What college in Virginia has the best psychology program?

It depends on your degree level and goals. For undergraduate study, George Mason University and the University of Virginia consistently rank among the strongest options. George Mason offers a research-focused BS near Washington, D.C., while UVA pairs high graduation rates (about 96%) with robust graduate pathways. At the master's level, CACREP-accredited counseling programs at Marymount University and Bluefield University stand out.

Are there APA-accredited PsyD programs in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia is home to several APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology, including PsyD offerings at schools such as Regent University and James Madison University, along with PhD programs at UVA, George Mason, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Always verify a program's current accreditation status directly with the APA, because accreditation can change between review cycles.

How much does a psychology degree cost in Virginia?

Costs vary widely by school type and residency. Among public universities, annual in-state tuition ranges from roughly $10,180 at Norfolk State University to about $14,220 at George Mason. Private institutions span a broader range: Bluefield University's master's program runs approximately $515 per credit, while schools like Shenandoah University and Marymount University charge between $23,000 and $27,000 per year at the graduate level. Financial aid and assistantships can reduce the net price significantly.

What can you do with a master's in psychology in Virginia?

A master's degree opens doors to roles in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, applied behavior analysis, and organizational psychology. With additional supervised experience and licensure, Virginia master's graduates can practice as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Many also work in research coordination, human resources, or community mental health agencies across the state.

Can clinical psychology help with trauma?

Absolutely. Clinical psychologists are trained in evidence-based trauma treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR. Virginia's doctoral clinical psychology programs typically include practicum placements at trauma-focused clinics and VA medical centers, giving students direct supervised experience. Licensed clinical psychologists are among the primary providers of trauma-focused care in both civilian and military settings.

What is the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology?

A PhD emphasizes original research and academic scholarship, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research labs, and clinical practice. A PsyD focuses more heavily on clinical training and applied skills, making it a strong fit for students who want to enter direct client care sooner. Both lead to licensure as a psychologist in Virginia, but PhD programs often offer more funding through assistantships, while PsyD programs may have shorter time-to-completion.

Can I earn a psychology degree entirely online from a Virginia school?

Yes, at several levels. George Mason University, Liberty University, Norfolk State University, and Regent University all offer fully online bachelor's degrees in psychology. For graduate work, the University of Virginia, Mary Baldwin University, and Shenandoah University provide online master's programs in applied behavior analysis. Fully online doctoral programs in clinical psychology are rare in Virginia, though some schools use hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person practicums.

Best Psychology Programs in Virginia 2027

What you’ll learn in this article…

Virginia requires a doctoral degree, 1,500 supervised hours, and a passing EPPP score of 500 for psychologist licensure.
UVA guarantees PhD psychology students a five-year funding package with a $36,000 annual stipend and full tuition coverage.
The national median wage for clinical psychologists was $96,100 in 2023, though Virginia-specific figures differ by metro area.
Both fully online and campus-based psychology programs hold SACSCOC regional accreditation across Virginia's ranked schools.

Virginia offers 13 ranked psychology programs that span bachelor's through master's levels, covering general psychology, online applied behavior analysis programs, addiction counseling, and clinical mental health concentrations. These schools were evaluated with affordability and online availability as primary filters, which means the list includes both flagship public universities like George Mason and the University of Virginia alongside private institutions like Liberty and Regent that offer fully online pathways at competitive net prices.

The practical tension for most students is choosing between lower in-state tuition at public universities (which may require campus attendance for some clinical tracks) and the flexibility of private or online programs that charge the same tuition regardless of residency but often carry higher sticker prices. Net price after aid varies widely, from under $13,000 at some public schools to over $29,000 at selective privates.

While Virginia hosts several APA-accredited doctoral programs, the state's master's and bachelor's offerings prepare students for licensure-track graduate work, specialist certifications like the BCBA, or immediate entry into human services roles. Clinical psychologist licensure in Virginia requires a doctoral degree, 1,500 supervised hours, and an EPPP score of 500 or higher.

2027 Best Psychology Programs in Virginia: Rankings

Virginia offers many routes into psychology, from a traditional bachelor's degree to a fully online doctoral program. The schools below represent a broad mix of public and private institutions where psychology students can find strong academics, flexible formats, and meaningful value.

How we ranked these

Factors considered

Graduation and retention rates
Net price and financial aid
Online access and flexibility
Program breadth by level
Student debt and earnings

Data sources

Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Program-level records maintained in house
Original research on individual programs
National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov

GE

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

This large public research university connects psychology study to the policy, research, and national security work that thrives in the Washington, D.C., area. Its undergraduate program spans core behavioral science plus eight specialty concentrations, while graduate students can choose hybrid educational psychology master's tracks, an online applied industrial-organizational master's, doctoral study in educational psychology, and certificate pathways in applied behavior analysis and autism.

