Best Psychology Masters Programs in Georgia (2026): Costs & Requirements

Want to pursue a psychology master’s degree in Georgia? You’re making a smart move. Georgia has twelve schools offering 40 postgraduate psychology programs. This gives you plenty of options to boost your career and education.

These programs lead to great outcomes, whether you’re drawn to clinical practice or research. You can finish your degree in two years, and land rewarding jobs in human resources, research, and human services. The programs have earned solid recognition too. The University of Georgia’s Clinical Psychology program stands at 36th place nationally. Augusta University got a $1.3 million grant to support its students better.

Planning to pursue a doctorate? Georgia’s programs have helped many graduates get into doctoral programs. The credit requirements range from 36-54 hours, letting you enter this growing field faster. The best part? You’ll earn competitive pay while completing your degree in a reasonable time.

1. Augusta University – M.S. in Psychology

Augusta University is well-known among psychology masters programs in Georgia with its versatile Master of Science in Psychology program. The program will give you practical skills through hands-on experience in psychological assessment, therapy, and research. You can choose from multiple specialization paths.

Program Overview

Augusta University’s psychology master’s program has three distinct tracks that align with your career goals:

• Clinical/Counseling Track – A 60-credit hour program accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through 2027. This track prepares you to get professional counseling licensure in Georgia and needs 600 hours of clinical internship.
• Applied Experimental Track – A 40-credit hour program that takes five semesters to complete. This track suits research positions perfectly. You’ll get intensive research experience through a first-year faculty-mentored practicum and 450 hours of research internship.
• General Experimental Track – A traditional 41-credit hour doctoral preparatory track that needs an independent research thesis. Students complete this track over five semesters.

Students progress through their studies with the same group of peers in a cohort model. This creates lasting professional connections. Most students finish the degree in two years with full-time daytime classes year-round.

Graduate assistantships help reduce tuition costs and provide monthly income. Students work on university tasks like grading, library research, or data collection.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit applications by March 1 with a $55 non-refundable application fee for Fall. Submit your application early. The program accepts materials up to two weeks after the deadline.

You’ll need:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Prerequisite coursework in General Psychology, Statistics, and Psychology Research Methods (completed or in progress)
• Three recommendations (at least two must be academic references)
• Personal statement of approximately 750 words about your interest in the program and future professional goals
• Resume or curriculum vitae

The program doesn’t require standardized tests. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) or an IELTS band score of 6.5 unless they qualify for a waiver.

Strong candidates get interview invitations. Clinical/Counseling track applicants must pass a criminal background check before final admission.

Program Costs

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates per semester are:

• In-state students: $2,821 for 12+ credit hours or $236 per credit hour for 1-11 credits
• Out-of-state students: $10,052 for 12+ credit hours or $838 per credit hour for 1-11 credits
• International students: $10,344 for 12+ credit hours or $863 per credit hour for 1-11 credits

Mandatory semester fees add up to $675:

• Activity Fee: $57
• Athletic Fee: $187
• Health Fee: $140
• Student Center Fee: $49
• Technology Fee: $110
• Transportation Fee: $74
• Wellness Fee: $58

Distance learning students pay only a $393 Online Learning Fee instead of standard mandatory fees. Some electives may have extra fees for parking or course-specific needs.

Accreditation & Recognition

Augusta University’s Clinical/Counseling track holds Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accreditation from 2017-2027. This accreditation shows the program meets professional practice preparation standards.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Augusta University. The university received reaffirmation in December 2016. They submitted their Fifth Year Report in Spring 2022 and will seek reaffirmation in 2026.

Mental health counselor jobs will grow substantially faster than average according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual pay reaches $53,710. Augusta’s psychology master’s program proves to be a smart investment for your professional future.

2. Georgia Southern University – M.S. in Psychology

Georgia Southern University’s Master of Science in Psychology program prepares students for professional practice and doctoral studies through research-based education. Students can choose between Experimental Psychology and Behavior Analysis concentrations to match their career goals.

