Psychology remains one of the most studied and relevant disciplines in higher education, and for good reason. As society pays more attention to mental health, behavior, and workplace well-being, the need for skilled professionals continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers connected to psychology, from counseling and human resources to research and education, are expected to see steady growth over the next decade.
In New Hampshire, that growing interest meets opportunity. The state may be small, but it’s home to a mix of respected universities and smaller liberal arts colleges that offer strong, well-rounded psychology programs. Students can choose between research-driven institutions with modern labs and data-focused training, or colleges that emphasize personal development, fieldwork, and community engagement.
To help prospective students make informed choices, this article highlights the five best colleges for psychology in New Hampshire. The selection was based on reputable data from verified sources. We focused on academic quality, faculty strength, research opportunities, and graduate outcomes.
Best Colleges for Psychology in New Hampshire
If you’re interested in studying how the mind works and how people think, feel, and behave, then you should take a look at the top five colleges in New Hampshire offering outstanding psychology programs. Explore them below to find the one that best fits your goals and interests.
1. Dartmouth College (Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences)
Dartmouth’s psychology program combines classic psychological study with modern brain science, so students learn how behavior and thought come from brain processes as well as from life experience.
Undergraduates can major or minor in psychology or neuroscience, take small seminars, and work closely with faculty on real research projects. Many students join labs, collect data, and complete senior honors theses that prepare them for graduate school or research careers.
The department emphasizes both experimental methods and computational or neural approaches, and students benefit from a wide roster of active researchers and specialized lab facilities. Graduates move into a mix of paths: competitive graduate programs, clinical training, health fields, or jobs that need strong research and data skills.
2. University of New Hampshire — Durham (Department of Psychology; Neuroscience & Behavior program)
UNH offers a broad psychology major plus an integrated Neuroscience and Behavior program that brings together biology, psychology, and life sciences, so students learn how the brain shapes behavior.
The curriculum trains students in scientific research, statistics, and experimental design while covering development, social behavior, perception, and abnormal psychology. UNH also supports hands-on research and internships, and, unlike many smaller colleges, it provides graduate training and more research opportunities, which are useful if you want to pursue a master’s, PhD, or research career.
Many students graduate ready for clinical work, counseling programs, or jobs that require strong analytical and communication skills.
3. Saint Anselm College (Psychology Department)
Saint Anselm’s psychology program is taught in a close-knit liberal-arts setting where courses mix classroom learning with laboratory work and community-focused field experiences. The department groups its teaching around core areas, brain and behavior, development and potential, and society and relationships, so students get a balanced view of how individuals grow, think, and relate to others.
Faculty offer hands-on labs and chances to do supervised projects, whichhelps students gain real skills for counseling, social services, education, or further study. The program is known for personalized advising and preparing graduates for a range of careers or graduate programs.
4. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — Psychology (on campus & online)
SNHU offers flexible psychology degrees, both on campus and online, designed to teach core psychological ideas, research methods, and practical skills employers want, such as data analysis, critical thinking, and communicating findings.
Courses use case studies and experiential learning so students can apply concepts to real problems; SNHU’s programs often emphasize career readiness and can be a good fit if you need schedule flexibility or want to move quickly into jobs in human services, business, or support roles while building toward licensure or graduate school later.
SNHU offers multiple program tracks and certificates that help tailor coursework to interests in counseling, applied behavior analysis, or organizational psychology.
5. Keene State College (Psychology Department)
Keene State’s psychology program focuses on a scientific understanding of behavior while keeping classes and research accessible to undergraduates. The department runs a NeuroLab and other research opportunities where students can assist with studies on language, autism, clinical interventions, and neuropsychology.
There are clear pathways to internships and honors projects, and the catalog shows structured course sequences that build research and professional skills.
Because Keene State emphasizes undergraduate teaching and hands-on practice, students often graduate with practical experience that helps them enter counseling, social services, or graduate programs.
Career and Employment Prospects for Psychology Graduates
A degree in psychology can open more doors than many people realize. In New Hampshire, graduates go on to work in schools, hospitals, community organizations, and research centers, while others use their degree as a first step toward advanced study in counseling, clinical psychology, or organizational behavior.
The skills learned in a psychology program, understanding people, analyzing data, and solving problems, fit into almost any work setting. Some graduates start as case managers, behavioral health assistants, or research aides. Others find roles in human resources, education, or social services, where communication and empathy make a real difference.
For those who decide to continue their education, opportunities expand even more. Earning a master’s or doctorate allows you to become a licensed psychologist, counselor, or researcher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for psychology-related professionals in the U.S. is expected to keep growing steadily through 2032, reflecting the ongoing need for mental-health support and behavioral insight in everyday life.
New Hampshire, in particular, has seen increased focus on community mental health and workplace well-being in recent years. That means more local positions for people with psychology backgrounds, whether in schools, clinics, or private organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can you do with a psychology degree in New Hampshire?
Graduates can work in social services, education, business, or healthcare. Many also continue to graduate school to become licensed counselors or psychologists.
2. Can you practice as a psychologist with a bachelor’s degree?
No, a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you to practice as a licensed psychologist. You’ll need a graduate degree, usually a master’s or doctorate, along with supervised clinical experience and state licensure.
However, with a bachelor’s degree, you can work in related roles such as case management, behavioral health support, human resources, or research assistance.
3. How long does it take to earn a psychology degree?
Most undergraduate psychology degrees take four years to complete. Some schools also offer accelerated or online options for added flexibility.
4. Is psychology a good major for graduate study?
Yes. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a strong starting point for graduate programs in counseling, social work, education, neuroscience, or human resources.
5. Do New Hampshire colleges offer online psychology programs?
Several schools, including Southern New Hampshire University and the University of New Hampshire, offer fully or partially online options for psychology students.