Top Masters in Psychology Programs in Minnesota

Are you looking for a masters in psychology program in Minnesota that fits your career goals and budget? You have plenty of choices – 9 schools offer 16 different postgraduate psychology degree programs across the state. While these options give you flexibility, they can feel overwhelming at first.

This is a perfect time to pursue advanced psychology education. The number of adults seeking mental health support has soared – one in four Americans aged 18-44 have sought counseling or treatment in the last two years.

Minnesota’s psychology programs have earned recognition for excellence. Minnesota State Moorhead’s School Psychology program has managed to keep National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approval for 30 years. This makes it one of the first programs in the country to earn this recognition. The University of Minnesota’s psychology programs rank among the top PhD training programs worldwide. They also provide generous financial support with five-year funding guarantees.

This guide compares requirements, costs, and opportunities at 7 top-rated Minnesota schools. You’ll find everything you need to know about masters in applied psychology and UMN psychology offerings to make an informed decision about your educational future.

1. Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM)

Minnesota State University Moorhead is well-known among masters in psychology Minnesota programs. Their specialized School Psychology program blends rigorous academic training with hands-on field experience.

Program Overview

The School Psychology program gives you the skills you’ll need in consultation, assessment, intervention, and program evaluation. This complete program needs a minimum of 68 semester credits. These credits split between a non-terminal Master’s degree (33 credits) and a Specialist degree (35 additional credits).

Students can finish the program in three or four years. The final year focuses on a full-time internship. The curriculum builds expertise step by step, helping students use psychological principles in educational settings.

MSUM takes a unique approach by starting field-based experiences in the first semester. Students learn to work with students from all backgrounds while building skills in data-based decisions and evidence-based practices.

Admission Requirements

The School Psychology program accepts applications until February 1st. Spots are limited due to competitive admissions. Qualified candidates need:

• A 3.0 GPA minimum from previous academic work
• GRE scores (required for School Psychology program)
• A personal essay about your interests and goals
• Professional reference letters

Students can choose between on-campus and live remote learning. Remote students should talk to faculty before enrolling about practicum opportunities. All students must attend a 3-4 day summer campus residency during their first two summers.

Accreditation

The School Psychology program is 30 years old and has National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approval. It was one of the first programs in the country to get NASP/NCATE approval. The program follows NASP training standards and has Higher Learning Commission accreditation for both Master’s and Specialist degrees.

The university meets national standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Your degree will carry weight throughout the educational community thanks to this accreditation.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate students in School Psychology pay $620.20 per credit hour. This makes the total cost nowhere near what private schools charge. Every graduate student pays in-state rates whatever their residency.

Students can get help with costs through several options:

• Graduate assistantships that provide ground experience while helping with expenses
• Department scholarships like the David J. Lutes and College of Education & Human Services Graduate scholarships
• Minnesota Department of Education Student Support Personnel Workforce Pipeline Grant offers up to $700,000 in “jumpstart” funds for first-semester courses

The financial aid process starts with FAFSA. This determines if you qualify for federal loans and work-study opportunities.

Practicum Opportunities

Field experience is essential to MSUM’s School Psychology program. Students finish three 100-hour practica tied to specific courses. A 1,200-hour internship caps off the experience.

These experiences expose students to schools of all sizes across Minnesota and North Dakota. Students work with different age groups and populations. Fargo-Moorhead schools have growing Hispanic and American Indian communities, plus new immigrants from many countries.

Practicum duties grow with your skills. Students start with observations, file reviews, and academic testing. Later, they move to cognitive assessments and group counseling. Faculty find practicum sites and supervisors for on-campus students. Online students must show they have suitable school settings before admission.

Career Outcomes

Finishing both degrees opens doors in the job market. MSUM graduates have achieved a 100% job placement rate and earn around $78,780 yearly. The program’s strong reputation helps graduates land jobs quickly across states.

Graduates can get certified in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and most other states. They also qualify for certification through the Nationally Certified School Psychologist System. School psychologist jobs should grow 14% each year between 2016 and 2026.

