2026 HBCUs for Psychology Master's Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from a HBCUs for psychology master's programs?

You can expect a rigorous, nationally accredited education that meets the same high standards as any top university. That's the baseline for any program worth your consideration.

The real advantage of choosing from one of the nation's 99 HBCUs is the environment. You'll be joining a community where nearly 38,043 students pursue a psychology master's degree each year, but in a setting designed for your success. You get unparalleled mentorship from Black scholars and practitioners who have navigated the same path.

This means your training is not only academically sound but also culturally relevant. You'll gain a deeper understanding and a more effective toolkit for serving diverse populations. Choosing one of these HBCU psychology masters programs gives you a distinct professional edge that many other institutions simply cannot offer.

Where can I work with a psychology master's degree from an HBCU?

With a psychology master's from an HBCU, you can work in clinical settings like hospitals and community health centers, in schools, and in corporations. Your degree also opens doors to roles in university administration, non-profit management, and research.

It's helpful to think of these paths in two distinct categories.

For roles requiring state licensure, your master's degree is the key academic step. This path prepares you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a school psychologist, or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

For roles where the master's is the primary credential, you can work directly after graduation. This includes careers in Industrial-Organizational psychology, human resources, university student affairs, and non-profit program management. A PhD in these fields is typically for those who want to pursue academic research.

How much can I make with a psychology master's degree?

Your earning potential is directly tied to the career path you choose after graduation. For many who earn a master's and become a licensed professional counselor, the median annual salary is around $59,190.

However, your specialization can significantly increase that number. School psychologists, for example, have a median salary closer to $86,930, while industrial-organizational psychologists can earn a median of $109,840 with a master's degree.

It's also smart to see your master's as a strategic step. If you decide to continue on to a PhD or PsyD, the median salary for psychologists rises to $94,310, opening the door to six-figure earning potential.

10 HBCUs for Psychology Master's Programs in 2026

1. Howard University - MS in School Psychology

Howard University's program prepares entry-level school psychologists using a scientist-practitioner model focused on cultural competency. It aims to diversify the profession by producing clinicians who can meet the needs of underserved student populations, leading to national certification and state licensure.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 62
• Cost of Attendance: $69,792
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Fayetteville State University - MA in Psychology

Fayetteville State University offers a flexible online MA in Psychology, providing a broad curriculum for students seeking careers in business and research or a foundation for doctoral studies. This program is a non-licensure track, focusing on theoretical and research skills rather than clinical practice.

• Program Length: ~3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 semester credit hours
• Cost per Credit: $191.00 (in-state); $805.75 (out-of-state); 477.5 (outside NC)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. North Carolina Central University - MA in Psychology

North Carolina Central University provides an MA in Psychology with distinct concentrations in clinical and general psychology, both requiring a thesis. The program emphasizes rigorous research development, preparing graduates for doctoral studies, post-secondary teaching, or work in research laboratories.

• Program Length: ~3 years
• Concentrations: General Psychology; Clinical Psychology
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30 (General); 49 (Clinical)
• Cost per Credit: $297.62 (in-state); $1,036.95 (out-of-state);
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Hampton University - MA in Counseling

Hampton University provides a flexible MA in Counseling online or on-campus, featuring specialized, CACREP-accredited tracks like Community Mental Health and School Counseling. The program prepares students for professional licensure or offers a foundational overview for those seeking an introduction to the field.

• Program Length: ~3 years
• Concentrations: Addiction; College Student Development; Community Mental Health; Pastoral; and School
• Required Credits to Graduate: 31
• Cost per Credit: $695
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

5. Bowie State University - MA in Counseling Psychology

Bowie State University's CACREP-accredited program emphasizes culturally responsive practice and a unique focus on Adlerian assessment techniques. The program provides a strong foundation for graduates to become master's-level counselors or to pursue doctoral studies.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 48 semester hours
• Cost per Credit: $466.00 (in-state); $745.00 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

6. Kentucky State University - MA in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science

Kentucky State University's offering takes a unique multidisciplinary approach, blending psychology and criminology to examine the intersection of human behavior and the legal system. Based on a scientist-practitioner model, it prepares graduates for doctoral studies or specialized roles in government and human service agencies.

