Best Psychology Schools in Washington, DC

How to Find a Psychology Program in Washington, DC

There are many factors to consider when researching your psychology program options. Cost is important, but you should also consider the nature of each available program as well.

Psychology Degree Pathways in Washington, DC

If you're a new undergraduate, you may complete a two-year associate's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree in psychology. An associate’s degree can be completed quickly, but will only lead to limited entry-level roles in the field. A bachelor's degree is the more typical route for beginners and is available in a Bachelor of Arts (BA), aimed at those considering applied careers (like a therapist), and a Bachelor of Science (BS) for research careers.

The next step is a graduate program. Some students opt for the one-year graduate certificate, which is designed to impart knowledge in a specialty area of psychology. These are only open to those with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and result in a certificate rather than a degree. Most students continue on with a master’s degree in psychology. Master's degrees come in two choices – the Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA).

Finally, there is the psychology doctorate. These also come in two types: the Ph.D. (ideal for research careers) and the PsyD (aimed at clinical practice).

Choose a Psychology Specialty

While it’s not mandatory, some students wish to pursue a particular area of psychology and choose programs with those concentrations. Undergraduate degrees are usually available only in general psychology majors. It is with a graduate study that you may niche towards a specific professional area. In DC, there are currently no schools offering an associate's degree in psychology.

American University's psychology department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs including a BA/MA in Psychology (fast track), and two Ph.D. programs – clinical psychology and behavior, cognition, and neuroscience.

Howard University offers bachelor's degrees and doctorates – the latter in clinical, neuropsychology, developmental, personality, and social psychology. They do not currently offer master's programs.

Accreditation

Why should you choose an accredited psychology degree program rather than a non-accredited one? Accreditation ensures several things, including:

• Such programs are assessed for quality indicators in research and teaching

• Only with accredited programs will you be permitted to practice as a clinician

• Some non-medical psychology-related careers will also expect accredited qualifications

• Professional organizations will often only grant membership to those with accredited qualifications

The American Psychological Association (APA) is the body responsible for accrediting programs across the U.S. Regionally, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits schools in Washington, DC.

Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in DC

These days, you have two ways to complete a degree. The first is traditional campus study. The other is via distance learning online, though some hybrid options exist too. Both have plus and minus points.

Campus students have daily access to faculty and library and other resources, but the drawback is the rigid daytime schedule and commute – not ideal for those employed, with families, and/or those who don’t live near a college or university.

Online study provides that flexibility, but students who use this method can't take as much of an advantage of the personal interactions of traditional college life.

Whichever format you choose, be sure you think about your lifestyle and circumstances before you settle on a program.

Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in DC

Unlike in many states, both master's and doctorate graduates are eligible for a Washington, DC psychology license. You will need practical supervised experience in either case.

You will be required to complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience. Doctoral graduates can include 2,000 hours of post-doctoral work experience, but it is not mandatory.

The final step is to take the national board examination and then the DC jurisprudence exam. In some cases, you may be called for an interview, although this is purely a formality and will not disqualify you except under specific circumstances (like malpractice).

List of Psychology Degree Programs in Washington, DC

Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Washington, DC? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.