Program Overview

The M.S. in Psychology program at Georgia Southern University lets you choose between two specialized paths:

• Experimental Psychology Concentration: This research-intensive track gives you advanced skills in data collection and analysis. About 75% of graduates get accepted into doctoral programs in experimental and applied psychology. You’ll design and conduct original research through a required thesis project that adds to the field’s knowledge.
• Behavior Analysis Concentration: Available at the Armstrong campus, you’ll learn to assess people in their environments and create strategies that help individuals and organizations succeed. Students need 31 credit hours to graduate and can finish in five semesters.

Students must complete 36-54 credit hours based on their chosen concentration. Classes take place at both Statesboro and Savannah campuses. Faculty members specialize in developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, decision making, cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology.

Students work closely with faculty on research projects. This hands-on experience builds practical skills that directly transfer to careers in education, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Admission Requirements

The Fall 2026 admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 0 minimum cumulative GPA (successful applicants averaged 3.63 GPA in Fall 2025 and 3.79 in Fall 2024)
• Required courses: Introduction to Psychology, statistics, research methods, and two additional psychology courses
• Personal statement outlining research interests, career goals, and preferred faculty mentors
• Three recommendation letters (at least one from a former professor)
• Official transcripts

The GRE remains optional for Fall 2026 applicants. You can submit scores if you want, but they’re not required.

The priority deadline falls on February 5, 2026, with a final deadline of April 1, 2026. Early applications have better chances of acceptance.

Program Costs

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates are:

• In-state students pay $6,774 per semester (full-time) or $291 per credit hour
• Out-of-state students pay $23,450 per semester (full-time) or $1,218 per credit hour

Your enrollment type determines mandatory fees. Campus-based students pay standard fees that cover activities, athletics, health services, and technology. Online students pay an Online Learning Fee instead of standard mandatory fees.

Graduate assistantships offer great financial benefits with tuition discounts and monthly income in exchange for university service. These competitive positions include teaching, research, lab, and general graduate assistantships.

Accreditation & Recognition

The university’s psychology students excel in research. Heaven Divinity (’24) and Carmen Ford (’24) won the Council on Undergraduate Research’s Social Science and Psychology Conference Travel Awards in 2025 and 2024. They conducted research with Associate Professor Virginia Wickline and presented at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology.

The psychology department has expert faculty in various areas. The Statesboro Campus faculty accept new students in developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, decision making, cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology. Armstrong Campus specialists focus on neuropsychology, social and cultural psychology, and cognitive and comparative psychology.

Experimental Psychology graduates often pursue doctoral studies, while others work in research positions throughout education, industry, and government agencies. Behavior Analysis graduates typically work in clinical and applied settings.

Strong applications come from students with undergraduate research experience who connect with faculty sharing similar research interests. This match enhances both your application and graduate experience.

3. University of Georgia – Ph.D. in Psychology

The University of Georgia runs one of the Southeast’s oldest and most respected doctoral psychology programs. Students get advanced training that goes beyond what typical masters in psychology programs offer in Georgia. The department leads psychological research and practice with its nationally recognized faculty.

Program Overview

The UGA Department of Psychology, housed within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree through three distinct programs:

• Behavioral and Brain Sciences – With concentrations in Developmental, Health Psychology, Neuroscience, Social-Personality, and Vision Sciences
• Clinical Psychology – A scientist-practitioner model program
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Focusing on workplace and organizational psychology

Students enter directly into one of these three doctoral tracks instead of a general program. You’ll earn a master’s degree as you progress toward your doctoral degree, which creates a complete graduate training experience.

The clinical program has maintained continuous APA accreditation since 1966. It follows a scientist-practitioner model that builds a strong foundation in technique, theory, and research. The industrial-organizational program lets you focus on leadership, mentoring, human factors psychology, and psychometrics.

