What you’ll learn in this article…
- Mississippi reserves the psychologist title for doctoral-level practitioners, requiring three exams and roughly $1,400 in licensure fees.
- Graduate assistantships and tuition waivers can sharply reduce out-of-pocket costs at schools like Mississippi State and Southern Miss.
- APA accreditation matters most for doctoral clinical and counseling programs, while regional accreditation covers all degree levels.
- National median earnings for clinical and counseling psychologists significantly exceed those for bachelor's-level psychology holders in the state.
Which accredited psychology programs in Mississippi actually deliver strong outcomes without burying you in debt? It is a fair question in a state where in-state tuition at public universities can run under $10,200 a year and median graduate debt across top programs hovers near $20,000 to $22,000.
Mississippi's options are limited in number but well-defined. Schools like Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, and William Carey University cover bachelor's through graduate-level tracks in general psychology, applied behavior analysis, and related specializations, with online and hybrid formats expanding access for working adults across the state.
The practical tension is real: Mississippi reserves the psychologist title for doctoral graduates, meaning master's holders must pursue separate credentials like Licensed Professional Counselor. That single policy shapes every program and career decision downstream, and students weighing a masters in counseling in Mississippi should understand how it fits into the state's broader credentialing landscape.
2027 Best Psychology Programs in Mississippi: Rankings
Choosing a psychology program in Mississippi usually comes down to degree level, specialization, and whether you can attend on campus or need online flexibility. The schools below represent the strongest online and budget-conscious options we tracked for 2026. Federal earnings and debt data in each card reflect the university as a whole, because earnings specific to individual programs are not yet published by the U.S. Department of Education.
Factors considered
- Online and campus availability
- Tuition, fees, and net price
- Graduation and retention rates
- Student earnings after leaving
- Debt and loan outcomes
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs
William Carey University
William Carey University, a private Christian institution in Hattiesburg, makes this list with its fully online bachelor's in general studies in education with an applied behavior analysis concentration. It is a practical route for students who want to work with children with autism and developmental disabilities, serve as behavior therapists, or move on to post-baccalaureate study toward BCBA certification, and its 128 credit hour structure is manageable for working adults. University-wide federal data shows median earnings of about $43,100 for former students roughly 10 years after entering and median debt at completion of about $20,800, though outcomes specific to this concentration are not yet published. The roughly 60% graduation rate applies to the university as a whole, not to this program alone.
- 100% online program delivered through Canvas
- 128 total credit hours
- Built around two 18 credit hour concentration blocks
- Focus on autism and developmental disabilities
- Prepares for BCBA certification with post-baccalaureate work
- Flexible for working adult students
Applied Behavior Analysis (General Studies in Education), Bachelor's — Online
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University is the most complete public option here: its offerings extend from a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that Mississippi residents can complete fully online to an applied behavior analysis sequence at the bachelor's, master's, and graduate certificate levels, with online or hybrid formats. The psychology major requires 121 credit hours, upper-division psychology electives, a foreign language, and research experience, and it is often used as preparation for graduate study. Institution-wide federal data puts median former student earnings near $51,500 and median debt at completion near $22,100; program-level earnings are not yet available. The 67% graduation rate covers all university students, not just psychology majors.
- 121 total credit hours and foreign language requirement
- 18 credits of upper-division psychology electives
- Hands-on labs in experimental psychology
- Minor in Cognitive Science available
- Internship in human service settings
- Available fully online to Mississippi residents
- 120 total credit hours
- Verified Course Sequence by ABAI
- Prepares for BCaBA certification
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) eligible
- Online and campus degree plans
- Fall and spring start dates
- Supervised experiential learning included
- 40 credit hours completed in about two years
- Cohort-based, with fall start
- Both face-to-face and online coursework
- Practicum partnerships with multiple providers
- No prior ABA experience required
- Graduate assistantships with tuition reimbursement
- Prepares students for the BCBA exam
- 21 credit hours across seven courses
- Fully online graduate certificate
- Requires a prior master's degree
- In-state tuition for all students
- Builds toward BCBA certification
- Students assigned a faculty advisor
Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Online
Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis — Hybrid
Applied Behavior Analysis, Master's — Hybrid
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate — Online
Belhaven University
Belhaven University in Jackson teaches its Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology fully online in seven-week terms, and the school's Christian worldview is woven through the curriculum. The 124 credit hour program covers child development, abnormal psychology, counseling theory, research methods, and statistics, with concentrations in Christian ministries, criminal justice, and human services. Belhaven is also SACSCOC accredited. Federal data for the university shows median former student earnings of about $46,400 and median debt at completion of about $26,300; applied psychology specific earnings are not yet published. Its graduation rate is roughly 49% institution-wide.
