20 Best Psychology Graduate Programs in Manhattan, New York
Manhattan is home to some of the top psychology graduate programs in the country. With a vibrant academic environment and access to world-class facilities, resources, and expert faculty, Manhattan provides an ideal setting for aspiring psychology professionals to further their education.
This article highlights the 20 best psychology graduate programs in Manhattan based on factors such as academics, research output, student satisfaction, and career outcomes.
1. Columbia University
Columbia University offers highly ranked graduate programs in various psychology disciplines through the Department of Psychology. Students can pursue a Ph.D. in areas like developmental psychology, social-personality psychology, cognition and perception, and more.
Highlights:
- Top 5 psychology program nationwide with eminent faculty including 2 Nobel laureates
- Strong research focus with access to extensive lab facilities and research centers
- Over $30 million per year in external funding support for psychology research
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary research across Columbia departments
Admissions Information:
- 5-7% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test scores required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Columbia Psychology graduate programs.
2. New York University
NYU offers a top clinical psychology Ph.D. program preparing students for licensure and careers in research, teaching and clinical practice. Other graduate psychology degrees are available through the Department of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Strong research opportunities in cognition, social psychology and neuroscience
- Over $22 million in external funding yearly
- Located in NYC‘s Greenwich Village neighborhood
- Chance to apply psychological knowledge across NYU‘s global network
Admissions Information:
- 10-15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test scores required
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to NYU Psychology graduate programs.
3. Fordham University
Fordham offers an APA-accredited Ph.D. program in clinical psychology based at the Lincoln Center campus, as part of the Department of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on developing ethical, socially-conscious practitioners
- Access to training clinics and external practicum sites
- Over $2.5 million in funded research yearly
- Located near world-famous performance and arts venues
Admissions Information:
- 10-15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test scores required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 100
Learn more about applying to Fordham Psychology graduate programs.
4. The New School
The New School for Social Research provides a top clinical psychology Ph.D. grounded in critical theory. Other psychology degrees are offered through Eugene Lang College.
Highlights:
- Focus on progressive approaches to research and practice
- Part-time and full-time study options
- Chance to take electives at other New School graduate colleges
- Located in NYC‘s vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood
Admissions Information:
- Est. 15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test scores required
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at The New School.
5. Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University offers a clinical psychology Psy.D. program blending science and practice from an ethical, philosophical and spiritual perspective. Other graduate psychology degrees are available through the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Emphasis on cultural sensitivity grounded in Jewish traditions
- Strong focus on ethics and philosophical issues
- Located in NYC‘s vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood
- Chance to network within Yeshiva‘s global community
Admissions Information:
- Est. 12% acceptance rate
- GRE Psychology Subject Test required
- Letters of recommendation from clergy may be submitted
Learn more about applying to Yeshiva Psychology graduate programs.
6. Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College offers highly-ranked doctoral programs in clinical, developmental, and social psychology specialties through the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology.
Highlights:
- Cutting-edge pedagogical approaches geared towards working professionals
- Designed for students who plan an academic career
- Over $35 million in funded research projects annually
- Access to Columbia University events and facilities
Admissions Information:
- Est. 12-15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Teachers College Psychology graduate programs.
7. Hunter College
Hunter College offers master‘s and doctoral programs in school and counseling psychology accredited by the APA and NASP. Other psychology graduate degrees are available through Hunter‘s Department of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on diversity and community intervention
- Research and clinical opportunities through Hunter‘s wellness centers and clinics
- Over $10 million in funded research annually
- Located by Central Park on Manhattan‘s Upper East Side
Admissions Information:
- Est. 15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at Hunter College.
8. Long Island University
LIU offers master‘s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology centered around the scientist-practitioner model. Other psychology programs are available through LIU‘s Brooklyn campus.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on developing research and clinical skills for applied settings
- State-of-the-art research labs and training clinics on campus
- Chance to network with psychology professionals across LIU campuses
- Located close to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum
Admissions Information:
- Est. 20% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 79 for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at LIU Brooklyn.
9. The Graduate Center, CUNY
The CUNY Graduate Center provides highly ranked doctoral programs in developmental, cognitive and social psychology specialties. Other psychology degrees are offered through various CUNY campuses.
Highlights:
- Conduct research with eminent CUNY faculty
- Take courses across multiple CUNY colleges
- Benefit from CUNY‘s diversity with a global student body
- Based in a landmark building near Bryant Park/Times Square
Admissions Information:
- Est. 15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to CUNY Graduate Center Psychology doctoral programs.
10. Pace University
Pace University offers a doctoral program in school psychology centered on the scientist-practitioner model. Other psychology graduate degrees are available on the NYC campus and Westchester campus.
Highlights:
- Develop skills for school and clinical settings
- Benefit from Pace‘s professional connections with external practicum sites
- Chance to attend events at Pace‘s Manhattan locations by City Hall and Wall Street
- Perform research using Pace‘s specialty labs and centers
Admissions Information:
- Est. 12% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 90 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Pace University Psychology graduate programs.