Students can access specialized research facilities including the Psychology Clinic, University Testing and Evaluation Center, child development laboratories, and various research institutes.

Admission Requirements

Your Fall 2026 application must include:

• UGA Graduate School application and application fee
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution attended
• Official GRE scores (general test) – Required for the Clinical Psychology program for Fall 2026
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and relevant experience
• Statement of purpose (500-1000 words) addressing your goals and fit with the program

Applications for Clinical Psychology and Behavioral and Brain Sciences must reach by November 15, 2025. The Industrial-Organizational doctoral program won’t admit a new class for 2026-2027.

Clinical program interviews will take place virtually on January 13, 2026.

Program Costs

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates vary substantially based on residency status:

• In-state students: $8,878 per year (Clinical Psychology, Behavioral & Brain Sciences)
• Out-of-state students: $25,186 per year (Clinical Psychology, Behavioral & Brain Sciences)
• Counseling Psychology program: $15,375 (in-state) or $43,347 (out-of-state)

In-state Clinical Psychology students can expect to invest about $129,390 over five years, including fees, books, and living expenses.

Students have several ways to offset these costs. The Psychology Department offers departmental assistantships through the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty research grants may provide research assistantships that combine funding with valuable research experience. Outstanding candidates can also apply for the Presidential Graduate Fellows Program and Graduate School Assistantships.

Accreditation & Recognition

UGA’s psychology department has earned impressive credentials that showcase its academic excellence. The Clinical Psychology doctoral program has maintained continuous APA accreditation since 1966, making it one of the Southeast’s oldest APA-accredited programs. The program earned accreditation from the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) in 2014.

U.S. News and World Report ranked the department among the top 100 U.S. psychology graduate programs, with the Clinical Psychology program tied for 36th overall.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges provides UGA’s institutional accreditation. The university achieves strong student outcomes with an 87% six-year graduation rate and a 94% first-year retention rate.

The department’s 17:1 student-faculty ratio enables tailored mentoring and research collaboration that prepares graduates to excel in academic, research, and clinical settings.

4. Georgia State University – M.A. in Psychology

Georgia State University’s psychology graduate program sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The program strikes a perfect balance between academic excellence and real-world applications. Students can earn a Master of Arts in Psychology as a standalone degree or use it as a pathway to doctoral studies.

Program Overview

The psychology graduate classes take place at GSU’s downtown Atlanta campus. Students appreciate the flexible schedule with both daytime and evening classes. The M.A. in Psychology program focuses on two main areas:

• General Psychology (17 graduates annually)
• Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology (24 graduates annually)

The master’s program prepares students for doctoral studies. While students start specialized courses at the master’s level, they spend most of their time building core psychological knowledge and research methods that apply in any discipline.

The program awarded 41 master’s degrees in psychology during the 2019-2020 academic year. Women made up about 80.5% of psychology master’s recipients, which matches the national average of 80.6%. This is a big deal as it means that 41.5% of degree recipients were racial-ethnic minorities, compared to the national figure of 35%.

While the psychology master’s program doesn’t offer online options yet, GSU provides distance learning in other fields. Most students finish their master’s coursework before specializing in doctoral programs like Clinical Psychology, Community Psychology, Clinical/Community Psychology, Clinical/Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, or Cognitive Sciences Psychology.

Admission Requirements

GSU’s psychology graduate program looks for candidates with:

• Psychology background (undergraduate major not required)
• Four prerequisite courses: psychological statistics, research methods in psychology, and two upper-level psychology content courses (clinical program applicants should take abnormal psychology)
• Strong GRE general test scores
• Completed Application for Graduate Study and $50 application fee
• Supplementary Form for Graduate Study in Psychology
• International applicants need English proficiency documentation

The program accepts applications for fall semester only. Students must submit all materials by the deadline. Students with prior graduate work might qualify for advanced standing after a first-semester evaluation.

