Best Psychology Schools in Iowa
Iowa-based prospective psychologists need to understand their study options fully. Whether you’re starting your first psychology degree or stepping back into education to complete a graduate program, there are many considerations to be aware of that factor into finding the right program for your goals.
2026 Best Online Psychology Programs in Iowa
Drake University
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - drake.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drake University's fully online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology provides a specialized pathway for licensed post-doctoral psychologists seeking prescriptive authority. Tailored for advanced practitioners, the 30-credit program delivers comprehensive training in medication management and patient care. With a competitive $600 per credit rate and completion possible within two years, the curriculum emphasizes medical foundations, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practice standards. Designed to prepare students for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP), the program requires a doctoral psychology degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The asynchronous learning model offers flexibility, complemented by monthly webinars and robust support for fellowship placement. Graduates gain advanced skills in prescriptive practice aligned with APA guidelines.
- 30 Credit Hours
- $600 per Credit
- Complete in 2 Years
- 100% Online
- No Application Fee
- Fall Start Only
- APA Designated Program
- Prepares for PEP Exam
- Requires Doctoral Degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Iowa's Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a cutting-edge hybrid program designed for professionals seeking specialized training in behavior intervention strategies. Tailored for educators and psychologists, this innovative certificate prepares students for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing ethical, person-centered techniques. Students benefit from a flexible online and on-campus learning model, with supervised practicum opportunities providing crucial hands-on experience. The program stands out by eliminating GRE requirements and welcoming applicants with a 3.0 GPA from related academic backgrounds. Its unique approach prioritizes individual autonomy and evidence-based intervention methods, making it an excellent pathway for professionals committed to advanced behavioral analysis.
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for BCBA certification
- No GRE requirement
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- Focus on ethical practices
- Person-centered techniques
- Supervised practicum available
- For education and psychology backgrounds
- Emphasizes individual autonomy
- Online and campus learning
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA - Public 4-Year - uni.edu
Master's - School Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Iowa's hybrid School Psychology program offers a dynamic three-year master's and educational specialist degree designed to cultivate advanced psychological assessment and intervention expertise. Students engage in a comprehensive NASP-accredited curriculum emphasizing multi-method assessment techniques and evidence-based interventions. With 515+ hours of practical experience, the program prepares professionals to address complex social, behavioral, and emotional challenges across diverse K-12 educational settings. The scientist-practitioner model ensures graduates are equipped with robust skills in professional ethics, psychological assessment, and strategic student support interventions. The program requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and provides flexible hybrid learning opportunities.
- Three-year full-time program
- NASP-approved curriculum
- 515+ practicum hours
- Master's and EdS degrees
- Scientist-practitioner model
- Multiple career setting options
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Hybrid learning format
- Professional ethics focus
Loras College
Dubuque, IA - Private 4-year - loras.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Loras College's online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology provides professionals a comprehensive pathway to enhance leadership capabilities and psychological understanding. Spanning two years with 30 credits, the program uniquely enables students to explore organizational psychology through flexible evening synchronous classes. Students develop critical interpersonal skills applicable across diverse sectors including non-profits, healthcare, education, and human resources. No specific psychology undergraduate background is required, and applicants must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. The program distinguishes itself by offering a personalized capstone project tailored to individual career goals. With no specific entrance exam requirement, the holistic admission process considers applicants' comprehensive professional and academic backgrounds.
- Fully online synchronous classes
- 30 credits, 2-year completion
- One 7-week class at a time
- No psychology undergraduate required
- Flexible evening class schedule
- Capstone project tailored to goals
- Applicable across career sectors
- Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
- Up to 9 transfer credits allowed
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA - Private 4-year - uiu.edu
Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Upper Iowa University's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology offers a dynamic, student-centered program exploring human behavior and mental processes. Designed for flexibility, the curriculum covers essential areas like cognition, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized faculty attention, preparing for diverse career opportunities or advanced academic pursuits. The program accommodates learners at various life stages with convenient online delivery and no specific application deadlines. With a focus on practical skills and comprehensive theoretical knowledge, this degree provides a versatile foundation in psychological understanding. Military-friendly and emphasizing adaptable learning, UIU's psychology program stands out for its comprehensive and accessible approach.
- Online program available.
- Small class sizes.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Prepares for various careers.
- No specific application deadlines.
- Personalized faculty attention.
- Covers cognition, social psychology.
- Developmental psychology included.
