What you’ll learn in this article…
- Tennessee offers over a dozen accredited online psychology programs in 2026, spanning bachelor's through doctoral levels.
- Vanderbilt University graduates lead the state in ten-year earnings relative to student debt.
- Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in Tennessee requires a doctoral degree, supervised hours, and the EPPP.
- In-state tuition at public Tennessee schools can cut net costs to under half the sticker price after aid.
Tennessee offers psychology degrees at every level, from online bachelor's completions priced around $420 per credit to doctoral programs at flagship research universities. Fourteen programs in the state now deliver flexible online or hybrid instruction, spanning general psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, applied behavior analysis, forensic psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. The spread between the most affordable public option and the most expensive private program exceeds $50,000 in sticker price, but net cost after aid often tells a different story.
This guide ranks Tennessee psychology programs with a dual lens: affordability and online accessibility. Schools are scored on tuition, net price, graduate debt, and institutional outcomes, making it easier to identify programs that deliver value without requiring campus residency. Cost-conscious students juggling work, family, or geographic constraints will find the comparison especially useful.
The sections that follow break down ranked programs, compare tuition and debt, examine career earnings, outline specialization tracks, and map Tennessee's licensure pathways for counselors and psychologists. Online delivery has expanded rapidly, but not every program leads to clinical licensure, and not every affordable degree yields strong earnings. Understanding where each program fits in the broader credential and career ecosystem matters as much as the tuition line.
Best Psychology Programs in Tennessee for 2027
The programs below give students a snapshot of strong Tennessee psychology options, including cost-conscious pathways and graduate certificates that support licensure or specialization. Across these schools, you will find practical classroom training, supervised field experiences, and affordable routes into psychology-related careers.
Factors considered
- Affordability and net price
- Online and hybrid delivery options
- Graduation and retention rates
- Licensure preparation and 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
- Original research on individual programs
Austin Peay State University
The science of workplace behavior is the focus of the master's program here, with coursework touching employee selection, training, performance appraisal, and organizational development. The scientist-practitioner model shapes the curriculum, and small classes support working students. Tennessee resident tuition is about $7,300 before applicable fees. The school has a 40 percent graduation rate.
- 34 credit hours with an average two-year completion time
- Curriculum follows the scientist-practitioner model and SIOP guidelines
- Covers employee selection, training, performance appraisal, and organizational development
- Small classes with a 10-to-1 student-faculty ratio
- Requires a 3.0 GPA for admission
- Graduate assistantships and financial aid available
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology — Online
University of Memphis
Prospective researchers can choose from doctoral or master's study in educational psychology, and a separate certificate option focuses on autism. Programs share faculty and emphasize development, cognition, and research methods. Research assistantships and multiple entry terms make this a practical public-university choice. The school has a 51 percent graduation rate.
- Research apprenticeship model with direct faculty mentoring
- Traditional and bachelor's-to-PhD entry paths available
- Research residency and dissertation required
- Fall and spring start terms
- Funding via teaching and research assistantships
- Core areas cover development, cognition, and research methods
- Serves diverse professional backgrounds
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
- Prepares students for doctoral study
- Four-course certificate focused on autism spectrum disorder
- Can be completed in one summer
- Covers evidence-based methods and behavior management strategies
- Requires Graduate School admission but no separate program application
PhD in Educational Psychology and Research — Online
Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Research — Online
Autism Studies Graduate Certificate — Online
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
A flagship university option here combines education and behavioral science in a master's program with an applied behavior analysis concentration. Coursework emphasizes reducing problem behavior and building skills that improve daily functioning for children and adults. The school has a 74 percent graduation rate and in-state tuition around $11,600 before fees.
- Prepares educators to prevent and reduce problem behavior
- Emphasizes teaching appropriate skills that improve quality of life
- Interdisciplinary foundation in special education and school psychology
- Students collaborate with teachers and caregivers
- Grounding in evidence-based behavior analytic techniques
Master of Science in Teacher Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration — Hybrid
Trevecca Nazarene University
This degree-completion bachelor's program is built for working adults, with a 36-credit psychology core that can be finished in about 18 months. Coursework covers personality theory, social psychology, abnormal behavior, and relationships, ending with a capstone project. Optional minors and prior learning credit add flexibility. The school has a 53 percent graduation rate.
