Top Psychology Masters Programs in Louisiana: Entry Requirements & Costs

Looking to pursue a psychology master’s degree in Louisiana? You’ll find a state rich in academic tradition. LSU’s Clinical Psychology Training Program has maintained continuous accreditation since 1956, and is Louisiana’s only accredited clinical doctoral program.

The psychology colleges in Louisiana cater to diverse interests – clinical, developmental, social, and cognitive psychology. The University of Louisiana’s Master of Science in Psychology program lets you tailor coursework to match your career goals. Students researching local psychology master’s programs will discover Southeastern’s M.A. program, which requires 38 hours and takes two years typically. Southeastern’s program comes with an attractive bonus – 10 graduate assistantships that are a great way to get financial support. Each assistantship provides approximately $4,500 for 10 months plus a tuition waiver. The University of Louisiana Monroe features a well-laid-out 36-hour Master of Science in Psychology curriculum.

Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore these seven top-rated psychology master’s programs in Louisiana. We’ll break down entry requirements, coursework options, and costs that will help shape your academic future.

1. University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) MS in Psychology

The University of Louisiana Monroe has a flexible Master of Science in Psychology program that offers multiple concentration paths. This makes it an excellent choice among psychology masters programs in Louisiana for students with different career goals.

Program Overview

ULM’s Master of Science in Psychology program features three distinct concentrations: General Psychology, Psychometrics, and Forensic Psychology. Students in the General Psychology track get ready for doctoral-level programs through research practice and teaching assistant experiences. This track serves as a great stepping stone for those who want to continue their education beyond the master’s level.

Students in the Psychometrics concentration build strong foundations in psychological assessment principles. They often find jobs with mental health agencies where they conduct psychological testing. The Forensic concentration attracts many law enforcement professionals. It combines coursework from Psychology and Criminal Justice departments and covers topics like criminology and theories of crime and delinquency.

Students can complete both the Forensic Psychology concentration and the general MS in Psychology entirely online. The Psychometrics concentration needs just one semester on campus, and students can complete the rest through distance education.

Entry Requirements

You can qualify for regular admission to ULM’s psychology master’s program by meeting one of these criteria:

• A baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of attempted coursework
• Any graduate or terminal degree from a USDOE-accredited institution
• A minimum formula score of 800 (GPA × GRE)

All applicants need 9 undergraduate credit hours of psychology, including 3 hours of statistics or an equivalent course. Students who don’t meet regular admission criteria might qualify for conditional admission. The Psychology graduate program coordinator and Graduate School Dean make these decisions.

Students can apply by August 1 for fall enrollment, January 1 for spring, and May 18 for summer admission.

Coursework & Specializations

The Master of Science in Psychology at ULM needs 36 credit hours. All students must complete three core courses:

• PSYC 5022 – Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences
• PSYC 5023 – Research Methods
• PSYC 5061 – Neuropsychology

The General Psychology track adds PSYC 5002 (Personality and Social Psychology) and 24 hours of electives from specific course groups. Students in the Psychometrics track take specialized courses in intelligence testing, individual tests, psychopathology, psychological assessment, learning theories, behavior modification, and basic psychotherapy, plus 6 hours of electives.

The Forensic track blends psychology courses (Psychopathology, Psychological Assessment, Advanced Forensic Psychology) with criminal justice courses. These cover theories of crime, counseling, sociology of law, and minorities in criminal justice, plus 6 hours of electives.

Students planning to pursue a PhD should consider completing a thesis, though it’s not required.

Tuition & Funding

Graduate students pay $500 per credit hour. ULM takes part in the Yellow Ribbon program and offers $4,000 per military student for up to 100 students.

Students can get financial support through research assistantships, scholarships and loans, graduate assistantships, career or field-related internships, and Federal Work-Study. The deadline to apply for financial awards is February 15.

Career Pathways

ULM’s psychology master’s graduates follow different career paths based on their concentration. Many General Psychology track graduates move on to doctoral programs. The program’s structure gives them valuable research and teaching experience that makes their doctoral applications stronger.

Graduates with a Psychometrics concentration often work in mental health agencies doing psychological testing. The forensic concentration prepares students to work in law enforcement, courts, corrections, child protection services, and legal professions.

Employment data shows psychology graduates can become managers (9,790 jobs in Louisiana with average salary of $87,080), clinical counseling and school psychologists (570 jobs, $86,630 average salary), or psychologists in other settings (190 jobs, $76,510 average salary).

