Best Psychology Programs in New Hampshire (2027 Guide)
Updated August 29, 202625+ min read

Best Psychology Programs in New Hampshire (2027 Guide)

Compare accredited psychology degrees across NH — tuition, outcomes, and online options ranked side by side.

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • New Hampshire has no fully online doctoral psychology program that meets state licensure requirements as of 2026.
  • In-state bachelor's tuition starts at $7,724 at the University of New Hampshire system, while private options cost significantly more.
  • Licensure as a psychologist in New Hampshire typically requires seven to ten years from doctoral enrollment to independent practice.
  • APA accreditation affects license portability, federal hiring eligibility, and insurance panel access for New Hampshire graduates.

Seven institutions offer psychology programs in New Hampshire, and none provides a fully online doctorate that meets state licensure requirements. That concentrated landscape forces prospective psychologists to weigh cost, format, and career trajectory early in the search.

The rankings below prioritize affordability and accessible online pathways. Later sections compare PsyD versus PhD options, unpack licensure steps, and map specializations to local job demand. Students exploring online doctoral programs in psychology will find that no APA-accredited option exists in a fully online format as of 2026.

Graduates of New Hampshire programs earn median wages near the national average, roughly $66,000 ten years after starting college, making cost-conscious program selection a long-term financial lever.

2027 Best Psychology Programs in New Hampshire: Rankings

New Hampshire's psychology landscape splits between fully online bachelor's pathways built for working adults and a small, selective set of graduate programs that lead to licensure. Each school card below lists tuition, net price, delivery format, degree levels, and the institution's overall graduation rate so you can compare them side by side. Program highlights call out the specific concentrations and tracks available at each campus.

How we ranked these
Factors considered
  • Pell grant enrollment share
  • Net price after aid
  • Availability of online delivery
  • Range of psychology concentrations
  • Institution-wide graduation rates
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
UN

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH · ~$11,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Working adults seeking flexible online degrees

This is the University of New Hampshire's dedicated online division in Manchester, built around a single applied psychology bachelor's that branches into addictions studies, applied behavior analysis, and organizational psychology options. Everything runs in 8-week terms with rolling admissions, no entrance exam, and no application fee, and students can transfer in up to 90 credits. That transfer-friendly structure is a big part of why it holds the top spot on an affordable-and-online list aimed at working adults. For context, the school's overall graduation rate is about 30%.

  • Applied Psychology, Organizational Psychology Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
    No entrance examRolling admissions
    • 100% online, 120 credits across 24 courses
    • 8-week terms with rolling admissions and no entrance exam
    • Coursework in organizational behavior, occupational stress, and communication
    • Integrative capstone completed as a project or internship
    • Prepares for I-O psychology, human resources, and consulting roles
    • Generous transfer policy plus credit for prior learning
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology, Addictions Studies Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
    Rolling admissions
    • Addiction counseling foundations, biology of addiction, special populations
    • Rolling admissions with a $0 application fee
    • Capstone required; 24 courses totaling 120 credits
    • Prepares graduates for substance abuse counseling roles
    • Part-time and full-time enrollment options available
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
    Rolling admissions
    • Transfer up to 90 credits; no GMAT or GRE required
    • Career paths include behavior technician and special education paraprofessional
    • Regionally accredited by NECHE
    • Listed among U.S. News online bachelor's programs
    • Credit for prior learning accepted toward the degree
    Visit Website
NE

New England College

Henniker, NH · $27,000/yr (est. net price)

Best for: Aspiring behavior analysts seeking certification prep

New England College in Henniker keeps its psychology footprint focused: one online bachelor's in psychology with an applied behavior analysis concentration, built to move students toward national certification. The curriculum pairs psychology fundamentals with behavioral assessment, treatment planning, and data analysis, and includes a mock behavioral assessment project. The school's overall graduation rate is about 35%.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis Concentration — Online
    New England College
    • Online BA with a concentration in applied behavioral analysis
    • Mock behavioral assessment project built into the curriculum
    • Coursework in educational psychology, assessment, and data analysis
    • Aligns with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board task list
    • Prepares for roles in homes, hospitals, clinics, and schools
    • Emphasis on ethical assessment and supervised implementation
    Visit Website
RI

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · ~$13,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Future psychologists needing doctoral licensure training

Rivier University in Nashua is the doctoral anchor on this list. Its combined Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology is APA-accredited and one of only a few combined counseling and school psychology doctorates in the country, which matters for anyone who wants a practice-oriented doctorate without leaving New England. Training follows a practitioner-scholar model with at least six practicum experiences and a 2,000-hour internship, and it requires a three-year on-campus residency with classes in late afternoons and evenings. The school's overall graduation rate is about 52%.

  • Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology, Doctorate — Hybrid
    Rivier University
    APA accredited
    • APA-accredited combined doctoral program
    • One of few combined counseling and school psychology doctorates nationally
    • $1,315 per credit; five-year program at minimum
    • At least six practicum placements plus a 2,000-hour internship
    • Practitioner-scholar model with evening and weekday classes
    • Three-year academic residency on the Nashua campus
    • Renovated facilities and a capstone requirement
    • Prepares graduates for health service psychologist licensure
    Visit Website
UN

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH · ~$10,000/yr (est.)

UNH Manchester delivers an online applied psychology bachelor's with three separate tracks: applied behavior analysis, counseling foundations, and organizational psychology. The campus leans toward workforce-focused undergraduate training, so the tracks map onto jobs in behavioral health, human services, and business settings rather than pure research. Admission is test-optional with rolling deadlines, and transfer credit can cover a large share of the degree. The school's overall graduation rate is about 50%.

  • Applied Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    No entrance examRolling admissions
    • Foundation in psychological theory plus ABA principles and interventions
    • Covers statistics, research methods, cognitive psychology, and ABA ethics
    • Capstone completed as a project or internship
    • Prepares students for behavior technician and ABA research assistant roles
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology, Counseling Foundations Concentration, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    No entrance examRolling admissions
    • 100% online with 8-week terms and rolling admissions
    • Crisis intervention and counseling theories coursework
    • Community college transfer pathways available
    • No entrance exam required for admission
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology, Organizational Psychology Concentration, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    No entrance examRolling admissionsMilitary benefits
    • Online delivery with rolling admissions
    • Military benefits accepted toward tuition
    • Prepares for human resources, marketing, and public relations roles
    • Credit for prior learning and transfer credit accepted
    Visit Website
SO

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · ~$21,000/yr (est.)

Southern New Hampshire University runs the broadest online psychology portfolio in the state, spanning bachelor's concentrations in forensic, child and adolescent, addiction, and industrial-organizational psychology, plus a master's in psychology with general, child and adolescent, and forensic tracks. Courses run in 8-week terms with no application fee and no test scores required, and the university is routinely cited for value relative to national online psychology averages. Military tuition discounts and employer reimbursement support are built in. The school's overall graduation rate is about 43%.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    No entrance examMilitary benefitsTest optionalEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • 120-credit online degree with 8-week terms
    • Courses include Criminal Minds and Assessment and Testing
    • Optional psychology internship available
    • Faculty include instructors with U.S. Bureau of Prisons experience
    • Prepares for crime analyst, victim advocate, and jury consultant roles
    • No application fee or test scores required
    Visit Website
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    No entrance examMilitary benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • Online BA with six start dates per year
    • Prepares for roles in social services, education, and healthcare
    • Military tuition discount available
    • Solid foundation for graduate study in psychology
    • Faculty hold graduate degrees in child and family studies
    Visit Website
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    Military benefitsTest optionalEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • Blends a business core with industrial-organizational psychology
    • Test-optional admission with no application fee
    • 8-week terms; transfer up to 90 credits
    • Military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement accepted
    Visit Website
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Addiction Studies Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    Military benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • NAADAC approved education provider
    • Earn continuing education contact hours toward NCC AP
    • Embedded data literacy certificate in the curriculum
    • One of five concentration options in the psychology BA
    • Reduced tuition for active-duty military
    Visit Website
  • Master of Science in Psychology — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    No entrance examRolling admissionsMilitary benefitsTest optional
    • $23,724 total program tuition at $659 per credit
    • 36 credits across 12 courses; capstone required
    • Rolling admissions with five graduate start dates per year
    • Foundation courses available for non-psychology majors
    • Eligible for Psi Chi honor society membership
    • Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
    Visit Website
  • Master of Science in Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    No entrance examMilitary benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • 15-month online completion timeline
    • Prerequisite coursework required before enrollment
    • Prepares for school psychology, social work, and child advocacy roles
    • Capstone integrates the full course sequence
    • Military tuition discount available
    Visit Website
  • Master of Science in Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration — Online
    Southern New Hampshire University
    No entrance examMilitary benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
    • Coursework aimed at victim advocacy and forensic case management
    • 10-week online terms with 24/7 support
    • No college essay required for admission
    • Transfer up to 12 credits accepted
    • Active-duty military rate of $470 per credit
    Visit Website
UN