• Program Length: ~3 years
• Concentrations: Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45
• Cost per Credit: $605
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Fisk University - MA in Psychology

Fisk University's program offers distinct, thesis-required concentrations in clinical and general psychology. The program is structured to provide a solid foundation for students planning to pursue doctoral studies or to enter master's-level professional roles in human services.

• Program Length: ~3 years
• Specializations: General Psychology; and Clinical Psychology
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~42
• Tuition (total): $22,590
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

8. Tennessee State University - MS in Counseling

Tennessee State University's MS in Counseling program offers a flexible curriculum with thesis and non-thesis options, providing a strong behavioral health core for aspiring practitioners or future doctoral students. The Clinical Mental Health concentration focuses on diverse lifespan issues, preparing graduates for careers in various mental health organizations.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Concentration: Clinical Mental Health
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Cost per Credit: $605 (in-state); $1,274 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Texas Southern University - MA in Psychology

Texas Southern University offers licensure-focused concentrations in Clinical-Community and School Psychology, with a strong emphasis on serving urban and historically disadvantaged communities. The curriculum integrates extensive practicum and internship hours, preparing graduates for state licensure as a Psychological Associate or a Specialist in School Psychology.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Specializations: Clinical-Community; and School Psychology
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Cost per Credit: $100 (in-state); $455 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

10. Delaware State University - MS in Psychology

Delaware State University offers two distinct, fully asynchronous tracks: one preparing students for state licensure as a professional counselor (LPCMH) and another with a research focus on Neuropsychology. The program provides flexible two- or three-year completion options, with the counseling track including a required internship.

• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Tracks: LPCMH ; and Neuropsychology
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60 (LPCMH); 59 (Neuropsychology)
• Cost per Credit: $455 (in-state); $948 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

How long does it take to complete HBCU psychology master's programs?

Most full-time HBCU psychology master's programs are designed to be completed in two academic years, which is typically four or five semesters.

You'll be on a well-established path. In 2023 alone, 21,869 Black or African American students earned psychology degrees, joining a large and growing community of scholars and future practitioners. This shared timeline helps build a strong cohort experience.

However, that two-year timeframe is a baseline. A few key factors can influence your personal timeline.

Factors That Influence Your Program Timeline

The most significant factor is your enrollment status. Part-time programs are designed for working professionals and will naturally take longer to complete.

Some programs also offer a thesis track for students planning to pursue a PhD, which can sometimes extend your time for research and writing. Finally, if you're entering the field from a different background, you'll need to factor in time to complete any required prerequisite courses before you officially begin your master's coursework.

How does an online HBCU psychology master's program compare to an on-campus program?

Online programs offer a great deal of flexibility, which is ideal if you're balancing your studies with a job or family. On-campus programs provide more direct, in-person access to faculty, campus resources, and your fellow students.

From an academic standpoint, a well-designed online program from an accredited university is just as rigorous as its on-campus counterpart. The curriculum and the degree you earn are the same.

The choice often comes down to your learning style and life circumstances. But there is one factor that is more important than all the others.

The Most Important Factor: State Licensure Requirements

This is the single most critical point to understand. Before you even apply to an online program, you must verify that its curriculum and, most importantly, its plan for supervised practicum hours meet the specific requirements of the state in which you intend to practice.

Every state has its own licensing board with its own set of non-negotiable rules. Choosing a program that doesn't meet these standards is a catastrophic and costly mistake. Always check with your state's board first.

What is the average cost of HBCU psychology master's programs?

The average total tuition for the best HBCU psychology programs for master's studies is around $24,892 for in-state students and $39,764 for out-of-state students. On a per-credit basis, that comes out to about $455 in-state and $770 out-of-state.

It's smart to look beyond tuition and consider the total cost of attendance, which includes fees, books, and living expenses, to get the full picture of your investment.

