Psychology Programs in New Jersey

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Recognized Psychology Specializations in New Jersey

Many specializations exist within the world of psychology, but the decides which ones to recognize. This section takes a look at some of the available options, but you should check with the SBPE for an exhaustive list.

• School Psychology: A great fit if you want to work with children, adolescents, and young adults, the school psychology specialization prepares you for jobs in K-12 or college settings. You’ll learn how to provide group and individual counseling, recognize behavioral and emotional issues, train administrators on proper handling of students seeking support, and mediate between children and their families. The provides details on the specific requirements for standard certification.
• Practicing Psychologist: Practicing psychologists work with individuals of all ages to identify, assess, and treat a variety of common mental illnesses, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and emotional traumas. They often provide one-to-one services, but may also lead group counseling sessions for people dealing with common issues. You can learn more about New Jersey psychologist licensure procedures via the .
• Licensed Professional Counselor: While these professionals must maintain licensure, they do not need a doctorate to practice. Most licensed professional counselors possess a master’s degree and may also be known as mental health counselors, marriage and family counselors, or substance abuse/behavioral disorder counselors. The answers frequently asked questions about how to get licensed.
• Clinical Psychology: Traditionally viewed as the most wide-ranging of all specializations, clinical psychologists can be found working in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, schools, and in private practice. Clinical psychologists use a variety of tools and techniques to identify, diagnose and treat their clients’ psychological and behavioral issues.
• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor: Also known as substance abuse counselors, these professionals help individuals trying to overcome dependence on alcohol, drugs, and other substances. They provide addiction counseling, work with clients to develop a plan, educate family members, facilitate detox, and provide various therapies throughout the rehabilitation process. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, prisons, or other facilities offering substance abuse counseling. The provides detailed information on how to qualify for a job in this field.

New Jersey Psychology Spotlight Programs

New Jersey may be a small state, but it’s brimming with well-regarded colleges and universities. Whether you seek a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, the New Jersey schools in this section offer programs at every level. Some departments provide unique specializations, dual degrees, and 4+1 programs, which allow learners to earners to work towards earning both a master’s and bachelor’s simultaneously, completing both degrees in a total of five years. Read about what makes each school stand out to find the program that speaks to your academic interests, professional goals, and financial requirements.

When looking at any degree program, remember to find one that maintains proper accreditation. At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the (CACREP) is the name to know. At the doctoral level, seek out programs approved by the (APA).

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

is the largest public research institution in the state and provides both a B.A. and a Ph.D. in psychology. Undergraduates can choose to pursue a minor in developmental psychology or participate in independent research, fieldwork, or internships. The doctorate includes specializations in behavioral and systems neuroscience, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. An interdisciplinary health psychology concentration also exists. New Jersey residents paid $12,230 in undergraduate tuition during the 2019-鑫鼎彩票注册 academic year; non-resident learners paid $29,012 during the same timeframe. All Ph.D. candidates who maintain good standing receive five years of funding.

Montclair State University (Montclair)

If you’re seeking variety in psychology degree offerings, look no further than . The Department of Psychology offers a B.A., combined B.A./M.A., combined B.A./M.B.A, and several bachelor’s degrees in psychology with teaching certifications for undergrads. Graduate students can select from an M.A. in industrial and organizational psychology, an M.S. in clinical psychology with specializations in clinical forensics or child/adolescent psychology, or a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Resident and nonresident undergrads paid $12,081 and $20,041 respectively during the 2019-20 academic year. Master’s students paid $700 and $1,024 per credit while Ph.D. candidates paid $640 per credit regardless of residency.

The College of New Jersey (Ewing)

offers a comprehensive undergraduate program with several specialization options. The psychology major includes concentrations in biopsychology, cognitive psychology, counseling and clinical psychology, developmental psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and social psychology. A psychology and education dual major also exists, as do many hands-on research and fieldwork opportunities. Degree seekers who qualified for in-state tuition paid $16,942 during the 2019-鑫鼎彩票注册 year; those who didn’t paid $28,921. The department offers two psychology-specific scholarships to help offset costs.

Kean University (Union)

is a public four-year institution that offers several undergraduate psychology degrees. Campus-based programs include a B.S. in psychology, a B.A. in psychology with a forensic psychology specialization, and a B.S. in psychology and psychiatric rehabilitation. Aside from coursework, all psychology majors are encouraged to take part in a field experience to gain marketable job skills prior to graduation. Residents paid $12,595 in tuition to study in 2019-鑫鼎彩票注册; non-residents paid $19,771.

Seton Hall University (South Orange)

As the oldest diocesan school in America, is uniquely placed to provide a private Roman Catholic education. The institution offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology alongside an M.S. in experimental psychology. If looking for a dual degree, you can pursue a B.A. in psychology/M.A.E. in psychological studies or a B.A. in psychology/M.A. in experimental psychology. The M.S. is specifically designed for students who plan to enter a Ph.D. program after graduating. Undergraduates paid $1,270 per credit during the most recent academic year while grad students paid $1,310 per credit.