- 124 total credit hours
- $465 per credit hour tuition
- Three concentrations: Christian Ministries, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
- Seven-week courses offered year round
- Christian worldview integrated into curriculum
- Small class sizes
- Military benefits accepted
Applied Psychology (B.A.), Bachelor's — Online
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi in Oxford anchors the graduate end of this ranking with an M.Ed. in Special Education concentration in applied behavior analysis, taught in a hybrid format that combines Oxford campus sessions with online coursework. This two-year, 30 credit hour program is aimed at educators and professionals pursuing BCBA certification, and it includes field experiences, a supervised practicum, and a capstone project. Program-level earnings are not yet published; university-wide federal data shows median earnings around $51,000 and median debt at completion of $20,000 for former students. The institution-wide graduation rate of about 72% spans all majors.
- 30 total credit hours over two years
- Hybrid: Oxford campus and online coursework
- Meets BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements
- Requires 45 hours of field experiences
- Supervised practicum placement included
- Capstone research project required
- GRE or Praxis accepted
- Alternative admission options available
Applied Behavior Analysis (M.Ed. in Special Education), Master's — Hybrid
What Makes These Programs Stand Out: Earnings and Debt at a Glance
Before exploring costs and specializations in detail, this snapshot compares median graduate debt against long-term earnings for Mississippi's top-ranked psychology programs. Program-level earnings shortly after completion are not yet available for these schools, so the figures below reflect institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment and median debt at graduation.
Most Affordable Psychology Programs in Mississippi
Tuition sticker prices tell only part of the affordability story. For psychology graduate students in Mississippi, the real question is what a program costs after funding is factored in. Assistantships, stipends, and tuition waivers can reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs at public institutions, making programs that look expensive on paper surprisingly accessible.
Start With the Department's Own Funding Page
Before comparing programs side by side, go directly to the psychology department websites at schools like the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Most graduate programs maintain a dedicated "Funding" or "Financial Aid" section that lists graduate assistantships, research fellowships, and teaching positions. These pages describe typical award structures, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. Because funding pools shift from year to year based on faculty grants and university budgets, treat this information as a starting point rather than a final answer.
Talk to the Graduate Program Coordinator
No website stays perfectly current. A five-minute conversation with a graduate program coordinator can reveal funding opportunities that have not made it into the official materials yet. Ask specifically about first-year funding guarantees, multi-year assistantship packages, and whether the department has any fellowships reserved for incoming students. Coordinators field these questions regularly and are generally forthcoming with honest answers about what to expect.
Use Salary Data to Weigh the Value of an Offer
A funding package only makes sense when you can compare it against likely career earnings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes national wage data for psychologists and related occupations, giving you a reliable baseline for evaluating whether a stipend or tuition waiver represents a sound financial trade-off. Keep in mind that BLS national figures represent averages across all states and are not a direct proxy for Mississippi-specific salaries, which tend to run below the national median for most psychology roles. Exploring applied psychology careers can help you identify which specializations carry the strongest earning potential relative to program cost.
Tap Professional Association Resources
Scholarships and fellowships aimed specifically at psychology graduate students are available through two key organizations. The American Psychological Association offers several funding opportunities for graduate members, including diversity fellowships and research grants. The Mississippi Psychological Association is a useful state-level resource for locating awards geared toward students who plan to practice or conduct research within the state. Checking both organizations at the start of each academic year ensures you do not miss rolling deadlines.