- Degree-completion format designed for working adults
- 36 credit hours in 12 courses
- $15,084 total program tuition at $419 per credit
- Cohort-based with faculty mentors and optional minors
- Capstone project synthesizes learning
- Financial aid available and application fee waived
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online
Freed-Hardeman University
Two counseling master's tracks are available here: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Both are designed around Tennessee licensure expectations and emphasize practical experience alongside academic coursework. The clinical track reports a 96 percent CPCE pass rate, while the school counseling track is one of Tennessee's shorter options at 37 credit hours. The school has a 71 percent graduation rate.
- Nationally accredited program
- $680 per credit hour with two-to-three-year completion
- Reports a 96 percent CPCE pass rate
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, 12 behavioral science credits, and an interview
- Meets licensing requirements in most states
- Includes practicum and internship experience
- 37 credit hours at $665 per credit
- Can be completed in two years
- Built for Tennessee licensure in K-12 settings
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, 12 behavioral science credits, and an interview
- Curriculum integrates Christian principles and practical training
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Science in School Counseling — Hybrid
Vanderbilt University
For professionals who already hold a master's degree, this post-master's certificate offers a direct pathway to BCBA exam preparation through Vanderbilt Peabody College. The 21-credit sequence is grounded in evidence-based, compassionate practice and is priced at a reduced per-credit rate. Employer reimbursement is supported, and rolling admissions provide flexibility. The school has a 94 percent graduation rate.
- 21 credits in seven courses
- 15-month sequence with fall start
- Tuition reduced to $1,000 per credit
- Verified course sequence prepares for BCBA certification
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
- Designed for applicants who already hold a master's degree
Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online
King University
This undergraduate psychology program covers human behavior, cognition, and the brain through a curriculum that can include social psychology, abnormal psychology, and lifespan development. Students complete an independent research project and have access to internships at mental health facilities. Admission remains test-optional with a 2.2 GPA minimum. The school has a 48 percent graduation rate.
- 124 total credit hours with an independent research project
- Covers social psychology, abnormal psychology, and lifespan development
- Internships at mental health facilities available
- Test-optional admission with no entrance exam required
- Low student-to-faculty ratio and faculty mentorship
- Curriculum delivered from a Christian worldview
Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Online
Lipscomb University
This Nashville university offers several distinct pathways into psychology, including an undergraduate degree, an applied behavior analysis certificate, and a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling master's. The undergraduate track is transfer-friendly and includes a pathway into graduate study, while the counseling program reports a 100 percent licensure exam pass rate. The school has a 72 percent graduation rate.
- 126 credit hours with eight-week course terms
- Transfer up to 94 credits or earn credit through prior learning
- $574 per credit
- Bachelor's-to-master's pathway available
- Small classes and Psi Chi honor society eligibility
- $953 per credit with a $50 application fee
- Prepares students for the BCBA exam
- Stand-alone certificate option
- Military benefits accepted
- 40 percent in-service discount available
- CACREP-accredited with 61 credit hours
- $962 per credit
- Reports a 100 percent licensure exam pass rate
- Specializations available in play therapy and addiction
- 750 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Prepares graduates for LPC-MHSP licensure
Psychology (Bachelor's) — Online
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master's) — Online
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech provides one of the state's more complete public-university pathways in behavior analysis. A master's concentration in applied behavior analysis leads toward BCBA or BCaBA certification, while doctoral study in exceptional learning allows further specialization. The coursework is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The school has a 58 percent graduation rate.
