Best Psychology Degrees in Tempe

Best Psychology Degrees in Tempe: Top Programs Ranked and Compared

Key Takeaways

• Arizona State University (ASU) dominates psychology education in Tempe with nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Students can choose from BA, BS, online, master’s, and PhD options depending on career goals.
• Research access, internship placements, and faculty credentials are major advantages in Tempe-based programs.
• Graduates pursue careers in counseling, research, healthcare, business, and doctoral study, with strong job outlook projections.
• Choosing the right program depends on career path, budget, academic strengths, and preferred learning format.

Why Study Psychology in Tempe?

Tempe, Arizona is one of the strongest hubs for higher education in the Southwest. As home to Arizona State University, one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the nation, Tempe offers access to cutting-edge research, diverse internship opportunities, and nationally recognized faculty.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in psychology-related careers is projected to grow steadily through 2032, especially in areas like clinical psychology, substance abuse counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology. Earning a psychology degree in Tempe positions students in a major metropolitan area with strong healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.Below is a comprehensive comparison of the best psychology degree options available in Tempe.

Top Psychology Programs in Tempe

1. Arizona State University – Department of Psychology

ASU is the clear leader for psychology degrees in Tempe. The university consistently ranks among the top public research institutions in the United States.

Undergraduate Programs

• BA in Psychology: Focuses on social sciences, communication, and qualitative research.
• BS in Psychology: Emphasizes scientific research, statistics, and laboratory methods.
• Online BS in Psychology: Flexible option with the same curriculum as on-campus programs.

Both degrees require coursework in cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, statistics, and research methods.

Graduate Programs

• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• PhD in Counseling Psychology
• PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience
• PhD in Developmental Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology

ASU’s doctoral programs are research-intensive and highly competitive, often fully funded with assistantships.

Research Strengths

Students gain hands-on experience at research centers specializing in:

• Addiction and substance use
• Health and behavioral medicine
• Family and human development
• Brain imaging and neuroscience

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate admission depends on GPA, standardized test scores if submitted, and core coursework completion. Graduate programs require strong academic performance, research experience, and letters of recommendation.

2. ASU Online Psychology Degrees

ASU Online is designed for working adults, transfer students, and those needing flexibility. The curriculum mirrors the on-campus BS in Psychology.Key Advantages:

• Flexible scheduling
• Same faculty and course standards
• Access to virtual career services

This option is ideal for students pursuing careers in human resources, marketing research, case management, or preparation for graduate study elsewhere.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Psychology Programs in Tempe

ProgramDegree TypeFormatResearch AccessBest ForASU BA in PsychologyBachelor of ArtsIn-personModerateCounseling, social services, lawASU BS in PsychologyBachelor of ScienceIn-personHighResearch, grad school, healthcareASU Online BSBachelor of ScienceOnlineVirtual research exposureWorking adults, flexible learnersASU PhD ProgramsDoctorateIn-personExtensiveClinical practice, academia

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Value

Tuition varies based on residency. Arizona residents benefit from significantly lower in-state tuition compared to out-of-state students.Financial aid options include:

• Federal grants and loans
• ASU merit-based scholarships
• Research and teaching assistantships for graduate students
• Work-study programs

Psychology remains one of the most cost-effective pre-professional degrees due to its versatility across industries.

Internships and Career Outcomes

ASU emphasizes experiential learning. Psychology students in Tempe have access to internships in:

• Banner Health and local hospital systems
• Behavioral health clinics
• School districts
• Nonprofit organizations
• Corporate HR departments

Career paths include:

• Clinical psychologist (requires doctorate)
• Mental health counselor
• Behavioral health technician
• Human resources specialist
• Market research analyst

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists exceeds $85,000, while related roles such as HR specialists and counselors also offer competitive salaries.

Faculty Expertise and Academic Reputation

ASU psychology faculty are widely published and lead national research initiatives. Students benefit from small lab groups, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative interdisciplinary work across public health, neuroscience, and education departments.Class sizes in upper-division courses tend to be smaller, allowing greater faculty interaction. Introductory courses may be larger due to demand.

How to Choose the Right Psychology Degree in Tempe

Choose a BA If:

• You are interested in counseling, social work, or law.
• You prefer broader humanities coursework.
• You may double major or minor in another social science.

Choose a BS If:

• You plan to attend graduate school.
• You enjoy research, biology, and statistics.
• You want technical skills in data analysis.

Choose Online If:

• You need flexible scheduling.
• You are transferring credits.
• You are balancing work or family commitments.

Choose a PhD If:

• You want to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
• You aim to teach at the university level.
• You are committed to research and advanced practice.

Local Advantage: Studying Psychology in the Phoenix Metro Area

Tempe’s location within the Phoenix metropolitan area provides direct access to one of the fastest-growing urban populations in the United States. This creates unique research and clinical opportunities, especially in:

• Substance abuse and addiction services
• Cultural and diversity research
• Community mental health
• Technology and human behavior studies

The region’s rapid expansion also strengthens internship pipelines and employment prospects for graduates who want to remain in Arizona.

Application Tips for Psychology Programs in Tempe

• Maintain a GPA above 3.0 for competitive undergraduate consideration.
• Gain early research experience if considering graduate school.
• Volunteer in mental health or community service organizations.
• Build relationships with faculty for strong recommendation letters.
• Prepare a focused personal statement outlining career goals.

By aligning your academic pathway with your long-term career objectives and leveraging Tempe’s research and internship ecosystem, you can maximize the return on your psychology degree investment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Psychology Degrees in Tempe

What psychology degrees can you earn in Tempe?

In Tempe, you can earn a BA or BS in Psychology, an online BS in Psychology, and several PhD options, including clinical, counseling, developmental, behavioral neuroscience, and industrial-organizational psychology, primarily through Arizona State University (ASU).

What is the difference between the BA and BS in Psychology at ASU?

The BA in Psychology focuses more on social sciences, communication, and humanities courses. The BS in Psychology places more weight on statistics, research methods, and natural science, making it a strong option if you plan to do research or apply to graduate school.

Can you complete a psychology degree online in Tempe?

Yes. ASU offers an online BS in Psychology with the same core curriculum and academic standards as the on-campus program. This format works well if you need flexible scheduling or are balancing work and family responsibilities.

What careers can you pursue with a psychology degree from Tempe?

With a psychology degree from Tempe, you can pursue roles such as mental health counselor, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, market research analyst, or case manager. With a doctorate, you can become a licensed clinical psychologist or academic researcher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists is over $85,000.

How competitive are psychology PhD programs in Tempe?

Psychology PhD programs at ASU are competitive and research-focused. You typically need a strong GPA, solid research experience, good letters of recommendation, and a clear statement of purpose. Many admitted students receive funding through teaching or research assistantships.

How do you decide between in-person and online psychology programs in Tempe?

Choose in-person if you want direct lab access, on-campus activities, and face-to-face mentoring. Choose online if you need maximum flexibility, are working full time, or live outside commuting distance but still want ASU’s psychology curriculum.