Best Psychology Degrees in Little Rock

Best Psychology Degrees in Little Rock (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right psychology program in Little Rock can shape your career for decades. Whether you want to become a licensed counselor, clinical psychologist, researcher, or work in business, healthcare, or education, the school you select matters. This guide provides a detailed, side‑by‑side comparison of the top psychology degrees in Little Rock, including curriculum depth, accreditation, career outcomes, faculty quality, and affordability.

Key Takeaways

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) offers the most comprehensive psychology pathway in the city, including doctoral training and strong research opportunities.
• Arkansas Baptist College provides a smaller, faith-based learning environment with personalized faculty support.
• University of Phoenix – Little Rock is designed for working adults who need flexible online psychology degrees.
• Internships, research facilities, and licensure preparation vary significantly between schools.
• Psychology graduates in Arkansas can pursue careers in mental health, human services, business, healthcare administration, and education, with strong projected job growth in counseling fields.

What Makes a Psychology Degree “Best”?

Not all psychology degrees are created equal. The strongest programs in Little Rock share five characteristics:

1. Accreditation

Look for regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Graduate students pursuing licensure should confirm alignment with Arkansas Psychology Board and Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling requirements.

2. Curriculum Rigor and Specializations

Top programs offer coursework in abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, cognitive processes, and social psychology. Advanced programs may include neuropsychology, clinical assessment, and supervised practicum experiences.

3. Faculty and Research Access

Doctorally trained faculty, active research labs, and undergraduate research assistantships significantly enhance student outcomes.

4. Career and Internship Support

Direct partnerships with hospitals, community agencies, schools, and behavioral health providers in Central Arkansas are essential for practical experience.

5. Graduate and Licensure Outcomes

Programs that track placement into graduate schools, counseling roles, or doctoral licensure pathways demonstrate accountability and effectiveness.

Top Psychology Programs in Little Rock

1. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock)

Best Overall Psychology Program in Little Rock

UA Little Rock is the leading public research institution in the city and offers the broadest range of psychology degrees.

Degrees Offered

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Master’s programs in Counseling and related behavioral sciences
• Doctoral training pathways in collaboration with clinical and research departments

Program Strengths

• Research labs focused on behavioral science, cognition, and social psychology
• Undergraduate research assistant opportunities
• Internships with Arkansas Children’s Hospital, local clinics, and nonprofits
• Strong preparation for graduate and doctoral study

Curriculum Highlights

Students complete advanced coursework in statistics, experimental design, psychological assessment, developmental psychology, and clinical foundations. The program emphasizes critical thinking and empirical research.

Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue roles such as:

• Mental health case manager
• Behavioral health technician
• Human resources specialist
• Graduate student in clinical or counseling psychology

UA Little Rock graduates frequently continue into master’s and doctoral programs, both in Arkansas and nationally.

Estimated Tuition

As a public university, UA Little Rock offers competitive in-state tuition. Costs vary by residency and enrollment status, but it remains the most affordable research-based option in Little Rock.

2. Arkansas Baptist College

Best for Small Class Sizes and Faith-Based Learning

Arkansas Baptist College provides an intimate academic setting for students who prefer smaller classes and personalized mentorship.

Degree Offered

• Bachelor’s degree with psychology coursework integrated into liberal arts study

Program Strengths

• Low student-to-faculty ratios
• Christian-centered academic environment
• Individualized academic advising

Who It’s Best For

Students seeking a values-driven education and strong faculty support often thrive here. The program is particularly suited for those planning to enter ministry-based counseling, community support roles, or graduate school.

3. University of Phoenix – Little Rock (Online Focus)

Best for Working Adults and Flexible Schedules

While primarily online, the University of Phoenix serves Little Rock students who need flexible degree options.

Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Online)

Program Strengths

• Fully online format
• Accelerated course schedules
• Career-aligned coursework in organizational psychology and human services

Considerations

This pathway is ideal for career advancement in business or social services but is not typically designed for clinical licensure preparation. Students intending to pursue licensed psychologist roles should verify graduate school prerequisites.

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolDegree LevelsFormatResearch OpportunitiesBest ForUA Little RockBachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral pathwaysOn-campusExtensive labs and faculty researchStudents seeking clinical or research careersArkansas Baptist CollegeBachelor’sOn-campusLimited formal labsSmall classes, faith-based educationUniversity of PhoenixBachelor’sOnlineMinimal research focusWorking professionals

Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in Arkansas

According to federal labor projections, psychology-related careers are expected to grow steadily nationwide this decade. In Arkansas, demand is especially strong for:

• Mental health counselors
• Substance abuse counselors
• School psychologists
• Behavioral health technicians

Advanced roles such as licensed clinical psychologist require a doctoral degree and supervised postdoctoral experience. However, a bachelor’s degree can open doors in social services, case management, human resources, and nonprofit administration.

Little Rock’s healthcare systems, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations provide a strong regional employment base for psychology graduates.

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA requirements
• SAT or ACT scores, depending on institution

Graduate Programs

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
• Minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Research experience preferred for doctoral tracks

How to Choose the Right Psychology Degree in Little Rock

Use this decision checklist:

1. Define your career goal. Clinical psychologist, counselor, researcher, or corporate professional.
2. Match the degree level. Bachelor’s for entry-level roles, master’s for counseling licensure, doctorate for psychologist licensure.
3. Evaluate hands-on training. Prioritize internships, practicums, and research labs.
4. Compare tuition and financial aid. Public universities often offer the best return on investment.
5. Visit campus or attend an information session. Culture and faculty accessibility matter.

Selecting the best psychology degree in Little Rock depends on your long-term goals, preferred learning format, and desired level of clinical training.

Frequently Asked Questions about Psychology Degrees in Little Rock

Which psychology program in Little Rock offers the most advanced training?

UA Little Rock offers psychology pathways from the bachelor’s level through graduate study, including counseling master’s programs and doctoral training connections. This makes it a strong option if you plan to pursue clinical, counseling, or research careers that require advanced degrees and supervised experience.

Is a psychology degree from an online school in Little Rock respected?

An online psychology degree can be respected if the school has proper regional accreditation, such as from the Higher Learning Commission. The University of Phoenix – Little Rock offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Psychology designed for working adults, especially those interested in business, human services, or organizational roles.

Can you become a licensed counselor or psychologist with these Little Rock programs?

You can start on the path to counseling or psychologist licensure with these programs, but you usually need graduate study. A bachelor’s degree is a first step. For licensed counseling roles in Arkansas, you typically need a master’s that meets Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling rules. For licensed psychologist roles, you need a doctorate plus supervised clinical hours and board approval from the Arkansas Psychology Board.

What careers can you get with a psychology degree in Little Rock?

With a bachelor’s in psychology, you can work in case management, behavioral health support, human resources, nonprofit services, and entry-level roles in healthcare or education. With graduate training, you can move into counseling, school psychology, clinical psychology, and leadership roles in mental health and human services across Central Arkansas.

How do tuition and affordability compare for Little Rock psychology programs?

UA Little Rock, as a public university, generally offers lower in‑state tuition and a wide range of aid options, which can support long-term study through graduate school. Arkansas Baptist College and the University of Phoenix set their own tuition rates, and costs can vary by course load and format. You should compare per‑credit costs, fees, and financial aid before you decide.