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH · $24,000/yr (est. net price)

UNH's Durham campus posts the strongest completion figures on this list and carries the strongest overall academic reputation in the state. Its applied psychology major is offered online through the university's continuing education division, with options in addictions studies, applied behavior analysis, counseling foundations, and organizational psychology. That makes Durham a realistic choice for New Hampshire residents who want a UNH credential without relocating. The school's overall graduation rate is about 76%.

  • Applied Psychology Major, Addictions Studies Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire
    • Delivered online through UNH's Granite State College division
    • Coursework on addiction counseling, biology of addiction, and special populations
    • 120 total credits with a required capstone
    • Prepares for addiction counseling or advanced graduate study
    • Covers cognitive, biological, and sociocultural theories of addiction
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology Major, Applied Behavior Analysis Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire
    Rolling admissions
    • 120 credits, 24 courses, 8-week online terms
    • No GMAT or GRE required; rolling admissions
    • Prepares for behavior technician and behavioral health roles
    • Regionally accredited by NECHE
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology Major, Organizational Psychology Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire
    No entrance examRolling admissions
    • Cited among U.S. News Best Online Bachelor's Programs
    • Capstone completed as an internship or project
    • Prepares for I-O psychology, HR, marketing, and public relations careers
    • Credit for prior learning accepted
    • 8-week course terms for working students
    Visit Website
  • Applied Psychology Major, Counseling Foundations Option, Bachelor's — Online
    University of New Hampshire
    No entrance examRolling admissionsTest optional
    • Test-optional admission with no entrance exam
    • Crisis intervention and counseling theories coursework
    • Transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree
    • Among the lowest tuition rates in New England
    Visit Website
FR

Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH · ~$42,000/yr (est.)

Franklin Pierce University in Rindge offers a hybrid master's in clinical mental health counseling, a 60-credit program that mixes online coursework with on-campus intensives. It is built around 700 hours of supervised field experience and a curriculum covering ethics, multicultural counseling, and mental health diagnosis, which positions it as a direct pipeline into New Hampshire's licensed counselor workforce. The school's overall graduation rate is about 54%.

  • Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
    Franklin Pierce University
    • 60-credit hybrid program based in Rindge
    • 700 hours of supervised field experience
    • Campus intensives paired with online coursework
    • Total program cost of about $39,900 plus fees
    • Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, an essay, and three recommendations
    • Curriculum covers ethics, multicultural counseling, and diagnosis
    Visit Website

Online vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs in New Hampshire

Seven New Hampshire institutions deliver psychology programs in online, hybrid, or campus-only formats, but none currently offer a fully online doctorate in psychology that leads to state licensure. For students weighing their options, understanding which schools deliver which degrees, and in what format, is essential to mapping an affordable, flexible, and career-viable path.

Bachelor's Degrees: Fully Online Across Multiple Institutions

New Hampshire's online bachelor's landscape is robust. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) operates one of the largest online psychology programs in the country, with fully asynchronous bachelor's degree tracks in general psychology, forensic psychology, and related applied fields.2 The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies also offers a B.S. in Applied Psychology entirely online, with concentrations in organizational psychology and applied behavior analysis.3 New England College delivers an online B.A. in Psychology with an applied behavioral analysis concentration, and Rivier University provides an online B.A. in Psychology with a mental health and addiction studies track. All four programs allow students to complete core coursework from anywhere, with no campus residencies required at the bachelor's level.

