Best Psychology Schools in Iowa

Drake University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) tailored for licensed psychologists seeking to prescribe medication. This 30-credit program, at $600 per credit, is designed for completion in two years with mostly asynchronous coursework, providing flexibility for working professionals. It prepares graduates for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP) and a supervised fellowship, aiming for prescriptive certification. Admission requires a doctoral degree in psychology with at least a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum focuses on patient care, medical foundations, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practices, adhering to APA standards. No GRE is required for admission, emphasizing Drake's commitment to accessible advanced education in psychology.

• 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
• Focus on Patient Care
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Ethical Practice Emphasis
• Cultural Competence Training
• Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Experiential Fellowship Required
• Supervised by Licensed Physician
• Flexible Asynchronous Learning
• Monthly Webinars Available
• Assistance with Fellowship Placement

The University of Iowa offers a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in behavior intervention and educational strategies. This hybrid program, blending online and campus learning, is tailored for individuals with a background in education or psychology aiming for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. It stands out for its focus on ethical practices and person-centered techniques, ensuring the autonomy of those receiving ABA services. Notably, the program does not require the GRE, preferring applicants with a 3.0 GPA in a related field. Practical experience is a cornerstone, with supervised practicum opportunities available. This program is military-friendly and benefits from the university's on-campus hospital, enhancing its practical learning environment.

• 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

The University of Northern Iowa offers a hybrid School Psychology program, blending online coursework with practical experiences to prepare students for roles in K-12 settings. This NASP-accredited program spans three years, culminating in both a master's and an educational specialist degree. It emphasizes a scientist-practitioner approach, focusing on ethical practices, multi-method assessment, and evidence-based interventions. With over 515 practicum hours, students gain hands-on experience in addressing social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for admission, but the program does not mandate an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. This program is ideal for those seeking flexible learning options without compromising on quality or accreditation.

• 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 offers an online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current job. This program stands out for its focus on applying psychological principles to real-world challenges in various sectors, including business, healthcare, and education. With a requirement of 30 credits over two years, students engage in synchronous online classes during evenings, accommodating working schedules. A unique aspect is the absence of a psychology undergraduate prerequisite, making it accessible to a broader audience. Admission is holistic, requiring a 2.75 GPA and 9 social science credits, with up to 9 transfer credits accepted. The program culminates in a capstone project tailored to individual career goals, emphasizing practical application over theoretical study. Notably, no entrance exam is required, easing the admission process for applicants.

• 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's online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is tailored for students seeking a deep dive into human behavior and mental processes without stepping foot on campus. This program stands out for its flexible scheduling and small class sizes, ensuring students receive personalized attention from faculty. Covering essential areas such as cognition, social psychology, and developmental psychology, the curriculum is designed to equip graduates with practical skills for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits. Notably, the program does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Its online format and lack of specific application deadlines add to the convenience for busy or non-traditional students.

• 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.