- ABAI-verified coursework leads to BCBA or BCaBA exam eligibility
- Data-driven behavior interventions for school settings
- Covers autism spectrum disorders and positive behavior support
- Requires a 2.8 GPA for admission
- Doctoral training centered on applied behavior analysis
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, GRE, and three recommendation letters
- Prepares for board certification and careers in schools and higher education
- Faculty interview required after initial review
- Focuses on young at-risk children and families
- Emphasizes relationship building and advocacy
- Faculty interview and scholarly writing sample required
- Prepares for roles in public schools, higher education, and community settings
- Focuses on school-aged children and adult populations
- Part of a nationally accredited strand preparing for BCBA certification
- Prepares for leadership roles in public schools and higher education
- Requires a faculty interview as part of admission
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration — Hybrid
Doctorate in Exceptional Learning, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration — Hybrid
Doctorate in Exceptional Learning, Young Children and Families Concentration — Hybrid
Doctorate in Exceptional Learning, School-Aged Children and Adult Populations Concentration — Hybrid
East Tennessee State University
This psychology major lets undergraduates concentrate on child psychology while keeping the flexibility of a full psychology degree. Coursework combines child development, psychopathology, and language development with early childhood education, preparing students for child advocacy, social services, or graduate study. No minor is required, and advising support is built into the program. The school has a 53 percent graduation rate.
- 120 total credit hours with no minor required
- Covers psychosocial and cognitive development, child psychopathology, and language development
- Child psychology concentration can satisfy an Early Childhood Development minor
- Major field test required
- Advising support available through the CASE center
Psychology with Child Psychology Concentration, Bachelor's — Hybrid
Cumberland University
A graduate program here explores the intersection of psychology and the law inside a non-clinical forensic psychology curriculum. Coursework looks at behavior through biological, cognitive, social, and emotional lenses as they apply to legal settings. Flexible pacing makes the program workable for professionals already in the workforce. The school has a 46 percent graduation rate.
- 36 credit hours across six semesters
- Non-clinical program focused on psychology and the law
- Prepares graduates for victim advocacy, corrections, probation, and forensic social work roles
- Requires a 2.5 GPA and two recommendation letters
- No GRE required
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology — Online
Lincoln Memorial University
This master's degree offers a forensic psychology track for students who want a non-clinical, non-counseling graduate pathway. The program can be completed in as few as 16 months and includes a summer practicum for course credit. Coursework covers statistics, applied psychology, legal and ethical issues, and addiction. The school has a 50 percent graduation rate.
- Non-counseling, non-clinical psychology master's
- Finish in as few as 16 months
- Summer practicum earns course credit
- Coursework covers legal and ethical issues and addiction
- Employer tuition reimbursement supported
- Prepares for law enforcement, data analysis, HR, or doctoral study
Master of Science in Psychology with Forensic Psychology Concentration — Online
Carson-Newman University
This CACREP-accredited counseling degree is available with clinical mental health counseling and school counseling concentrations. Both tracks require 60 credit hours and report a 100 percent post-graduation placement rate. The clinical concentration addresses Tennessee LPC and LMFT licensure expectations, while the school track prepares counselors for Pre-K-12 settings. The school has a 53 percent graduation rate.
- CACREP-accredited with 60 credit hours
- Meets Tennessee licensure expectations for LPC and LMFT
- Reports a 100 percent post-graduation placement rate
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, resume, statement, and interview
- Federal loans and payment plans available
- CACREP-accredited with 60 credit hours
- Prepares school counselors for Pre-K-12 settings
- Reports a 100 percent post-graduation placement rate
- Personal faculty advisors guide students through the program
- Payment plans available
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration — Hybrid
Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling Concentration — Hybrid
Belmont University
This mental health counseling master's with a school counseling concentration prepares graduates for Tennessee licensure while connecting them to a wide range of clinical settings. The program includes 700 hours of field work and reports a 100 percent Praxis exam pass rate. Small classes and personalized supervision support students throughout the degree. The school has a 71 percent graduation rate.
