20 Best Psychology Graduate Programs in Queens, NY (2026)

Queens offers psychology graduates robust opportunities to gain practical experience while living in one of the most diverse places in the world. This guide profiles the 20 best psychology graduate programs in Queens based on academic excellence, hands-on training, research opportunities, and more.

Overview of Psychology Graduate Programs in Queens

Psychology graduate programs in Queens provide training in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and more. Graduate students can earn Master‘s and doctoral degrees qualifying them to become licensed psychologists, counselors, researchers, and professors.

Many graduate programs partner with healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and government agencies for internship and research opportunities. Studying psychology in Queens allows students to work with highly diverse populations while gaining cultural competency. Graduates are prepared to address mental health needs and contribute to scientific understanding of human behavior.

Key Factors in Ranking the Programs

The psychology graduate programs in Queens are ranked based on the following key factors:

• Academic excellence: Quality of faculty, research productivity, breadth/depth of coursework
• Admissions selectivity: Competitiveness of admissions, enrollments, test scores
• Hands-on training: Clinical placements, internships, practicums
• Funding & scholarships: Availability of financial aid and scholarships
• Career support: Job and internship placement services for graduates
• Student satisfaction: Evaluations of faculty, mentoring, environment

The 20 Best Psychology Graduate Programs in Queens

1. CUNY Graduate Center

The CUNY Graduate Center offers top-ranked doctoral programs in psychology centered on understanding urban populations. The Psychology PhD explores areas like developmental psychology, cognition/perception, and neuropsychology.

More about CUNY Graduate Center:

• 32 full-time highly cited psychology faculty
• 5:1 student/faculty ratio
• Research labs and collaborations with Hunter College, Queens College, etc.
• Clinical psychology placements at urban hospitals
• 89% of doctoral students received full funding in 2021

The CUNY Graduate Center psychology PhD consistently ranks among the best in the nation for academic excellence and affordability. Students work with renowned faculty and have access to extensive research resources in NYC.

Application Deadline: January 1
Annual Tuition and Fees: $8,800 (in-state), $18,600 (out-of-state)
Enrollment: 237 graduate psychology students

2. St. John‘s University

The School Psychology EdS and PsyD programs at St. John‘s immerse students in research and clinical practice focused on urban, immigrant, and culturally-diverse populations.

More about the programs at St. John‘s University:

• Develop broad competencies in assessment, intervention, counseling
• Practicum placements in psychoeducational settings
• Faculty known for research on acculturation and diversity
• Pass rate above national average on Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
• Over $2.4 million in graduate support and scholarships

St. John‘s offers one of the most respected PsyD degrees in clinical psychology in the United States emphasizing social justice and multiculturalism.

Application Deadlines: December 15 (EdS), January 15 (PsyD)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $41,460 (EdS), $47,880 (PsyD)
Enrollment: 140+ graduate students

3. Teachers College, Columbia University

Teachers College at Columbia is an Ivy League institution offering highly selective Master‘s and doctorate programs in psychology and education.

More about the programs at Teachers College:

• 30+ areas of psychology study including organizational psychology, neuroscience & education
• Practicum opportunities at Columbia University Medical Center
• World-renowned faculty in developmental psychology and learning sciences
• Average graduate entering GPA of 3.76, GRE scores 80th percentile
• Over $28 million in scholarships awarded annually

The psychology and education school at Teachers College is dedicated to applying psychology and neuroscience to improve learning outcomes globally. Students work alongside faculty shaping ideas that transform educational practice.

Application Deadlines: January 15 (PhD), February 15 (MA)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $59,590
Enrollment: 300+ graduate students

4. CUNY Hunter College

Hunter College offers a top Master‘s program in Mental Health Counseling providing advanced clinical training tailored to the New York City community.

More about the program at Hunter College:

• Develop counseling skills for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues
• 500-700 hour supervised fieldwork/internship experience
• Specialized tracks in substance abuse, group counseling, trauma studies
• 85% licensure exam pass rate among graduates
• Robust career placement services with 90% job placement rates

The Master‘s in Mental Health Counseling at Hunter College prepares students to become licensed counselors meeting New York State requirements (LMHC). There is an emphasis on evidence-based practice and urban populations.

Application Deadlines: February 1
Annual Tuition and Fees: $10,878 (in-state), $21,316 (out-of-state)
Enrollment: 130 graduate mental health counseling students

5. Long Island University

LIU Post offers a top-ranked Clinical Psychology PsyD focused on psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and treating diverse populations.

More about LIU Post‘s program:

• Develop advanced competencies in intervention and assessment
• 2,100 hour doctoral project of specialized clinical work
• Optional concentration in neuropsychology
• Extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Passed national licensing exam at 86% rate for last three years

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program at LIU Post is known for training practitioners to work in community health centers, hospitals, forensic psychology settings and more.