Online Vs. Campus Psychology Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi's psychology programs span fully online, hybrid, and traditional campus formats, each with distinct cost structures and practical trade-offs. Working professionals often gravitate toward online options for scheduling flexibility, while students who need hands-on clinical training may benefit from campus or hybrid arrangements. Below is a side-by-side look at the three ranked programs and how their delivery formats compare.
| Feature | William Carey University (Online) | Mississippi State University (Online) | University of Mississippi (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Format | Fully online bachelor's (Applied Behavior Analysis) | Fully online bachelor's (General Psychology) | Hybrid master's (Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed. in Special Education) |
| Published In-State Tuition | $15,480 (same for all students) | $10,202 in-state; $27,637 out-of-state | $9,772 in-state; $28,600 out-of-state |
| Average Net Price | $14,258 | $17,595 | $13,314 |
| Median Graduate Debt | $20,832 | $22,142 | $20,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 59.8% | 66.7% | 71.7% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 16:1 | 18:1 |
| Practicum or Field Component | Designed to prepare Board Certified Behavior Analysts; fieldwork expectations vary | Research and practical skills embedded in coursework; no required clinical practicum at the bachelor's level | Includes 6 credit hours of practicum placement, blending on-site clinical work with online coursework |
| Best Fit | Working professionals seeking a flat tuition rate regardless of residency | Mississippi residents looking for a lower in-state price point with full online flexibility | Students who want graduate-level ABA training and can attend periodic on-campus sessions |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you currently working full-time and need evening or weekend flexibility?
Does your intended career path require in-person clinical practicum hours?
Is relocating to a Mississippi campus feasible for you right now?
Psychology Specializations Available in Mississippi
Mississippi universities offer a range of specialized psychology tracks at both the master's and doctoral levels, each designed to prepare graduates for distinct career paths and licensure eligibility. Understanding which specializations are available and how they align with your professional goals is essential when choosing a program.
Clinical Psychology
The University of Southern Mississippi operates an APA-accredited Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, training students to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through evidence-based practice.1 This doctoral track prepares graduates for licensure as psychologists in Mississippi and other states, meeting the educational requirements for independent clinical practice. Clinical psychology programs typically require four to six years of full-time study, including supervised practica, internships, and a dissertation.
Counseling Psychology
Southern Miss offers both master's and doctoral pathways in counseling psychology. The M.S. in Counseling Psychology is a terminal master's degree accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), designed for students pursuing licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) rather than psychologists.2 The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology holds APA accreditation and prepares graduates for psychologist licensure, emphasizing developmental perspectives and wellness-oriented approaches.3 This dual-level structure gives students flexibility: those seeking counselor licensure can complete a master's degree in psychology in two years, while those aiming for psychologist credentials continue to the doctoral level.
School Psychology
The APA-accredited Ph.D. in School Psychology at Southern Miss trains specialists to work in educational settings, conducting assessments, developing interventions, and supporting student mental health.2 School psychologists typically work in K-12 systems, and Mississippi requires either a specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate for full licensure. Southern Miss is the only university in the country with APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology simultaneously, offering unparalleled depth for students interested in applied psychology.2
Experimental and Research Tracks
For students drawn to research careers rather than clinical practice, Southern Miss offers a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with concentrations in cognitive, social, and quantitative psychology. This program admits approximately six students annually, with 100 percent receiving funding, and typically requires 48 months to complete.4 Experimental tracks do not lead to licensure as psychologists or counselors; instead, graduates pursue academic positions, research roles in government or industry, or data science careers.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Southern Miss also offers an M.S. in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, a terminal master's degree that trains entry-level practitioners to work with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.2 This specialization aligns with Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification rather than psychology or counseling licensure, representing a distinct career path within the broader psychology field.
When evaluating specializations, clarify whether your goal is psychologist licensure (requiring a doctoral degree), LPC licensure (typically a master's in counseling), or a research career (favoring experimental tracks). Mississippi's programs offer clear pathways for each.
Accreditation Guide for Mississippi Psychology Programs
Three separate accreditation layers determine whether a Mississippi psychology degree will count toward licensure, transfer cleanly, and qualify you for federal aid. Knowing which layer applies to which credential prevents costly mistakes.
The Three Layers That Matter
- Regional (institutional): Mississippi's public and most private universities are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This is the baseline. The Mississippi Board of Psychology requires degrees from regionally accredited institutions, and federal financial aid is tied to this status as well.
- Programmatic (doctoral psychology): The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. APA accreditation is the gold standard for anyone pursuing licensure as a psychologist, and most internship sites and postdoctoral positions require it.
- Specialty (counseling master's): The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master's-level counseling programs. The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) is a parallel option for some master's psychology and counseling tracks.