George Mason University

8 concentration options, including clinical, forensic, and health psychology
120 total credit hours with at least 39 in psychology
Honors program with thesis option
Proximity to Washington, D.C., for research and policy work
Careers in HR, data analysis, user interface design, and marketing

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George Mason University

15% tuition discount for Virginia educators
Flexible formats: online, hybrid, or face-to-face
Full-time and part-time options
Pathway to PhD in Education
Careers as data analyst, evaluator, or curriculum specialist

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George Mason University

Starts fall or spring
Customizable concentration options
Prepares for roles as data analyst or evaluator
Flexible course delivery with online options

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George Mason University

30 total credit hours
Choose thesis or capstone
Online and on-campus or blended study available
Multiple start terms: fall, spring, and summer

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George Mason University

Employer tuition reimbursement

Accelerated bachelor's to master's option
BAM students pay undergraduate tuition rates
Design-based research approach
Capstone can be thesis, project, or internship

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George Mason University

Employer tuition reimbursement

4 concentration options
GRE required
$753 per credit
Work experience and thesis required
Starts fall or spring
Research funded by NSF and Institute of Education Sciences
15% tuition discount for Virginia PreK-12 educators

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George Mason University

Federal financial aid eligible

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George Mason University

No entrance exam

18 credit hours at $805 per credit
1-year program with fall start
Asynchronous online classes
No internship or practicum required
Can stack into an M.Ed. in special education

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George Mason University

No entrance examRolling admissions

30 credit hours, 2-year program
$815 per credit
100% online with asynchronous classes
No entrance exam or GRE required
Rolling admissions with part-time option
Lifetime access to career services

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UN

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA · $24,000/yr

Best for: Aspiring behavior analysts pursuing BCBA certification online

This top public university is an especially strong fit for educators and practicing professionals who want to deepen their expertise in special education and behavior analysis. Its fully online M.Ed. in special education offers an applied behavior analysis concentration that prepares students for the BCBA exam, alongside a general curriculum route connected to Virginia teaching endorsements. A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis adds another flexible entry point.

University of Virginia

Test optional

Fully online with asynchronous classes
Prepares students for BCBA exam
1-year program with full- or part-time study
Three start terms: spring, summer, and fall
No GRE or standardized test required
Highly ranked special education faculty
Transfer up to 6 credits

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University of Virginia

No entrance examTest optional

Meets Virginia add-on endorsement requirements
45-hour practicum included for endorsement
Capstone required
Core coursework includes applied behavior analysis principles
Designed for current and aspiring special educators

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University of Virginia

Prepares for BCBA or BCaBA certification
Approved by Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Addresses behavioral needs of students
Online delivery format

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OL

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · $15,000 – $36,000/yr

Best for: Virginia educators wanting a cohort-based ABA certificate

This public research university gives distance learners a structured, cohort-based route into behavior analysis. Its applied behavior analysis certificate uses a two-year distance learning model that leads toward BCBA preparation, and an online autism certificate offers another practical option for professionals who support students with developmental disabilities. Teachers and service providers make up the core audience for these programs.

Old Dominion University

2-year cohort-based distance learning model
21 graduate credits across 7 courses
$486 per credit
Prepares students for BCBA exam
Designed for teachers and service providers
Covers autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges

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Old Dominion University

12 credit hours
Online and on-campus options
Field-based learning opportunities
2.80 GPA minimum
Bachelor's degree required
Can integrate with a master's program

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NO

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · $15,000/yr

HBCU

This public historically Black university offers an undergraduate psychology degree that is both flexible and hands-on. Students can complete coursework online or on campus and choose electives in current topics such as cyberpsychology and positive psychology. A senior-year internship and a dedicated cyberpsychology lab with virtual reality give graduates practical experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Norfolk State University

120 total credit hours with elective flexibility
Available online and in person
Senior-year real-world internship
Cyberpsychology lab with eye-tracking and VR equipment
Psi Chi and Psychology Club available
Elective topics include cyberpsychology and positive psychology
Careers in HR, marketing, and public service

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RA

Radford University

Radford, VA · $14,000/yr

This public university offers a practical, low-commitment entry point for educators, human services personnel, and family members who work with individuals on the autism spectrum. The 12-credit certificate in autism studies is fully online and aligned with competencies set by Virginia's Autism Council. No additional licensure is required, and course substitutions are possible with advisor approval.

Radford University

12 credit hours in an online format
Aligned with Virginia Autism Council competencies
No licensure required to enroll
Based on empirically supported practices
Designed for educators, service personnel, and family members
Course substitutions available with advisor approval

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RE

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA · ~$18,000/yr (est.)

This private Christian university delivers a broad psychology portfolio in online and on-campus formats, from bachelor's through doctoral study. Undergraduate students can choose general psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, or a professional studies track, while graduate students can pursue master's work in industrial-organizational psychology, addictions, or general psychology. Faculty members largely hold terminal degrees, and the curriculum intentionally integrates faith with the science of behavior.

