10 Best Psychology Programs in Michigan In 2024

By earning a degree in psychology, you can learn more about human behavior and emotional processes. The best psychology programs in Michigan provide access to a wide range of psychology career options like counseling, and clinical psychology.

For people living in Michigan looking for psychology schools to obtain a psychology degree, there are many opportunities available in Michigan to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Many top-tier undergraduate and graduate psychology programs are offered by renowned institutions in Michigan. 

With the help of these psychology programs, you can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various psychology-related professions besides developing a deeper understanding of psychology. This guide explores the best psychology programs in Michigan with an emphasis on specific advantages and areas of expertise. When exploring top-tier psychology programs in Michigan, complement your education with our recommended free online psychology courses for a well-rounded academic experience.

List of Top 10 Best Psychology Programs in Michigan 2024

1. Central Michigan University

• Type: Public research university
• Established: 1892
• Acceptance Rate: 77%

The psychology program offered by Central Michigan University is one of the best psychology programs in Michigan. The university’s Department of Psychology offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These options include a major in general psychology with an emphasis on neuroscience, mental health, and occupational psychology. Additionally, CMU offers an accelerated 5-year model for students to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in experimental psychology through its BS/MS program.

Psychology graduate programs at CMU offer master’s and doctoral degrees in a variety of specialized fields. The psychology programs in Michigan include an MA and PhD in industrial or organizational psychology, an MS in experimental psychology, and a PhD in applied experimental psychology.

2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Type: Public research university
• Established: 1817
• Acceptance Rate: 17.7%

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers top-tier psychology programs. Cognition and neuroscience, psychology, and biopsychology are the two majors available for bachelor’s degrees in Michigan University’s graduate psychology program. In addition to their primary courses, students in both majors take over several additional subjects. 

Advanced students may be eligible to enroll in the honors psychology program in Michigan, where they will work on unique research projects with faculty advisors. Undergraduate students at Michigan can enroll in graduate-level courses in their senior year and complete an additional year of coursework to obtain a master’s degree through the university’s accelerated master’s degree program.

3. Michigan State University

• Type: Public land-grant research university
• Established: 1855
• Acceptance Rate: 83%

Ph.D. program in organizational psychology at MSU prepares students for two distinct uses of psychology: academic and research. Following this, you will study important areas of organizational psychology and how it is used in different contexts. 

Along with a basic understanding of quantitative research techniques, you will also gain a general understanding of psychology in this psychology program in Michigan. Several seminars covering specific topics in organizational psychology are part of the program. These may include psychometric theory, statistics, social psychology, and others.

4. Western Michigan University

• Type: Public research university
• Established: 1903
• Acceptance Rate: 83-85%

Western Michigan University offers several undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. The bachelor of psychology degree is for students majoring in behavioral science. The curriculum of the psychology program in Michigan is quite rigorous and places more emphasis on professional skills, research, and practical experience than other courses. 

The general psychology major is an option for students who wish to pursue graduate work in a field other than psychology or who do not intend to pursue graduate study in psychology. Both programs offer general education and minor-subject courses in addition to a variety of major-related courses.

5. Lake Superior State University

• Type: Public college
• Established: 1946
• Acceptance Rate: 79%

The psychology graduate degree programs at Lake Superior State University are based on the standards of the American Psychological Association. The psychology program in Michigan emphasizes research, with classes in learning, neuroscience, and research methods. A solid foundation will be acquired in fundamental subjects, such as personality and cognition, along with elective subjects covering abnormal, social, and child psychology. 

With opportunities to explore practical courses related to counseling and health psychology and build research capabilities, the psychology program in Michigan is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in psychology or pursue graduate study in psychology.

6. Calvin University

• Type: Private university
• Established: 1876
• Acceptance Rate: 75%

Calvin University’s psychology department combines the study of religion and human behavior. It analyzes how the brain reflects God’s design and dives into important concerns related to the purpose of humanity. Social justice, addiction, and mental health courses will give you a broad understanding of psychology. The psychology program in Michigan has a lot of fun in its practical experiences. 

You can gain hands-on experience as an intern at prestigious institutions near Grand Rapids, working with professors who are renowned for their genuine Christian faith and open-door attitude. If you want a psychology degree with a strong Christian foundation and an emphasis on real-world application, this psychology program in Michigan is perfect for you.

7. Eastern Michigan University (EMU)

• Type: Public research university
• Established: 1849
• Acceptance Rate: 63.3%

The Psychology program at Eastern Michigan University provides a comprehensive education leading to a range of career paths. A thorough grounding in fundamental psychology topics, such as cognition, development, and social psychology is provided by their graduate program. 

