2026 Best Psychology Schools in Maryland – Accredited Colleges & Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Best Psychology Schools in Maryland Table of Contents

1. Is psychology a good career choice in Maryland?
2. How do you become a psychologist in Maryland?
3. How long do psychology programs take in Maryland?
4. How much do psychology programs cost in Maryland?
5. Maryland schools offering psychology programs for 2026
6. How should you choose a psychology program in Maryland?
7. What skills do Maryland psychology graduates need?
8. How can psychology students work with research institutions and government agencies?
9. What distinguishes school psychology career paths in Maryland?
10. Can accelerated PsyD programs fast-track your psychology career in Maryland?
11. Can applied behavior analysis strengthen a psychology career in Maryland?
12. How can criminal psychology expand career options in Maryland?
13. How can substance abuse counseling support a Maryland mental health career?
14. Can forensic science training broaden psychology career options?
15. What continuing education and professional development requirements apply?
16. What alternative training pathways exist in Maryland mental health?
17. Licensing and certification pathways for psychology careers in Maryland
18. Can an online doctoral program improve Maryland career prospects?
19. How can mental health counseling expand opportunities in Maryland?
20. Can marriage and family therapy broaden career opportunities in Maryland?

Quick Answer: Are Maryland psychology programs worth considering?

Yes, Maryland can be a strong state for psychology students who want access to universities, healthcare systems, research organizations, school districts, public agencies, and nonprofit mental health providers. However, becoming a licensed psychologist is a long and regulated path. In Maryland, candidates generally need a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised professional experience, and passing scores on required exams before independent practice.

Is psychology a good job in Maryland?

Psychology can be a practical career choice in Maryland for students who understand the training timeline and choose a program that matches their intended role. The state has a relatively high-income economy, a developed healthcare sector, major universities, school systems, military and government-adjacent employers, and demand for mental health services in both urban and underserved communities.

Compensation is one reason Maryland attracts psychology professionals. The average salary of Maryland psychologists is $136,539 (ZipRecruiter, 2025). That is close to the reported national average of $139,403 for psychology professionals (ZipRecruiter, 2025). These figures should be treated as broad salary references rather than guarantees because earnings vary by role, license status, employer, specialization, setting, and years of experience.

The state’s diverse population also creates a need for psychologists who can work across cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, and clinical contexts. Students interested in clinical psychology, school psychology, organizational psychology, forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment, applied behavior analysis, or community mental health may find that Maryland offers multiple practice environments.

Professional support is another advantage. Organizations such as the Maryland Psychological Association provide networking, advocacy, continuing education, and professional development opportunities for psychologists practicing in the state.

How do you become a psychologist in Maryland?

The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists regulates psychologist licensure in the state. Students who want to practice independently as psychologists should plan backward from the Board’s requirements before choosing a school. In general, Maryland requires doctoral-level education in psychology, supervised professional experience, and passing required examinations.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree. Most students begin with a four-year undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Students who want flexibility may compare campus programs with online behavioral science degree options.
2. Decide whether a master’s degree fits your plan. Some students earn a master’s degree before doctoral study, while others enter doctoral programs directly after the bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling, or industrial and organizational psychology may support supervised roles, research positions, or preparation for advanced study.
3. Earn a doctoral degree in psychology. Maryland psychologist licensure generally requires a doctoral program in psychology. The program must be accredited by the American Psychological Association or listed in the designated doctorate programs by the Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Students should note that there is generally no MD in psychology; medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions as physicians are psychiatrists.
4. Complete supervised professional experience. After doctoral training, candidates must complete supervised experience that fits Maryland’s rules and their specialization. Students in clinical psychology, for example, should seek supervised placements aligned with assessment, diagnosis, treatment, ethics, and evidence-based care.
5. Pass required exams. Maryland candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam.
6. Apply for licensure. After meeting education, experience, and exam requirements, candidates can submit a licensure application to practice as psychologists in Maryland.

What internship opportunities are available for psychology students in Maryland?

Internships, practicums, assistantships, and supervised field placements help students test career interests before committing to graduate or doctoral training. They also build the applied experience expected in competitive psychology programs and mental health roles.

• Clinical placements: Hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community mental health centers may offer supervised exposure to assessment, treatment planning, case documentation, and therapeutic methods.
• Research assistantships: Universities and research institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, may provide opportunities to support studies involving data collection, literature reviews, analysis, and academic writing.
• Community mental health programs: Students interested in health equity can look for organizations serving underserved populations, crisis needs, addiction recovery, youth services, or culturally responsive care.
• School-based internships: Students considering school psychology can seek placements in school districts where they observe assessment, intervention, consultation, and student support services.
• Nonprofit and advocacy roles: Mental health nonprofits can help students learn about public education, program coordination, policy work, outreach, and support services.