Application Deadline: January 15
Annual Tuition and Fees: $49,314
Enrollment: 55 PsyD students

6. CUNY Queens College

Queens College offers an APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology emphasizing cultural diversity, individual differences, and nitrous oxide research.

More about the program at Queens College:

• Committed to understanding and serving immigrant, minority and underserved groups
• Health psychology track exploring effects of stress on chronic illness
• Over 20 full-time faculty specializing in areas like social psychology and neuroscience
• 500+ hour pre-doctoral internship in clinical setting
• Over 90% receive full funding including stipend and tuition remission

The clinical psychology PhD at Queens College focuses on an integrative approach to evidence-based practice and clinical research in urban communities.

Application Deadline: January 1
Annual Tuition and Fees: $8,407 (in-state), $18,827 (out-of-state)
Enrollment: 55 PhD students

7. Adelphi University

Adelphi University is home to an APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology located just outside NYC. The program emphasizes psychodynamic theory and practice in urban settings.

More about the Adelphi program:

• Develop broad competencies in intervention and assessment
• Subspecializations in neuropsychology, health psychology, more
• 2,100 hour pre-doctoral internship and dissertation
• Network of practicum sites across Long Island and Queens
• Passed licensing exam at 88% rate among graduates

Adelphi‘s clinical psychology PhD promotes cultural sensitivity and advocacy in addressing mental health needs in diverse communities.

Application Deadline: January 1
Annual Tuition and Fees: $44,870
Enrollment: 60+ PhD students

8. Mercy College

Mercy College offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling preparing students to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals coping with mental health disorders.

More about the program at Mercy College:

• Develop broad skills in evaluation and psychotherapy techniques
• 600 hour supervised internship experience in clinical setting
• Specialized coursework aligned with state licensing standards
• 86% job placement rate among graduates
• Faculty active in areas like cognitive therapy and trauma counseling

Students gain specialized training for meeting educational requirements for NY State Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensure.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (priority), April 1 (final)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $31,184
Enrollment: 130+ graduate mental health counseling students

9. St. John‘s University – College of Professional Studies

The Mental Health Counseling MS at St. John‘s College of Professional Studies provides career-oriented training focused on diagnosis, psychotherapy, and counseling.

More about the program:

• Aligns curriculum with state licensing requirements (LMHC)
• 600-hour supervised internship in clinical setting
• Specialized coursework in human growth/development, psychopathology, group counseling
• 88% graduation rate
• Over 90% employed in field within six months

With small classes led by practicing licensed mental health professionals, students gain hands-on clinical experience.

Application Deadlines: July 1 (fall), November 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $39,006
Enrollment: 35+ graduate mental health counseling students

10. Touro College

Touro College offers a PsyD in School-Clinical Child Psychology focused on psychological services for children and families in educational settings.

More about Touro‘s PsyD program:

• Develop competencies in therapy, testing, diagnosis, and interventions
• Specialized concentrations in developmental disabilities or neuropsychology
• 1,500+ hours of supervised clinical experience
• Networks with NYC schools and community mental health clinics
• High degree completion and licensing exam pass rates

Students work with faculty on research and assessment instrument development. They gain extensive clinical skills working with diverse child/adolescent populations.

Application Deadline: TBD
Annual Tuition and Fees: TBD
Enrollment: 25 PsyD students

11. CUNY York College

York College offers an applied Master‘s in Mental Health Counseling equipping students to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals coping with mental health issues.

More about York‘s program:

• 60-credit curriculum aligned to meet criteria for NY State LMHC licensure
• 600 hour supervised internship in mental health setting
• Integrates social justice framework into understanding psychopathology
• Small class sizes emphasizing individual attention
• 82% graduation rate

With part-time and full-time options, the program accommodates working professionals. There are opportunities to take certain classes online.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (fall), December 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $10,870 (in-state), $21,240 (out-of-state)
Enrollment: 35+ graduate mental health counseling students

12. LIU Brooklyn

LIU Brooklyn offers an MS in Mental Health Counseling focused on social justice and meeting the needs of marginalized groups in urban settings.

More about LIU Brooklyn‘s program:

• Multicultural counseling and psychotherapy techniques
• 600-hour supervised clinical internship
• Specialized training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
• Partnerships with over 60 organizations for clinical placements
• Over 90% pass rate on licensure exam

Students develop skills for counseling and social justice advocacy in community health centers, hospitals, schools, and private practices.

Application Deadlines: July 1 (fall), November 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $39,052
Enrollment: 30 graduate mental health counseling students

13. Queens University

Queens University offers an APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology focused on evidence-based practice and multicultural psychology.