Most alumni work in Midwest public schools, though some have found jobs from Alaska to Florida. These bright career prospects show both MSUM’s program quality and how important school psychologists have become in supporting student success.

2. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (UMN Psychology)

The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities runs one of the world’s leading psychology PhD training programs. The program focuses on doctoral education rather than terminal master’s degrees in psychology.

Psychology Program Overview

The UMN Psychology department creates a collaborative environment with top-rated programs in both theoretical and applied psychological areas. Students choose one of seven specialization areas: Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Counseling Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Personality/Individual Differences and Behavior Genetics, Quantitative/Psychometric Methods, or Social Psychology.

The program’s steadfast dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion sets it apart while helping students become accomplished scholars and researchers. Students receive mentored research experiences and specialized coursework that prepares them to lead psychology’s future globally.

The department has managed to keep a student body of 110 PhD students with 53 graduate education faculty members (36 tenured, 8 tenure-track). Student distribution shows 20 in Clinical Science/Psychopathology Research, 25 in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 15 in Counseling Psychology, 17 in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, 9 in Personality/Individual Differences, 5 in Quantitative Methods, and 18 in Social Psychology.

Psychology Admission Requirements

Getting into UMN’s Psychology PhD program is highly competitive. Clinical Science and Counseling programs are particularly selective with acceptance rates between 1% to 3% in recent years. Successful candidates should have:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0, though most admitted students score much higher (mean GPA for admitted students 2022-2025 = 3.80, median GPA = 3.89)
• GRE scores above the 70th percentile in both quantitative and verbal reasoning sections (for areas that need them)
• Research experience showing readiness for intensive research
• Statistics background and familiarity with relevant software packages
• Three recommendation letters (faculty letters preferred)

Applications close December 1st. Students must submit detailed personal statements, diversity statements, and unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary schools.

Psychology Accreditation

The Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research (CSPR) program holds two prestigious accreditations: American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA) through 2027 and Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) through 2033.

The Counseling Psychology program’s APA accreditation dates back to 1952, letting graduates take the licensure exam right after graduation. The School Psychology program also carries full APA accreditation and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approval.

Psychology Tuition & Financial Aid

The Psychology Department offers a great benefit: five years of full financial support for all admitted PhD students who perform well. This package has:

• Full-time tuition (6-14 credits) each fall and spring semester
• Year-round subsidized health insurance
• Nine-month stipend (minimum pay rate for 2025-26 is $28.94/hour)
• A new laptop computer for research and teaching
• Summer funding through year five

Graduate students taking full-time credits (6-14) pay $10,640 per semester as residents and $16,776 as non-residents. Total yearly costs run about $43,220 for residents and $54,450 for non-residents.

Psychology Practicum Opportunities

UMN Psychology programs combine theory with hands-on experience through various practicum options. Counseling Psychology students start with Student Counseling Services, completing 510 hours over two semesters.

Students practice counseling and assessment under supervision while studying theory and research literature. Psychologists and predoctoral interns supervise using live observation, and each student gets an individual supervisor for evaluation.

The Twin Cities metropolitan area offers about 40 sites for advanced practicum work, including VA Medical Centers, mental health clinics, counseling centers, hospitals, consulting firms, and private practices. These placements provide 600-800 hours of extra training in different settings.

Psychology Career Outcomes

A PhD from this program opens doors to academic, research, and practice careers. Most students finish within six years and find work in colleges, universities, VA Healthcare Systems, and community mental health/addiction clinics.

The program readies you for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), though state licensing boards have different requirements. Minnesota’s job market offers varied opportunities: clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earn around $85,860, psychologists make about $93,310, and psychology professors receive approximately $86,380 yearly.

3. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers psychology master’s programs that work well for professionals who want to advance their careers in mental health. Students can choose between campus-based and online learning. Saint Mary’s focuses on practical skills and professional growth.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary’s helps you build a career in counseling through a 48-credit program that takes about two years to complete. You’ll learn both theory and hands-on skills, with special attention to therapy techniques, assessment tools, and ethical guidelines in psychology.