Accreditation Status

ULM is notable as a Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly Campus. This makes it a great fit for military personnel and veterans interested in psychology programs.

The university’s student body includes 55% White students, 22.88% Black or African American students, and smaller percentages of Hispanic/Latino, Asian, American Indian, and students of two or more races. The program shows strong gender diversity with about 88% female and 11% male students.

Faculty members research areas like motivation, diversity, women’s issues, evolutionary psychology, and critical thinking. This gives students exposure to various psychological subdisciplines through their coursework and research opportunities.

2. Southeastern Louisiana University MA in Psychology

Southeastern Louisiana University stands out among psychology masters programs in Louisiana. Their MA program readies students for doctoral studies and helps those seeking paraprofessional roles.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Psychology at Southeastern is a 38-hour program students complete in two years. Students gain knowledge and skills needed for PhD programs in Psychology. The program gives students core psychological training that lets them enter doctoral programs as third-year graduate students. Students who don’t pursue a PhD can prepare for paraprofessional positions.

Students take similar courses regardless of their intended PhD area. Whether they plan to study Clinical and Industrial/Organizational psychology or research areas like Cognitive and Physiological. The program lets students tailor their studies through elective courses. These include practicum, independent readings, and research opportunities.

The department now has an Industrial/Organizational concentration. This option suits students who want to start business careers right after graduation.

Entry Requirements

The psychology master’s program at Southeastern has these admission requirements:

• 18 semester hours of undergraduate credit in psychology and/or educational psychology
• 3 semester hours each in statistics and general experimental (research design) courses
• Regular admission needs a 3.0 undergraduate GPA in psychology courses (2.5 for conditional admission)
• A letter describing career goals, credentials, and assistantship interest
• A vita and three reference letters
• Official transcripts and GRE scores from verbal and quantitative sections

Students must apply by March 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. The department keeps total enrollment at 20 graduate students to ensure quality instruction.

Coursework & Specializations

Students need 38 credit hours to graduate. The program has 26 hours of required courses and 12 hours of electives. Required courses include:

• Experimental Design and Analysis (4 credits)
• Non-Experimental Design and Analysis (4 credits)
• Learning, Memory, and Cognition (3 credits)
• Physiological Psychology (3 credits)
• Social Psychology (3 credits)
• Special Topics in Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 credits)
• Thesis (6 credits) or Practical Project (6 credits)

Students choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. The thesis track suits PhD-bound students, while the non-thesis option works better for future paraprofessionals. Faculty won’t write PhD program recommendations for non-thesis students.

Tuition & Funding

Graduate tuition rates change based on credit hours and residency. In-state students taking 9 credit hours pay about $3,342.10 plus $877.98 in fees. Out-of-state students pay an extra $6,238.80.

The department offers 10 graduate assistantships worth about $4,500 each for 10 months, with tuition waived. Students compete for these positions. A few summer assistantships worth $2,200 are also available.

Career Pathways

Students choose different paths after graduation. Many head to doctoral programs in psychology as advanced graduate students. Others take paraprofessional roles in psychology.

Graduates can work as:

• ABA Technicians
• Market Researchers
• Performance Improvement Specialists
• Psychometricians/Testing Assistants

Mental health facilities, schools, hospitals, and research centers hire program graduates. Faculty research covers eating disorders, social processes, memory, evolutionary psychology, parenting styles, child development, violence effects on children, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Accreditation Status

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits Southeastern Louisiana University. This accreditation covers associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. The university can receive federal funds, research grants, scholarships, and loans through this accreditation.

SACSCOC classifies Southeastern as a Level V institution. This means it can award doctoral degrees in up to three academic or professional disciplines.

3. Tulane University MS in Psychology

Tulane University’s graduate psychology programs blend tough academics with flexible learning options. This 40-year-old institution respected among psychology colleges in Louisiana.

Program Overview

Tulane offers a Master of Science in Psychological Science with multiple program structures that fit different student needs. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with a curriculum that focuses on psychological theories and research methods. The MS in Behavioral Health suits students interested in clinical practice, applied research, or public health policy. The MS in General Psychology gives students a detailed background in psychology at the graduate level.