Master's Degrees: Limited Online, Hybrid Options Emerging

Master's-level psychology programs in New Hampshire are scarce online. Franklin Pierce University offers a hybrid Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that blends online coursework with on-campus intensives and 700 hours of supervised field experience. SNHU does deliver a fully online master's degree in psychology, though it does not qualify graduates for independent licensure as a psychologist.2 Students interested in marriage and family therapy may also want to explore MFT programs in New Hampshire as an alternative licensure pathway. Students seeking a master's pathway to licensure as a licensed psychologist or clinical psychologist will need to confirm that any program meets New Hampshire's supervised practice and academic requirements, which typically include in-person practica.

Doctoral Programs: No Fully Online Options in New Hampshire

Can you earn a psychology doctorate online in New Hampshire? The short answer is no, not from a New Hampshire-based institution, and not in a format that leads to state licensure. Antioch University New England operates the state's only APA-accredited PsyD program, and it is delivered entirely in person. No other New Hampshire school currently offers a doctoral program in psychology. For a broader look at what is available nationally, our guide to clinical psychology doctorate programs covers APA-accredited options across the country. Online doctoral programs in psychology, regardless of where they are housed, do not hold APA accreditation as of 2025, and APA accreditation remains the gold standard for licensure eligibility. New Hampshire also requires in-person supervised clinical hours for licensure, which fully online programs cannot satisfy. Students seeking a doctoral credential must either attend Antioch's on-campus program or consider APA-accredited programs in nearby states that may offer hybrid or low-residency formats with in-person practicum placements.

Practical Advice: Match Format to Your Career Goal

Flexibility matters, but so does career viability. If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire, plan for in-person doctoral training and supervised practica. If you are pursuing a bachelor's or sub-master's credential for roles in human services, organizational psychology, or research support, New Hampshire's fully online options deliver strong, asynchronous coursework that accommodates working adults. Hybrid programs like Franklin Pierce's counseling master's strike a middle ground, requiring periodic campus visits but preserving weekday flexibility. Before enrolling, verify that any program's delivery mode aligns with your state's licensure requirements and your own scheduling constraints.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Can you realistically commute to Keene or Nashua for a doctoral program, or do you need fully online coursework?
New Hampshire's doctoral psychology programs are concentrated at Antioch University New England (Keene) and Rivier University (Nashua). If relocating or driving to either campus is not feasible, your in-state options narrow considerably, and you may need to explore accredited online programs based elsewhere.
Are you working full time, and does evening or weekend cohort scheduling matter more to you than a purely online format?
Some programs offer hybrid cohort models with intensive weekend or evening sessions designed for working professionals. That structure provides face-to-face clinical training without requiring you to quit your job, but it locks you into a fixed schedule that online-only programs may not.
Do your career goals require APA accreditation, and are you willing to limit your school choices to get it?
If you plan to work in a VA hospital, federal agency, or certain hospital systems, APA accreditation is often a prerequisite. In New Hampshire, only a small number of programs hold that designation, so insisting on it may mean fewer local options or a longer commute.
How much does in-person clinical training factor into the skills you want to build?
On-campus programs typically embed practicum rotations with local clinics and hospitals from the start. Fully online programs require you to arrange supervised hours independently, which can be harder to coordinate in a smaller state like New Hampshire.

Doctoral Psychology Programs in New Hampshire: Psyd vs. PhD Compared

New Hampshire offers a limited but distinct set of doctoral psychology pathways, and the PsyD vs. PhD distinction matters more here than in larger states with dozens of options. The PsyD is practitioner focused: expect heavy clinical training, structured cohorts, and a doctoral project rather than a traditional dissertation. The PhD emphasizes original research, typically comes with stronger funding packages (teaching or research assistantships), and prepares graduates for both clinical work and academic careers. Below is a side-by-side look at the primary doctoral programs available in or closely serving the state as of 2026.