APA Is Doctoral-Only
A common point of confusion: APA does not accredit master's degrees in psychology. If you are pursuing a master's, the meaningful programmatic stamp is CACREP or MPCAC, depending on the track. Students exploring counseling psychology masters programs should pay close attention to which accreditor covers their specific curriculum. The University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University both hold CACREP accreditation for counseling programs, and USM carries APA accreditation across its doctoral programs in clinical1, counseling (reaccredited in 2023 through 2033)2, and school psychology.3 Mississippi State's combined clinical-counseling-school PsyD is currently under review for initial APA accreditation4, and Jackson State has pursued APA accreditation as well.5
Verify Before You Enroll
Accreditation status changes. Programs gain it, lose it, or sit under review, and our internal program data does not track these shifts in real time. Before committing tuition dollars, confirm current status directly with the program's admissions office and cross-check on the APA, CACREP, or MPCAC public directories. Understanding the different types of psychology degrees available can also help you identify which accreditation layer applies to your intended path. For Mississippi licensure specifically, contact the Mississippi Board of Psychology to verify that your intended degree path will satisfy state requirements at the level you plan to practice.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Mississippi
Mississippi requires a doctoral degree for full psychologist licensure, with no master's-level psychologist license available. The path demands rigorous supervised training and three separate examinations before you can practice independently. Budget roughly $1,300 to $1,400 in total fees across the application, exams, and background check.
Mississippi reserves the title "psychologist" exclusively for doctoral-level practitioners. If you hold a master's degree, your licensure path leads to credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Psychological Examiner, not the psychologist title. This distinction matters when choosing a program: if your goal is to practice as a licensed psychologist in the state, you need to plan for a doctoral program from the start.
Career Outcomes and Earnings for Mississippi Psychology Graduates
The real question after graduation is whether a Mississippi psychology degree pays back the time and money you put in. The honest answer depends on which credential you finish with and which corner of the field you enter. Here is what the available data shows, and where it falls silent.
Program-Level Earnings Data
The College Scorecard tracks median earnings at 1, 2, 4, and 5 years after completion for psychology programs nationally, but those year-by-year figures are not currently published for the specific psychology programs at Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, or William Carey University. What is reported is a 10-year post-enrollment median earnings figure for graduates across each institution:
- Mississippi State University: roughly $51,500 in median earnings ten years after enrollment, with median graduate debt around $22,140.
- University of Mississippi: about $50,990 in median earnings at the same checkpoint, with median graduate debt near $20,000.
- William Carey University: around $43,090 in median earnings ten years out, with median graduate debt of roughly $20,830.
Program-specific job placement rates one year after completion are not reported for these psychology programs, so we cannot quote a precise share of graduates working and not enrolled. That gap is worth noting when you ask admissions offices for outcomes data. Push for it directly.
How Graduates Compare to the Broader Profession
Mississippi-specific wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS) is available for clinical and counseling psychologists, school psychologists, and the "psychologists, all other" category, each reported with 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile wages.1 The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (April 2025) adds entry, average, and experienced wage estimates for psychologists statewide, though without percentile breakdowns.2 A combined statewide figure across all psychologist subcategories is not directly published.
What This Means for ROI
With median debt at all three ranked programs sitting between roughly $20,000 and $22,200, and 10-year median earnings between $43,000 and $51,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable, especially for graduates who pursue licensure and move into clinical, counseling, or school psychology roles where Mississippi BLS wages climb meaningfully at the 75th and 90th percentiles. The catch: those higher percentile wages typically require a doctoral degree and licensure, not just a bachelor's. Graduates interested in clinical counseling at the master's level may also want to explore licensed professional clinical counselor degree options as a parallel credential pathway. Plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Programs in Mississippi
These are some of the most common questions prospective students ask when researching psychology programs in Mississippi. Each answer draws on 2026 program data, accreditation records, and state licensure requirements covered throughout this guide.
- What is the #1 college for psychology in Mississippi?
- Based on our 2026 rankings, William Carey University in Hattiesburg earns the top composite score among psychology-related programs in the state. It combines a fully online format, competitive net price (around $14,258 for private-school students), and strong preparation for applied behavior analysis careers. Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) also rank highly, especially for students seeking public-university affordability.
- Does Southern Miss have a good psychology program?
- The University of Southern Mississippi offers well-regarded undergraduate and graduate psychology programs, including an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. Its research output and practicum opportunities are competitive within the state. If you are considering a doctoral path, Southern Miss is one of the few Mississippi institutions with APA accreditation at the doctoral level, which matters for licensure portability.
