Best Psychology Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas is a great place to begin or advance your psychology career. If you’re currently searching for either an undergraduate or graduate program in psychology, our comprehensive information will help guide you through the most important decisions.
2025 Best Online Psychology Programs in Arkansas
Finding the best online psychology programs in Arkansas is easier with counselingpsychology.org. We rank programs to help you choose the right one. Online programs offer flexibility, making it simple to balance studies with life. They are great for those who need distance learning or prefer virtual classes. Our rankings consider quality, affordability, and more. Learn how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ouachita Baptist University's online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands out as a pioneering program in Arkansas, designed to train future Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®). This 36-hour program, priced at $750 per credit hour, integrates rigorous coursework with practical fieldwork, focusing on ethical practices and evidence-based interventions. Ideal for those interested in autism therapy, mental health, and special education, the program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission but does not mandate an entrance exam. Its online format offers flexibility, making it accessible for students balancing other commitments.
- Online program flexibility
- First ABA degrees in Arkansas
- Prepares for BCBA® certification
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- $750 per credit hour
- 36-hour program total
- Fieldwork integrated
- Ethical practice focus
- Evidence-based interventions
- Autism therapy focus
- Mental health applications
- Special education relevance
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Competitive tuition rates
- BCBA® exam readiness
- Practical fieldwork experience
- Online and in-person components
- Focus on behavioral challenges
- Diverse career opportunities
- Accessible advanced education
Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ouachita Baptist University is Arkansas's first ABA program, addressing the national shortage of BCBAs®. Offering two pathways—M.S. with fieldwork and M.A. without—this program caters to diverse professional goals. The curriculum includes behavioral assessment, ethics, and specialized topics, with a unique 3-day on-campus intensive for hands-on experience. Priced at $750 per credit hour, the 36-hour program prepares students for the BCBA® exam, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission but no entrance exam. This blend of online learning and practical application ensures a comprehensive educational experience.
- First ABA program in Arkansas.
- Online with 3-day on-campus intensive.
- Two degree pathways: M.S. and M.A.
- Prepares for BCBA® certification.
- $750 per credit hour tuition.
- 36-hour program total.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Covers behavioral assessment and ethics.
- Specialized topics included.
- Hands-on fieldwork for M.S. students.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arkansas State University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is tailored for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and human behavior. This flexible, 100% online program emphasizes research design, data analysis, and critical thinking, preparing students for diverse career paths or further graduate studies. With an affordable tuition rate of $282 per credit hour and the acceptance of up to 90 transfer credits, the program is designed to be accessible. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for transferring credits, and while the program does not specify an ACT or SAT requirement, it offers a robust curriculum that includes elective courses for personalized study.
- Online program format
- $282 per credit hour
- Up to 90 transfer credits
- 120 credit hours required
- 2.0 GPA for admission
- Focus on research and analysis
- Flexible elective courses
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Accessible admission requirements
- Affordable tuition rates
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas's online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is tailored for aspiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts. This 100% online program, verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, covers essential coursework in behavior analysis and is GRE exempt. It requires a minimum 3.00 GPA for admission and offers a practicum opportunity, aligning with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board's requirements. The program is completed in approximately one year, making it a flexible option for students. It is military-friendly and does not offer financial aid for certificates.
- 100% online coursework
- 21 credit hours
- Estimated 1 year completion
- GRE exempt
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Practicum opportunity available
- Verified by ABAI
- Aligns with BACB requirements
- Focus on behavior analysis
- No financial aid for certificates
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program, designed for students seeking a flexible path to understanding psychological principles and scientific reasoning. This program stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for both professional careers and further graduate studies. Notably, it provides hands-on research opportunities and internships, enriching students' learning experiences. While the program does not specify a concentration, it covers a broad spectrum of psychological fields, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Admission does not explicitly require an ACT or SAT score, making it accessible to a wider range of students. The online format ensures convenience without compromising the quality of education.
- Available online and in-person.
- Focus on scientific reasoning.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Internships for practical experience.
- Prepares for graduate studies.
How to Find a Psychology Program in Arkansas
Choosing a psychology degree program in Arkansas requires a close examination of all elements that go into this important decision. The right degree program depends on your prior education and future goals. Read on to learn how to narrow down your options in Arkansas.
Psychology Degree Pathways in Arkansas
Undergraduate students in Arkansas may study either a two-year associate's degree at a community college, or a four-year bachelor's degree at a college or university – the bachelor of arts (for practice), and the bachelor of science (more research-based).
Graduate certificates are a useful add-on for bachelor’s and master’s degrees to train in a specific niche. Master’s degrees are also in arts and sciences and tend to focus on specific areas of the discipline.
