personality Theory & Assessment
- Clinical Practicum (various specializations)
- Psychotherapy and Psychotherapy Outcomes
Students receive broad clinical training in various skills, modalities, settings, and populations while focusing on empirically-based approaches.
Faculty & Mentorship
Quality mentorship is a vital program element. The University of Arkansas uses a mentor-apprentice model for student recruitment and selection. Students work closely with faculty who share their research interests. Faculty members attend mentoring workshops to become better guides for graduate students.
Faculty members supervise students’ practicum training and introduce different theoretical orientations while maintaining empirical foundations. New students work alongside advanced students in practicum and research teams. This collaboration helps them sharpen assessment skills, design theses, and prepare papers for conferences and journals.
Student Success Story
Emily Allen’s journey showcases the program’s effect. This clinical psychology graduate student from McGehee (a small town in southeast Arkansas) started as a Biology major at the University of Central Arkansas. She found her passion for psychology through an introductory course. The faculty’s expertise and department’s welcoming atmosphere drew her to the University of Arkansas.
“What maintains my focus is a desire to be an example for others who may come from small towns or parents who never attended college and want to pursue careers that may appear impossible,” Allen explains. Her research aims to improve mental health outcomes for Black and brown individuals. She focuses on addressing cultural and racial topics in therapy. Allen’s daily schedule combines coursework, research, clinical work with therapy clients at the Psychological Clinic, and mentoring undergraduate students.
Career Outcomes
Program graduates can seek licensure in all 50 states and US territories. The path to licensure usually requires completing the APA-accredited program, finishing a one-year predoctoral internship, completing a post-doctoral fellowship or supervised clinical experience, passing the EPPP examination, and meeting additional state requirements.
The program reported a 74% licensure rate among its graduates from 2013-2023. Graduates work in academic and clinical roles, becoming college professors, psychology statisticians, substance abuse therapists, and pediatric psychologists. Strong foundations in scientific research and clinical practice prepare graduates for various professional opportunities in the field.
2. University of Central Arkansas – Mental Health Counseling MS
UCA’s Masters in Psychology Programs features a Mental Health Counseling MS program that helps students become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The program gives students exceptional training to provide detailed counseling services in settings of all types.
Program Overview
UCA’s Mental Health Counseling MS program works as a final degree or helps students prepare for doctoral studies. The program builds on its rich history of training mental healthcare professionals and meets state and national standards for licensed professional counselors. Students learn through a scientist-practitioner model that matches the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) values. The program meets Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling’s requirements for licensure, though it’s not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Admission Requirements
Students need to meet specific standards and submit materials by February 1. The process starts with a UCA Graduate School application at least three weeks before the department’s deadline. Students must provide:
- Official transcripts (minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70 or 3.00 in last 60 hours)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores using school code 6012
- Three recommendation letters from qualified professional references
- Personal statement (400-500 words) describing interest in counseling
- Completed program application form
Students should complete courses in General Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, and Theories of Personality. The department conducts on-campus interviews after reviewing applications, with phone or Skype options available when needed. A criminal background check must come back clean for final admission.
Curriculum Highlights
Students complete 60 semester hours of coursework and a one-semester internship. The well-laid-out curriculum spans two years with 48 required hours and 12 elective hours. New students start with Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling and Psychology plus Theories of Psychotherapy in their first term.
The core courses cover everything from Psychopathology to Group Therapy, Counseling Process and Skills, Research Methods, Treatment of Addictions, and Multicultural Counseling. Students get hands-on training through Counseling Practicum I and II, followed by a full internship. The Arkansas counseling board requires students to keep a 3.0 GPA minimum and won’t accept C grades for licensure.
Faculty & Mentorship
Students learn from seasoned faculty who provide close guidance. Dr. Art Gillaspy leads the training team, working with Ms. Kayla Gowin (Field Placement Coordinator), Ms. Shannon Riedmueller, Dr. David Mosher, Dr. Christina Christie, and Dr. Aaron McLaughlin. These experts help students master coursework, practicum experiences, and internship placements.
Student Success Story
Katelyn Bates shows what students can achieve in this program. She earned the Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association’s (ArMHCA) $100 Dr. Ann Thomas Graduate Student Scholarship as the outstanding graduate student in 2013-2014. Her success proves how the program helps talented counselors grow.
Career Outcomes
UCA’s Mental Health Counseling graduates build rewarding careers in settings of all types. Many choose private practices, mental health centers, community agencies, and hospitals. Recent data shows UCA mental health services master’s graduates earn a median salary of $44,513, slightly below the national figure of $48,197.