Regent University

Military benefits

Online and on-campus study options
Full-time and part-time enrollment
Christian worldview applied to psychological science
Prepares for graduate study or people-focused careers

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Regent University

$415 per credit
120 total credit hours
Non-licensure bachelor's track
Coursework in marriage and family and counseling skills
97% of faculty hold terminal degrees

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Regent University

Online and on-campus formats
Transfer existing college or military credit
Examines integration of science and faith
Institutional scholarships available

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Regent University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

$695 per credit
39 total credit hours
Concentration options across the program
8-week course sessions
Starts in fall, spring, or summer
Christian worldview integrated into curriculum

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Regent University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

Online program format
No thesis or capstone required
Supports careers as HR manager or organizational psychologist
Military benefits accepted
SACSCOC accredited university

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Regent University

No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional

39 total credit hours
Multiple start dates each year
Non-licensure addictions counseling track
Coursework integrates Christian worldview
Career paths include counselor, researcher, or director

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Regent University

51 total credit hours
$695 per credit
150 clinical hours
3.5 GPA minimum
Fully online with no campus commute
Full-time and part-time enrollment
Prepares for faculty, consultant, or trainer roles

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Regent University

12 credit hours, online
Non-degree option
Practicum included
Focus on autism identification and program design
Can support career advancement

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LI

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · $9,000/yr

This private nonprofit university operates one of the broadest online psychology catalogs in Virginia. Students can choose from bachelor's degrees in addictions and recovery, master's programs in applied psychology and clinical mental health counseling, and doctoral tracks in industrial-organizational and developmental psychology. The asynchronous online format, eight-week courses, and military-friendly policies make it a practical choice for working adults.

Liberty University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

120 total credit hours
100% online with no set login times
8-week course format
Transfer up to 75% of degree credits
Electronic textbooks included
Christian worldview lens on addiction recovery
Prepares for roles such as addiction counselor

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Liberty University

Military benefits

36 total credit hours
100% asynchronous online courses
8-week format
Transfer up to 50% of credits
Military tuition discount of $290 per credit
Career paths include behavioral support specialist or research analyst

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Liberty University

No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional

36 total credit hours
2.5 GPA minimum
Starts summer or fall
No standardized test required for admission
Military tuition discount of $290 per credit

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Liberty University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

36 total credit hours
100% online format
Multiple start dates per year
Military and first responder tuition discounts
No GRE or GMAT required
Career paths in HR and management

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Liberty University

Military benefits

36 total credit hours
8-week asynchronous online courses
Transfer up to 50% of credits
Career paths include forensic science technician or jury consultant

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Liberty University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

60 total credit hours
$610 per credit
Full-time and part-time paths
100% online with 8-week courses
Transfer up to 50% of credits
Military tuition discount of $375 per credit

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Liberty University

No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional

60 total credit hours
3.0 GPA minimum
3 start dates per year
Thesis required
Optional on-campus intensives
Online coursework with optional campus visits

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Liberty University

9 credit hours
100% online format
8-week courses
No set login times
Transfer up to 50% of credits

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Liberty University

CACREP-accredited program
60 credit hours
Online coursework with required intensives
Prepares students for LPC licensure
Practicum and internship included
No standardized test required for admission

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MA

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

This small private university concentrates its psychology-related offerings on behavior analysis and autism studies at the graduate level. Its fully online M.S. in applied behavior analysis includes Pathway 2 coursework for BCBA eligibility, one-on-one faculty support, and discounts for current RBTs and behavior analysts. A post-master's certificate and an autism spectrum disorder certificate extend options for practitioners at different career stages.

Mary Baldwin University

2-year online program, asynchronous format
Pathway 2 coursework for BCBA exam eligibility
Experiential learning often completed on the job
One-on-one faculty mentorship
RBT, IBT, or BCaBA advantage discount available
Partnership with PsychCore for exam preparation
IBAO approved content provider
Focus on ethical, inclusive behavior analytic practice

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Mary Baldwin University

No entrance exam

15-month online program
22 total credit hours
No GRE or GMAT required
No clinical hours required
$0 application fee
Prepares for BCBA or BCaBA exam
Personalized advising

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Mary Baldwin University

12 credit hours online
3.0 GPA required
Undergraduate and graduate enrollment options
Approved by Virginia Autism Council
Practical experience included
Covers assessment and communication strategies

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VI

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · $9,000/yr

This private liberal arts university offers a streamlined, per-credit online route to a psychology degree. Its bachelor's program emphasizes hands-on research and applied coursework, while the fully online master's in applied psychology is built for working adults. The school is also known as a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon institution.

Virginia Wesleyan University

No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optional

$450 per credit
12-month completion pathway
128 total credit hours
90% of graduates employed or in grad school within a year
Military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school
No SAT or ACT required
Streamlined admission for transfer students
Research projects woven into the curriculum

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Virginia Wesleyan University

No entrance examMilitary benefits

$550 per credit
30 total credit hours
2-year fully online program
No entrance exam required
Admission based on undergraduate transcript
Designed for working adults

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SH

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · $27,000/yr

This private university offers an online applied behavior analysis master's that follows an ABAI-verified course sequence and prepares students for BCBA certification. The cohort model combines synchronous and asynchronous classes, making it manageable for working professionals who arrange their own supervision. A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis provides a shorter option for students who already hold a relevant degree.