Program Costs

Here’s what students can expect to pay in 2025-2026:

Part-time students pay $398 per credit hour if they’re Georgia residents and $1,259 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

Georgia residents pay about $5,436 each semester, which includes $4,776 in tuition and $660 in student fees. The yearly tuition for Georgia residents starts at $13,110 for two semesters.

Accreditation & Recognition

The American Psychological Association has accredited GSU’s Clinical Psychology Program. This recognition confirms the program’s high standards in professional psychology training.

The department houses research facilities that support various psychology areas. These include cognition, development, behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychology, learning, infant behavior, sensation and perception, motivation, aging, social psychology, assessment, individual psychotherapy, group and family therapy, behavior therapy, and community psychology.

Students can work with both human and animal populations. Human studies include people of all ages and backgrounds, while animal research involves several rodent and primate species.

The Ph.D. in School Psychology program also holds American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation. This shows GSU’s steadfast dedication to excellence across all graduate psychology programs.

5. Valdosta State University – M.S. in Psychology

Valdosta State University’s Master of Science program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology offers a targeted approach to graduate psychology education. This program stands among Georgia’s top psychology masters programs by blending theory with hands-on experience to help graduates launch their careers right away.

Program Overview

The Department of Human Services at Valdosta State runs a 36-credit hour Master of Science program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology that you can complete online. The program prepares you for careers in human resources, research, and organizational development. The program, 39 years old, has helped students land positions in these fields consistently.

VSU’s program is esteemed because students get hands-on experience through on-site practicum work. Students work as human-resource interns with organizations in manufacturing, human services, health care, civil service, banking, and government contracting. This ground application gives students an edge in the job market.

Students can also branch out and take courses from other departments:

• Instructional Technology courses work well with training-focused careers
• Public Administration courses help those looking toward public service management

The university has deactivated its Clinical Counseling track.

Admission Requirements

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology program accepts applications on these dates:

• Fall Semester: April 1 (Priority), July 15 (Final)
• Spring Semester: July 1 (Priority), October 1 (Final)

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field with strong grades. The program asks for 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including:

• Fundamentals of Psychology
• Statistical Methods in Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Tests and Measurements
• An approved upper-level psychology elective

Students need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for regular admission, though some get probationary status with a 2.75. Your application should include a statement of purpose (250-500 words), three recommendations, and official transcripts from your previous schools.

Program Costs

VSU’s psychology graduate program costs less than many other masters in psychology programs in Georgia:

2019-2020 academic year costs were:

• In-state students: $4,572 tuition plus $2,212 in fees ($6,784 total)
• Out-of-state students: $16,470 tuition plus $2,212 in fees ($18,682 total)

Part-time student rates:

• In-state: $254 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $915 per credit hour

Graduate assistantships are a great way to get financial help through tuition waivers and monthly stipends. Most I-O psychology students have assistantships. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who need financial help can apply for the Vicky Lynne Foshee Scholarship, worth about $1,100.

Accreditation & Recognition

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Valdosta State University. The I-O Psychology program ranks 19th among Master’s level I-O psychology programs nationwide.

Graduates work in human resources, research, and human capital roles in companies of all sizes. VSU psychology master’s graduates earn a median early career salary of $45,221 yearly—this is a big deal as it means that the national average of $42,178.

The program thrives on its student diversity. Women make up 58.3% of recent graduates, and racial-ethnic minorities represent 50%. These numbers surpass the national average of 34% racial-ethnic minorities in psychology master’s programs.

6. Clayton State University – M.S. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology

Clayton State University offers a focused Clinical/Counseling Psychology master’s program that shapes future mental health professionals. This program sits just outside Atlanta and blends hands-on clinical skills with strong academic foundations.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at Clayton State is a complete two-year program requiring 60 credit hours. Students can qualify to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LAPC/LPC) in Georgia and potentially other states after graduation [121, 122].

