Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, helping us understand how people think, feel, and act in different situations. Choosing the right college for psychology is important because it shapes the quality of your education, the research and practical opportunities you have, and the career paths you can pursue after graduation.
Tennessee is home to a wide range of psychology programs, from large research universities to smaller liberal arts colleges, each offering unique strengths. Some schools focus heavily on research, while others emphasize hands-on experience, internships, and direct mentorship. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which program will best prepare you for your goals.
This article highlights the top ten psychology colleges in Tennessee, providing detailed information about their programs, campus environment, and opportunities for students to develop the skills and experience needed for a successful career in psychology.
Best Colleges for Psychology in Tennessee
1. Vanderbilt University – Psychology Program
Vanderbilt University in Nashville has one of the strongest psychology programs in Tennessee and is respected nationally. Psychology at Vanderbilt is all about understanding how the brain works, why people think and act the way they do, and how behavior connects to real-world problems.
The department offers both undergraduate and graduate paths with lots of research opportunities, small class environments, and close work with faculty who are leaders in areas like cognition, clinical science, neuroscience, and developmental psychology.
Students can earn a Bachelor’s degree, explore advanced research, and even pursue a combined 4+1 BA/MA program that lets you complete both degrees in five years, preparing you well for graduate school or competitive careers. Vanderbilt’s psychology graduate program is also ranked among the top in the nation, showing how serious the school is about training future experts in psychology and science.
2. Sewanee: The University of the South – Psychology Program
At the University of the South in Sewanee, the psychology program focuses on understanding human behavior deeply while also encouraging students to use what they learn to make a positive impact. The department teaches students fundamental psychology ideas and hands-on research methods so they can explore topics like thinking, personality, development, and social behavior.
What makes Sewanee different is its strong emphasis on combining scientific thinking with real research projects and opportunities to work alongside faculty in labs. Students often present their research and can even participate in special experiences like the Sewanee-at-Yale internship, where they work on research and clinical activities in a professional setting.
The small class sizes and the campus community help students build real relationships with teachers and peers, which makes the learning experience supportive and meaningful.
3. Belmont University – Department of Psychological Science
Belmont University in Nashville offers a well-rounded psychology program designed to help students grow intellectually and personally. In the Department of Psychological Science, students develop strong research, communication, and analytical skills that prepare them for many paths after graduation.
Belmont’s psychology coursework includes practical research experiences, internships, and opportunities to present findings at conferences or work on real projects that matter. Students learn about different areas of psychology, such as social behavior, child development, abnormal psychology, and cognitive processes.
The program also encourages participation in clubs and honors societies like Psi Chi, which connect you with peers and professionals. For students interested in continuing education, Belmont even offers accelerated options that allow high-achieving psychology majors to start advanced programs sooner.
4. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) – Psychology & Neuroscience
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville has a large and diverse psychology and neuroscience department that serves many students with different interests. UTK offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that gives students a solid foundation in how human behavior works, how the mind develops, and how psychological research is conducted.
Students can choose courses across traditional psychology topics as well as neuroscience, giving them flexibility to tailor their education to their interests. UTK also provides hands-on experience with faculty research, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement that strengthen learning beyond the classroom.
For students wanting to go further, UTK has graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, social psychology, and other areas, including nationally accredited doctoral paths that prepare students for careers in clinical practice and research.
5. King University – Bachelor of Science in Psychology
King University’s psychology program offers a flexible and supportive environment for students interested in how the human mind and behavior work. Located in Tennessee, King’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology explores key psychological topics such as perception, development, cognition, social behavior, and abnormal psychology while also integrating practical and critical thinking skills.
Students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, which means professors can give more individual help and guidance. The program includes opportunities for experiential learning, such as internships and real research projects, which help students build confidence and experience before graduation.
King also offers both online and on-campus options, making it accessible for students with different needs and schedules. Graduates can pursue careers in human services, case management, counseling-related fields, or continue on to graduate or professional training.
6. Lipscomb University – Psychology Program
Lipscomb University in Nashville offers a psychology program that focuses on understanding human behavior while also emphasizing ethical practice and real-world application. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in core psychology areas such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, and social behavior.
Students are trained to think critically, analyze behavior, and understand how psychology applies to everyday life and professional settings. Lipscomb’s program also includes research opportunities, internships, and faculty mentorship, which help students gain practical experience before graduation.