FeatureAntioch University New England PsyD (Keene)UNH PhD in Psychology (Durham)
Degree TypePsyD (Doctor of Psychology)PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Primary OrientationPractitioner-scholar model with emphasis on clinical practiceResearch-oriented with clinical training components
APA AccreditationYes, APA accreditedThe doctoral program in psychology at UNH is not a clinical psychology program and does not hold APA accreditation in clinical psychology
Total Credits Required108 to 120 creditsVaries by concentration; typically around 72+ course credits plus dissertation research
Typical Program Length5 years (includes internship year)5 to 7 years, depending on dissertation timeline
Cohort SizeApproximately 21 students per entering cohortSmall cohorts, generally fewer than 10 per concentration
Admission RateRoughly 60%Highly selective at the doctoral level; overall university undergraduate admission rate is about 88%, but PhD cohorts are far more competitive
GRE RequirementGRE not required for admission as of recent cyclesPolicies vary by concentration; check with the department directly
Dissertation or Doctoral ProjectClinical dissertation (applied project rather than traditional experimental dissertation)Traditional research dissertation required
Funding and AssistantshipsLimited institutional funding; most students finance through loans or employer supportPhD students commonly receive teaching or research assistantships with tuition remission
EPPP Pass RateProgram-specific EPPP pass rates are not consistently published for recent cohorts; prospective students should request this data directly from the programNot applicable (UNH PhD is not a licensed-practice clinical program)
Best Fit ForStudents committed to clinical practice who want structured, cohort-based trainingStudents drawn to psychological research, academia, or research-intensive clinical careers

What a Psychology Degree Costs in New Hampshire, and What Graduates Earn

Tuition and Net Price: Public vs. Private Perspectives

The sticker price of a psychology degree in New Hampshire varies widely between public and private institutions. At public universities, in-state tuition for bachelor's programs ranges from $7,724 at the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online to $19,202 at the Durham campus. Out-of-state students face higher charges, typically $36,000 to $40,000. Private college tuition falls between $17,200 at Southern New Hampshire University and $46,442 at Franklin Pierce University. The net price, what the average student actually pays after grants and scholarships, is often lower. For public schools, effective net prices range from $9,992 at UNH Manchester to $23,805 at the main UNH campus. Private net prices are generally higher, clustering between $27,000 and $37,000. Keep in mind these figures are institution-wide averages and not a guaranteed quote; your own cost will depend on financial aid eligibility and program-specific fees. Online and hybrid formats can also influence total outlay, particularly when they eliminate relocation or commuting expenses.

Debt at Graduation: What Borrowers Owe

Median debt for graduates of New Hampshire's psychology programs is not reported at the program level, but institutional medians give a ballpark. At the private colleges on our list, median debt ranges from about $21,000 at SNHU to $27,000 at Franklin Pierce. Public university graduates from the UNH system carry a median of around $26,800. Translated to a standard 10-year repayment plan, a $27,000 loan at current federal interest rates would mean monthly payments roughly between $280 and $310. While these figures are manageable compared to national averages, they underscore the importance of borrowing strategically, especially if you plan to pursue graduate education later, where additional loans often accumulate.

Earnings Potential for New Hampshire Psychologists

Short-term program-level earnings data are not yet available for these specific psychology degrees, but statewide labor market data offers a clear picture of what licensed psychologists earn. According to the May 2025 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists in New Hampshire earn a median annual wage of $99,200, with the top 10 percent making more than $128,000.1 School psychologists have a median of $80,500, and psychologists overall (across all specialties) reach a median of $105,300.1 These figures reflect licensed professionals with doctoral or specialist-level credentials. Students interested in the undergraduate pathway can explore a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology as a first step, though bachelor's-level psychology graduates can expect considerably lower starting pay, often in the $40,000 to $60,000 range nationally, which makes advanced training a near-necessity for those targeting a psychologist's salary.

Weighing the Investment

A clinical psychology PhD program can easily cost over $100,000 in tuition alone, and combined with lost earnings during years of supervised experience, the upfront burden is substantial. However, New Hampshire's psychologist salaries offer a strong return on that investment over a long career. Even accounting for debt repayment, a licensed psychologist in the state can out-earn many other professional fields within a decade of licensure. The key is to keep total borrowing in check: choosing an affordable master's or doctoral program, maximizing employer-funded training, and pursuing specializations with high demand can tip the balance further in your favor. Use the BLS data and institutional net-price benchmarks here as a starting point to calculate your own break-even timeline before taking on significant debt.