Shenandoah University

16-month program
33 total credit hours
ABAI-verified course sequence
IBAO certified for international students
Synchronous and asynchronous online classes
Cohort model with close faculty connections
Self-arranged supervision with faculty guidance
BCBA starting pay reports range from $50,000 to $100,000

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Shenandoah University

21 total credit hours across 7 courses
16-month online format
ABAI and IBAO accredited sequence
Prepares for BCBA exam
No prior education degree required
Cohort starts in the fall

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Psychology Degree Levels Available in Virginia: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Pathways

Choosing a psychology degree is rarely just about subject matter. The real tension is between how much time and money you are willing to invest now versus the clinical scope and earning potential you want later. Virginia offers a genuinely full range of pathways, from undergraduate foundations to research-focused doctorates, so mapping the options clearly is worth doing before you apply anywhere. For a broader look at how different types of psychology degrees compare nationally, that context can help you evaluate what Virginia specifically brings to the table.

Bachelor's Degrees: Foundation, Not Finish Line

An undergraduate psychology degree from a Virginia institution, whether from the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, or one of the state's many liberal arts colleges, builds research literacy, developmental theory, and statistical reasoning. That foundation matters, but a bachelor's alone does not qualify you for licensure as a psychologist or licensed counselor in Virginia. Most graduates use the degree as a springboard into graduate study or into adjacent roles such as case management, human resources, or research coordination while they decide on a graduate path.

Master's Degrees: Licensure Gateway or Graduate Stepping Stone

A master's in psychology or counseling serves two distinct purposes depending on where you want to end up. For many students, a master's in clinical mental health counseling or a related field leads directly to state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, which carries its own strong career prospects. Students interested in the clinical side of graduate work may also want to explore a counseling psychology degree to understand how that specialization differs from general psychology tracks. For others, a master's is an intermediate step toward doctoral admission, particularly if their undergraduate record needs strengthening. Virginia colleges including Radford University, James Madison University, and Marymount University offer master's-level programs worth exploring directly on their department websites for current focus areas and enrollment requirements.

Doctoral Programs: PhD vs. PsyD in Virginia

Virginia has a cluster of doctoral programs that lead to licensure as a psychologist, and the PhD/PsyD distinction shapes almost every aspect of the experience, from funding to clinical hours to research expectations. Current APA-accredited doctoral programs in the state include:

University of Virginia: PhD in clinical and counseling psychology, strong research emphasis.
Virginia Commonwealth University: PhD in clinical psychology, scientist-practitioner model with urban health research threads.
Virginia Tech: PhD in clinical psychology and related areas, integrated with the broader university research infrastructure.
James Madison University: PsyD in clinical psychology, practitioner-focused curriculum designed for direct service careers.

This list should be treated as a starting point, not a definitive inventory. Accreditation status can change, and new programs can receive approval between publication cycles. The APA's accreditation database at apa.org is the authoritative source for current status, and each program's department page will tell you whether it is accepting applications, what concentrations are active, and what licensure outcomes look like for recent graduates.

How to Research Programs Without Getting Lost

Three practical moves cut through the noise. First, confirm accreditation directly through the APA database rather than relying on any third-party list, including this one. Second, visit the Virginia Board of Psychology's website to understand exactly what doctoral and supervised hours requirements apply to licensure in the state, since program choice should align with those requirements from day one. Third, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupational outlooks for clinical and counseling psychologists nationally; that data can help you pressure-test whether the time and cost of a given degree level match the career trajectory you are targeting.

Psyd vs PHD in Virginia: Which Doctoral Path Fits You?

Should you pursue a PsyD or a PhD in psychology in Virginia? The answer depends less on prestige and more on what you actually want to do once you graduate.

Focus and Purpose

The PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) was designed for clinicians. Its curriculum centers on supervised practice, assessment, and intervention skills. Graduates typically move into private practice, hospital settings, community mental health, or agency work.

The PhD in clinical or counseling psychology is built around research. Coursework, practica, and dissertation work all point toward producing scholar-practitioners, with many graduates pursuing faculty positions, research appointments, or specialized applied roles that require rigorous empirical training. For a broader look at doctoral options in this space, see our overview of clinical psychology doctorate programs.

Program Length and Selectivity

PsyD programs in Virginia typically run four to six years (48 to 72 months). PhD programs run longer, generally five to eight years (60 to 96 months), largely because of the demands of original dissertation research and the academic job market timeline.

Admission rates differ sharply. PsyD programs admit around 40 percent of qualified applicants, reflecting their larger cohort model, often 50 to 100 students per year. PhD programs are far more selective, admitting roughly 10 to 15 percent of applicants and enrolling only one to ten students per cohort.

Funding: A Critical Difference

This is where the two paths diverge most practically. PhD programs in Virginia commonly offer full funding, meaning tuition remission plus a stipend in exchange for research or teaching assistantship duties. PsyD programs are largely tuition-dependent, and total costs across the degree can be substantial. If carrying significant debt is a concern, the PhD model is worth serious consideration, even if it means a longer timeline.

Dissertation and Capstone Requirements

PhD: Requires an original empirical dissertation, typically involving data collection, analysis, and a contribution to the research literature.
PsyD: May require a traditional dissertation or an applied doctoral project focused on clinical application rather than novel research questions.

Choosing Based on Your Goals

If you see yourself doing therapy, psychological assessment, or clinical supervision in a hospital, practice, or community setting, the PsyD aligns directly with that path. If you are drawn to teaching, publishing, or building an evidence base for intervention models, the PhD is the more natural fit. Neither degree is the wrong choice, but picking the one that matches your actual career vision will save you years of misalignment.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Are you drawn to clinical practice with patients, or to conducting research that shapes the field?