The highest type of qualification is the doctorate. In psychology, there are two types. The PsyD is for clinical practice, and the Ph.D. is more suited to research and policy.
Choose a Psychology Specialty
Specialties are usually not available at the undergraduate level, so most students will simply enroll in a general psychology major. Concentrations are typically options at the graduate certificate, master’s, and doctorate levels.
Arkansas State University currently offers a BS in psychology, while the University of Arkansas offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The latter includes master's degrees with specializations in social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, as well as Ph.D. options in Experimental Psychology and Clinical Psychology.
Accreditation
It's vital for any program you choose to study to be regionally accredited.
- Accreditation is a mark of minimum teaching and education standards
- It is mandatory for further study required for work in medical psychology
- Most non-clinical roles will also seek to understand if your qualification is accredited
- Many professional societies and organizations will only permit membership if you have the proper background which always needs accreditation
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the national accreditation body for psychology programs. The regional body responsible for schools in Arkansas is the North Central Association on Colleges and Schools.
Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Arkansas
Both traditional on-campus and fully online psychology programs in Arkansas have positives and negatives.
Most students pursue an online program for the flexibility to study when, where, and how you like. However, you don't get the full benefit of the social aspect of college life. Online classes can be synchronous (set times for virtual attendance) or asynchronous (recorded material to access when you like).
Campus study has the opposite issue. Classes are always structured and timed, and you gain the benefit of group work and social interaction. However, they are not suited to people who work full-time or who have other external commitments.
Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in Arkansas
In Arkansas, you must have a doctorate in psychology including a minimum 12 months of internship. This internship must either be APA or state accredited. Once this is complete, the next step is to seek relevant employment. You will need 12 months of full-time supervised work experience. This is when you need to apply to the Arkansas Psychology Board to begin the licensing process. Only when the full two years are complete (internship and work experience) will you be permitted to apply for the EPPP licensing examination. After that, an oral examination is required.
Licensing by credentials (endorsement) is permitted for psychologists with five years of experience.
List of Psychology Degree Programs in Arkansas
Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Arkansas? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.
Arkadelphia, AR
Ouachita Baptist University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Focus on psychological theories
- Prepares for counseling careers
- Financial aid available
- Supports graduate study preparation
- Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Website
- First ABA program in Arkansas.
- Online with 3-day on-campus intensive.
- Two degree pathways: M.S. and M.A.
- Prepares for BCBA® certification.
- $750 per credit hour tuition.
- 36-hour program total.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Covers behavioral assessment and ethics.
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility
- First ABA degrees in Arkansas
- Prepares for BCBA® certification
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- $750 per credit hour
- 36-hour program total
- Fieldwork integrated
- Ethical practice focus
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
- Master's - Educational Specialist in School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 100% graduate employment rate
- License-ready upon completion
- Conditionally accredited by NASP
- Graduate assistantships available
- Focus on diversity and inclusion
- Supportive cohort model
- Meaningful faculty interaction
- No GRE required for applicants with graduate degrees
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Covers clinical, cognitive, developmental psychology.
- Emphasizes research and practical experience.
- Prepares for careers in diverse fields.
- Requires strong academic record for admission.
- Offers individualized student training.
- Faculty-led labs and honors projects.
- Broad understanding of human behavior.
- Opportunities for further study in various fields.
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 21 credit hours
- Estimated 1 year completion
- GRE exempt
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Practicum opportunity available
- Verified by ABAI
- Aligns with BACB requirements
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Diverse clinical training opportunities
- Empirically based intervention approach
- Mentor-apprentice research model
- Integrated behavioral health focus
- Broad clinical skills development
Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- $282 per credit hour
- Up to 90 transfer credits
- 120 credit hours required
- 2.0 GPA for admission
- Focus on research and analysis
- Flexible elective courses
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Master's - Specialist in Education in Psychology and Counseling with an emphasis on School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 64-semester hour program
- NASP and ADE standards aligned
- Prepares for licensure and certification
- Experienced faculty and field supervision
- Admission requires interview and recommendations
- Focus on data-based decision making
- Includes mental health services training
- NASP-accredited program
Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Available online and in-person.
- Focus on scientific reasoning.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Internships for practical experience.
- Prepares for graduate studies.
Monticello, AR
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
- Focus on research and critical thinking.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Travel-study courses available.
- Prepares for careers in human services.
- Opportunities for graduate studies.
- Courses include Statistical Methods.
- Abnormal Psychology course required.
Pine Bluff, AR
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Broad foundation in psychology
- Hands-on research experience
- Human Psychophysiology Laboratory
- Psychology Club and Psi Chi
- 120 semester hours for B.S.
- Core and elective courses
- Career preparation workshops
- Graduate school preparation