- CACREP-accredited with 60 credit hours
- 700 clinical hours across diverse settings
- 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis exam for school counseling licensure
- Prepares graduates for Tennessee school counseling licensure
- Integrates spirituality, diversity, and ethical practice
- Small classes with personalized supervision
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling with School Counseling Concentration — Online
Tuition and Cost Comparison for Tennessee Psychology Degrees
Sticker price only tells part of the story. The net price column below reflects what the average student actually pays after grants and scholarships, which can dramatically close the gap between public and private institutions. Median graduate debt and ten-year earnings give you a longer view of return on investment.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr) | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $10,518 | $15,702 | $9,735 | $20,547 | $44,301 | 40.2% |
| University of Memphis | $11,628 | $15,840 | $12,397 | $23,300 | $48,458 | 50.9% |
| Tennessee Tech | $12,386 | $15,746 | $14,246 | $15,650 | $48,501 | 57.7% |
| Vanderbilt University | $57,868 | $57,868 | $15,846 | $14,000 | $91,565 | 93.5% |
| East Tennessee State University | $10,216 | $13,726 | $15,983 | $19,442 | $44,859 | 53.2% |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | $31,300 | $31,300 | $16,813 | $18,744 | $49,378 | 53.2% |
| Cumberland University | $8,280 | $8,280 | $18,759 | $17,952 | $57,687 | 45.6% |
| The University of Tennessee, Knoxville | $15,972 | $34,760 | $18,976 | $20,500 | $60,249 | 73.9% |
| Carson-Newman University | $14,355 | $14,355 | $20,251 | $21,500 | $48,382 | 53.2% |
| Lincoln Memorial University | $22,154 | $22,154 | $20,406 | $20,000 | $49,956 | 49.7% |
| Freed-Hardeman University | $11,970 | $11,970 | $21,574 | $21,500 | $47,485 | 70.8% |
| King University | $20,397 | $20,397 | $22,347 | $22,750 | $59,831 | 47.9% |
| Lipscomb University | $40,572 | $40,572 | $24,739 | $19,500 | $55,541 | 72.2% |
| Belmont University | $27,810 | $27,810 | $33,147 | $20,500 | $55,930 | 70.7% |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program, or could you attend hybrid sessions in Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis?
Are you pursuing licensure as an LPC, a licensed psychologist, or another credential, and does that change the degree level you need?
Have you compared net price after financial aid rather than just sticker tuition, including your living costs?
Online Vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee psychology programs increasingly offer flexible delivery formats, but the best choice depends on your career goals, schedule, and licensure plans. Many schools listed as offering both online and on-campus options use a hybrid model, which typically means completing coursework online while attending periodic campus intensives for labs, seminars, or clinical training. Understanding the trade-offs helps you pick the format that fits your life without compromising your professional trajectory.
- Online formats give working students the flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule, often while maintaining employment.
- Studying online opens access to programs across Tennessee, not just schools within commuting distance of your home.
- Online programs frequently carry lower effective costs because you eliminate commuting, relocation, and many campus fees.
- Hybrid models combine the convenience of online learning with structured in-person intensives for hands-on skill development.
- On-campus programs offer direct access to faculty mentorship, research labs, campus counseling centers, and peer study groups.
- In-person attendance makes it easier to complete practicum and clinical hours required for licensure-track specializations.
- Campus-based students benefit from stronger professional networking through department events, conferences, and local clinical placements.
- Online learners may find it harder to build the professional relationships that often lead to practicum placements and job referrals.
- Licensure-track programs in clinical or counseling psychology almost always require supervised in-person hours, regardless of course delivery format.
- On-campus programs demand a rigid schedule that can conflict with work or family obligations, especially for nontraditional students.
- Attending classes in person typically increases total costs once you factor in housing, transportation, and campus-specific fees.
- Hybrid intensives still require periodic travel to campus, which can be a burden for students living far from the host institution.
- Some online programs offer fewer elective or specialization options compared to their on-campus counterparts at the same school.
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Career Outcomes and Earnings After a Tennessee Psychology Degree
What you earn after graduation depends on three things: the degree level you complete, the occupation you enter, and whether you stay in Tennessee or relocate. Here is how the numbers stack up for the programs in this guide.
What Graduates of These Programs Actually Earn
Program-specific earnings reported one and four years after completion are not currently published for the Tennessee psychology programs in this guide, so we are relying on longer-horizon institutional earnings (median earnings about ten years after entry, across all majors at each school) as a directional signal. By that measure, Vanderbilt graduates lead the group at roughly $91,600, followed by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville near $60,200, King University around $59,800, Cumberland University at about $57,700, and Belmont and Lipscomb both in the mid-$55,000s. Schools further down the list (Trevecca Nazarene, Tennessee Tech, University of Memphis, Carson-Newman, Freed-Hardeman, ETSU, Austin Peay) cluster between $44,000 and $50,000.
These figures are institution-wide, not psychology-only, so treat them as a ceiling-and-floor reference rather than a salary forecast for any one program.