Students can take advantage of Tulane’s 4+1 program to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees faster. The terminal master’s programs will open up to external applicants Beginning in Fall 2025. PhD students who don’t have a master’s degree can complete the MS degree as part of their doctoral experience.

Entry Requirements

Students need strong academic credentials to get into Tulane’s psychology master’s program. External applicants should have:

• A baccalaureate degree in psychology from an accredited university
• A minimum 3.4 undergraduate GPA
• At least a B grade in undergraduate statistics

GRE scores are no longer required. Students from lesser-known schools or those with non-psychology backgrounds might want to take the psychology subject test to boost their application. The average incoming student profile shows a 3.60 GPA with GRE scores around 159 Verbal and 153 Quantitative.

Coursework & Specializations

Master’s students must complete 30 credit hours, but specific requirements vary by program track. Core psychological areas and quantitative methods are the program’s foundation.

Thesis track students take eight graduate courses (24 credits) and write an empirical master’s thesis (6 credits). They must complete required courses in univariate statistics and professional issues. Non-thesis students complete ten graduate courses. These cover similar core requirements plus courses across psychological subdisciplines like social psychology, developmental psychology, and biological bases of behavior.

Both tracks focus on advanced statistical methods and research skills that work in psychology of all types. Students must earn at least a B- in all degree-counting courses and keep an overall GPA above 3.0.

Tuition & Funding

Tuition costs differ based on the specific degree program. While merit-based funding at admission is limited, graduate students can access various financial support options.

Graduate departments give scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to qualified students. Doctoral students often get full funding packages with stipends and tuition waivers. Students can also apply for federal financial aid to add to their other awards.

New Orleans has a lower cost of living than other major academic cities, which makes graduate study more affordable.

Career Pathways

The program’s detailed training helps graduates succeed in many different careers. Alumni work as:

• User experience researchers at major technology companies
• Medical directors at treatment centers
• Research coordinators at academic institutions
• Human resources professionals
• Quality assurance specialists

Many graduates move on to doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and related fields. The program’s strong focus on research methods and statistical analysis helps students succeed in both academic and industry roles that need advanced data analysis skills.

Accreditation Status

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits Tulane’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. The PhD in School Psychology has held APA accreditation since 1995. A 2017 review extended the program’s accreditation through 2027. This recognition shows Tulane’s high-quality psychology education and gives students confidence in their academic standards.

4. Louisiana Tech University MS in Psychology

Louisiana Tech University offers practical psychology master’s programs that combine science with real-life applications. Students can learn about human behavior while gaining valuable skills they can use right away.

Program Overview

The Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech helps students understand how people think, feel, and behave. Students can choose between two main paths: the Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and the Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance. The Counseling and Guidance program offers concentrations in Counseling Psychology, Human Services, Orientation & Mobility, and Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind. These programs build strong foundations in psychological science and practice. Students can also take a closer look at specialized areas like neuroscience, counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, and gender studies.

Entry Requirements

Getting into Louisiana Tech’s psychology master’s programs is straightforward:

• Students with psychology or related undergraduate degrees and a minimum 3.2 GPA don’t need GRE scores for the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program
• The Counseling and Guidance program doesn’t require GRE scores either
• Students should reach out to the program coordinator for specific guidance about their application

Coursework & Specializations

The Industrial/Organizational Psychology program teaches students to use behavioral science to solve workplace challenges. The curriculum covers organizational behavior, employment law, training, and research methods. The Counseling Psychology concentration prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors. The Human Services track leads to non-licensed roles in community support settings.

Tuition & Funding

The 2025-2026 graduate tuition rates are:

• Full-time resident students pay $4,177 for 12+ credit hours
• Full-time non-resident students pay $7,860 for 12+ credit hours
• Part-time students pay $1,388 (resident) or $1,388 (non-resident) for 3 credit hours

Most students (96%) get some form of financial aid.

Career Pathways

Graduates work in a variety of roles such as human resources specialists, talent development managers, organizational consultants, training coordinators, and research analysts. The program’s hands-on approach prepares students for immediate career entry or doctoral studies.

Accreditation Status

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited Louisiana Tech University. The Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program has American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation. This accreditation will give graduates the educational requirements they need to become licensed psychologists.

5. University of New Orleans (UNO) MS in Applied Psychology

The University of New Orleans stands out among Louisiana’s psychology masters programs with its distinctive MS in Applied Psychology. This program emphasizes practical training and scientific application.

