Best Psychology Undergraduate Programs

According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), more common than natural sciences, astrophysics, mathematics, engineering, electrical engineering, and other social sciences, psychology is the most popular major, among the unique fields within science and technology. Since the early 1990s, the percentage of college students majoring in psychology has crept up approximately 6 to 6.5 percent, rising from the previous 4 to 5 percent in the 1980s. Needless to say, the popularity of Psychology did not stop in the 1990s and has since seen constant growth.

Choosing psychology as a major during undergraduate studies certainly opens a vast range of career options. However, it is important to keep in mind that psychology is not just an art, but also a science and hence requires further higher studies before it can be practiced as a career. To put it simply, at an undergraduate level, students only learn the basics of Psychology; beginning with the introduction of the subject and the other subjects that constitute Psychology.

The following is the list of top universities in the US for the best psychology undergraduate program.

Top Universities Offering Undergraduate Programs in Psychology

1

Harvard University

• Harvard University is arguably the top university to study any degree in the United States. The argument is no different when it comes to the subject of Psychology. It is well-known that Harvard University provides an exceptional education to the students who are able to get accepted by the university and provides an academic experience unlike any other. The university trains its students to face the professional world head-on, by mixing real-life examples, research, and studies together - no matter the concentration of the degree.
• The university provides four different tracks for undergraduate programs in psychology- General track, Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology Track, Cognitive Science Track, and Secondary Field in Psychology
• Students must have completed a laboratory course by the conclusion of their third year in order to pursue a thesis, typically requiring a commitment of 10-12 hours per week in the lab.
• The tuition fee for the undergraduate programs in psychology at the university is $57,000.

2

Columbia University

• Columbia University is another renowned private university in the United States. The university is known widely for its world-class education and educational facilities, as well as for standing on the same rank as other Ivy League universities such as MIT. Columbia University is also well-received for its research in different fields of concentration, namely science, and business.
• Columbia University provides a Psych/Neuro Senior Thesis Advanced Research program open to students majoring in Psychology or Neuroscience & Behavior, as well as a major in Psychology.
• The Psych/Neuro Senior Thesis Advanced Research program includes a two-hour, one-credit Senior Thesis Advanced Research Seminar, Senior Thesis Research, Research Methods Course, and Senior Thesis.
• In order to qualify for the Psychology Major, candidates are required to finish 11 courses in Psychology or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 points. A minimum of 6 out of the 11 courses must be taken within the Columbia Psychology Department.
• These 11 courses are an introductory Psychology Course, One Statistics course, One Research Methods course, One Group I Course, One Group II Course, One Group III Course, One course meeting the Seminar requirement, one course meeting the integrative/applied Special Elective requirement, Enough PSYC electives to complete 11 courses.
• The tuition fee for the undergraduate psychology programs at the university is $2,200 per point.

3

Stanford University

• Stanford University is one of the oldest and most reputed universities in the United States. Established in the year 1885, the university has been recognized for its academics and high student admissions. Moreover, the university has made a long-lasting mark in the area of research and their findings have been regarded as essential information that has contributed heavily towards the betterment of society.
• At Stanford University, students have the option to pursue Honors, a major, or a minor in psychology.
• Students must complete a minimum of 70 units of coursework in Psychology with a grade of C- or higher, with at least 60 units completed within the Department of Psychology, in order to officially declare psychology as their major.
• In order to qualify for the Honors program, psychology majors are required to finish 3 quarters of Honors Research, successfully complete the Honors Thesis, and deliver a presentation at the Honors Convention.
• The tuition fee for undergraduate psychology programs at the university is $21,000 per quarter.

4

Yale University

• Yale University is one of the popular private universities in the United States. The university is popular for its academics, high employee turnover, and also for its groundbreaking research in several fields of Health & Science.
• Yale University provides a Psychology major program for both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
• The psychology major necessitates the completion of an introductory psychology course, senior requirements, and 12 other courses, which must include either Statistics or Introduction to Statistics: Social Sciences, 2 social science courses, 2 natural science courses, 1 research methods course, and 4 electives.
• The senior requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree necessitate completion of either two empirical courses or one empirical course along with one nonempirical research course. Conversely, in order to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, students must complete two empirical research courses.
• The tuition fee for the undergraduate psychology programs at the university is $67,000.

5

Princeton University

• Princeton University is one of the most reputed universities in the United States. The university is not only popular for its academics and high employee turnover but also for its research and faculty that enhance the university.
• Princeton University offers the option for students to major in Psychology and obtain a bachelor's degree.
• In order to officially choose psychology as their major, students are required to finish a minimum of 3 prerequisite courses. These courses include Quantitative Methods and one of the following options: Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Functional Neuroanatomy, or Fundamentals of Neuroscience.
• In order to obtain a psychology degree, students are required to finish a minimum of 8 departmental courses in addition to the prerequisite courses outlined earlier.
• The tuition fee for the undergraduate psychology programs at Princeton University is $62,000.

Career Prospects after Majoring in Psychology

The job outlook for individuals who have pursued a psychology major in the US is generally positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Psychologists in the US earn a median annual salary of $93,000, which equates to $45 per hour. The demand for psychologists is expected to increase as people continue to seek mental health services and as more organizations recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace. Additionally, individuals with a psychology background may find opportunities in a variety of industries, making it a versatile and in-demand field.