Students become skilled at several core areas:

• Assessment and intervention using various therapeutic approaches (cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic)
• Ethical application of psychological services
• Culturally competent intervention skills
• Research methodology and statistical techniques
• Professional communication skills

The program serves as a springboard to doctoral-level study in psychology and related fields. Students must complete 600 supervised clinical hours and pass a comprehensive examination.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applications until March 15th for fall admission, with international students needing to apply by February 1st [128, 129].

Essential requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• GRE General test (optional with 3.0+ GPA; required for 2.75-2.99 GPA)
• Statement of purpose (maximum two pages, single-spaced) plus resume/CV
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty
• Foundation courses: Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, Psychological Statistics, Research Methods, and Abnormal Psychology (minimum 3 courses needed at application)

The departmental admissions committee invites selected candidates for interviews. Each year, the program accepts a limited number of students.

Program Costs

Graduate students in 2019-2020 paid the following tuition and fees:

Part-time students paid $335 per credit hour (in-state) or $1,335 per credit hour (out-of-state). Books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses add approximately $18,917 to tuition and fees.

Qualified students can apply for graduate assistantships based on budget availability. These positions require 10-20 hours weekly as research or teaching assistants.

Accreditation & Recognition

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the M.S. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology program through December 31, 2026. This recognition confirms the program’s quality in preparing students for professional practice.

Clayton State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Women represented 75% of clinical psychology master’s graduates in 2019-2020. This is a big deal as it means that racial-ethnic minorities made up 62.5% of degree recipients, compared to the national average of 33%.

7. Albany State University – M.S. in Psychology

Albany State University offers a psychology master’s program that opens doors to careers in mental health and related fields. The university’s Department of Sociology and Psychology provides specialized training through graduate courses that blend psychological theories with real-world applications.

Program Overview

The psychology graduate curriculum at Albany State balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students learn about behavior modification, educational psychology, developmental psychology across the lifespan, adolescent psychology, and learning theories. The program stands out from other psychology graduate programs in Georgia because it prepares students to enter mental health fields immediately or advance their academic careers.

Admission Requirements

Students need to submit official transcripts that show they’ve completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The admission committee reviews personal statements, recommendation letters, and academic records. Students who want to start in fall should apply by January.

Program Costs

Here’s what you can expect to pay for Albany State’s psychology graduate program:

• In-state tuition: $6,570 annually
• Out-of-state tuition: $21,290 annually
• Total estimated cost (including fees/housing): $26,240 for in-state and $39,642 for out-of-state students
• Average net price after aid: $19,983 (in-state) and $33,385 (out-of-state)

Accreditation & Recognition

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Albany State University to award degrees from associate through specialist level. The university also holds accreditations from several specialized organizations for its professional programs.

Next Steps

You need to think about your career goals, budget limits, and priorities when picking a psychology master’s program. Georgia offers seven excellent programs with a variety of specializations and teaching styles. Each program has its own strengths – Augusta University gives you three distinct tracks, Georgia Southern focuses on research, and Valdosta State specializes in Industrial-Organizational studies.

Money plays a big role in program selection. Yearly tuition ranges from $4,500 to $25,000, based on whether you’re a resident and which school you choose. Many programs help reduce costs through assistantships that also give you valuable work experience.

Different schools have different requirements. Most want a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, though some accept GPAs as low as 2.75. Several programs no longer need GRE scores, which makes applying easier.

Psychology master’s graduates have great job prospects. The field grows faster than most, with jobs available in human resources, mental health services, research, and education. Clinical tracks prepare you for professional licenses, which opens up even more career options.

While a Ph.D. is the highest degree in psychology, these master’s programs work well on their own or as a path to doctoral studies. Georgia’s programs have impressive rates of graduates getting into Ph.D. programs.

Program accreditation should be on your checklist. Schools with Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) or American Psychological Association (APA) approval show their dedication to quality education and professional standards.

Your next step starts with picking the right program. These seven Georgia schools can help you reach your professional goals through quality education, hands-on experience, and focused training. The perfect program is out there – you just need to find the one that matches your career dreams and situation.