- Practical skills emphasized.
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Upper Iowa University's online Master of Science in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration provides a robust professional pathway for aspiring mental health practitioners. The program uniquely blends theoretical instruction with practical application through evening Zoom courses, enabling working professionals to complete their degree in 2-3 years. Students develop advanced intervention skills, learning to support diverse populations effectively. With a competitive 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and tuition around $520 per credit hour, the program aligns with national licensing standards. Featuring a minimum 600-hour internship, graduates are well-positioned for the projected 22% job growth in mental health counseling fields.
- 100% online evening courses
- 2-3 year completion time
- Field experiences in student's area
- National standards aligned curriculum
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- Clinical mental health emphasis
- 600-hour minimum internship
- $520 per credit hour
- Aligned with licensing requirements
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Upper Iowa University's online Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in School Counseling, prepares professionals for impactful educational roles. This comprehensive program emphasizes early intervention and student empowerment through flexible evening Zoom classes. Students complete a rigorous curriculum including a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, ensuring hands-on experience in public, charter, and private school settings. Designed for working professionals, the program offers part-time study options and competitive tuition rates. Aligned with national counseling standards, this degree equips graduates with advanced skills to support student development and address complex educational challenges effectively.
- 100% online courses.
- Evening Zoom classes.
- 2-3 years completion.
- 100-hour practicum.
- 600-hour internship.
- Competitive tuition rates.
- Part-time study option.
- Aligns with national standards.
- Focus on school counseling.
- Flexible for working professionals.
How to Find a Psychology Program in Iowa
Psychology students in Iowa have many things to consider, not least of all which type of degree they need, and the cost. But there are other factors at play as well. The following are a few highlights of what you should think about before entering a psychology degree program in the state.
Psychology Degree Pathways in Iowa
In Iowa, students seeking their first undergraduate degree have two options: an associate's degree taken over two years, or a bachelor's degree over four years. Only the latter degree type permits further study – which most people in the field of psychology will eventually pursue.
From there, you may choose to enroll in a graduate certificate program – a shorter program option that aims to train you in a specialty area of psychology. Or, you may opt for a master's degree in psychology, which comes as a Master of Arts (MA) for clinical practice, or Master’s Degree of Science (MS) for research careers.
The doctorate is the highest type of degree you can earn. They come in two types for psychology. In line with a master's degree, they too are aimed at different types of students: the Ph.D. is for research careers while the PsyD is for clinical practice careers.
Choose a Psychology Specialty
Undergraduate psych degrees don't normally offer niche specialization, though you may find some limited options. Most often, students will major in general psychology at this level. Graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and doctorates typically offer areas of concentration for students to hone their psychology studies further.
The University of Iowa has both a BA and BS, an MA, and a Ph.D. – all in psychology. Iowa State University is a great place to pursue a doctorate in specialty areas including cognitive psychology, counseling psychology, and social psychology.
Accreditation
To work in most areas of psychology, employers will expect you to have completed an accredited program. There are several other reasons to ensure a properly accredited psychology program:
- If a program is accredited, it means minimum teaching quality standards are met
- Mandatory for those seeking clinical work and licensure
- Some roles outside of clinical practice also require accredited qualifications
- Some professional organizations limit membership to graduates of accredited qualifications
In Iowa, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits programs. The APA (American Psychological Association) accredits nationally.
Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Iowa
Full-time offline campus study doesn't suit all students. Internet technology now permits remote learning, even for psychology degrees.
The benefits of online psych programs are apparent – work at your own pace, over any number of years, and during hours and patterns that suit you (within reason). The drawback is that you miss out on the social element of college life.
While on-campus programs have all the social and human interaction benefits, they are strictly structured with timed classes and deadlines. This has worked for countless students, but it's not for those who need flexibility – such as those employed full-time or with family obligations.
To address problems with both study methods, hybrid learning may be available with some psychology degrees – these programs blend in-school and virtual learning.
Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in Iowa
In Iowa, you may only apply for a license if you have a doctorate. This can be a Ph.D. or a PsyD so long as it is accredited, and it can be in any relevant psychology subfield.
From there, you are permitted to use the title "Psychology Associate" in the state of Iowa. This allows you to acquire the necessary work experience under supervision that will allow you to become eligible for the next stage. You must complete these 1,500 hours within one year.
The Iowa Board of Psychology will assess all this and then invite you to sit the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Pass, and you are eligible to practice as a licensed psychologist.