11. St. John‘s University
St. John‘s University offers APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical and school psychology. Other psychology degrees are available through the Queens campus Department of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Develop broad competencies for professional practice
- Receive specialized training from PhD-level practitioners
- Chance to network within St. John‘s vast alumni community
- Campus located in residential area of Queens
Admissions Information:
- Est. 15% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 90 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to St. John‘s University Psychology graduate programs.
12. Adelphi University
Adelphi University offers APA-accredited Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. Other psychology graduate degrees are available through the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on developing culturally-sensitive skills
- Chance to gain experience at APA-accredited training clinics
- Conduct research at Derner‘s Center for Psychological Services and Research
- Network with psychology professionals across Adelphi‘s campuses
Admissions Information:
- Est. 15-20% acceptance rate
- GRE Psychology Subject Test required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Adelphi University Psychology graduate programs.
13. Bank Street College of Education
Bank Street College offers highly-ranked master‘s programs in mental health counseling and developmental psychology. Other psychology degrees are available through the Graduate School of Education.
Highlights:
- Small class sizes emphasizing group discussion and collaboration
- Hands-on clinical experience at the on-site Children‘s Programs
- Progressive approach focused on social justice
- Chance to network with alumni across education and psychology professions
Admissions Information:
- Est. 50% acceptance rate
- GRE scores optional
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at Bank Street College.
14. Mercy College
Mercy College offers master‘s degrees in mental health counseling, psychology, and school psychology accredited by the NASP. Other psychology programs are available through the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Highlights:
- Develop broad competencies for counseling and education settings
- Small class sizes emphasize individual attention
- Take courses at Mercy campuses across New York
- Opportunity to provide community-based clinical services
Admissions Information:
- Est. 56% acceptance rate
- No GRE/GMAT scores required
- TOEFL score of at least 78 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Mercy College Psychology graduate programs.
15. Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Lawrence College offers world-renowned master‘s programs in psychology, counseling and clinical social work rooted in its signature low-residency approach.
Highlights:
- Mentorship model centered around student interest and goals
- Design a customized course of study tapping SLC‘s broad resources
- Benefit from close knit, diverse academic community
- Chance to attend performances and lectures at the Performing Arts Center
Admissions Information:
- Est. 65% acceptance rate
- GRE scores optional
- TOEFL score of at least 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to Sarah Lawrence College Psychology graduate programs.
16. City College of New York
The City College of New York offers research-based master’s and doctorate programs in biopsychology and developmental psychology. Other psychology degrees are available through the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.
Highlights:
- Focus on applying psychology principles to real-world issues
- Chance to collaborate with faculty engaged in innovative research
- Part of the eminent CUNY university system
- Beautiful historic campus with Gothic revival architecture
Admissions Information:
- Est. 20% acceptance rate
- GRE General Test required
- Minimum TOEFL score of 100 for international applicants
Learn more about applying to CCNY Psychology graduate programs.
17. Manhattan College
Manhattan College offers master’s degrees in psychological counseling and school counseling accredited by the NASP. Other psychology options are available through the School of Education.
Highlights:
- Signature faculty mentorship model across all programs
- Develop specialized skills for educational settings
- Small class sizes emphasize face-to-face interaction
- Chance to network within vast MC alumni community
Admissions Information:
- Est. 50% acceptance rate
- GRE scores optional
- TOEFL scores may be required for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at Manhattan College.
18. College of Mount Saint Vincent
The College of Mount Saint Vincent offers master’s programs in mental health counseling and school counseling accredited by the NASP. Other psychology degrees are available through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.
Highlights:
- Signature small group instruction model
- Tailor studies across disciples with liberal arts approach
- Benefit from robust alumni career services programming
- Beautiful campus with Hudson River views
Admissions Information:
- Est. 73% acceptance rate
- No GRE/GMAT test scores required
- TOEFL scores may be required for international applicants
Learn more about applying for Psychology graduate programs at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
19. William E. Macaulay Honors College
The Macaulay Honors program offers undergraduate students at CUNY colleges exclusive access to world-class opportunities in academics, research, funding and more. Psychology degrees are available through various CUNY campuses.
Highlights:
- Attend special seminars with eminent guest speakers
- Access unique research funding and presentations
- Benefit from one-on-one faculty mentoring
- Full-tuition scholarship makes education accessible
Admissions Information:
- Est. 9% acceptance rate
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required
- SAT or ACT scores may be requested
Learn more about applying for the Macaulay Honors College program.
20. New Jersey City University
New Jersey City University offers highly affordable master’s degrees in counseling and school counseling. Other psychology bachelor‘s and master’s options available through the College of Arts and Sciences.
Highlights:
- Develop specialized skills tailored for school counselors
- Small classes emphasize group discussion and workshops
- Chance to provide community-based clinical services
- Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan
Admissions Information:
- Est. 50% acceptance rate
- GRE scores optional
- TOEFL scores may be required for international applicants
Learn more about applying to NJCU‘s Graduate Psychology programs.