NH Psychology Degree Costs vs. Graduate Earnings at a Glance

How does median graduate debt stack up against long-term earnings at New Hampshire's psychology programs? The chart below compares median debt at graduation with median earnings ten years after enrollment for six institutions. Program-level earnings shortly after graduation are not yet available for these schools, so the institution-wide ten-year figure from College Scorecard serves as the best current benchmark.

Median graduate debt versus ten-year median earnings for six New Hampshire psychology programs, ranging from $21,082 to $27,000 in debt and $50,318 to $66,479 in earnings

How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in New Hampshire: Step-by-Step

Becoming a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire follows a structured sequence that typically takes seven to ten years from the start of a doctoral program to independent practice. Each stage builds on the last, so understanding the full pathway before you enroll makes it easier to choose the right program and plan your timeline. For a broader look at the general process, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

The Degree Requirement

New Hampshire requires a doctoral degree in psychology, either a PhD or a PsyD, from a regionally accredited institution. APA-accredited programs are automatically accepted, and that distinction carries real weight: APA accreditation is the clearest signal that a program meets national training standards, and it tends to smooth the process if you later seek licensure in another state.2 Programs that lack APA accreditation are not automatically disqualified in New Hampshire, but candidates should verify regional accreditation carefully before enrolling.

Supervised Experience Hours

New Hampshire requires a total of 3,000 supervised hours, split across two stages.2

  • Predoctoral hours: 1,500 hours completed before graduation, typically through practicum placements and internship.
  • Postdoctoral hours: An additional 1,500 hours completed after the doctoral degree is conferred.

During the postdoctoral phase, you must receive at least two hours of supervision per week. At least 375 of your total hours must involve direct client contact. Supervision must be provided by a licensed psychologist who meets the board's qualifications.

Examinations

Two exams stand between your postdoctoral experience and a full license.

First, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). New Hampshire requires a passing scaled score of 500, which aligns with the national standard used by most states. The EPPP fee is $600, paid directly to the testing vendor.3

Second, a state-specific jurisprudence exam that covers New Hampshire statutes, rules, and ethical standards governing psychological practice.3 Passing this exam demonstrates that you understand the legal framework you will operate within as a licensed psychologist in the state.

Application to the Board

Once your degree, supervised hours, and exam scores are in order, you apply to the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists. The application requires a background check and payment of fees: the initial license fee is $135, in addition to the application fee of $316. Factor these costs into your planning, as they come at the end of a lengthy training period when many candidates are transitioning out of supervised positions.

A Note on the Master's-Level Track

Not every graduate student is aiming for doctoral-level licensure. If you complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field, a different license applies: the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential, overseen by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. The LCMHC track has its own supervised hours requirement and examinations and is a well-established pathway into clinical practice. Those interested in the counseling route can explore counseling master's programs online to compare options. It is worth knowing early which track aligns with your goals, since the doctoral and master's pathways diverge significantly in cost, time, and scope of practice.

The Path to Licensure in New Hampshire

Becoming a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire follows a defined sequence. From your first day of doctoral coursework to independent practice, expect a timeline of roughly 8 to 12 years depending on your program format and how quickly you accumulate supervised hours.

Five-step New Hampshire psychologist licensure sequence from doctoral degree through board application, spanning roughly 8 to 12 years total

Psychology Specializations Available in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's psychology programs span several specializations, each with distinct career trajectories. Understanding which concentrations exist at different degree levels helps you align your education with your professional goals.

Bachelor's-Level Concentrations

Undergraduate programs in New Hampshire offer more variety than you might expect:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis: Both the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and New England College offer ABA concentrations. These programs align with Behavior Analyst Certification Board requirements, preparing graduates for careers working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities.
  • Addiction Psychology: The University of New Hampshire offers an addictions studies option through its applied psychology major, covering addiction biology, counseling approaches, and intervention strategies.
  • Forensic Psychology: Southern New Hampshire University's bachelor's program includes a forensic psychology concentration examining criminal behavior, legal psychology, and offender assessment.
  • Organizational Psychology: The UNH College of Professional Studies offers this concentration for students interested in workplace behavior, human resources, and consulting careers.
  • General Psychology: Rivier University's bachelor's program includes a mental health and addiction studies track that prepares graduates for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.