Class sizes are generally smaller, allowing for more interaction with lecturers and better academic support.
7. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) – Psychology Program
East Tennessee State University offers a well-established psychology program that serves both undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate psychology degree provides a broad understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and research methods. Students study areas such as learning, personality, psychological disorders, social psychology, and human development.
ETSU places strong emphasis on research and practical learning, giving students opportunities to work in labs, assist faculty with studies, and gain community-based experience. The university is also well known for its graduate-level psychology and counseling programs, which attract students from across the region.
8. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) – Psychology Department
Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro, has one of the largest psychology departments in Tennessee. The psychology program at MTSU is structured to give students a strong academic foundation while also preparing them for practical careers or further education.
Students learn about human behavior, mental health, statistics, and research methods, which are essential for understanding psychology as a science. MTSU also offers opportunities for internships, research participation, and involvement in student organizations related to psychology. One major advantage of MTSU is affordability, especially for in-state students, making it a popular option for those seeking quality education at a lower cost.
9. University of Memphis – Psychology Program
The University of Memphis offers a strong psychology program with both undergraduate and graduate study options. The undergraduate psychology degree introduces students to major psychological theories, research methods, and applications of psychology in everyday life. Students explore topics like abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social behavior.
The university is especially known for its research strength, including industrial and organizational psychology, which focuses on behavior in workplace settings. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and community engagement activities that help them gain real-world experience.
As a public university, the University of Memphis provides relatively affordable tuition while maintaining strong academic standards, making it a solid option for students interested in psychology careers or advanced studies.
10. Christian Brothers University – Psychology Program
Christian Brothers University (CBU) in Memphis offers a psychology program that combines strong academics with personal attention and practical experience. The program covers core areas like developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social behavior, cognitive processes, and research methods, giving students a well-rounded understanding of human behavior.
CBU emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and opportunities to work directly with faculty on studies that impact real communities. The small class sizes ensure close interaction with professors and personalized guidance. Graduates are prepared for careers in counseling, human services, education, mental health support, or for continuing on to graduate or professional school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Psychology in Tennessee
1. What courses and specializations can I study in psychology at these schools?
Psychology programs in Tennessee usually cover core topics like developmental psychology, cognitive processes, abnormal behavior, social psychology, and research methods. Many schools also offer specializations or elective areas such as clinical psychology, counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, neuroscience, or child development. This means students can focus on areas that match their career goals while still getting a strong general foundation in human behavior and mental processes. Hands-on research opportunities and internships are also often available to give students practical experience.
2. Will studying psychology in Tennessee help me get a job after graduation?
Yes, psychology degrees from respected Tennessee schools prepare students for careers in human services, counseling, social work, mental health support, business, education, and research. Schools often provide career services, networking, and internship opportunities to help students transition into the workforce. Graduates can also pursue graduate school, which is required for clinical or licensed counseling careers. Employment prospects are good for students who combine coursework with research, volunteering, or practical experience during their studies.
3. How much do tuition and living costs vary by city in Tennessee?
Tuition and living expenses vary depending on whether the school is public or private, and the city it’s located in. For example, schools in Nashville, like Vanderbilt or Belmont, tend to have higher tuition and living costs than public universities in smaller cities like ETSU or King University in Bristol. Students should also consider housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses when choosing a school. Some universities offer on-campus housing, financial aid, or scholarships that can help manage costs.
4. What research and practical experience opportunities are available for psychology students?
Most Tennessee psychology programs encourage hands-on learning. Students can join faculty-led research projects, work in labs, complete internships, volunteer with community programs, or participate in clinical observations. These experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also make students more competitive for jobs and graduate programs. Some universities also offer summer research opportunities or partnerships with hospitals, schools, and businesses in the city, giving students exposure to real-world psychological practice.
5. How does the city I study in affect my psychological experience?
The city can influence your opportunities, lifestyle, and networking. Larger cities like Nashville or Memphis offer more internships, volunteer opportunities, clinics, and professional organizations to connect with, while smaller towns like Sewanee or Bristol offer a quieter environment with close student-faculty interaction. Choosing a city affects your day-to-day life, cost of living, and access to psychology-related experiences. It’s important to pick a location that fits your learning style and career goals.