2026 Affordable Psychology Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Graceland University-Lamoni |
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| Morningside University |
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| Drake University |
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List of Psychology Degree Programs in Iowa
Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Iowa? 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.
Cedar Falls, IA
University of Northern Iowa
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 120-credit Bachelor of Arts degree
- Core content across psychology domains
- Research methods and statistics focus
- Introduction to Psychology prerequisite
- Multiple psychology elective options
- Professional preparation course
- Opportunity for departmental honors
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- First CACREP-accredited program nationally
- 700 mandatory practicum hours
- Neuro-informed curriculum
- Trauma-sensitive approach
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Multiple career pathway options
- Wellness-focused training philosophy
- Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited
- 700 practicum hours
- Wellness-grounded program
- No prior education degrees required
- Strong national reputation
- Prepares K-12 counselors
- Covers crisis and trauma
- Career planning included
- Master's - Psychology (M.A.)
Concentration: Social Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Two program emphases: Clinical Science, Social Psychology
- Research-based orientation
- Thesis required for completion
- 42-43 total semester hours
- Minimum 15 hours 6000-level courses
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Advanced research methodology training
- Master's - School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- NASP approved accreditation
- 515+ practicum hours
- Two-degree pathway (MAE/EdS)
- 100% first-year employment
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Diverse career opportunities
- Scientist-practitioner model
- Master's - School Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- NASP-approved curriculum
- 515+ practicum hours
- Master's and EdS degrees
- Scientist-practitioner model
- Multiple career setting options
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Hybrid learning format
Davenport, IA
Saint Ambrose University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit program
- 34 dedicated psychology credits
- Multiple capstone course options
- Community partnership opportunities
- Internship experiences available
- Campus or online learning
- Diverse faculty expertise
- Psi Chi Honor Society eligible
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credits total
- Campus-based program
- Hands-on research opportunities
- Internship experiences available
- Focus on ethical decision-making
- Diverse career paths
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Practical applications emphasized
Decorah, IA
Luther College
- Bachelor's - Psychology Major
Concentration: Developmental Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Developmental Psychology concentration.
- PhD-level faculty.
- High-caliber facilities.
- Career-developing internships.
- Student-led organizations.
- Core knowledge in psychology.
- Scientific inquiry skills.
Des Moines, IA
Drake University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- B.A. and B.S. options available
- 39 hours of psychology coursework
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Faculty with doctorates
- Research and internship options
- Prepares for graduate school
- Diverse career paths
- Psi Chi honor society
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Online Learning - Website
- 30 Credit Hours
- $600 per Credit
- Complete in 2 Years
- 100% Online
- No Application Fee
- Fall Start Only
- APA Designated Program
- Prepares for PEP Exam
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Part-time evening/weekend classes
- Clinical Mental Health focus
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Research and conference participation
- Designed for working adults
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Rehabilitation Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Part-time program flexibility
- Evening and weekend classes
- CACREP accredited
- Scholarships available
- Expert faculty guidance
- Research opportunities
- Professional experiences
- Rehabilitation Counseling focus
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Part-time program.
- Evening and weekend classes.
- Campus-based learning.
- Expert faculty mentorship.
- Research and conference opportunities.
- Scholarships available.
- Focus on practical experience.
- Designed for working adults.
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Focus on research scholarship
- Prepares for academic leadership
- Part of School of Education
- Designed for professional advancement
Grand View University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- 44 major credits required
- 6-9 prerequisite credits
- C- or above grade requirement
- Includes graduate-level coursework options
- Focus on counseling and abnormal behavior
- Close advisor collaboration
- Prepares for graduate school
Dubuque, IA
Clarke University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts or Science
- Campus-based program
- Focus on human behavior
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Individualized admission process
- Emphasis on critical thinking
- Includes internships
Emmaus Bible College
- Bachelor's - Counseling Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year program
- Bachelor of Science
- Campus-based learning
- Christian integration focus
- Multicultural counseling techniques
- Professional ethics training
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Diverse counseling roles
Loras College
- Psychology Major
- Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online synchronous classes
- 30 credits, 2-year completion
- One 7-week class at a time
- No psychology undergraduate required
- Flexible evening class schedule
- Capstone project tailored to goals
- Applicable across career sectors
- Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
University of Dubuque
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credit hours for degree.
- 48 credit hours in Psychology.
- Campus-based program.
- Core courses and practicum.
- Four specialized areas.
- Prepares for careers or grad school.