Princeton University (Princeton)

As the only Ivy League institution in the state, is prepared to serve the needs of high achieving learners. The school offers an undergraduate psychology degree that emphasizes extensive research training. The Ph.D. in psychology comes with specialization options such as behavioral economics, cognitive neuroscience, perception and cognition, social psychology, social neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and the psychology of inequality. Dual degrees are also available in psychology and neuroscience or psychology and social policy. Tuition costs $51,870 for undergrad and grad students during the 2019-鑫鼎彩票注册 year, though substantial grants are available.

Monmouth University (West Long Branch)

is a small, private college that provides a comprehensive undergraduate psychology degree. One unique aspect of this program is that every student takes three research classes (including labs) and creates an empirical thesis. They also participate in internships and work closely with faculty on conference presentations and publications. Current tuition for full-time enrollment is $19,440 annually.

New Jersey Psychology Scholarships

With the cost of college continuing to rise, finding ways to avoid student loan debt is a real concern for today’s students–especially for those who aspire to pursue a doctorate. Fortunately, you can apply for scholarships and grants that don’t require repayment to help lessen the financial burden. State and local governments, colleges and universities, professional associations, and private foundations all routinely offer scholarships.

Aside from the New Jersey-specific awards spotlighted below, check out our psychology scholarship page to see if you meet the criteria for any national awards. Most importantly, start your research early. Many scholarships have extensive applications that require time and effort to complete.

• : The Marshall P. Smith Scholarship is a psychology-specific award to undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all psychology courses and a 3.2 cumulative GPA. Applicants must provide a statement of purpose. Awards are based on financial need, academic excellence, and community service involvement. The Laurie Ann Mandara ’07 Scholarship is available to psychology undergraduates who demonstrate ongoing commitment to community service or perseverance in the face of personal obstacles can apply for this award, provided they maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA and attend The College of New Jersey. Students must be in at least their sophomore year when applying.
• : This summer undergraduate research fellowship is available to Rutgers psychology majors who want to use their summer to complete at least 250 hours of research. Applicants can receive up to $4,000 and must provide a written progress report halfway through the summer. All applicants are encouraged to apply but preference is given to non-traditional learners and those with demonstrated financial need.
• : Organized via the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, this grant provides funding to learners attending approved New Jersey colleges and universities. Applicants must reside in New Jersey, demonstrate financial need, and attend a qualifying institution. Award amounts vary by institution. Those attending Rutgers University, for instance, can receive up to $9,848 annually. Those attending Montclair State University qualify for up to $7,474 each year.

New Jersey Internships and Fellowships

The New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners requires that all licensees participate in at least 3,500 hours (two years, full-time) of supervised work experience both during and after completing a doctorate. Starting your internship/fellowship research early helps you find a position that builds relevant skills directly related to your career. We share a few options below, but plenty more exist.

• : Located at the Camden campus, this part-time fellowship allows post-doctoral students to build individual counseling and psychotherapy skills, intervention techniques, prevention methods, and consultation tools under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The department states that 40% of the fellowship focuses on patient care, 40% on psychological assessment and testing, and 20% on educational outreach and training. Fellows work 20 hours per week at $22 per hour.
• : The Hackensack University Medical Center offers this full-time fellowship with salaried pay and benefits. Applicants should possess a doctorate in psychology with a demonstrated interest in forensic psychology. The fellow offers direct patient care under supervision and provides both evaluations and treatments. The work mainly centers around the Northern Regional Diagnostic Center for Child Abuse and Neglect.
• : Designed for students currently enrolled in a psychology doctorate program, this is a full-time, paid position with benefits. Interns focus on intra-familial maltreatment and non-familial sexual assault. In this work they provide evaluations, individual and group therapy, case management, and crisis intervention services. They also receive access to weekly intern seminars to build relevant, real-world knowledge around child maltreatment.

Aside from looking at university and governmental pages, be sure to peruse websites such as and as both often post relevant positions.

New Jersey Psychology Resources

In addition to national resources such as the American Psychological Association, several meaningful professional associations exist in New Jersey. Whether you’re still in school, a recent graduate, or an industry veteran, these groups are there to help you build skills, complete continuing education requirements, present your research, and expand your professional network.

• : For more than 80 years, the NJPA has served the needs of members through innovative and helpful services. Benefits of membership include discounts on affinity services, continuing education programming, a 鑫鼎彩票注册 study library, advocacy programs, industry white papers, job listings, and specific services for graduate students and early career psychologists.
• : The NJASP has been in operation since 1958 and currently serves more than 1,000 school psychologists. The group organizes an annual winter conference and regional events throughout the year. Members can take advantage of leadership and committee opportunities, networking events, and student initiatives.
• : SJPA maintains an active calendar of events to help those working in the psychological field take advantage of networking opportunities, continuing education programs, and conferences to review and present research. The group also provides workshops, an interactive listserv, a mental health professional database, and chances to take on leadership roles.
• : Operating through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, the SBPE is responsible for New Jersey psychologist licensure. The group establishes regulations to ensure every licensee possesses the training and experience needed, investigates reported violations, and sets renewal requirements.