Program Overview

The program wants to create skilled applied scientists who can assist clinical psychologists and work as mental health professionals. Students can choose this MS as their final degree or use it as a stepping stone toward a PhD. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Students might need extra coursework to fill undergraduate gaps or meet specific career goals.

Entry Requirements

The program bases admission decisions on:

• GRE performance
• Letters of recommendation
• Academic performance
• Meeting minimum Graduate School standards

Students seeking fall admission should submit applications by May 1st. Those interested in scholarships need to apply by March 1st. Spring semester applications are due by October 15th.

Coursework & Specializations

The core curriculum requires all graduate students to complete:

• Advanced Statistics (PSYC 6311)
• Professional Problems Seminar (PSYC 6050)
• Advanced Learning (PSYC 6350)
• Psychopathology (PSYC 6550)

Students can specialize in two PhD tracks: Applied Developmental Psychology and Applied Biopsychology. Those pursuing a terminal MS must complete two sections of practicum (PSYC 6191).

Tuition & Funding

Qualified students can access teaching assistantships, though spots are limited. Research and service assistantships through faculty grants or contracts are also available. Students must keep a B average in all courses to stay in the psychology graduate program.

Career Pathways

A psychology degree opens doors to various careers including:

• Social services
• Human resources
• Mental health services
• Crisis work
• Rehabilitation services

Students who add complementary minors or internships can expand their career options into advertising, nursing home coordination, corrections, and technical writing.

Accreditation Status

Students need to repeat core courses for graduate credit if they receive below a B. This high standard will give graduates quality education that doctoral programs and employers value.

6. McNeese State University MS in Psychology

McNeese State University is Louisiana’s only institution with an Applied Behavior Analysis program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) through 2027.

Program Overview

The Department of Psychology and Counseling provides two distinct master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students can choose between on-campus and online programs, both verified by ABAI, which qualify graduates to take certification examinations.

Entry Requirements

Students should submit applications by May 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring entry. Domestic students must take the GRE examination and pay a $30 application fee.

Coursework & Specializations

The ABA program has 24 credit hours of core psychology classes and 31 hours of concentration coursework. Students must complete:

• Seven semesters (58 credit hours) total
• Thesis requirement for research experience
• Practicum hours at the McNeese Autism Program (for on-campus students)

Tuition & Funding

Students pay $4,724 per semester ($9,448 annually) for in-state tuition, while out-of-state rates are $5,224 per semester ($10,448 annually). This is a big deal as it means that graduate students receive average aid packages of $12,000, making education more affordable.

Career Pathways

Program graduates often work as behavior analysts, mental health professionals, or continue their education in doctoral programs.

Accreditation Status

The program maintains ABAI accreditation through December 2027, complementing the university’s SACSCOC accreditation.

Begin now

Louisiana’s psychology master’s programs give you many paths to reach your academic and career goals. These seven programs fit different interests and professional goals. You can prepare for doctoral studies or jump right into your career after graduation.

LSU’s Clinical Psychology PhD Program has held accreditation since 1956, making it a standout choice. ULM lets you choose from three concentrations and offers online classes. Southeastern’s MA program helps you get ready for doctoral education or paraprofessional roles. They also offer competitive assistantships that cover your tuition.

Tulane University blends academic excellence with flexible learning options. Louisiana Tech puts emphasis on real-world applications in workplace and counseling settings. UNO trains applied scientists. On top of that, McNeese has the state’s only ABAI-accredited Applied Behavior Analysis program, which will maintain its accreditation through 2027.

Program costs vary by a lot between schools. Most programs help with finances through graduate assistantships, teaching positions, and research roles. Many include tuition waivers and yearly stipends from $4,500 to $15,050. Without financial aid, full-time tuition runs between $4,177 and $14,417 each semester, based on where you live and program requirements.

Graduates find many career opportunities. Some continue to doctoral programs, while others become clinical practitioners, HR professionals, research coordinators, behavior analysts, or mental health providers. These programs give you valuable research and statistical analysis skills that employers want in many fields.

Take time to review each program’s requirements, specializations, and financial support. Programs have different application deadlines, course prerequisites, and GPA requirements. Your perfect psychology master’s program is waiting in Louisiana – one that matches your education, career goals, and budget. Finding the right fit among these top schools is your first step toward becoming a psychology professional.