Tennessee Occupational Wages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives a clearer occupation-level picture. In Tennessee, clinical and counseling psychologists (a doctoral-level role) earned a median annual wage of $109,670 in May 2023, or about $52.73 per hour.1 That figure applies to licensed psychologists statewide; Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville metros typically sit close to the state median, with Nashville running slightly higher in private practice settings. Master's-level mental health counselors and school counselors earn meaningfully less. Students interested in those pathways may want to explore best master's in counseling Tennessee programs as well. Industrial organizational psychologists are well paid nationally but employ in small numbers in Tennessee, so the state figure should be read cautiously.
Earnings-to-Debt and Time-to-Employment
For return on investment, Vanderbilt's combination of high downstream earnings and modest median graduate debt (around $14,000) produces the strongest earnings-to-debt ratio in the group by a wide margin. UT-Knoxville and Tennessee Tech also fare well thanks to public in-state tuition keeping debt manageable. Programs with both higher private tuition and mid-range earnings (Belmont, Lipscomb, Carson-Newman) deliver moderate ROI. Detailed one-year employment shares and above-poverty rates for these specific psychology programs are not reported in the federal outcomes data.
Forward-Looking Outlook
Nationally, BLS projects 6% growth for psychologists overall and roughly 11% growth for clinical and counseling psychologists through 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.2 Tennessee's population growth in the Nashville and Knoxville metros, combined with continued demand for behavioral health services, points to a healthy in-state job market for licensed clinicians over the next decade.
What Tennessee Psychology Graduates Earn Vs. What They Owe
How quickly can you expect to recoup your investment in a Tennessee psychology degree? The chart below pairs each school's median graduate debt with median earnings ten years after enrollment. A higher earnings-to-debt ratio signals stronger long-term return: Vanderbilt leads at roughly 6.5:1, meaning graduates earn about $6.54 for every dollar of debt they carry. Schools clustered near 2.6:1 to 3.2:1 still offer solid returns, but the gap highlights how net price and institutional outcomes can dramatically reshape your financial trajectory.
Psychology Specializations Available in Tennessee
Your choice of specialization determines not just your first job title but your entire licensure pathway and long-term career trajectory. Tennessee programs cluster around several distinct concentrations, each with its own delivery format and professional outcomes.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Austin Peay State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, following SIOP guidelines across 34 credit hours. This specialization prepares graduates to apply psychological principles in workplace settings, addressing employee selection, training, performance evaluation, and organizational development. Typical roles include HR analyst, talent management specialist, and organizational development consultant. Because I/O psychology does not require clinical licensure in Tennessee, graduates can enter the workforce immediately upon degree completion.
Forensic Psychology
Cumberland University and Lincoln Memorial University both deliver online master's degrees in forensic psychology. Cumberland's 36-credit program is entirely online and non-clinical, preparing graduates for roles in the criminal justice system such as victim advocate, jury consultant, or correctional treatment specialist. Lincoln Memorial's program can be completed in 16 months and includes a summer practicum. Neither program leads to clinical licensure, but both position graduates for doctoral study or applied careers in legal and correctional settings.
Educational and School Psychology
The University of Memphis offers a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research with online and face-to-face options, targeting students who want careers in academic research or higher education administration. Students exploring this field more broadly may want to compare online educational psychology masters programs nationwide. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville provides an online Master of Science in Educational Psychology with an Adult Education concentration. Freed-Hardeman University takes a different approach with its hybrid Master of Science in School Counseling, designed to meet Tennessee school counselor licensure requirements. School counseling programs typically require some on-campus components for practicum supervision and face-to-face skill development.
Counseling Psychology
Carson-Newman University and Belmont University both offer CACREP-accredited counseling programs that lead to LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) eligibility in Tennessee. Carson-Newman's 60-credit hybrid program covers Clinical Mental Health Counseling, while Belmont offers a School Counseling concentration within its Mental Health Counseling MA. These programs include 700 clinical hours and require on-site practicum experiences. Students considering doctoral-level work after their master's should explore counseling doctoral programs as a next step. Counseling psychology remains the most direct path to independent clinical practice in Tennessee.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Vanderbilt University provides an online post-master's certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis for professionals who already hold a related graduate degree. Tennessee Tech offers a hybrid Master of Arts with an ABA concentration that prepares graduates for the BCBA examination, a key step toward Tennessee BCBA certification. ABA specialists work primarily with individuals on the autism spectrum and in educational or clinical settings. Both programs allow significant online coursework, though supervised fieldwork hours must be completed in person.