The program readies students to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas. Graduates can take the Licensed Associate Counselor exam under Act 593 of 1979. After 3,000 hours of supervised work experience, they qualify to become Licensed Professional Counselors. This path lets graduates provide crucial mental health services throughout Arkansas and beyond.
3. Arkansas State University – Psychological Science MS
Arkansas State University (A-State) offers an excellent Master of Science in Psychological Science program. The degree is notable among other Psychology Programs in Arkansas because it combines simple and applied psychological research methods.
Program Overview
A-State’s MS in Psychological Science is a 36-semester hour program that helps students prepare for advanced studies or research careers. This program differs from clinical degrees. Students learn to become creative and independent researchers with expert knowledge in psychology’s core areas. Graduates gain research skills they can use in both academic and professional settings. The program suits students who prefer scientific psychology over clinical practice.
Admission Requirements
The psychology graduate program at Arkansas State University has specific entry requirements. Students must meet these criteria:
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or 3.25 GPA during the last 60 hours
- Minimum 3.25 GPA in undergraduate major
- Completed undergraduate or graduate statistics class with at least a “C” grade
Students should submit a cover letter, three recommendation letters, official GRE scores, and a statement about their research interests. A current vita and official transcripts are also required. The department reviews applications and invites selected candidates for an interview. Interviews happen by phone, internet video, or in person.
Curriculum Highlights
The program balances research methods, statistical analysis, and core psychology areas. Students take these courses:
- Research methodology and analysis courses (PSY 5303, 5313, 6313)
- Program development and professional writing (PSY 5623, 6423)
- Foundation courses in organizational, cognitive, and social psychology
- Thesis component (PSY 680V) that proves research skills
Students complete their degree with advanced psychological seminars or approved electives. Strong focus on numbers and research design helps graduates succeed in data-focused jobs or doctoral programs.
Faculty & Mentorship
A-State’s Department of Psychology and Counseling creates a supportive environment where faculty expertise helps students grow. Students gain hands-on research experience in faculty-led labs like the Animal Learning Lab, Forensic and Applied Cognition in Society Lab, and Memory, Attention, and Perception Lab. Faculty members teach the science behind psychology while helping students become professionals.
Student Success Story
Jacqueline Berckefeldt’s story shows the program’s positive effect on students. She says, “My connections at Arkansas State University have inspired me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. My advisor guided me academically, while my friends turned campus life into a truly unforgettable experience”. Her words show how students grow through classroom learning and interactions with others.
Career Outcomes
The MS in Psychological Science opens many career doors. Graduates work as applied researchers or community college faculty, while others pursue doctoral degrees in psychology or related fields. The program’s research focus gives students strong analytical and methods skills.
Psychology jobs will grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028, showing strong career prospects. A-State graduates find opportunities in market research, human resources, and data analysis. These roles need the solid research foundation students build during their studies.
4. University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Counseling Psychology MA
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock ranks among the top Masters in Psychology Programs in Arkansas. Their online Master of Arts in Counseling prepares professionals to serve directly and coordinate resources. Students learn about human rights, professionalism, and ethical practice—values that help them become effective counseling professionals.
Program Overview
UA Little Rock’s MA in Counseling is a fully-online graduate degree that prepares counseling professionals to provide direct services and coordinate resources. Students can choose from four tracks: Counselor Education, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling. Students must select one track and complete practicum and internship components. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track creates licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical mental health counselors. These professionals work in mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, and similar settings.
Admission Requirements
Students must apply to the UA Little Rock Graduate School and complete a personal interview with program faculty or their representative. Regular admission needs a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree requires an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (3.0 in the last 60 hours). Students with a master’s degree from an accredited institution automatically qualify for regular admission. Students with lower GPAs can gain admission by meeting minimum scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller’s Analogy Test. The program accepts applications until April 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, and March 15 for Summer.
Curriculum Highlights
Each track has different requirements. The Counselor Education track needs 48 hours of coursework while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track requires 60 hours. Students must earn a “B” or better in all core courses to graduate. The curriculum moves through phases, starting with foundation courses and moving to specialized content. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track offers courses in:
- Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
- Applied Counseling Research
- Psychological and Medical Aspects of Disability
- Ethics and Advocacy for Counselors
- Career Counseling and Placement
Students complete their program with practical experiences through counseling practicum and internship placements in real-life settings.