- What is the cheapest psychology master's in Mississippi?
- Among public universities, Ole Miss stands out with in-state tuition near $9,772 per year for its graduate programs, including a hybrid Master of Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration that requires only 30 credit hours. Mississippi State University is similarly affordable at roughly $10,202 in-state. Total cost will depend on credit-hour requirements and any program-specific fees, so compare net prices carefully before committing.
- How do you become a licensed psychologist in Mississippi?
- Mississippi requires a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution, plus supervised professional experience (typically two years, including a predoctoral internship). Candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and apply through the Mississippi State Board of Psychological Examiners. Those holding a master's degree may qualify for a limited license or related credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor, but independent practice as a psychologist requires the doctorate.
- Which Mississippi psychology programs are accredited?
- Accreditation varies by degree level. At the doctoral level, look for APA accreditation, which the University of Southern Mississippi's clinical psychology Ph.D. program holds. At the master's level, programs in counseling may carry CACREP accreditation. All schools listed in our 2026 rankings hold regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the baseline standard for any Mississippi degree.
- Can you get a psychology degree online in Mississippi?
- Yes. Several Mississippi institutions now offer fully online or hybrid psychology degrees. Mississippi State University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and William Carey University offers a 100% online bachelor's program with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration. Ole Miss has a hybrid master's option in special education with an ABA focus. Online formats have expanded significantly since 2020, giving working professionals and rural students more flexibility.
- What is the #1 college in Mississippi?
- Overall institutional rankings depend on criteria, but by graduation rate and retention, Ole Miss leads the schools in our dataset with a six-year graduation rate of about 72% and a freshman retention rate of 87%. It also carries a median graduate debt of $20,000 and a median alumni earnings figure of roughly $50,994 ten years after enrollment. For psychology specifically, program fit, accreditation, and specialization options matter more than a single overall rank.
Types of Psychology Degrees Available in Mississippi
Mississippi offers psychology degrees at four distinct levels, each opening different career doors. Choosing the right one depends on your professional goals, licensure aspirations, and how much time you can invest. Below is a practical breakdown to help you navigate the options.
Associate Degree in Psychology
A two-year associate degree provides foundational coursework in psychology and general education. Community colleges across the state typically offer these programs, often with flexible scheduling or online sections suited to working students. While an associate degree alone does not qualify you for licensure, it serves as an affordable entry point before transferring into a four-year program.
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
A bachelor's degree is the most common starting credential in the field. Several Mississippi universities offer a BA or BS in psychology, with some providing fully online or hybrid formats. Graduates often pursue roles in human services, case management, or research assistance. If you plan to practice as a licensed professional, treat the bachelor's as a stepping stone toward graduate study.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Master's programs allow you to specialize in areas such as counseling, clinical psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology. Some Mississippi institutions deliver these programs in online or evening formats to accommodate professionals already in the workforce. A master's degree can qualify you for certain licensed roles (such as Licensed Professional Counselor), though requirements vary. Check the Mississippi Board of Psychology website for the specific credentials needed in your area of interest.
Doctoral Degree in Psychology
If your goal is independent clinical practice or an academic career, a doctoral degree is typically required. Mississippi universities offer both PhD and PsyD tracks, and programs accredited by the American Psychological Association carry particular weight with licensing boards and employers. Before applying, it helps to understand how employers view online psychology degrees when evaluating accredited versus non-accredited credentials. Use the APA's online search tool to confirm which doctoral programs in the state hold current accreditation.
Selecting the Right Degree Level
Matching your degree to your career goal is essential. Consider these steps:
- Review licensure requirements first. The Mississippi Board of Psychology outlines which degree levels qualify for each license type. Independent practice as a psychologist, for example, requires a doctoral degree.
- Identify your target occupation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) lists typical education requirements for roles such as clinical psychologist, school psychologist, and counseling psychologist, helping you confirm the degree you need.
- Compare delivery formats. Visit individual university websites and filter programs by degree level and format (online versus campus) to find options that fit your schedule and location.
- Verify accreditation. Particularly at the doctoral level, APA accreditation can influence both licensure eligibility and employer perception. Prioritize accredited programs when possible.
If you are still weighing formats, our guide to online psychology degree programs covers what to expect from fully remote study at each degree level. Taking the time to map your career goals to the right degree level before you apply will save both time and money, and it positions you for a smoother path to licensure once you graduate.