General Psychology
Trevecca Nazarene University, King University, and Lipscomb University each offer online bachelor's degrees in general psychology. These programs provide foundational knowledge in human behavior, research methods, and psychological theory without a specific clinical or applied focus. Graduates typically pursue entry-level positions in human services, case management, or social services, or continue to graduate study in a specialized area. Those interested in a broader best online master's in psychology can build on any of these bachelor's programs.
Online Availability by Specialization
I/O psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, and general psychology programs are most commonly delivered fully online. School counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and ABA programs almost always include hybrid components because licensure boards and certification bodies require supervised face-to-face clinical hours. If schedule flexibility is your priority, the non-clinical specializations offer the most online-friendly options.
Accreditation and Licensure Pathways in Tennessee
Tennessee's psychology licensure system distinguishes sharply between general academic quality and the specialized preparation required for clinical practice. Every reputable program holds regional accreditation from agencies like SACSCOC, which ensures basic academic standards and federal financial aid eligibility. But if you intend to become a licensed psychologist or counselor in Tennessee, you need to verify that your program also carries the professional accreditation the state board expects.
Regional vs. Professional Accreditation
Regional accreditation confirms that a university meets general educational standards. Professional accreditation goes further: the American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, while the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits master's and doctoral counseling programs. Tennessee's licensing boards do not require APA or CACREP accreditation by statute, but they strongly prefer graduates of accredited programs. APA accreditation assures that a doctoral program includes the supervised clinical training hours the Board of Examiners in Psychology requires for licensure.1 CACREP accreditation signals that a counseling program meets the 60-semester-hour curriculum standard Tennessee expects for Licensed Professional Counselor candidates. Graduating from a non-accredited program often triggers additional scrutiny during the application process and may require you to document equivalencies course by course.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements in Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology licenses psychologists at the doctoral level only.1 You must earn a doctoral degree in psychology, complete 3,800 hours of supervised experience (1,900 hours during a predoctoral internship and 1,900 hours postdoctoral), and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.2 The board charges a $485 application fee, and the EPPP itself costs $687.50.2 For students still exploring the broader landscape, our guide on how to become a psychologist outlines the general steps involved. APA-accredited doctoral programs in Tennessee include:
- Vanderbilt University: Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
- University of Memphis: Clinical Psychology Ph.D., Counseling Psychology Ph.D., School Psychology Ph.D., and Experimental Psychology Ph.D.
- Tennessee State University: Counseling Psychology Ph.D. and School Psychology Ph.D.
All of these programs integrate the required practicum and internship hours into the curriculum, streamlining your path to licensure.5
Licensed Professional Counselor Requirements in Tennessee
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor, you need a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field that includes at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework. After graduation, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 24 months, then pass the National Counselor Examination. CACREP-accredited programs structure their curricula to meet the 60-hour threshold automatically, and graduates of these programs often find that state boards process their applications more quickly. Students weighing their options can compare counseling master's programs online to identify programs that meet these standards. Tennessee universities offering CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs include the University of Memphis, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, and several others.
Online Degrees and Tennessee Licensure
You can absolutely pursue Tennessee licensure with an online degree, provided the program holds the appropriate accreditation and includes the supervised clinical hours the board requires. Licensure hinges on the quality and structure of your training, not the modality. An APA-accredited online doctoral program with approved practicum placements will qualify you for psychologist licensure just as an on-campus program does. Similarly, a CACREP-accredited online master's in counseling that arranges local supervision meets the LPC board's standards. For those still weighing different types of psychology degrees, the critical factor is ensuring your program facilitates the hands-on clinical work Tennessee mandates, regardless of where you complete your coursework.
The Path to Psychology Licensure in Tennessee
Tennessee offers two primary clinical credentialing tracks: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Psychologist. Both follow a structured sequence of education, supervised practice, examination, and board application, but the requirements differ significantly at each stage.