Before accepting an internship, ask who will supervise you, what duties you will perform, whether the experience is paid or unpaid, whether it can count toward academic requirements, and how it connects to your long-term license or graduate school goals.

How long do psychology programs take in Maryland?

Becoming a licensed psychologist in Maryland can take 10 years or more because the pathway usually includes undergraduate education, graduate or doctoral study, supervised professional experience, and licensing exams. The exact timeline depends on whether you pursue a master’s degree first, enroll full-time or part-time, transfer credits, take time between degrees, or choose a research-focused or practice-oriented doctorate.

For Maryland licensure applicants from practice-oriented programs, supervised professional experience must total at least 3,250 hours. Of those hours, 1,750 hours are allocated for internships. The remaining 1,500 hours may be completed during different phases of psychology training, including pre-internship, pre-doctoral, post-internship, or post-doctoral periods (Maryland DOH, n.d.).

How much do psychology programs cost in Maryland?

Psychology education costs in Maryland vary widely by degree level, school type, residency status, enrollment pace, and program format. Tuition is only one part of the total cost; students should also budget for fees, books, technology, transportation, housing, insurance, internship-related costs, exam fees, and lost income if they reduce work hours.

Students looking to reduce costs should compare public and private options, ask about graduate assistantships, review transfer credit policies, apply for financial aid early, and consider whether a more affordable online psychology degree fits the first stage of their plan.

Maryland schools offering psychology programs for 2026

Maryland students can choose from large research universities, private institutions, public universities, and liberal arts colleges. The best choice depends on degree level, specialization, cost, faculty expertise, research access, and whether the program is designed for licensure preparation, research, general psychology education, or applied work.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland offers undergraduate psychology study and graduate programs in psychology. Students who want to remain within one university system for multiple degree levels may find UMD worth comparing. The University of Maryland clinical psychology department also offers a Ph.D. program with specialty areas in clinical cognitive and neural systems, as well as social and organizational science.

• Program length: Four years for undergraduate study; two to five years for graduate study.
• Tracks or concentrations: Clinical psychology and industrial organizational psychology.
• Cost per credit: $412 for undergraduate in-state students; $1,616 for undergraduate out-of-state students; $828 for graduate students.
• Required credits to graduate: 130 for undergraduate study; 30 for the master’s degree; 12 for the Ph.D.
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA).

Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland provides undergraduate studies in psychology along with master’s and doctoral options. Its psychology training emphasizes interdisciplinary study and applied preparation through facilities and learning environments designed for psychology students.

• Program length: Four years for undergraduate study; two to five years for graduate study.
• Tracks or concentrations: N/A.
• Cost per credit: $460 for undergraduate study; $1,041 for the master’s degree; $1,013 for the Psy.D.
• Required credits to graduate: At least 120 for undergraduate study; 60 for the master’s degree; 131 for the Psy.D.
• Accreditation: APA.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a PhD program in psychology as well as undergraduate major and minor options. The graduate program includes specialization opportunities within two broad areas of instruction and research.

• Program length: Four years for undergraduate study; two to five years for graduate study.
• Tracks or concentrations: Biopsychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology.
• Cost per credit: $520 for undergraduate study; $1,100 for graduate study.
• Required credits to graduate: 120 for undergraduate study; graduate requirements depend on specialization.
• Accreditation: APA.

Towson University

Towson University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in psychology. Students who value research participation, laboratory access, and advanced data analysis may want to review Towson’s curriculum and faculty areas closely.

• Program length: Four years for undergraduate study; two to five years for graduate study.
• Tracks or concentrations: Clinical psychology, counseling, and experimental psychology.
• Cost per credit: $376 for undergraduate in-state students; $930 for undergraduate out-of-state students; $669 for master’s students.
• Required credits to graduate: 120 for undergraduate study; 48 for the master’s degree.
• Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers an undergraduate psychology program that gives students room to explore related fields such as neuroscience, educational studies, and sociology. This can be useful for students who are still deciding between research, counseling, education, healthcare, or graduate study.

• Program length: Four years.
• Tracks or concentrations: N/A.
• Cost per credit: $378 for in-state students; $853 for out-of-state students.
• Required credits to graduate: 128.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

How should you choose a psychology program in Maryland?

