Studying psychology gives you a lot to think about – with much of it being about thinking. This is the perfect subject for anyone who is fascinated by thought and the inner workings of the brain. If that sounds like you, we can understand if your choice of where to study is something you want to consider carefully. To help, we've explored the top universities for psychology in the USA, according to the Times Higher Education rankings.
1. Stanford University
More than just the best university for psychology in the USA, Stanford ranks first for the subject worldwide. Based close to San Francisco, this renowned institution offers international students both excellent teaching and the incredible natural beauty of the California coast. What's more, it's in the heart of Silicon Valley, where large tech companies are increasingly interested in employing graduates who understand the mind.
You can study psychology at Stanford at undergraduate or PhD level, and be taught by leading experts in the field. Famously, the university's psychology department has a long-standing reputation for producing groundbreaking research. This has had a profound impact on the world, and laid out a pathway for students like you.
Learn more about the field and its disciplines with our guide to psychology.
2. Princeton University
The Princeton University Department of Psychology has played a significant role in the progression of its field for more than a century. Here, major theories have been developed and upended, and great thinkers have been shaped. The university has a particular strength in neuroscience, with a cutting-edge research institute for the subject.
As the second best place to study psychology in the USA, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, its reputation for producing incredibly sharp work and students shows no sign of slipping. The institution offers degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level, with a wide range of classes. These cover everything from the biology of the brain to the way psychology is used in public policy.
Want to know more about what it's like to study this subject? Read our interview with a psychology student.
3. Harvard University
Psychology at Harvard has a distinguished history. It was at this Ivy League university that the first ever PhD was awarded in the subject, in 1878. Ever since, it has been pivotal in the development of the discipline. Today, it is ranked as the third best university for psychology in the USA by Times Higher Education. Furthermore, it places fourth worldwide.
Faculty members here have included immensely influential experts such as George Miller and B. F. Skinner, creator of the famous Skinner box. Today, you can still be taught by some of the most famous names in psychology. Popular theorist Steven Pinker leads classes at Harvard, and you can see some of these online.
4. University of California, Berkeley
Placing fourth in the USA for psychology on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 (and fifth worldwide), Berkeley is a prestigious place for any international student. The institution offers degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level, specialising in six areas of research. These include cognition, developmental pyschology and behavioural neuroscience.
In the past few years, its psychology department has moved into a state-of-the-art new building that offers excellent clinical services to the public and an inspiring environment for researchers. This can be found right next to the heart of the Berkeley campus, which is ideally located by the California coast. The centre of San Francisco is only a 20-minute drive away.
Discover one of the most popular psychology subdisciplines with our guide to forensic psychology.
5. Yale University
The Yale psychology department has a reputation for teaching students to feel good. Its Psychology and the Good Life course – also known as the "happiness class" – was reportedly the most popular in the university's history, with 1,200 undergraduates taking it in its first year. While it is no longer offered, students here can be glad that they are attending the fifth best university for psychology in the USA.
The institution runs both bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology, with a focus on five major areas. These include the cognitive, clinical and developmental subdisciplines. You can expect world-class teaching, as well as world-class recreation. Yale has a vibrant student community, and can be reached from New York City in under two hours by public transport.
Find out how to apply to study in the USA.
Where else can I study psychology in the USA?
You don't have to go to a top five university to enjoy studying psychology in the US. There are a huge number of other great institutions where you could study for a degree in the subject. The vast majority of these will have less challenging entry requirements.
Check out these US universities that offer psychology:
- Pace University
- Northeastern University
- University of Akron
- Florida Institute of Technology
- The University of Alabama
Feel inspired by all of these top universities for psychology in the USA? We can show you exactly what it's like to study social sciences and what you can do with a social science degree. Alternatively, you can start looking for your ideal psychology course now with our simple search tool.
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