Faculty & Mentorship
New faculty receive significant support through UA Little Rock’s Faculty Mentoring Program (FMP). The program offers workshops, panel discussions, and resource development throughout the academic year. Experienced professors, excellence award winners, and administrative leaders serve as mentors and share their knowledge. This supportive environment helps both faculty and students thrive throughout their academic experience.
Student Success Story
Erin Durrah shows how counseling education changes lives. She earned her master’s in counseling psychology and worked at San Francisco’s Department of Public Health. She also counseled students in the city’s unified school district. Her path led her to Northwest Arkansas where she pursued a doctorate in counselor education. Now, as a graduate assistant at the U of A’s Career Development Center, she helps students discover their career potential and connects them with campus and community resources. She created a strong list of support services, hosts “Grad Life Lunch” sessions, and shares ways to manage stress.
Career Outcomes
The Counseling MA program opens many doors for graduates. They become school counselors and Arkansas Licensed Professional Counselors (with additional hours). Graduates work at the Little Rock School District, UAMS Head Start, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The program’s thorough training in service delivery and resource coordination helps graduates succeed in various counseling settings across Arkansas and beyond.
5. Southern Arkansas University – Clinical and Counseling Psychology MS
Southern Arkansas University stands out with its Clinical and Mental Health Counseling MS program. The program gives aspiring mental health professionals a detailed training experience. Students learn evidence-based practices with a focus on cultural sensitivity to prepare them for today’s varied clinical settings.
Program Overview
SAU’s Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling creates career paths in community mental health centers, the Arkansas State Department of Human Services, and various community agencies. Working professionals can advance their careers through this fully online program without leaving their current jobs. The program builds counseling professionals who use evidence-based knowledge to provide culturally sensitive, ethical, and competent counseling. Students complete 60 credits that align with Arkansas licensure requirements and national licensing standards.
Admission Requirements
The program follows a selective admission process with specific deadlines: August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring, May 1 for first summer session, and June 1 for second summer session. Students need to submit these key documents through the admissions portal:
- Statement of Purpose writing sample addressing five specific prompts
- Three reference letters from former or current supervisors or professors
- Acknowledgment of Program Requirements form
The Statement of Purpose should cover career goals, personal strengths and weaknesses, time management planning, response to feedback, and cultural sensitivity. Students must complete 700 total hours of professional practice, which includes a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships.
Curriculum Highlights
Students must complete 60 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling only accepts grades of A or B. The program has 57 hours of core courses and 3 hours of electives. Core courses include:
- Research and Program Evaluation
- Technology Assisted Counseling
- Introduction to the Counseling Profession
- Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues
- Counseling Theories
- Group Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
The program concludes with a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour semesters of internship, adding up to 700 hours of professional practice. Students can choose electives like Play Therapy, Substance Use Disorders, Human Sexuality, and Special Topics.
Faculty & Mentorship
SAU’s Mulerider Mentoring program matches students with dedicated faculty members who help with academic and personal concerns. Mentors keep regular contact with students throughout fall and spring semesters. They recommend at least three face-to-face meetings each semester. This relationship builds on truth, honesty, and confidentiality, helping students through their educational experience.
Student Success Story
Erin Burch’s story shows what students can achieve in SAU’s psychology programs. She switched from nursing to psychology during her freshman year after initially planning to join the military. Dr. Deborah Wilson and Dr. Krista Nelson guided her research on loneliness and depression among college students, especially in the LGBT population. Her work earned a spot at the National Conference of the Society of Personality and Social Psychology in New Orleans. The National Social Science Journal will publish her article. Burch aims to earn her PhD in psychology and conduct clinical research to prove treatments for various disorders work.
Career Outcomes
SAU’s Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program opens doors to jobs in many settings. Graduates work in community mental health centers, the Arkansas State Department of Human Services, and other community agencies. After completing all courses and passing the National Counselor Exam, students can apply for Arkansas licensure. The program’s strong foundation in evidence-based practices helps graduates make real differences in various mental health settings, from private practice to community health organizations.
6. Henderson State University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS
Henderson State University is known among Arkansas’s Masters in Psychology Programs with its Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS degree. Students need 60 semester hours to graduate from this program that shapes professional counselors specialized in mental health service delivery.
Program Overview
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This credential will give a solid foundation that meets professional licensure standards. Working professionals can advance their careers without moving since the program runs fully online. The program will give you specialized knowledge and skills to deliver mental health services in a variety of settings.