Clinical roles require direct patient contact and state licensure, which may steer you toward a practitioner focused PsyD or a balanced PhD. Research careers lean heavily on a PhD with intensive dissertation work and grant experience. The choice affects program structure, internship expectations, and salary trajectory.

Is affordability your top priority, or are you willing to invest more for an APA accredited doctoral program?

APA accreditation can unlock competitive internships and broader licensure portability, but often comes with higher tuition. If you plan to work in community mental health or a non licensed role, a less expensive, regionally accredited master's might suffice. Weigh upfront costs against long term career flexibility.

Do you need a fully online format to balance work and family, or can you attend on campus?

Online programs provide essential flexibility for working adults and caregivers, but they may limit hands on practicum placements and professional networking. If your goal is clinical licensure, verify how online coursework meets Virginia's in person supervised hour requirements.

Online Vs. Campus Psychology Programs in Virginia

Whether to study online or on campus is one of the most practical decisions you will make when choosing a psychology program, and Virginia gives you real options across both formats.

How Virginia's Ranked Programs Break Down by Format

Looking at the 13 Virginia programs highlighted in this guide, the breakdown is roughly:

Fully online: 10 programs, including offerings from George Mason University, University of Virginia, Norfolk State University, Radford University, Regent University, Liberty University, Mary Baldwin University, Virginia Wesleyan University, Shenandoah University, and Averett University.
Hybrid (mix of online and in-person): 3 programs, from Old Dominion University, Marymount University, and Bluefield University.

No purely campus-only programs appear in this particular slice of ranked Virginia schools, which reflects a statewide trend toward flexible delivery, especially at the undergraduate and graduate certificate levels.

Trade-offs Worth Thinking Through

Online formats offer clear advantages: schedule flexibility, no commute, and in many cases lower total cost of attendance. They are especially practical for working adults, career changers, or students elsewhere in the country who want access to Virginia-based programs without relocating.

Campus and hybrid formats offer something different: direct access to research labs, face-to-face faculty mentorship, and the kind of cohort relationships that tend to last into professional life. If you thrive with structured in-person accountability, or if your intended specialty involves heavy lab work (or a clinical focus like marriage and family therapy graduate programs), a hybrid or campus program may serve you better.

The Practicum Exception for Doctoral Programs

One detail that catches students off guard: even programs that deliver coursework entirely online typically require in-person clinical hours. This is especially true at the doctoral level, where supervised practicum and internship placements are non-negotiable for licensure in Virginia. Before enrolling in any online doctoral program, confirm directly with the program coordinator how practicum placements are arranged, whether the school maintains a placement network in your region, and who is responsible for securing those sites. This varies significantly by program.

Access Beyond Virginia's Borders

Virginia's strong online presence also makes its programs attractive to students in neighboring states, or even across the country, who want regionally accredited or APA-accredited credentials without the cost of relocating to the mid-Atlantic. Programs at institutions like Liberty University and Old Dominion University have built substantial online infrastructure that supports students from many states. Just verify that the credential you earn will satisfy licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice, since reciprocity and endorsement rules vary.

APA-Accredited and Regionally Accredited Psychology Programs in Virginia

Accreditation comes in two layers that prospective students need to understand. Regional accreditation is an institution-level credential: every university listed below holds regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which validates the institution's academic standards across all degree levels. APA accreditation, by contrast, is a program-level designation that applies only to doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, or school psychology. Graduating from an APA-accredited program matters for several practical reasons: many state licensure boards expect or prefer it, positions with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense typically require it, and APA accreditation strengthens your eligibility for APPIC internship match sites. Virginia currently has six APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs spanning both PhD and PsyD tracks. Note that one program carries an "accredited on contingency" status, meaning it has received APA recognition but must meet additional benchmarks within a defined timeline to retain full accreditation.

University	Program	Degree Type	APA Accreditation Status
University of Virginia	Clinical Psychology	PhD	Accredited
Virginia Commonwealth University	Clinical Psychology	PhD	Accredited
Virginia State University	Clinical Psychology	PhD	Accredited (on contingency)
Liberty University	Clinical Psychology	PsyD	Accredited
Virginia Commonwealth University	Counseling Psychology	PhD	Accredited
Radford University	Counseling Psychology	PsyD	Accredited

Tuition and Financial Aid for Virginia Psychology Programs

The table below compares published tuition rates and average net price after financial aid for ranked Virginia psychology programs. Net price figures are institution-level averages drawn from federal data and reflect what typical undergraduates pay after grants and scholarships. Individual costs for graduate students may differ, so contact each school's financial aid office for program-specific estimates. Public universities offer significant savings for Virginia residents, with in-state tuition starting as low as $9,540 at Bluefield University's counseling master's program and $10,180 at Norfolk State University. Private institutions show wider variation, but generous institutional aid can bring the effective price well below sticker tuition.

