How to Find a Psychology Program in Colorado

Making any big decision requires care and consideration. Your search for psychology degree programs in Colorado should include the following elements.

Psychology Degree Pathways in Colorado

Prospective undergraduate students in the state of Colorado have two degree options. They are the two-year associate's degree and the four-year bachelor's degree. In most cases, these programs are offered as standard psychology degrees without concentrations. They are available as a BA (bachelor of arts) or a BS (bachelor of science).

Graduate students have several options. Firstly, there is the graduate certificate – these are certificate programs taken after an applicable bachelor’s or master’s degree that help professionals specialize in a niche area of psychology. There is also the master's degree – the master of science (MS) and master of arts (MA). Most psychology students pursue education at the graduate level.

The terminal degree is the doctorate. In psychology, there are two types: the Ph.D. (suited to research) and the PsyD (suited to clinical practice).

Choose a Psychology Specialty

Undergraduate degrees are usually in general psychology – specialties are rare. You will always have the opportunity to niche or specialize as a graduate student, though straight psychology graduate programs are available too.

The University of Colorado – Boulder offers a psychology major at the bachelor's level, and Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology – variously available as graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and doctorates.

Denver University offers no undergraduate programs but does provide a range of psychology MAs and a PsyD. Master's specialties include Forensic Psychology, International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health, Sport and Performance Psychology, and Sports Coaching.

Accreditation

Why choose an accredited psychology degree program? There are multiple reasons related to quality and opportunity:

  • Accredited programs have been assessed for minimum teaching and research quality standards
  • Only graduates of accredited programs will be able to become clinical psychologists
  • Many non-clinical roles expect your qualifications to be accredited
  • Professional associates will normally reject membership applications without properly accredited qualifications

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits programs across the U.S. while the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is responsible for accrediting programs in the Colorado region.

Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Colorado

Both traditional campus study and online distance learning have their advantages and disadvantages.

Campus study is the traditional method that most students pursue in any degree program. Classes are scheduled and you will gain in-person education, including faculty contact time and social interaction.

The main advantage to online study is flexibility – for students with non-standard lives such as parents and full-time workers. Synchronous learning attempts to create a communal atmosphere with online classes while asynchronous learning means you can go at your own pace.

Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in Colorado

Both master's (MA and MS) and doctorate graduates (both Ph.D. and PsyD) may apply for a license in Colorado, unlike other states where a doctorate is mandatory.

You will need to obtain 700 hours of supervised experience during your master's study, including compulsory internships. Once finished, you must spend the next two years completing another 2,300 hours of supervised experience – for a total of 3,000 hours supervised.

Then you must sit the National Counselor Examination or NCE. Pass that, and you will be eligible for licensure and can practice in Colorado.

List of Psychology Degree Programs in Colorado

Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Colorado? 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.

Jump to City:

Alamosa, CO

Adams State University

  • Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • BA in Sport Psychology
    • Focuses on human performance psychology
    • Research-oriented curriculum
    • Diverse psychological perspectives
    • Mental performance techniques
  • Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Online Learning - Website

    • Online 36-credit program
    • Two-year completion timeline
    • Applied Sport Psychology emphasis
    • Practical internship experiences
    • Comprehensive research methods
    • Nine specialized sport psychology courses
    • Mental strength training focus
    • Ethical practice coursework

Boulder, CO

Naropa University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 41 total psychology credit hours
    • 5 unique program concentrations
    • Contemplative and mindfulness approach
    • Volunteer fieldwork opportunities
    • Senior year capstone experience
    • Transfer up to 90 semester credits
    • On-campus bachelor's degree
    • Internationally recognized faculty
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

    Concentration: Psychology of Health and Healing - Campus Based - Website

    • 41 psychology credit hours
    • Five unique concentration options
    • Contemplative education approach
    • Internationally recognized faculty
    • Senior year capstone experience
    • Transfer up to 90 credits
    • Two contemplative science labs
    • Campus-based degree program