The overall employment of psychologists in the country is expected to grow by 6% through 2030, with about 12,800 job openings projected each year. That outlook makes psychology attractive, but students still need to choose carefully. A strong program for one student may be a poor fit for another if it does not support the right license, specialization, training format, or budget.

• Accreditation and licensure alignment: If you want to become a licensed psychologist, confirm whether the doctoral program meets Maryland Board expectations and whether APA accreditation applies where needed.
• Degree level: A bachelor’s degree can open entry-level and graduate-school preparation routes, but independent psychologist practice requires doctoral preparation. Some students may instead choose counseling, MFT, ABA, or school psychology routes.
• Curriculum fit: Review courses, practicum expectations, research methods, assessment training, ethics, statistics, and specialization options. Students interested in workplace behavior may compare Maryland options with an online master’s program in organizational psychology.
• Supervised experience: Ask where students complete practicums and internships, how placements are secured, and whether the program has relationships with Maryland employers.
• Faculty expertise: Look for faculty whose research, clinical practice, or applied work matches your intended focus.
• Student support: Strong advising, career services, research mentorship, exam preparation, and graduate placement support can affect outcomes.
• Cost and debt: Compare total program cost, not just tuition. Ask about assistantships, scholarships, financial aid, part-time study, transfer credits, and internship funding.

What skills do Maryland psychology graduates need?

Maryland psychology graduates need more than knowledge of theories and research. The strongest candidates can communicate clearly, work ethically with diverse communities, understand data, use technology appropriately, and collaborate across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit settings.

• Cultural competence: Maryland’s population includes varied racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and community backgrounds. Psychology graduates should understand how culture, access, stigma, language, and lived experience can shape mental health care.
• Policy awareness: Because Maryland is close to Washington, D.C., students interested in public health, advocacy, or government work benefit from understanding mental health policy and behavioral health systems.
• Research ability: Students aiming for graduate school, academic work, evidence-based practice, or research institutions need strong skills in study design, data interpretation, statistics, and scientific writing.
• Communication: Psychologists and related professionals must explain complex concepts to clients, families, school teams, courts, employers, and healthcare colleagues. Students in an affordable online master's in organizational psychology may also build leadership and communication skills for workplace-focused roles.
• Critical thinking: Assessment, diagnosis, intervention planning, and research all require careful reasoning rather than assumptions.
• Technology readiness: Telehealth, digital records, assessment software, online learning platforms, and research tools are now part of many psychology-related settings. Students should learn to use technology ethically and securely.

How can psychology students work with research institutions and government agencies?

Maryland’s location gives psychology students access to universities, healthcare systems, research organizations, and government-related opportunities. Institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Johns Hopkins University, and agencies in the Washington, D.C. region can be relevant for students interested in clinical research, public health, neuroscience, policy, health disparities, addiction treatment, and organizational behavior.

Students can look for research assistantships, practicum placements, policy internships, public health projects, data-focused roles, and interdisciplinary teams. These experiences are especially valuable for students considering doctoral study, research careers, government roles, or specialized clinical work.

Flexible and accelerated formats may help working adults begin or continue their education, but speed should not be the only factor. Students comparing accelerated psychology programs online should confirm accreditation, transfer policies, faculty support, research access, and whether the program fits future licensure or graduate-school requirements.

What distinguishes school psychology career paths in Maryland?

School psychology is a specialized route for professionals who want to support students’ academic, behavioral, emotional, and social development. In Maryland schools, this work may include assessment, intervention planning, consultation with teachers, collaboration with families, crisis support, and progress monitoring.

Students considering this route should not assume that a general psychology degree automatically qualifies them for school psychology practice. Certification, supervised experience, and education requirements may differ from the licensed psychologist pathway. Review the school psychologist requirements in Maryland before selecting a program or internship.

Can accelerated PsyD programs fast-track your psychology career in Maryland?

Accelerated PsyD programs may shorten the time spent in coursework and clinical preparation, but they are not automatically the best choice for every student. They can make sense for highly prepared applicants who can manage an intensive schedule, secure required clinical training, and stay on track for licensure requirements.

The trade-off is workload. A faster doctoral pathway may leave less room for part-time employment, extended research exploration, or a slower transition into clinical training. Students should compare total cost, internship match support, accreditation, faculty advising, and licensure outcomes before choosing accelerated PsyD programs.

