16 Best Psychology Grad Programs in Atlanta, GA (2026)
As a Higher Education Reform Expert in the United States, I have conducted extensive research on psychology graduate programs available in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Based on quantitative measures of academic excellence as well as qualitative assessments of each program‘s faculty, research output, and career support services, I have selected the top 16 psychology graduate programs in Atlanta for 2024.
1. Emory University – Department of Psychology
Emory‘s Department of Psychology, located on the university‘s main campus in Druid Hills, offers exceptional PhD and master‘s degree programs spanning all areas of psychological science.
Highlights:
- 5th nationally for research productivity in 2022
- 18 full-time faculty specializing in diverse subfields
- Strong record of students securing competitive predoctoral internships
- New 25,000 square foot Psychology and Interdisciplinary Sciences Building opened in 2022
With ample research funding and state-of-the-art new facilities, Emory allows graduate students to conduct innovative studies under the mentorship of distinguished faculty. Graduates enter academia, government, and industry with advanced expertise in their chosen specializations.
Contact: 404-727-7435
Website: psychology.emory.edu
2. Georgia Institute of Technology – School of Psychology
The School of Psychology at Georgia Tech offers a top-ranked PhD program focusing on the interdisciplinary connections between psychology, neuroscience, engineering, and computer science.
Highlights:
- 3rd nationally in research funding from NSF and NIH
- State-of-the-art imaging, simulation, and engineering facilities
- Collaborations with over 25 other departments/centers at Georgia Tech
- Emphasis on developing transferable skillsets beyond academia
Students conduct cutting-edge behavioral and brain research utilizing advanced technologies available through cross-campus partnerships. Graduates pursue diverse careers spanning healthcare, aerospace, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and more.
Contact: 404-385-2193
Website: psychology.gatech.edu
3. Georgia State University – Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology at Georgia State University offers an APA-accredited PhD program and three master‘s programs catering to diverse student interests.
Highlights:
- Nationally-recognized Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology & Behavioral Neuroscience training areas
- 40+ fully-funded doctoral assistantships available
- Partnership with GSU‘s Language Research Center
- Prime location in downtown Atlanta near mental healthcare partners
Graduate students benefit from GSU‘s prime urban location and strong community ties, conducting externally-funded research and receiving quality clinical mentorship. The program has seen rapid growth, reflecting its rising national prominence.
Contact: 404-413-6200
Website: psychology.gsu.edu
4. Oglethorpe University – Master of Arts in Psychology
Oglethorpe University‘s Master of Arts in Psychology program emphasizes practical application and hands-on experience aimed at general practice.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive curriculum spanning theory, research, and clinical work
- Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship
- Optional concentration in trauma counseling
- Convenient evening/weekend course scheduling
With a focus on evidence-based practices and cultural competence, the program equips graduates for success in counseling, assessment, case management roles and, with additional practicum hours, licensure eligibility.
Contact: 404-261-1441
Website: oglethorpe.edu/academics/masters-programs/master-of-arts-in-psychology
5. Richmont Graduate University – Master‘s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Richmont Graduate University, located in suburban Atlanta, has offered faith-integrated mental health counseling programs for over 45 years.
Highlights:
- Emphasis on spiritual wholeness and community service
- Small cohorts fostering individual mentorship
- On-site counseling center providing client contact from the first semester
With competitive tuition rates and a holistic educational approach, Richmont‘s graduate counseling program enables students to effectively minister emotional healing in clinical settings or ministry roles.
Contact: 404-835-6158
Website: richmont.edu/academics/graduate/masters/clinical-mental-health-counseling
6. Brenau University – MS in Clinical Psychology
Brenau‘s MS in Clinical Psychology distance education program prepares graduates to address mental health needs and substance abuse issues in the community.
Highlights:
- Fully online degree pathway compatible with working schedules
- Specialized coursework in child & adolescent counseling and addictions & recovery
- Supervised fieldwork arrangements available nationwide
- Also offers a Clinical Psychologist certificate
With experienced faculty and flexible online delivery, Brenau University allows students to gain applied skills making an immediate difference for vulnerable populations.
Contact: 770-772-5573
7. Mercer University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
From its Atlanta campus, Mercer University has trained capable mental health counselors through its CACREP-accredited master‘s program for over 20 years.
Highlights:
- Convenient one-night-per-week evening course schedule
- Optional specializations: addiction counseling, military families counseling
- Affordable tuition among comparable private programs
- Also offers Doctorate in Clinical Counseling
Leveraging small classes and dedicated faculty, Mercer develops well-rounded clinicians equipped for tomorrow‘s counseling roles and advanced credentialing.
Contact: 678-547-6821
Website: clmhc.mercer.edu
8. PCOM South Georgia – MS in Clinical Psychology
The Psychological Sciences Institute (PSI) at PCOM South Georgia offers an MS in Clinical Psychology focusing on rural and underserved communities.