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado College

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 11-unit major requirement.
    • Focus on empirical research.
    • Ethical responsibility training.
    • Methodological competence development.
    • Broad coverage of psychology.
    • Advanced seminars available.
    • Research experience included.
    • Prepares for graduate studies.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • Master's - Clinical Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 47 credit hours
    • On-campus program
    • Scientist-practitioner model
    • Research thesis required
    • Practicum experience included
    • Specializations available
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Not for master's licensure
  • Master's - Clinical Psychology

    Concentration: Geropsychology - Campus Based - Website

    • 47 credit hours
    • Campus-based program
    • Focus on Geropsychology
    • Scientist-practitioner model
    • Requires research thesis
    • Practicum experience included
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Specialized faculty expertise
  • Master's - Clinical Psychology

    Concentration: Trauma Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • 47 credit hours required
    • Focus on Trauma Psychology
    • Scientist-practitioner model
    • Includes practicum experience
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Not for LPC licensure
    • Adult-focused program
    • Research thesis required
  • Master's - Psychology, MA

    Concentration: Developmental Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Concentration in Developmental Psychology
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Research thesis required
    • Core course in Developmental Psychology
    • Participation in sub-plan activities
    • Focus on children and adolescents
    • Career opportunities in social services
    • Educational settings preparation
  • Doctorate - Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. with Major Area of Study in Trauma Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 5-year doctoral program
    • No GRE required
    • APA-accredited through 2029
    • Veterans Health & Trauma Clinic
    • 2-4 students per cohort
    • 120 credit hours required
    • Off-site clinical internship
    • Scientist-practitioner training model

Denver, CO

Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • Bachelor's - Psychology Major, B.S.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Broad psychology background
    • Research and internship opportunities
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Affordable tuition
    • Supportive faculty
    • Campus-based program
    • Hands-on learning experiences
    • Diverse career paths

Regis University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online and on-campus format.
    • Transfer up to 81 credits.
    • $599 per credit hour tuition.
    • High school diploma required for admission.
    • Prepares for careers in counseling, social work.
    • Covers lifespan development, trauma, brain-behavior.
    • Flexible 5- or 8-week terms.
    • Financial aid options available.

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Master's - MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 30 credit hours total
    • Primarily online program
    • One week on-campus intensive
    • Designed for working professionals
    • No out-of-state tuition surcharge
    • Follows APA and Colorado guidelines
    • Courses in 8-week sequential terms
    • Two courses per semester
  • Master's - Special Education

    Concentration: Applied Behavior Analysis - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program.
    • Prepares for BCBA exam.
    • Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis.
    • Combines coursework and practicum.
    • Weekly Zoom meetings required.
    • 30 credits for completion.
    • 21 months recommended completion.
    • Ethical practices in ABA.
  • Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online graduate certificate
    • 7 sequential 3-credit courses
    • Prepares for BCBA exam
    • Requires graduate degree
    • Weekly online meetings
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Grade of B- or better
  • Doctorate - Clinical Health Psychology PhD Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • APA Accredited Program
    • Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
    • Downtown Denver Campus Location
    • Diverse Research Opportunities
    • Cultural Competence Emphasis
    • Full Accreditation Until 2034
    • Research and Clinical Training
    • Interdisciplinary Healthcare Approach
  • Doctorate - Clinical Health Psychology PhD

    Campus Based - Website

    • APA Accredited Program
    • Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
    • Downtown Denver Campus Location
    • Research Opportunities at Anschutz Medical Campus
    • Emphasis on Cultural Competence
    • Diverse Clinical Training Experiences
    • Pre-doctoral Internship Required
    • Master's Thesis and Dissertation
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-year doctoral program
    • 100 credits total
    • APA and NASP accredited
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Optional bilingual concentration
    • Trauma-informed education focus
    • On-campus program type
    • Culturally responsive approach
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology

    Concentration: Bilingual (Spanish/English) School Psychologist - Campus Based - Website

    • APA-accredited PsyD program
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Bilingual concentration option
    • Trauma-informed education credential
    • 4-year program, 100 total credits
    • Nationally recognized faculty
    • Culturally responsive training
    • Supervised clinical experiences
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology

    Concentration: Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) - Campus Based - Website

    • APA-accredited PsyD program
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Optional bilingual concentration
    • NME trauma-informed credential
    • Culturally responsive training
    • 4-year program length
    • 100 total credits required
    • On-campus instruction

University of Denver

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year full-time master's program
    • Focuses on psychology and law
    • Practicum experiences included
    • Diverse career placement opportunities
    • Multicultural and social justice oriented
    • Campus-based professional training
    • Quarter system academic structure
  • Master's - Master of Arts in School Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • One-year full-time program.
    • 45-quarter credit hours required.
    • Includes Capstone project.
    • Focus on child development.
    • Prepares for Ph.D. studies.
    • Emphasizes collaborative problem-solving.
    • Covers ethical, legal practice.
    • Advocacy for wellness focus.
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year Master's degree program
    • Nonprofit consulting organization CPEX
    • Applied training opportunities
    • Unique performance psychology focus
    • Specialized elective courses
    • Denver community networking
    • Capstone project experience
    • High-performance contexts training
  • Doctorate - Clinical Psychology

    Concentration: Child Emphasis - Campus Based - Website

    • APA-accredited since 1964
    • 120 total credit hours required
    • Emphasis on child psychology
    • Clinical science research model
    • Diverse research opportunities
    • Collaborative learning approach
    • Externship at medical centers
    • Developmental neuroscience specialization
  • Doctorate - Doctoral program in Developmental Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Focus on human development.
    • Collaborative, inclusive environment.
    • Prepares for research careers.
    • Hands-on opportunities available.
    • Faculty mentorship program.
    • Supports independent research grants.
    • Emphasizes intellectual curiosity.
    • Professional development support.
  • Doctorate - Doctoral program in Developmental Psychology

    Concentration: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience - Campus Based - Website

    • Focus on Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Collaborative, integrative approach
    • Hands-on experience with Denver organizations
    • Opportunities for independent research grants
    • Covers neuroimaging, computational modeling
    • Prepares for research and teaching careers
    • Interdisciplinary neuroscience and psychology focus
    • Supportive, inclusive environment
  • Doctorate - PhD in Counseling Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 90-135 Credit Hour Program
    • 5-6 Year Completion Timeline
    • 100% Tuition Assistance
    • Pre-Doctoral Internship Opportunities
    • Multiple Career Path Options
    • APA Continuously Accredited Since 1986
    • Community-Based Practical Experience
    • State Licensure Preparation

Durango, CO

Fort Lewis College

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 42 total psychology credits
    • Six psychological content areas
    • Senior research experience required
    • Upper division course focus
    • Diverse psychology electives
    • Statistics course included
    • Multiple breadth area options

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

  • Bachelor's - Major in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Concentration

    Campus Based - Website

    • Workforce-ready psychology concentration
    • Research and lab-based learning
    • Multiple career path options
    • Strong analytical skill development
    • Internship and research opportunities
    • Seminar-focused workplace psychology
    • Prepares for graduate education
  • Bachelor's - Major in Psychology

    Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
    • CAC-I certification preparation
    • Required internship experience
    • Good job prospects in addiction counseling
    • Entry-level counseling career opportunities
  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Concentration: General Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • General Psychology concentration
    • Campus program
    • Tailored lecture/lab pairs
    • Research experience opportunities
    • Internships for applied interests
    • Solid foundation in natural sciences
    • Strong analytical and statistical skills
    • Ethical standards in psychology
  • Master's - Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology and Social Work

    Campus Based - Website

    • Joint Master's degree program
    • 83 total credit hours
    • Licensure pathway preparation
    • Advanced standing available
    • Multi-disciplinary approach
    • Clinical and research training
    • Comprehensive addiction counseling
    • Field placement opportunities
  • Master's - Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2-year masters program
    • NASAC accredited until 2028
    • Bachelor's degree required
    • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
    • One year campus, one year internship
    • 360-480 clinical internship hours
    • No research thesis required
    • Comprehensive exam completion
  • Master's - Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program
    • 38 credits required
    • Focus on practical application
    • Covers organizational development
    • Includes workforce training
    • Research and consulting focus
    • Prepares for diverse industries
    • Admission based on graduate standards
  • Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Identification and Treatment