This cost can also vary significantly depending on whether the school is public or private. The nation's HBCUs are split almost evenly between the two, which means you have a wide range of financial options to explore.

Thinking in Terms of Return on Investment (ROI)

While these numbers are significant, it's helpful to frame them as a strategic investment in your professional future. The cost of your degree is directly tied to your ability to become a licensed practitioner and unlock the higher earning potential that comes with specialization.

Viewing the cost through the lens of your future salary is the best way to make a confident and informed financial decision.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in HBCU psychology master's programs?

You have several strong options for funding your master's degree, and some are unique to the HBCU ecosystem.

Here are the key sources to explore:

• Federal Student Aid: This is your starting point. Completing the FAFSA gives you access to federal loans and, in some cases, grants.
• University Scholarships: Always check the financial aid office of each specific university, as they have their own institutional scholarships.
• The United Negro College Fund (UNCF): This is a critical resource that provides a wide range of scholarships specifically for students attending member HBCUs.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Another major organization offering scholarships, leadership development, and career opportunities for students at public HBCUs.
• Graduate Assistantships: These are paid positions with the university that often come with a tuition waiver and a stipend.

When considering loans, it's wise to use the median salary for a mental health counselor—around $59,190—as a benchmark. This helps you make a responsible borrowing decision that aligns with your future earning potential.

Why a Graduate Assistantship is the Gold Standard

While scholarships are excellent, a graduate assistantship is the most strategically valuable form of aid. It's a paid position in teaching, research, or administration that often covers your entire tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses.

This is the best way to fund your degree while minimizing debt. Furthermore, securing a research assistantship is a massive advantage if you plan to apply to PhD programs in the future. It provides invaluable experience and a strong faculty recommendation.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in HBCU psychology master's programs?

While each university has its own specific requirements, most programs look for a similar set of qualifications. Here is what you'll typically need to prepare for your application.

• Bachelor's Degree: You must have a bachelor's degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Psychology Coursework: You'll need to have completed foundational courses like Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods.
• Application Materials: Expect to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining your goals, and official transcripts from all previous colleges.

Many people wonder, is it possible to go to grad school for a different major? The answer is absolutely yes, and there's a clear path to get there.

A Clear Path for Applicants Without a Psychology Background

If you don't have an undergraduate degree in psychology, don't be discouraged. This is a very common situation, and admissions committees are looking for motivated candidates from all backgrounds.

You do not need to complete a second bachelor's degree. Instead, you can focus on completing only the required prerequisite courses. Many students do this through a formal post-baccalaureate program, or by taking the necessary classes individually at a local university or community college. This is a focused and efficient way to build the foundation you need to be a strong applicant.

What courses are typically in HBCU psychology master's programs?

In any accredited program, you'll find a core curriculum designed to give you a strong professional foundation. You can expect to take courses in subjects like professional ethics, psychological assessment, counseling theories, research methods, and multicultural counseling.

These courses are standard across all quality HBCU psychology masters programs because they provide the foundational knowledge required for professional licensure and effective practice.

While the coursework is essential, one component of your education stands out as the most important.

The Practicum: Where Theory Meets Practice

The most critical part of your entire program will be your supervised practicum or internship. This is where you move from the classroom to a real-world clinical or organizational setting, applying what you've learned under the guidance of a licensed professional.

This hands-on experience is non-negotiable for licensure. At an HBCU, these placements are often in diverse community organizations, giving you an invaluable advantage in developing culturally competent skills. It's the part of your education that truly transforms you from a student into a practitioner.

For students who later feel called to leadership roles in education, ministry, counseling, or community advocacy, this strong foundation can also support further graduate study. Some graduates eventually explore advanced pathways such as earning a doctorate degree theology online, particularly if they plan to serve in faith-based counseling, pastoral care, or organizational leadership roles where both psychological and spiritual training intersect.

What types of specializations are available in HBCU psychology master's programs?

Most HBCU psychology masters programs offer several distinct specialization tracks. Choosing the right one is the key to aligning your education with your specific career goals. Here are some of the most common options.