Highlights:
- Year-round, accelerated track completable in 21 months
- Development of critical cultural competencies
- Emphasis on integrated primary care psychology
- Also offers PsyD for doctoral studies
Through specialized training opportunities across the state, graduates attain specialized expertise to address persistent health disparities and expand access to mental healthcare.
Contact: 229-225-4887
Website: pgi.edu/clinical-psychology-ms
9. Agnes Scott College – Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Agnes Scott‘s CACREP accredited counseling program augments robust clinical training with groundings in social justice and advocacy.
Highlights:
- Immersive curriculum exploring contexts influencing mental health
- Early field placement within first year of study
- Partnership with Summit Counseling Center providing client contact
- Also offers dual degree with MPH focused on health equity
Blending strong interpersonal skill development with sociocultural attunement, graduates enter community-based practice as counselors and change-makers.
Contact: 404-471-6377
10. Clark Atlanta University – MS in Clinical Psychology
Clark Atlanta takes an Africentric approach to understanding psychological functioning, offering an MS in Clinical Psychology grounded in cultural context.
Highlights:
- Robust research training with dedicated lab spaces
- Opportunity to provide community mental healthcare through on-site clinic
- Also offers dual degree with MSW focusing on families & health
- Emphasis on research affecting marginalized communities
Graduates emerge prepared to provide culturally-informed assessment, intervention, and advocacy services attuned to unique stressors impacting minorities.
Contact: 404-880-8569
11. Argosy University, Atlanta – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Argosy University offers an acclaimed CACREP clinical mental health counseling curriculum informed by practitioner-scholars.
Highlights:
- Convenient satellite locations across Atlanta
- Virtual weekend courses suited for working professionals
- Optional specializations focused on military families or trauma
- up to 700 hours of supervised field placement
With flexible programming options combined with strong clinical preparation, Argosy empowers graduates to provide compassionate care tailored to diverse clienteles.
Contact: 404-459-0660
Website: argosy.edu/atlanta
12. Capella University – MS in Clinical Psychology
Capella University is a global online institution offering an MS in Clinical Psychology centered around learner flexibility and self-directedness.
Highlights:
- Self-paced online course format
- Ability to select electives matching professional interests
- Pathway incorporates over 1,000 hours of hands-on skills training
- Also offers other psychology-related master‘s and doctorates
With strong student advising and customizable degree plans, Capella allows professionals to advance their competencies and credentials without career disruption.
Contact: 888-227-2736
Website: capella.edu/online-psychology-degrees/clinical-psychology-masters
13. University of Georgia – Applied Biopsychology PhD
The University of Georgia‘s Applied Biopsychology program, offered through both its Athens and Gwinnett campuses, provides advanced research training at the intersection of psychology, health, and biology.
Highlights:
- Rotations across neuroscience core labs
- Collaborations translating findings into health innovations
- Strong record placing graduates into competitive residencies
Allowing students to tailor projects matching personal interests, the program develops leading biological psychology scholars able to parse complex diseases through a psychological lens.
Contact: 706-542 2307
Website: ab.uga.edu
14. Troy University – MS in Counseling and Psychology
Troy University‘s Atlanta site offers an MS in Counseling and Psychology specializing in clinical mental health counseling but also featuring coursework in experimental psychology.
Highlights:
- CACREP-accredited curriculum
- Exposure to psychology lab environments
- Affordable tuition rates with financial assistance
- Graduates qualify for LPC licensure after post-grad supervision
Blending rigorous skills training with flexible evening/weekend courses, Troy prepares students for counseling and psychology careers matching their strengths.
Contact: 678-466-4185
Website: troy.edu/programs/psychology-and-counseling
15. Walden University – MS in Psychology
Walden University provides an online MS in Psychology program allowing working professionals to advance their studies at their own pace.
Highlights:
- Self-paced course model with fixed tuition
- Optional 15-month accelerated track
- Specializations: general, applied behavior analysis
- Also offers 10 online psychology degrees, up to PhD level
Offering flexible admission cycles and student support teams, Walden fosters inclusiveness while upholding academic rigor, helping graduates make greater impact in their workplaces and communities.
Contact: 855-628-3427
Website: waldenu.edu/online-psychology-programs/ms-in-psychology
16. American Professional Institute – MA in Psychology
The American Professional Institute provides an affordable online MA in Psychology program centered around working at your own pace.
Highlights:
- Self-paced online course format
- Specializations in health psychology or general psychology
- Total tuition under $7,000 for entire program
- Flexible admission cycles
API allows learners to fit advanced psychology training around professional and personal responsibilities, empowering career advancement opportunities.
Contact: 504-777-1729
Website: americanprofessional.com/psychology