School	Sector	Program Tuition (In-State)	Program Tuition (Out-of-State)	Avg. Net Price After Aid	Median Graduate Debt
Mary Baldwin University	Private	$18,865	$18,865	$12,756	$26,586
Radford University	Public	$13,762	$23,525	$14,578	$24,000
Old Dominion University	Public	$15,390	$36,174	$14,638	$24,000
Norfolk State University	Public	$10,180	$21,682	$15,282	$29,000
George Mason University	Public	$14,220	$38,688	$17,915	$19,500
Virginia Wesleyan University	Private	$37,500	$37,500	$19,676	$27,000
Regent University	Private	$21,650	$21,650	$19,923	$24,534
University of Virginia	Public	$23,526	$37,628	$21,565	$17,500
Averett University	Private	$38,550	$38,550	$22,925	$25,000
Bluefield University	Private	$9,540	$9,540	$25,573	$21,855
Marymount University	Private	$23,446	$23,446	$29,137	$25,000
Liberty University	Private	$16,173	$16,173	$29,357	$24,500
Shenandoah University	Private	$26,722	$26,722	$30,298	$25,000

Funding Your Psychology Degree: Assistantships, Scholarships, and Aid

The University of Virginia's doctoral psychology program guarantees all admitted PhD students a five-year funding package that includes a $36,000 annual stipend (split into a $28,800 academic-year award and a $7,200 summer component), full tuition coverage, and health insurance.¹ That level of comprehensive support reflects a broader national pattern: PhD programs in Virginia typically offer substantially stronger financial packages than master's or PsyD paths, often covering all tuition while paying students to teach, conduct research, or provide clinical services.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships remain the backbone of doctoral funding. Virginia's public research universities, including George Mason, Old Dominion, and Radford, appoint PhD candidates as teaching or research assistants, providing tuition waivers plus stipends that usually range from $18,000 to $28,000 for nine or twelve months. PsyD and master's programs offer fewer assistantships, and those positions are highly competitive; when they do exist, stipends tend to be smaller and cover only partial tuition. Because assistantship availability fluctuates by department and cohort size, prospective students should contact admissions offices directly rather than relying on published averages.

Departmental and National Scholarships

National merit awards supplement institutional aid. The American Psychological Foundation offers nine COGDOP Graduate Student Scholarships annually, each worth up to $5,000, to psychology doctoral students with demonstrated financial need and research promise.² Many Virginia departments also maintain their own named scholarships; criteria and award amounts vary widely, so check each program's financial aid page and ask current students about internal opportunities during campus visits.

Virginia-Specific State Aid

Virginia channels over $112 million annually into the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program, which awards eligible students attending private, nonprofit colleges up to $5,250 per year.³ Because psychology master's programs at Liberty, Regent, and Marymount carry tuition above $20,000, VTAG can meaningfully reduce net cost for Virginia residents. Public-university graduate students do not qualify for VTAG but may access state need-based grants through campus financial aid offices. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) also funds graduate fellowships in STEM-adjacent fields; psychology students with computational or neuroscience emphases may be competitive.

Federal Loans and Employer Tuition Benefits

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans allow graduate students to borrow up to $20,500 per year at fixed interest rates set by Congress. While loans should not be your first resort, they remain a safety net when assistantships and grants fall short. Many employers in health systems, school districts, and government agencies offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant graduate credentials. If you already work in a clinical or education setting, confirm whether your employer will subsidize part-time study before committing to full-time enrollment and loan debt.

Virginia Psychology Graduate Earnings at a Glance

Earnings for Virginia psychology graduates vary significantly by institution and degree level. Program-level earnings at one and four years after completion are not yet published for most Virginia psychology programs in the College Scorecard. However, institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment offer a useful proxy. Research-oriented universities and those located near major metro areas like Northern Virginia and Charlottesville tend to produce the highest earners, while clinical and counseling concentrations at the master's level can boost early-career salaries compared to a general bachelor's in psychology. Doctoral graduates, particularly from APA-accredited clinical programs, typically out-earn their master's-level peers within the first few years of practice.

Median earnings ten years after enrollment at eight Virginia psychology schools, ranging from $50,074 to $86,863

Career Outcomes and Earning Potential for Virginia Psychology Graduates

Where you practice psychology in Virginia matters as much as what degree you hold, and prospective students who research the job market before enrolling make sharper decisions about specialization and location.

Understanding the Wage Picture

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes annual wage and employment data for psychologists broken down by state and metropolitan area. One important caveat for 2026: the BLS has restructured its occupational codes, splitting the old broad psychologist category into separate codes covering clinical and counseling psychologists, school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and all others.¹ When you search the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) tables, filter by the specific code that matches your intended specialty rather than the umbrella category.

At the national level, the 2024 BLS data shows a median annual wage of roughly $94,310 for psychologists in one broad category² and approximately $117,580 for psychologists classified under the "all other" grouping.³ These are national figures only. State medians can differ substantially, and Virginia's figures, especially for the Northern Virginia corridor, Richmond, and Virginia Beach metro areas, warrant their own look. The BLS OEWS state and metro query tools let you filter by Virginia and by individual metro areas so you can compare earning potential across regions before committing to a job search or relocation.