Can applied behavior analysis strengthen a psychology career in Maryland?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be a valuable specialization for students interested in behavior assessment, intervention design, autism services, developmental disabilities, education, and clinical or community programs. ABA training can complement psychology by emphasizing measurable behavior change and evidence-based intervention plans.

This path is especially relevant for students who want structured, behavior-focused work with children, families, schools, or clinical teams. Requirements differ from psychologist licensure, so students should review the steps for how to become a BCBA in Maryland before choosing coursework or supervised experience.

How can criminal psychology expand career options in Maryland?

Criminal psychology connects psychological knowledge with criminal behavior, legal systems, investigations, corrections, and public safety. Professionals in this area may work with offender assessment, behavioral analysis, victim services, court-related consultation, correctional programs, or forensic research.

Students interested in this field should build a plan that includes psychology coursework, forensic or criminal justice exposure, research skills, and supervised experience where appropriate. A dedicated guide on how to become a criminal psychologist in Maryland can help clarify role expectations and training options.

How can substance abuse counseling support a Maryland mental health career?

Substance abuse counseling can be a practical pathway for students who want to address addiction, recovery, co-occurring mental health needs, and community-based care. This route may be especially meaningful in areas where specialized behavioral health services are limited.

Substance abuse roles may be available in outpatient programs, residential treatment, hospitals, correctional settings, schools, nonprofits, and public health organizations. Because credentials and scope of practice differ from psychologist licensure, students should review How to become a substance abuse counselor in Maryland? before selecting a program.

Can forensic science training broaden psychology career options?

Forensic science training can strengthen psychology-related careers that intersect with legal, investigative, and public safety work. Students interested in forensic assessment, criminal behavior, court systems, or multidisciplinary investigation may benefit from coursework that builds analytical thinking, evidence handling awareness, and understanding of legal procedures.

This does not replace psychology licensure, but it can add useful context for roles involving law enforcement collaboration, courts, correctional systems, or forensic research. Students can explore the degrees needed to work in forensic science in Maryland to understand how forensic training may complement psychology study.

What continuing education and professional development requirements apply?

Psychologists in Maryland must stay current with professional standards, ethics, research, and legal expectations. Continuing education helps licensed professionals maintain competence and respond to changes in clinical practice, telehealth, assessment, documentation, supervision, and state regulation.

Because rules can change, psychologists and students nearing licensure should monitor the Board’s requirements and review the Maryland psychology license requirements. Professional associations, accredited workshops, conferences, ethics training, and specialized certificates can also support career advancement.

What alternative training pathways exist in Maryland mental health?

Not every student who wants to work in mental health needs to become a licensed psychologist. Maryland has related pathways in counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, school psychology, behavior analysis, social services, case management, research, and nonprofit programming.

Alternative routes can be faster or more targeted than doctoral psychology training, but they also have different scopes of practice, license rules, and salary expectations. Students who want the most direct entry into counseling-oriented work can compare options in the guide to the fastest way to become a counselor in Maryland.

Licensing and certification pathways for psychology careers in Maryland

Licensing should guide your education plan from the beginning. Maryland’s requirements for psychologists are different from the requirements for counselors, marriage and family therapists, school psychologists, behavior analysts, and substance abuse counselors. Choosing the wrong program can delay licensure or require extra coursework later.

Aspiring psychologists generally need a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised experience that meets state expectations, the EPPP, and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. Students should document supervised hours carefully and confirm that internships, practicums, and postdoctoral experiences meet Maryland standards.

Students who prefer relationship-focused therapy may compare the psychologist route with marriage and family therapy. The MFT licensing requirements in Maryland explain how that path differs and what credentials are needed for practice.

Is becoming a psychologist in Maryland worth it?

Becoming a psychologist in Maryland can be worth it for students who are committed to doctoral-level training and want a career involving assessment, therapy, research, consultation, supervision, or specialized mental health practice. The state’s salary data, healthcare infrastructure, university presence, and provider shortages can support strong career opportunities.

The investment is substantial. Students may spend 10 years or more completing education and training, and doctoral programs can be expensive. Before enrolling, compare expected debt, likely career setting, licensure timeline, internship opportunities, and whether a related mental health path could meet your goals with less time or cost.

Can an online doctoral program improve Maryland career prospects?

An online doctoral program may help working adults access advanced psychology education with more scheduling flexibility. This can be useful for students balancing employment, caregiving, military obligations, or geographic constraints.