The university also offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology that looks at how people behave at work. This program teaches leadership skills, organizational behavior, and proven methods to boost workplace productivity and employee wellness.

Students in both programs move through their courses as a group. This creates a supportive community during your learning experience. Classes meet during evenings and weekends, which makes it easier for working professionals to attend, especially those changing careers or juggling work responsibilities.

Admission Requirements

These are the items you need for your application:

• A completed application form
• Official transcripts with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (3.0 or higher preferred)
• Professional resume with relevant experience
• Personal statement about your career goals and interest in the program
• Two letters of recommendation

Saint Mary’s makes the application process simpler by not requiring GRE scores. The school reviews applications as they come in and offers several start dates throughout the year, unlike traditional programs that only begin in fall.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits all psychology programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. This regional accreditation means your credits can transfer to other accredited schools and you can qualify for federal financial aid.

The master’s programs meet industry standards and licensing requirements, though they don’t have APA accreditation (which mainly applies to doctoral programs). This means graduates can meet educational requirements for various counseling credentials, depending on their program track and state licensing rules.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Your tuition at Saint Mary’s depends on how many credits you take each semester. Here’s how you can pay for your education:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (just fill out the FAFSA)
• Graduate PLUS loans if you need extra funding
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• Payment plans that spread costs over the semester
• Merit-based scholarships for qualified students

The financial aid team works with each student to create a custom funding plan that often combines different sources to make the program affordable.

Practicum Opportunities

Getting hands-on experience is vital in Saint Mary’s psychology programs. The Counseling and Psychological Services program includes 700 hours of practicum and internship work where you’ll use your knowledge in ground settings with professional guidance.

The university partners with many mental health organizations, schools, hospitals, and community agencies across Minnesota. This gives you plenty of placement options. You’ll get regular feedback from both site supervisors and university faculty to help you grow professionally and meet program goals.

Career Outcomes

A Saint Mary’s psychology degree opens doors to many professional roles. Counseling and Psychological Services graduates often work as:

• Mental health counselors in private practice or agencies
• School counselors (with extra education requirements)
• Case managers in community mental health organizations
• Behavioral health specialists in healthcare settings

Organizational Psychology graduates typically become human resource specialists, organizational development consultants, training coordinators, or workplace wellness program managers.

Many alumni go on to pursue doctoral degrees or additional certifications to expand their career options. The career services office continues to help graduates find jobs and make career changes long after they finish the program.

4. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato is popular among psychology graduate programs by offering multiple degree paths that prepare you for career paths in psychological practice and research.

Program Overview

MSU Mankato offers three distinct psychology graduate programs to match your professional goals. The Clinical Psychology Master’s Program (MA) follows a research-oriented, two-year curriculum that prepares students for doctoral studies [221]. The Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Program (MA) uses a scientist-practitioner model to prepare you for human resources careers, organizational effectiveness positions, or doctoral studies in related fields [221]. The program’s star offering is the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology—a 106-credit program that students complete over five years to become certified school psychologists or work at the doctoral level [221].

Admission Requirements

Getting into MSU Mankato’s psychology programs needs careful preparation. The Clinical Psychology program asks for:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology (or completion of prerequisite courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA during previous two years of study
• GRE scores (both general and subject tests for clinical psychology)
• Three letters of recommendation, ideally from psychology professors
• Personal statement about your interest in clinical psychology and career goals

Students need to apply by January 1st for fall enrollment. The university processes applications on a rolling basis after this date.

Accreditation

The School Psychology Doctoral Program holds accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Your degree will meet national standards for professional practice. NASP accreditation creates a clear path to state and national licensure/certification after graduation. The program meets NASP’s doctoral-level standards and focuses on data-based decision making, multiculturalism, mental health, and prevention approaches.

Tuition & Financial Aid

MSU Mankato’s graduate tuition stays competitive with other Minnesota schools. In-state students pay approximately $8,356 in tuition plus $1,134 in fees each year. Out-of-state students pay $17,726 plus the same fees [261]. Students can get financial support through teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, institutionally-sponsored loans, federal work-study opportunities, and career-related internships. The financial aid deadline is March 15, so submit your application early to get the best funding options.