To focus their studies on particular areas of interest, such as abnormal psychology or industrial-organizational psychology, students can select electives.  

Graduate programs in clinical, clinical-behavioral, and general experimental psychology are also offered by EMU. While clinical programs educate students for licensure as psychologists, general practicum programs prepare students for Ph.D. studies or research positions.

8. Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)

• Type: Public university
• Established: 1963
• Acceptance Rate: 78%

Saginaw Valley State University is notable for its emphasis on experiential learning in the psychology department. They delve into fundamental topics, including learning, memory, and social psychology in their bachelor of the arts curriculum. Through laboratory courses and research opportunities with faculty advisors, you will gain real-world experience. Beyond theory, the curriculum offers courses in intervention and assessment to prepare you for jobs in human resources or education. 

SVSU emphasizes the development of presentation and publishing skills, which will make you stand out from other graduates as you pursue professional or additional education. If you want a psychology degree that combines a solid academic foundation with real-world experience, this psychology program in Michigan is perfect for you.

9. Ferris State University

• Type: Public university
• Established: 1884
• Acceptance Rate: 85%

The undergraduate program in psychology at Ferris State University has a solid foundation in fundamental disciplines, such as social psychology, learning, and development. Combined with elective courses, the psychology program in Michigan gives students the freedom to pursue their interests and supports their aspirations for careers in a variety of psychology fields. 

Although the university does not offer a graduate degree in psychology, you may want to look into its other graduate programs, such as in business and nursing.

10. Oakland University

Type: Public research university

Established: 1957

Acceptance Rate: 78.1%

Oakland University’s Department of Psychology offers undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at preparing you for success in the field. Their bachelor of arts programs provide a strong foundation in core psychology disciplines, such as research, analysis and development, cognition, and social behavior.

Additionally, you have the option to focus on behavioral health, evolutionary psychology, or social-personality psychology as a minor or master’s degree candidate. This is a psychology program in Michigan worth considering for your psychology studies as the university’s faculty members are renowned for their research and commitment to student success.

Considerations When Selecting a Psychology Program

The following are important factors to keep in mind when choosing a psychology program:

• Study Level: Set your educational goals. What psychology degree level are you looking for, undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral? Each level prepares you for a specific professional path and has different prerequisites.
• Area of Specialization: Does the psychology program offer a concentration in psychology that interests you, such as developmental, social, or cognitive psychology?
• Program Delivery: Consider whether you would prefer the flexibility of an online program format or a regular on-campus program.
• Class Size and Faculty Interaction: Consider how much-personalized attention you want to receive and whether you would value research opportunities or lower class numbers.
• Accreditation: To ensure that the program meets the quality criteria, make sure it is authorized by a reputable organization.
• Faculty Expertise: Check the expertise of the faculty to determine if your interests align with theirs.
• Tuition Cost: The cost of tuition and fees varies greatly across schools. So When choosing a psychology school, keep living expenses, financial aid, and scholarships in mind.
• Location: Consider your accommodation preferences and whether the location of the program is convenient for you while you study.

• Internship Opportunities: Are the internships offered by the program related to your professional aspirations? Ensure this.

Career Opportunities for Psychologists in Michigan

The state of Michigan offers many opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology. The number of job opportunities in this profession is likely to increase significantly.

The psychology industry is seeing growth in the state of Michigan. 

Between 2020 and 2030, the number of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists employed in Michigan is expected to increase by 5%. Even though this increase is less than the national average – the rest of the country expects a 10% increase – 5% in Michigan still results in 260 additional jobs for psychologists annually. 

This is on top of the already strong psychology professional population in the state of Michigan. According to Bureau of Labor Services data, there were approximately 3,500 licensed psychologists in Michigan as of May 2022. Depending on the psychologist’s specialization, these people earned an average of between $76,130 and $82,950 per year.  

Additionally, at the time of this research, the average annual salary of the 520 psychiatrists in the state was $1276,030.  

Although Michigan may not have the highest anticipated growth prospects, this may still be the ideal opportunity for you. It is still worth considering joining the state’s psychology community.

FAQs.

Conclusion 

Michigan is home to many top-tier psychology programs. These programs include laboratory and research opportunities that provide students with practical experience in the field. These psychology programs in Michigan provide a solid foundation for anyone hoping to work in HR, become a therapist, or better understand themselves.  

Universities in Michigan offer a wide range of psychology programs ranging from preparation for doctoral study to associate degrees leading to entry-level employment. The well-being of the state of Michigan is largely enhanced by psychology programs, which raise mental health awareness and develop a trained workforce.