Flexibility should not replace due diligence. Students must verify accreditation, supervised training arrangements, internship expectations, faculty access, residency requirements, and whether the program supports Maryland licensure. Those comparing cost-conscious options can review online PhD psychology programs, but they should confirm that any program under consideration matches their intended career path.

How can mental health counseling expand opportunities in Maryland?

Mental health counseling can be a strong alternative for students who want direct client work without following the full psychologist licensure route. Counselors may work in community agencies, outpatient programs, schools, integrated care settings, nonprofits, and private practice environments depending on credentials and scope of practice.

This path can be particularly relevant for students motivated by access gaps and community-based care. Review how to become a mental health counselor in Maryland to compare education, supervision, and licensing requirements with the psychologist pathway.

Can marriage and family therapy broaden career opportunities in Maryland?

Marriage and family therapy focuses on relationships, family systems, communication patterns, and relational stress. It can be a strong fit for students who want to work with couples, families, children, and individuals through a systemic lens.

This specialization may lead to work in private practice, community agencies, schools, healthcare settings, and family service organizations. Students should confirm the Maryland MFT license requirements before choosing a degree program or supervised placement.

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a Maryland psychology program

Current trends affecting psychology students in Maryland

• Telehealth is now a standard consideration. Students should learn ethical digital practice, privacy expectations, documentation, and remote client communication.
• Employers value applied experience. Research labs, internships, practicums, and supervised roles can help students stand out beyond coursework.
• Interdisciplinary work is growing. Psychology graduates increasingly collaborate with physicians, educators, social workers, public health teams, data analysts, legal professionals, and community organizations.
• AI and digital tools require judgment. Psychology students should understand the limits of automated tools, protect client confidentiality, and rely on evidence-based professional standards.
• Licensure planning is more important than ever. Students moving between states, studying online, or changing specializations should check requirements early to avoid delays.

Key Insights

• Maryland has real mental health workforce needs. HRSA reported that approximately 23% of Maryland residents live in areas with a critical shortage of mental health professionals.
• Psychologist training is a long-term commitment. Students should expect undergraduate study, doctoral preparation, supervised experience, exams, and licensing steps before independent practice.
• Salary data is competitive but not guaranteed. The average salary of Maryland psychologists is $136,539, while the national figure is $139,403, according to ZipRecruiter in 2025.
• Program choice should start with the intended credential. Psychologist, counselor, MFT, school psychologist, BCBA, forensic, and substance abuse roles follow different education and licensing rules.
• Cost varies sharply by degree level and residency. Reported undergraduate, master’s, and PsyD costs show why students should calculate total price, not just tuition.
• Accreditation and supervised training are non-negotiable. A program that does not align with Maryland licensure requirements can delay or limit your career options.
• Maryland’s research and government ecosystem is a major advantage. Students interested in public health, neuroscience, policy, addiction, forensic work, or evidence-based practice should seek internships and assistantships early.

References:

• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Career transitions: job search and transitions. https://www.apa.org/education-career/job-search/transitions
• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychology careers guide. https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/careers
• College Board. (2025). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025. https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing
• Additional Maryland higher education and program cost context: https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/30/opinion-maryland-must-break-the-systemic-barriers-to-behavioral-health-care
• Additional Maryland tuition reference: https://www.bowiestate.edu/about/administration-and-governance/division-of-administration-and-finance/office-of-student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-tutition-and-fees/fall-spring-tuition-and-fees.php
• Loyola University Maryland doctoral psychology information: https://www.loyola.edu/academics/psychology/degrees/doctoral
• Maryland Department of  Health. (n.d.). The Board of Examiners of Psychologists. https://health.maryland.gov/psych/Pages/Forms.aspx
• Maryland State Department of Education. (n.d.). Blueprint for Maryland’s Future: Teacher Salary & Career Ladder. https://teach.maryland.gov/Pages/blueprint.aspx
• Maryland Higher Education Commission. (n.d.). Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program. https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_WSSAG.aspx
• University of Maryland graduate tuition reference: https://billpay.umd.edu/GraduateTuition

• Health Resources and Services Administration. (2025). Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas Statistics: Third Quarter 2025. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas
• Loyola University Maryland. (2025). Graduate Tuition and Fees: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. https://www.loyola.edu/admission/graduate/financial-aid/tuition-fees
• University of Maryland. (2025). Graduate Tuition and Fees 2025-2026. https://billingsupport.umd.edu/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition-fees
• ZipRecruiter. (2025, February 12). Psychologist salary in Maryland. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Psychologist-Salary--in-Maryland