Practicum Opportunities

Hands-on experience is important to MSU Mankato’s psychology programs. The university’s Counseling Center welcomes 6-8 trainees each academic year. These positions run from late August through mid-May and let you work with diverse clients aged 18-28. School Psychology doctoral students conclude with a 1,500-hour internship under doctoral-level psychologists. You’ll learn about a wide range of school psychology services.

Career Outcomes

MSU Mankato graduates have bright career prospects. Clinical Psychology master’s graduates earn a median salary of $73,323—this is a big deal as it means that they earn more than the national median of $51,772 for similar graduates. Recent graduating classes show diversity with 62% female and 38% male students. Graduates work in clinical practice, educational institutions, and research organizations based on their specialty. About 30% of psychology graduates continue to graduate programs, while 70% start careers as mental health practitioners, behavior technicians, case managers, and human resources professionals.

5. Bethel University

Bethel University’s graduate counseling program views psychology through a Christian worldview. Students learn to blend faith with professional counseling practice through detailed training.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program at Bethel University will help you become a skilled clinical mental health counselor. The program takes an integrated approach that combines psychological theory with spiritual elements. Students learn to build counseling relationships, develop intervention skills, and grow their ethical awareness to help clients in a variety of settings. You’ll move through your coursework with the same group of peers, which promotes a supportive learning community. The program teaches evidence-based counseling, group therapy leadership, and helps you understand family systems of all types.

Admission Requirements

Bethel’s counseling program has several requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on your highest degree completed
• Completed application with resume/curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Nine semester credits in behavioral/social sciences
• Personal statement of purpose
• Four admission references (three professional, one personal)
• Interview with program faculty upon invitation

Students whose primary language isn’t English must submit one of these scores: TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.5), PTE (minimum 55), or DET (minimum 110).

Accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Bethel’s M.A. in Counseling program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This recognition shows the program meets national quality standards and prepares graduates for licensure. The Higher Learning Commission has continuously accredited Bethel University since 1959, showing their steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The M.A. in Counseling program costs $630 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students can access several financial aid options:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (through FAFSA)
• Graduate PLUS loans for extra funding needs
• Payment plans spread across each semester
• Work-study programs for eligible students

Practicum Opportunities

Real-life experience plays a vital role in Bethel’s psychology program. Students practice counseling under supervision while studying cases based on theory and research. The program lets you apply classroom knowledge in ground settings with professional guidance. This helps build your skills in clinical settings of all types.

Career Outcomes

Bethel’s M.A. in Counseling program opens doors to many professional roles in mental health. Graduates meet Minnesota’s educational requirements to become licensed professional counselors or licensed professional clinical counselors. Career paths include:

• Private practice clinics
• Addiction treatment centers
• Community mental health clinics
• Social service agencies
• Residential treatment facilities
• University counseling centers

The program’s strong clinical focus helps you serve clients skillfully and compassionately while promoting positive change in their lives.

6. Capella University (Online Option)

Capella University’s online master’s in psychology programs in Minnesota give students a flexible way to learn without attending traditional campus classes.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with Clinical Counseling specialization stands out because of its strong clinical assessment training, evidence-based interventions, and psychological research methods. Students get supervised practicum experiences, in-depth internships, and two residencies that connect theory with practice. The university also has a Master of Science in Psychology with General Psychology and School Psychology specializations. These programs use a competency-based curriculum that focuses on multicultural views and psychological theories in practice.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these requirements to join Capella’s psychology master’s programs:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 2.3 (or 2.7 for Clinical Counseling specialization)
• Official bachelor’s transcripts
• Valid, government-issued photo identification