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12 credit program
    • Campus-based learning
    • Focus on diverse populations
    • Empirically supported interventions
    • Advanced addiction counseling
    • Motivational interviewing techniques
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Neuropharmacology of addiction
  • Doctorate - Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Full APA Accreditation
    • Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
    • Diverse Clinical Training Settings
    • One-Year Doctoral Internship Required
    • Optional Substance Use Disorder Certificate
    • Multicultural Competency Focus
    • Research and Clinical Skill Development
    • Community Mental Health Emphasis
  • Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ph.D. doctoral program only
    • Fall semester admissions
    • General GRE required
    • Research and teaching focus
    • Practicum in organizational settings
    • Occupational Health Psychology concentration
    • Comprehensive faculty mentorship
    • Diverse career placement opportunities
  • Doctorate - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    Concentration: Occupational Health Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Ph.D. doctoral program only
    • Occupational Health Psychology concentration
    • Research-focused training
    • Practicum in organizational settings
    • Multidisciplinary research opportunities
    • Funded by Mountain & Plains ERC
    • Diverse career placement options
    • Requires general GRE scores
  • Doctorate - Psychological Clinical Science

    Campus Based - Website

    • 5-6 year doctoral program
    • Clinical scientist training model
    • Multiple clinical practica sites
    • Optional SUDIT certificate
    • Research-focused curriculum
    • No GRE requirement
    • Diverse clinical training opportunities
    • Yearlong predoctoral internship

Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
    • APA guidelines aligned curriculum.
    • Laboratory research coursework.
    • Internships for senior majors.
    • Prepares for diverse careers.
    • Opportunities for graduate study.
    • Involvement in Psychology Club.
    • Psi Chi honor society chapter.
  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Concentration: Counseling Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • BA in Psychology.
    • Counseling Psychology concentration.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Includes practicum experience.
    • Prepares for graduate study.
    • Focus on ethical counseling practices.
    • Hands-on psychological testing.
    • Group processes training.

Greeley, CO

University of Northern Colorado

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program flexibility
    • $444 per credit hour
    • Start any term
    • Transfer credits accepted
    • No added student fees
    • Same faculty as on-campus
    • Approximately 2 years completion
    • 120 total credits required
  • Master's - M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

    Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Website

    • 33 total credit hours
    • 2-year completion time
    • Located in Greeley, CO
    • Thesis or comprehensive exam
    • Research-focused curriculum
    • Prepares for doctoral programs
    • Expert faculty mentorship
    • Diverse career opportunities
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.)

    Campus Based - Website

    • APA accredited since 2010.
    • Three years coursework plus internship.
    • Hands-on clinical training.
    • Live supervision at on-site clinic.
    • Cognitive and personality assessment courses.
    • Optional minor in research methods.
    • Meets Colorado licensure requirements.
    • Resources for other states' licensure.
  • Doctorate - Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 68 Credit Hours
    • Campus-based program
    • Flexible course of study
    • Faculty mentorship
    • Research collaboration opportunities
    • Prepares for academia and research
    • Focus on real-world application
    • Located in Greeley, CO
  • Doctorate - Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

    Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Website

    • Unique Social Psychology of Sport PhD
    • 64-67 total credits required
    • Located in Greeley, Colorado
    • 51 credit hours of coursework
    • Internationally recognized program
    • Small, selective doctoral program
    • Research-focused curriculum
    • Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities

Gunnison, CO

Western Colorado University

  • Bachelor's - Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major

    Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Sport Psychology Minor available
    • Part of Exercise and Sport Science department
    • Comprehensive psychological skills training
    • Courses include mental performance techniques
    • Prepares for advanced graduate studies

Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • BA and BS options available.
    • 121 credit hours required.
    • Four-year completion timeline.
    • Foreign language for BA.
    • Natural sciences for BS.
    • Hands-on research opportunities.
    • Field placements available.
    • Prepares for diverse careers.
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

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