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This track prepares you to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, leading to licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).
• School Psychology: This specialization focuses on supporting the academic and emotional well-being of students in K-12 educational settings. Do you wonder: how much does a school counselor make? Check out our separate article on the topic.
• Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology: This track applies psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on areas like employee productivity, organizational development, and human resources.

Your specialization can also impact your earning potential. Industries like consulting services and insurance carriers offer some of the highest median wages for counselors, often exceeding $80,000.

Advanced and Interdisciplinary Tracks

Beyond these core areas, some universities offer more niche concentrations or even psychology dual degree programs that combine your master's with a degree in a related field like public health or social work. These advanced tracks can be a powerful way to build a unique professional profile and open up even more specialized career opportunities.

How to Choose the Best HBCU Psychology Master's Programs

The "best" program isn't about a national ranking; it's about the best fit for your specific career goals. Following a systematic process is the surest way to find the right one among the many excellent HBCU psychology masters programs available.

Use these four steps to make a confident, informed choice.

• Define your primary goal. You must first decide if you are seeking a direct path to licensure or a research-focused program that will serve as a bridge to a PhD.
• Verify national accreditation. This is a non-negotiable step that ensures the quality and portability of your degree, and you should understand exactly what accreditation is needed for psychology.
• Research the faculty. Look for professors whose research interests and clinical expertise align with your own passions, as they will be your most important mentors.
• Investigate internship placements and graduate outcomes. A program should be able to show you where its students complete their practicums and the kinds of jobs they secure after graduation.

By following these steps, you move beyond simply looking at a list of schools and start building a clear, evidence-based case for the program that is truly the best choice for you.

What career paths are available for graduates of HBCU psychology master's programs?

Graduates with a master's degree enter a variety of professional roles, most commonly becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a school psychologist, or a consultant in industrial-organizational psychology.

These paths lead to strong earning potential on their own. For example, the median salary for school psychologists is $86,930. As your career progresses, you can also enhance your expertise by exploring the value of a graduate certificate in a specialized area of practice.

It's important to understand that your master's degree is the foundation for a long and evolving career.

The Path to a Doctorate and the Title "Psychologist"

For many, a master's degree is also a strategic step toward a doctorate (a PhD or PsyD). This is the required path to earning the protected title of "psychologist." This is the path that leads to the highest earning potential in the field, with a median annual salary of $94,310.

Pursuing this next level of education opens the door to advanced clinical roles, specialized assessment responsibilities, and academic or leadership positions. For students planning to continue on, it can be helpful to explore online APA PsyD programs with no GRE requirement, which offer greater flexibility and accessibility while maintaining accreditation standards—making it easier for working professionals to advance without delaying their careers.

What is the job market for graduates of HBCU psychology master's programs?

The job market for graduates is excellent. The field of psychology is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, creating about 12,900 new job openings each year.

This strong demand is part of a larger trend in healthcare, where related fields are also expanding. For example, many are now exploring options like an HBCU healthcare administration online degree to meet this growing need.

This positive outlook provides a secure foundation for your career. But for you, the opportunity is even greater.

Your Competitive Advantage in a High-Demand Field

You are entering a strong job market where the demand for culturally competent Black practitioners is especially high. Healthcare systems, schools, and corporations are actively seeking to build more diverse and effective teams.

As a graduate of a rigorous, accredited HBCU program, you bring a perspective and a skill set that is not just needed—it is an invaluable asset. You are not just prepared to be employed; you are positioned to lead.

What Campus Resources and Support Services Enhance Academic Success?

HBCUs offer a comprehensive range of resources that extend beyond classroom instruction to support academic and career development. Dedicated career centers provide tailored guidance on internships, job placements, and networking opportunities with prominent professionals in the field. Academic advising, supplemental tutoring, and mental health counseling services further ensure that students can overcome challenges and stay on track for timely graduation. Many institutions also facilitate access to research initiatives and professional workshops that develop leadership skills and enhance practical competencies. For students looking to diversify their qualifications and explore additional certification opportunities, consider options such as cheap BCBA accredited programs online.

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