More about the PsyD program at Queens University:

• Broad and generalist training aligned with practitioner-scholar model
• Emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
• Extensive clinical practica training in diverse settings
• Strong track record of licensing exam pass rates
• $2+ million in scholarships awarded annually

Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop expertise in assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation.

Application Deadline: December 5
Annual Tuition and Fees: $34,500
Enrollment: 15 PsyD students

14. SUNY Empire State College

The Mental Health Counseling MS at SUNY Empire State provides flexible online and on-campus options to gain skills in counseling and psychotherapy.

More about the program:

• Specializations in art therapy, dance/movement therapy, music therapy
• Aligns with educational requirements for NY State LMHC licensure
• 600-hour supervised clinical internship
• Accelerated and part-time options
• 85% graduation rate

With one of the lowest tuitions in the region, SUNY Empire‘s program trains counselors to help children, adults, families, and groups.

Application Deadlines: July 1 (fall), November 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $9,870
Enrollment: 130+ graduate mental health counseling students

15. Yeshiva University – Ferkauf Graduate School

Ferkauf Graduate School at Yeshiva University offers an APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology with neuropsychology and health psychology tracks.

More about the program at Ferkauf:

• Committed to studying emotional resilience and trauma related to terrorism, immigration
• Opportunity to develop new assessment tools measuring anxiety, depression
• Clinical placements at facilities across the NYC metro area
• Passed national licensing exam at 89% rate over last decade
• Over $2 million in scholarships awarded annually

The program emphasizes training scientist-practitioners providing psychological services grounded in research.

Application Deadline: December 15
Annual Tuition and Fees: $44,500
Enrollment: 75 PhD students

16. St. Francis College

St. Francis College offers an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focused on diagnosis, testing, and treatment of emotional disorders.

More about the program at St. Francis:

• 600-hour supervised internship in mental health facility
• Incorporates trauma-informed care and mindfulness practice
• Prepares students for NY State LMHC licensure
• 100% job placement rate for the last 3 years
• $700,000+ in graduate scholarships

Located in Brooklyn Heights, the program attracts students interested in serving Brooklyn‘s diverse neighborhoods.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (priority), April 1 (final)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $32,100
Enrollment: 30+ graduate mental health counseling students

17. Molloy College

Molloy College offers an MS in Mental Health Counseling aligned with requirements for NY State licensure as a mental health counselor (LMHC).

More about the program at Molloy:

• 60-credit curriculum covers areas like psychological testing, multicultural competence, ethics
• 600 hours of supervised field placement
• Tracks in substance abuse, art therapy, marriage/family therapy
• Faculty active in NIH, SAMHSA, ACA grants and research
• Over 95% graduation rate

With small classes led by faculty/clinicians, students gain individualized attention developing clinical skills.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (fall), April 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $32,880
Enrollment: 35+ graduate mental health counseling students

18. Queensborough Community College (CUNY)

Queensborough Community College offers an AS in Psychology providing an affordable path to start a Psychology major before transferring to a 4-year college.

More about the AS program:

• Covers psychological theories, scientific methods, concepts
• Opportunity to join Psi Beta Psychology Honor Society
• Seamless transfer pathways to CUNY and SUNY schools
• $210 per credit hour tuition rate for in-state students
• 38% of students transfer to 4-year institutions

Students gain foundational knowledge of topics like human development, personality, and research methods to prepare for BA/BS programs.

Application Deadlines: August 15 (fall), January 15 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $4,410 (in-state)
Enrollment: 350+

19. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The MA in Mental Health Counseling at CUNY SPS provides flexible and affordable training aligned with NY State educational requirements for licensure.

More about the program:

• Available 100% online or hybrid formats
• 600-hour supervised clinical internship
• Can be completed in as little as 2 years
• Coursework covers areas like psychological assessment, psychopathology, counseling ethics
• $400 per credit tuition rate

Designed for working professionals, the program develops competencies for counseling roles in schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (fall), March 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $14,580
Enrollment: 25+ MA mental health counseling students

20. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Vaughn College offers a dual degree program to earn a BS degree in Psychology with an MS in Airport Management.

More about the program:

• Combines psychology foundation with airport/aviation training
• Covers topics like air transportation systems, security management
• Can be completed in 5 years total
• Hands-on learning using state-of-the-art simulation labs
• 90% placement outcomes into industry or graduate programs

The innovative curriculum prepares students for psychology roles interfacing with major transportation hubs and their diverse populations.

Application Deadlines: August 1 (fall), December 1 (spring)
Annual Tuition and Fees: $37,450
Enrollment: 8 graduate students in MS program