Tennessee Doctorate and PhD in Psychology Programs

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Updated on July 12, 2023
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in psychology and taking your education to the next level? If so, Tennessee has a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a Doctorate in Psychology. With various programs available, from clinical psychology to counseling psychology, Tennessee has become a hub for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the field. In this article, we will explore Tennessee’s top Doctorate in Psychology programs, what makes them unique, and how they can help you achieve your career goals. So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your academic and professional journey, let’s explore these programs and how they can pave the way for you to become a licensed psychologist in Tennessee!

In addition to its renowned Doctorate in Psychology programs, Tennessee also provides a diverse array of Master’s programs in the field of psychology. These programs cater to students who are interested in furthering their education and gaining practical skills in various areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and more. Whether you’re seeking to expand your knowledge before pursuing a doctorate or aiming to enhance your professional qualifications, Tennessee’s Master’s programs in psychology offer a valuable stepping stone towards your career goals.

Doctorate in General Psychology

Vanderbilt University: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)

Vanderbilt University’s Ph.D. in Psychology program trains students to become research and teaching experts. The program offers specializations in clinical science, cognitive and cognitive neuroscience, developmental science, neuroscience, quantitative methods, and social psychology. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.


Memphis State University: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)

Memphis State University’s Ph.D. in Psychology program offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas: behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology. The program emphasizes research and offers students the opportunity to work with faculty on ongoing research projects. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.


Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology prepares students for professional practice in clinical psychology. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), this program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural competence. Students receive rigorous training in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, as well as supervision and consultation.


East Tennessee State University – Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology prepares students for professional practice in clinical psychology. Accredited by the APA, this program offers students a balance of coursework, supervised clinical training, and research. Students receive training in a range of evidence-based interventions and are expected to demonstrate competence in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and consultation.


Vanderbilt University – Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in clinical psychology emphasizes research and prepares students for academic and research careers, as well as for professional practice. Accredited by the APA, this program offers students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as child and adolescent psychology, health psychology, and neuropsychology. Students receive training in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, as well as in research methods and statistics.


University of Memphis – Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology prepares students for professional practice in clinical psychology. Accredited by the APA, this program emphasizes the integration of science and practice, as well as cultural and individual diversity. Students receive training in a range of evidence-based interventions and are expected to demonstrate competence in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and consultation.


Lipscomb University – Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Lipscomb University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology prepares students for professional practice in clinical psychology. Accredited by the APA, this program emphasizes the integration of faith and psychology, as well as evidence-based practice and cultural competency. Students receive training in a range of evidence-based interventions and are expected to demonstrate competence in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and consultation.

Click here for Masters in Clinical Psychology programs in the state of Tennessee.


Doctorate in Counselling Psychology

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in counseling psychology emphasizes the integration of research and practice, with a focus on multicultural competence and social justice. This program, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), prepares students for academic and research careers in counseling psychology, with training in counseling theories, techniques, and research methods.


Lipscomb University – Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology

Lipscomb University’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in counseling psychology emphasizes the integration of faith and psychology, as well as evidence-based practice and cultural competency. Accredited by the APA, this program prepares students for professional practice in counseling psychology, with training in various counseling theories, techniques, and research methods.


Trevecca Nazarene University – Doctor of Clinical Psychology in Counseling Psychology

Trevecca Nazarene University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program in counseling psychology integrates psychology and theology, with a focus on evidence-based practice and cultural competency. Accredited by the APA, this program prepares students for professional practice in counseling psychology, with training in various counseling theories, techniques, and research methods.


Doctorate in School/Educational Psychology

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System. Its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in school psychology prepares students for academic and research careers in school psychology. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), this program emphasizes evidence-based practice, multicultural competence, and the prevention and intervention of academic and mental health problems in school settings. Students receive training in a range of research methods, statistical analysis, and counseling techniques.


Middle Tennessee State University – Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology

Middle Tennessee State University is a public university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in school psychology prepares students for professional practice in school psychology. Accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and the promotion of academic and mental health in school settings. Students receive training in a range of assessment, intervention, and consultation techniques, as well as in research methods and data analysis.


Tennessee State University – Doctor of Education in School Psychology

Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in school psychology prepares students for professional practice in school psychology. Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), this program emphasizes the integration of psychological principles and educational practices, as well as the development of leadership skills. Students receive training in a range of assessment, intervention, and consultation techniques, as well as in research methods and program evaluation.


Carson-Newman University – Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision (School Counseling concentration)

Carson-Newman University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in counselor education and supervision with a concentration in school counseling prepares students for leadership roles in school counseling. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this program emphasizes the integration of counseling theories and techniques with educational practices. Students receive training in counseling interventions, consultation, and supervision, as well as in research methods and data analysis.


Doctorate in Child Psychology

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Doctor of Philosophy in Child and Family Studies

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System. Its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in child and family studies prepares students for academic and research careers in child psychology. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this program emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of child development, with a focus on social, cultural, and family contexts. Students receive training in a range of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as in theoretical and applied aspects of child development.


Doctorate in Developmental Psychology

Vanderbilt University – Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Science

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in developmental science emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of human development across the lifespan, with a focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development. Accredited by the SACSCOC, this program offers students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as language development, socioemotional development, and cultural contexts of development. Students receive training in a range of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as in theoretical and applied aspects of developmental psychology.


Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (IO)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in industrial/organizational psychology prepares students for academic and research careers in IO psychology. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this program emphasizes the application of psychological principles and research methods to solve problems in the workplace. Students receive training in a range of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as in theoretical and applied aspects of IO psychology.


Middle Tennessee State University – Doctor of Psychology in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Middle Tennessee State University’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in industrial-organizational psychology prepares students for professional practice in IO psychology. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), this program emphasizes the application of psychological principles to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. Students receive training in a range of assessment, intervention, and consultation techniques, as well as in research methods and statistical analysis.


Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

East Tennessee State University – Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy

East Tennessee State University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in marriage and family therapy prepares students for academic and research careers in MFT. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this program emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and practice in MFT. Students receive training in a range of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as in theoretical and applied aspects of MFT.


Lipscomb University – Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

Lipscomb University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) program prepares students for professional practice in MFT. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), this program emphasizes the integration of systemic theory, practice, and research in MFT. Students receive training in a range of clinical skills, as well as in legal and ethical issues, leadership, and advocacy.


Doctorate in ABA/Behavioral Analysis

Tennessee Technological University – Doctor of Psychology in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Tennessee Technological University is a public university in Cookeville, Tennessee. Its Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in applied behavioral analysis prepares students for professional practice in behavioral psychology. Accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), this program emphasizes evidence-based practice and the application of behavioral principles to real-world problems. Students receive training in behavior assessment, intervention, and evaluation, as well as in research methods and data analysis.


Doctorate in Other Psychology Programs

University of Memphis – Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology

The University of Memphis’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in experimental psychology prepares students for academic and research careers in experimental psychology. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this program emphasizes the study of basic psychological processes, including perception, cognition, learning, and memory. Students receive training in a range of research methods and statistical analysis, as well as in theoretical and applied aspects of experimental psychology.