- Admission meets general education standards.
- Recommended Human Biology course.
Fayette, IA
Upper Iowa University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online program available.
- Small class sizes.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Prepares for various careers.
- No specific application deadlines.
- Personalized faculty attention.
- Covers cognition, social psychology.
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online evening courses
- 2-3 year completion time
- Field experiences in student's area
- National standards aligned curriculum
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- Clinical mental health emphasis
- 600-hour minimum internship
- $520 per credit hour
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online courses.
- Evening Zoom classes.
- 2-3 years completion.
- 100-hour practicum.
- 600-hour internship.
- Competitive tuition rates.
- Part-time study option.
- Aligns with national standards.
Grinnell, IA
Grinnell College
- Bachelor's - Psychology, B.A.
Concentration: Developmental Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Hands-on lab experiences.
- Interdisciplinary study options.
- Research opportunities from first year.
- Focus on developmental psychology.
- Prepares for diverse careers.
- Strong foundation in psychological science.
- Access to financial aid.
- Campus-based program.
Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
- Master's - School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- PhD and EdS degrees available
- Multiculturally competent training
- Community partnership opportunities
- Optional GRE submission
- 3.00 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Collaborative learning environment
- Research-focused curriculum
- Comprehensive mental health training
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for BCBA certification
- No GRE requirement
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- Focus on ethical practices
- Person-centered techniques
- Supervised practicum available
- For education and psychology backgrounds
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology PhD
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited doctoral program
- Full-time study required
- Minimum 103 semester hours
- Competitive admission process
- Multicultural education emphasis
- Practicum and internship training
- Diverse research opportunities
- Flexible GRE requirements
- Doctorate - PhD in Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Research-focused doctoral program
- Individualized faculty mentorship
- 12 semester hours minor area
- Pre-candidacy research project
- 3.00 minimum GPA requirement
- Optional GRE submission
- Dissertation defense required
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Doctorate - Psychology, PhD
Concentration: Clinical Science - Campus Based - Website
- PCSAS and APA Accredited Program
- Minimum 72 semester hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Five-year financial support guaranteed
- One-year clinical internship included
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Multiple clinical placement sites
- Interdisciplinary research approaches
Lamoni, IA
Graceland University-Lamoni
- Bachelor's - Forensic Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Unique undergraduate Forensic Psychology degree
- Two concentration options available
- High academic standards
- Potential federal/state internships
- Excellent graduate school preparation
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Campus-based program
- 34 semester hours required
- Research methods training
- Double major options available
- Developmental psychology focus
- Social psychology courses
- Career in diverse fields
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: Developmental Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Focus on Developmental Psychology.
- Campus-based program.
- Research and applied skills.
- Internship opportunities available.
- Financial aid options.
Orange City, IA
Northwestern College
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Scientific study of behavior
- Integrates faith with psychology
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Focus on theoretical and practical
- Campus-based program
Oskaloosa, IA
William Penn University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Campus-based program
- 100 internship hours required
- Diverse career preparation
- Focus on practical exercises
- Enhances communication skills
- Team-friendly learning environment
- Comprehensive psychology curriculum
Sioux Center, IA
Dordt University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Christ-centered psychological education
- Hands-on research opportunities
- Broad psychology training
- Small class sizes
- Advanced testing classes
- Graduate school preparation
- 99.3% career outcome rate
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
Sioux City, IA
Briar Cliff University
- Bachelor's - Behavior Analysis
Campus Based - Website
- Hands-on practicum experience.
- Verified Course Sequence by ABAI.
- Prepares for BCaBA credentialing.
- Focus on special needs individuals.
- Strong faculty support.
- Practical clinical skills development.
- Community partnership opportunities.
- High placement rate in careers.
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
- 8:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
- 43 Major Credit Hours
- Flexible Double Major Option
- Research Experience Available
- Internship Opportunities
- Multiple Career Pathways
- In-Person Campus Program
Morningside University
- Bachelor's - Counseling Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 13:1 student/faculty ratio
- 99% employment/graduate school rate
- Campus-based program
- Focuses on emotional, social well-being
- Includes group counseling, psychopathology
- Hands-on research opportunities
- Financial aid available
- Prepares for graduate study
- Bachelor's - General Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 13:1 student/faculty ratio
- 99% employment or grad school rate
- Broad psychology foundation
- Research opportunities available
- Tailored coursework options
- Ideal for graduate school prep
- Includes required research methods
- Covers history and systems