How to Choose a Psychology Program in Tennessee
Choosing a psychology program is not just about finding a school you like. It is about matching the program to where you want to end up. Four factors should anchor every decision you make: your career goal, the program format, the true cost, and accreditation.
Start With Your Career Goal
The most consequential question is whether you need a licensure-track program. If you plan to practice as a licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapy programs in Tennessee, or psychologist, your graduate program must satisfy the Tennessee licensing board's curriculum requirements. A general psychology master's that works well for research roles may leave gaps that block clinical licensure entirely. Nail down your intended license type before you apply anywhere.
Match Format to Your Life
Online, hybrid, and on-campus programs each carry trade-offs. Fully online options give working adults the flexibility to stay employed while they study, but some require occasional in-person intensives or local practicum placements. On-campus programs at institutions like UTK or UTC often provide closer access to research labs and faculty mentors. Be honest about your schedule, geography, and learning style.
Compare Net Price, Not Sticker Price
Published tuition numbers rarely reflect what students actually pay after grants, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits. Use the cost and earnings data in this article as a starting framework, then request net price estimates directly from two or three programs you are seriously considering. The gap between sticker price and real cost can be substantial.
Verify Accreditation Before You Apply
Do not assume a regionally accredited university automatically means the specific program meets licensure requirements. Some Tennessee licensing pathways require program-level accreditation through bodies like CACREP or APA. Check the licensing board's requirements first, then confirm the program you are considering satisfies them. This step takes fifteen minutes and can prevent years of costly surprises.
Know What Admission Requires
Most Tennessee master's programs in psychology set a minimum undergraduate GPA around 3.0, though competitive applicants typically present closer to 3.5.1 Expect to submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and transcripts showing coursework in psychology, statistics, and research methods.2 UTC specifically asks applicants to address career goals, research interests, and potential faculty mentors in their personal statement.3 Regarding standardized tests, UTK has made the GRE optional, and that shift reflects a broader trend across Tennessee programs.1 Still, confirm the current policy directly with each program, since test requirements can change year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Psychology Programs
Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often about pursuing a psychology degree in Tennessee. Where relevant, we point to sections earlier in this article that cover the topic in greater depth.
- What colleges in Tennessee have the best psychology programs?
- Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Middle Tennessee State University consistently rank among the strongest options. The ranking section of this article breaks down the top programs for 2026 by factors such as accreditation, graduation rates, and student outcomes, so you can compare them side by side.
- Can you become a licensed psychologist with an online degree from Tennessee?
- Yes, but the doctoral program you complete must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or meet equivalent standards recognized by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology. Some hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person practicum hours. The accreditation and licensure section above outlines the full requirements, including supervised experience and the EPPP exam.
- How much does a psychology degree cost in Tennessee?
- Costs vary widely. In-state tuition at public universities can start around $9,000 to $10,000 per year for undergraduates, while private institutions may exceed $50,000 annually. The tuition comparison table in this article lists current published rates for several Tennessee schools so you can estimate total program cost at each level.
- What are the admission requirements for psychology programs in Tennessee?
- Undergraduate programs typically require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.5 or higher), and standardized test scores, though many schools are now test optional. Graduate programs generally expect a bachelor's degree, a competitive GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores. Doctoral programs add interviews and research experience.
- What psychology specializations are available at Tennessee schools?
- Tennessee institutions offer specializations including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, school psychology, forensic psychology, and health psychology. Several universities also provide concentrations in child development and behavioral neuroscience. The specializations section earlier in this article details which schools offer which tracks and at what degree level.
- Are there PsyD programs in Tennessee?
- Yes. Institutions such as Lipscomb University offer PsyD programs in the state. PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice over research compared to PhD tracks, making them a strong fit for students whose primary goal is direct client work. Check each program's APA accreditation status before enrolling, because accreditation matters for licensure eligibility.
- What is the difference between an LPC and a licensed psychologist in Tennessee?
- A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee holds a master's degree and provides talk therapy and mental health counseling after completing supervised clinical hours. A licensed psychologist holds a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), can administer psychological testing, and typically completes more extensive supervised practice. The licensure pathways section above maps out the education, exam, and supervision requirements for each credential.
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