Finding Virginia-Specific Data

The Virginia Employment Commission publishes its own Labor Market Information reports, which often include more localized wage ranges and regional demand forecasts than the federal database alone. For psychologists considering private practice, community mental health, or hospital-based work in different parts of the state, these regional snapshots add context that statewide averages can obscure.

Individual psychology programs at Virginia universities frequently publish career outcome reports for recent graduates. These documents typically cover employment rates within a set period after graduation, the types of employers hiring alumni, and in some cases salary ranges for specific roles. Students interested in applied psychology careers should pay special attention to outcome data tied to that specialty. Checking those reports directly from programs you are considering gives you ground-level data tied to a specific curriculum and professional network.

Professional Associations as a Research Tool

The Virginia Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association's state affiliate conduct periodic salary surveys and job market analyses that go beyond what public datasets capture. Membership or even a brief inquiry to these organizations can surface insights about which sectors are hiring, which specialties are in short supply across Virginia, and what compensation looks like at different career stages.

Taken together, these sources (federal wage databases, state labor market reports, program-specific outcome data, and professional association surveys) give you a layered view of what a psychology career in Virginia can realistically look like.

How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Virginia

Virginia's licensure pathway for clinical psychologists is straightforward but demanding. The state requires a doctoral degree from an accredited program, 1,500 hours of supervised experience, and a passing score of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Notably, Virginia does not require a separate jurisprudence exam, which simplifies the final application stage compared to some neighboring states. Program-specific EPPP pass rate data for Virginia schools is not currently published by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, so candidates should ask individual programs about their recent exam outcomes during the admissions process.

Four-step licensure pathway for psychologists in Virginia: doctoral degree, 1,500 supervised hours, EPPP exam score of 500, and board application

Virginia Psychologist Licensure: Key Details and EPPP Pass Rates

Becoming a licensed psychologist in Virginia means meeting a structured set of requirements overseen by the Virginia Board of Psychology. The process centers on three main pillars: earning the right doctoral degree, completing supervised practice hours, and passing both a national knowledge exam and a state-specific jurisprudence test. Understanding these milestones early helps you choose a graduate program aligned with your licensure goals.

Educational Requirements

Virginia requires a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution to qualify for psychologist licensure.¹ While the law does not mandate APA accreditation, most employers and health systems strongly prefer or require it, and the Board evaluates non-APA programs more closely to ensure they meet comparable standards in curriculum, supervised training, and internship quality. If you plan to work in clinical settings, hospital systems, or pursue insurance reimbursement, attending an APA-accredited program removes many downstream credentialing barriers. Students weighing PhD versus PsyD options can explore counseling psychology doctorate programs to compare accredited offerings nationwide.

Supervised Experience and Post-Doctoral Residency

After completing your degree, Virginia requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience.¹ This supervision can be completed pre-doctorally (during internship or practicum) or post-doctorally, but you must register your supervision plan with the Board before beginning. The residency typically spans 12 to 36 months, depending on whether you work full-time or part-time.¹ Verification of both internship and supervision is required at the time of application, along with official transcripts and a self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank.

EPPP and Jurisprudence Exams

Virginia uses the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part 1 as its national licensure exam.¹ The EPPP comprises 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content domains, and you need a scaled score of at least 500 to pass. You have two years from your application approval to complete the exam. National first-time pass rates for 2026 hover around 90 to 95 percent for PhD clinical psychology graduates, 80 to 85 percent for PsyD graduates, and 85 to 90 percent for PhD counseling psychology programs. Graduates of APA-accredited programs consistently post pass rates in the 85 to 92 percent range. The ASPPB publishes EPPP scores by doctoral program, and the Virginia Board directs applicants to those reports for program-specific benchmarks.¹

Virginia also requires a jurisprudence exam covering state laws, regulations, and ethics specific to psychology practice in the Commonwealth.¹ This exam ensures that new licensees understand their legal obligations, mandatory reporting requirements, and boundaries of competence under Virginia statutes.

Master's-Level Alternative: LPC Licensure

If you hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field, you cannot become a licensed psychologist in Virginia, but you can pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the Virginia Board of Counseling. The LPC pathway has its own supervision, coursework, and examination requirements and opens doors to clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and private practice under a different scope of practice.

Continuing Education

Once licensed, Virginia psychologists must complete 14 hours of continuing education each year, including at least 1.5 hours in ethics, to maintain active status. This ensures ongoing competency and familiarity with evolving standards of care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Psychology Programs

Choosing a psychology program in Virginia means weighing cost, accreditation, format, and career fit. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, drawn from current program data and Virginia licensure requirements.