These undergraduate concentrations provide entry points into human services, case management, or behavioral technician roles. They also serve as strong preparation for graduate study.

Master's and Doctoral Specializations

Graduate-level programs narrow toward professional practice:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Franklin Pierce University's 60-credit master's program includes 700 hours of field experience and prepares graduates for counselor licensure, not psychologist licensure. You can explore best counseling programs in New Hampshire for a closer look at these options.
  • Clinical Psychology (Doctoral): Antioch University New England offers a PsyD program with a practitioner focus, training students for clinical practice leading to licensure as a psychologist.
  • Research-Oriented PhD: The University of New Hampshire's doctoral program emphasizes research methodology and academic preparation, better suited for those pursuing faculty positions or research careers.

Career Implications by Specialization

Your specialization determines your licensure pathway. Clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs lead to licensure as a psychologist in New Hampshire, while ABA tracks prepare you for board certification as a behavior analyst. Mental health counseling master's programs lead to counselor licensure, a separate credential. School psychology programs, when available, lead to state certification for work in educational settings. Research tracks typically lead to academic positions or roles in applied research organizations rather than direct clinical practice. For a broader view of where each path can take you, our guide to careers in psychology outlines salary expectations and entry points across specializations. Students interested in criminal behavior and legal settings should also review the forensic psychologist requirements to understand what additional training is needed beyond a bachelor's concentration.

Did You Know?

APA accreditation is more than a quality badge: it determines whether you can transfer your license to another state, qualify for psychologist roles at VA hospitals or federal agencies, and join insurance panels. New Hampshire doctoral students planning clinical practice should treat APA accreditation as essential, not optional, when choosing a program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Programs in New Hampshire

Choosing a psychology program in New Hampshire raises practical questions about accreditation, cost, and licensure. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, grounded in current 2026 program data and state requirements.

How many APA-accredited psychology programs are in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has two APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs as of 2026. Antioch University New England offers a fully accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (initially accredited in 1986), and Rivier University offers a fully accredited Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology, with its next accreditation review scheduled for 2033. Both are strong options for students who prioritize APA-recognized training.
Can you get a psychology doctorate online in New Hampshire?
Neither of New Hampshire's two APA-accredited doctoral programs is offered in a fully online format. APA accreditation standards require substantial in-person clinical training, which limits fully remote delivery. Some programs incorporate hybrid elements, but students should expect significant on-campus and practicum commitments. If flexibility is a priority, you may want to explore hybrid doctoral programs offered by institutions in neighboring states as well.
What is the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology?
A PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) emphasizes clinical practice, preparing graduates for direct client work. A PhD in Psychology typically balances clinical training with a heavier research focus, including a dissertation based on original research. In New Hampshire, both Antioch University New England and Rivier University award the PsyD, reflecting the state's practitioner-oriented training landscape. Either degree qualifies graduates to pursue licensure.
How much does a psychology doctorate cost in New Hampshire?
Tuition for a psychology doctorate in New Hampshire varies by institution and program length but generally ranges from roughly $100,000 to over $150,000 for the full course of study. Financial aid, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Contact Antioch University New England and Rivier University directly for the most current tuition schedules and funding opportunities.
How do you become a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program, completion of supervised professional experience (typically 3,000 or more hours, including pre- and post-doctoral work), and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Applicants submit their credentials to the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. The full timeline from entering a doctoral program to earning a license usually spans seven to nine years.
What school in the US has the best psychology program?
National rankings shift year to year, but programs at Stanford University, UCLA, the University of Michigan, and Harvard consistently appear at or near the top of major psychology rankings. The best program for any individual student depends on specialization, research interests, funding, and career goals. Within New Hampshire, Antioch University New England's long-standing APA accreditation (since 1986) makes it a well-regarded regional choice for clinical training.

Recent Articles

See all articles

In this article
Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit

Follow us