Admission Requirements
Students can apply by August 1st for fall and January 1st for spring semesters. Domestic students pay a $25 application fee while international applicants pay $75. Henderson State reviews applications as they come in. You’ll need letters of recommendation and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Curriculum Highlights
The program has 45 hours of core counseling subjects and 12 hours of specialized clinical mental health requirements. Core courses include:
- Theories of Counseling
- Group Procedures
- Marriage Counseling & Family Systems
- Research & Program Evaluation
Clinical mental health specialization has Professional Clinical Mental Health, Clinical Case Management, and two internship sections worth 6 hours. Students can choose electives from Family Counseling to Addiction Studies.
Faculty & Mentorship
Faculty members guide students through their academic trip and help develop clinical skills through supervision and mentorship. Students learn professional identity development and ethical practice standards.
Student Success Story
Aaron Wright works as an Education Specialist at Henderson’s Student Support Services. His story shows the program’s success. As a current graduate student, he benefits from the program’s flexibility while building his professional counseling skills.
Career Outcomes
The numbers speak for themselves – 95% completion rate, 95% LPC examination pass rate, and 95% job placement rate. Most graduates find jobs quickly after graduation. Students can become Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas and earn recognition as National Certified Counselors after completing the program.
7. John Brown University – Counseling MA
John Brown University rounds out our tour of Masters in Psychology Programs in Arkansas. Their CACREP-accredited Counseling MA program has become the state’s largest, with more than 350 students enrolled over the last several years.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Counseling at JBU gives students a detailed academic, clinical, and dispositional training with a Christ-centered viewpoint. Students appreciate the program’s flexibility since they can complete over 70% of their coursework through online and weekend classes. The program lets students specialize in Marriage & Family Therapy, Play Therapy, or Adventure Therapy.
Admission Requirements
Students need an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher and must complete a one-on-one interview with faculty. Students who don’t meet the GPA requirements can apply for conditional admission. The program is available to more applicants since it doesn’t require GRE scores.
Curriculum Highlights
The 60-credit hour program has:
- 42 hours of counseling core requirements
- 15 hours of clinical training
- 3 hours in your chosen emphasis
Faculty & Mentorship
Licensed counseling professionals make up the faculty team. They maintain active clinical practices to ensure practical, current instruction. Students regularly praise their professors’ ability to blend faith with professional experience.
Student Success Story
Hanna Burge (Class of 2020) reflects: “I entered the program with plans to change lives, but ultimately ended up finding my own life within the mix”.
Career Outcomes
The program’s success shows in its numbers: all students pass the CPCE exam, 95% find jobs within six months after graduating, and students score 90% on national board exams. Mental health counselor jobs should grow by 19% through 2033.
Start today
Each of the Masters in Psychology Programs in Arkansas has its own strengths to prepare you for a successful career in mental health services. These seven accredited programs combine rigorous academic training with hands-on experience. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and ground skills as a graduate.
The variety of programs helps you find the right match for your career goals. Arkansas State University excels in research-focused approaches, while the University of Arkansas specializes in clinical programs. Both paths guide you toward meaningful professional opportunities. On top of that, you can choose from different formats – UA Little Rock’s fully online degrees or John Brown University’s weekend classes are available whatever your work schedule looks like.
Student success stories show how psychology education in Arkansas changes lives. Take Emily Allen’s work to improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations, or Erin Burch’s research on loneliness and depression. These programs help students excel academically while developing a spirit of service.
The career prospects look great for graduates from these featured programs. Students pass their licensure exams at high rates and find jobs in mental health centers, private practices, schools, hospitals, and government agencies. The mental health field is expected to grow 14-19% over the next decade, so your psychology master’s degree will open doors to many opportunities.
Quality mentorship runs deep in these programs. Faculty members who still practice clinically share both academic knowledge and real-life wisdom. This guidance, plus supervised practical experience, helps you tackle complex psychological needs with confidence.
Arkansas brings more to the table than just great academic programs. The state’s beautiful landscapes, low cost of living, and welcoming communities make it perfect for your graduate studies. While these seven schools might not grab national headlines, they match up well with programs in bigger states. Plus, you’ll get more personal attention and better local connections.
Becoming a licensed mental health professional takes hard work and commitment. These Arkansas schools give you the framework, backing, and specialized knowledge you need to succeed. Your time in a psychology master’s program will challenge you and help you grow – you’ll end up ready to make a real difference in people’s lives.
can answer your questions about courses, specialties, and financial aid. A graduate degree is a big investment in your future that needs careful research. Any program you pick from this detailed review will connect you to a growing field of psychology professionals. You’ll be ready to make real changes with your specialized knowledge and skills.