Students don’t need GRE or GMAT scores, which makes the application process more available. The university takes a comprehensive look at FlexPath applicants and sometimes accepts students with GPAs below the suggested 2.8 minimum after reviewing additional documents.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission has granted Capella University institutional accreditation. The MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling specialization earned full accreditation from the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA). This recognition, among the first master’s programs with APA accreditation, shows the program meets Standards of Accreditation for Master’s Programs in Health Service Psychology.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Master’s degrees cost between $465 and $855 per credit. Clinical Psychology students pay $510 per credit plus a $160 resource kit fee each quarter. Students need 74 quarter credits, bringing the total cost to about $37,740. Students can get financial help through:

• $2,500 Capella Progress Reward scholarship for new eligible students
• Military tuition discounts for service members, veterans, and their families
• Federal loans through FAFSA

Practicum Opportunities

Students must complete 600 practicum hours with professional supervision in the Clinical Psychology program. You’ll use your online learning in practical settings while supervisors assess your core competencies. Students can work in various places like:

• Social service organizations and community mental health centers
• Hospitals and outpatient clinics
• Private practice facilities
• Non-profit agencies including crisis centers

Career Outcomes

Your career options after graduation depend on your specialization. You could become a:

• Behavioral health professional
• Licensed professional counselor
• Intensive outpatient therapist
• Psychotherapist

Graduates work in child and youth services, outpatient mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and educational institutions. While specific job outcomes aren’t guaranteed, these programs prepare you for professional practice or doctoral studies.

7. Walden University (Online Option)

Walden University offers a fully online master’s in psychology program in Minnesota. The program has flexible schedules that work well for professionals who want to continue their careers while studying.

Program Overview

The MS in Psychology program at Walden has eight specializations: Applied Behavior Analysis, General Psychology, Educational Psychology, Digital Psychology, Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Self-Design, and Applied Psychology for Education. Students learn evidence-based practices through courses in psychopathology, intervention methods, and ethical principles. The program supports students with 24/7 tech help, an Academic Skills Center, online library, and Career Planning services.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these qualifications to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A 2.5 GPA or higher for bachelor’s degree or 3.0 for master’s degree
• Online application with transcripts

The application process is straightforward with no fees, essays, or GRE/GMAT requirements.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Walden University since 1990. This accreditation means your degree meets academic standards and qualifies for federal financial aid.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The MS in Psychology program costs $610 per quarter hour. The total comes to about $29,280 plus quarterly program fees of $185. Students can get financial help through:

• Experience-based credits
• Special tuition savings
• Believe & Achieve Scholarship for eligible students

Practicum Opportunities

Field experience plays a vital role in Walden’s psychology training. Students apply their classroom knowledge in real-life settings during practicum. You must complete at least 100 hours, which includes direct client contact under supervision. Faculty members provide feedback throughout your practicum experience.

Career Outcomes

The job market looks promising with psychology-related positions expected to grow 14% from 2016-2026, creating 23,000 new jobs. Graduates work in academia, healthcare, education, public health, media, and business. Career paths include behavioral health specialists, clinical counselors, and psychotherapists in settings from private practice to community agencies.

Start Here

Your path to a career in mental health starts with picking the right master’s in psychology program in Minnesota. Seven top-rated schools offer different program structures, costs, and specializations across the state.

Minnesota excels in advanced psychology education with its highly ranked programs and strong accreditation credentials. Quality options range from Minnesota State Moorhead’s traditional campus experience with 30 years of NASP approval to the University of Minnesota’s research focus that comes with five-year guaranteed funding.

Several factors will shape your choice – program format, location, and career goals matter most. Working professionals can find quality education through Capella or Walden Universities’ online programs. Bethel University combines spiritual views with psychological practice for students seeking faith-integrated training.

Now is the perfect time to pursue psychology education. One in four adults now seek mental health support, which keeps career prospects strong in clinical, counseling, school, and organizational psychology. Most graduates find jobs quickly and earn between $73,000 to $93,000, based on their specialty and location.

Programs differ in admission requirements, costs, and length. Yet they all emphasize hands-on experience through practicum opportunities and professional growth. These practical components help you make an immediate difference after graduation.

The right program should match your career goals and life situation. Look carefully at what each of these seven schools requires financially and academically. This helps you pick a master’s program that sets you up for success in this growing field.