What college in Virginia has the best psychology program?: It depends on your degree level and goals. For undergraduate study, George Mason University and the University of Virginia consistently rank among the strongest options. George Mason offers a research-focused BS near Washington, D.C., while UVA pairs high graduation rates (about 96%) with robust graduate pathways. At the master's level, CACREP-accredited counseling programs at Marymount University and Bluefield University stand out.
Are there APA-accredited PsyD programs in Virginia?: Yes. Virginia is home to several APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology, including PsyD offerings at schools such as Regent University and James Madison University, along with PhD programs at UVA, George Mason, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Always verify a program's current accreditation status directly with the APA, because accreditation can change between review cycles.
How much does a psychology degree cost in Virginia?: Costs vary widely by school type and residency. Among public universities, annual in-state tuition ranges from roughly $10,180 at Norfolk State University to about $14,220 at George Mason. Private institutions span a broader range: Bluefield University's master's program runs approximately $515 per credit, while schools like Shenandoah University and Marymount University charge between $23,000 and $27,000 per year at the graduate level. Financial aid and assistantships can reduce the net price significantly.
What can you do with a master's in psychology in Virginia?: A master's degree opens doors to roles in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, applied behavior analysis, and organizational psychology. With additional supervised experience and licensure, Virginia master's graduates can practice as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Many also work in research coordination, human resources, or community mental health agencies across the state.
Can clinical psychology help with trauma?: Absolutely. Clinical psychologists are trained in evidence-based trauma treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR. Virginia's doctoral clinical psychology programs typically include practicum placements at trauma-focused clinics and VA medical centers, giving students direct supervised experience. Licensed clinical psychologists are among the primary providers of trauma-focused care in both civilian and military settings.
What is the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology?: A PhD emphasizes original research and academic scholarship, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research labs, and clinical practice. A PsyD focuses more heavily on clinical training and applied skills, making it a strong fit for students who want to enter direct client care sooner. Both lead to licensure as a psychologist in Virginia, but PhD programs often offer more funding through assistantships, while PsyD programs may have shorter time-to-completion.
Can I earn a psychology degree entirely online from a Virginia school?: Yes, at several levels. George Mason University, Liberty University, Norfolk State University, and Regent University all offer fully online bachelor's degrees in psychology. For graduate work, the University of Virginia, Mary Baldwin University, and Shenandoah University provide online master's programs in applied behavior analysis. Fully online doctoral programs in clinical psychology are rare in Virginia, though some schools use hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person practicums.

What you’ll learn in this article…

2027 Best Psychology Programs in Virginia: Rankings

George Mason University#1

Bachelor of Psychology (BS/BA) — Online

Educational Psychology, MS: Learning, Cognition, and Motivation — Hybrid

Educational Psychology, MS: Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing — Hybrid

Educational Psychology, MS: Individualized Studies — Hybrid

Educational Psychology, MS: Learning Sciences in Diverse Contexts — Hybrid

PhD in Education: Educational Psychology — Hybrid

Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Online

Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate — Online

Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology — Online

University of Virginia#2

M.Ed. in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis, Master's — Online

M.Ed. in Special Education: Special Education General Curriculum, Master's — Online

Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Online

Old Dominion University#3

Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Hybrid

Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate — Online

Norfolk State University#4

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online

Radford University#5

Certificate of Autism Studies — Online

Regent University#6

B.S. in Psychology, Bachelor's — Online

B.S. in Psychology: Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Bachelor's — Online

B.S. in Professional Studies: Psychology, Bachelor's — Online

Master of Science in Psychology (General Psychology) — Online

M.S. in Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Master's — Online

M.S. in Psychology: Addictions, Master's — Online

Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies: Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Doctorate — Online

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism — Online

Liberty University#7

B.S. in Psychology: Addictions and Recovery, Bachelor's — Online

Master of Arts in Applied Psychology: General Psychology — Online

Master of Arts in Applied Psychology: Developmental Psychology — Online

Master of Arts in Applied Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology — Online

Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology — Online

Ph.D. in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Doctorate — Online

Ph.D. in Psychology: Developmental Psychology, Doctorate — Online

Graduate Certificate in Autism Education — Online

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Online

Mary Baldwin University#8

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online

Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online

Comprehensive Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder — Online

Virginia Wesleyan University#9

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online

Master of Arts in Applied Psychology — Online

Shenandoah University#10

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online

Psychology Degree Levels Available in Virginia: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Pathways

Bachelor's Degrees: Foundation, Not Finish Line

Master's Degrees: Licensure Gateway or Graduate Stepping Stone

Doctoral Programs: PhD vs. PsyD in Virginia

How to Research Programs Without Getting Lost

Psyd vs PHD in Virginia: Which Doctoral Path Fits You?

Focus and Purpose

Program Length and Selectivity

Funding: A Critical Difference

Dissertation and Capstone Requirements

Choosing Based on Your Goals

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online Vs. Campus Psychology Programs in Virginia

How Virginia's Ranked Programs Break Down by Format

Trade-offs Worth Thinking Through

The Practicum Exception for Doctoral Programs

Access Beyond Virginia's Borders

APA-Accredited and Regionally Accredited Psychology Programs in Virginia

Tuition and Financial Aid for Virginia Psychology Programs

Funding Your Psychology Degree: Assistantships, Scholarships, and Aid

Graduate Assistantships

Departmental and National Scholarships

Virginia-Specific State Aid

Federal Loans and Employer Tuition Benefits

Virginia Psychology Graduate Earnings at a Glance

Career Outcomes and Earning Potential for Virginia Psychology Graduates

Understanding the Wage Picture

Finding Virginia-Specific Data

George Mason University

University of Virginia

Old Dominion University

Norfolk State University

Radford University

Regent University

Liberty University

Mary Baldwin University

Virginia Wesleyan University

Shenandoah University