A comprehensive guide to the top 28 psychology schools in Washington State, designed to help you navigate their psychology programs, application processes, requirements, and key details for a seamless application experience. This list is curated based on academic reputation, program offerings, and student outcomes, spotlighting the best psychology programs in the region. Each entry includes links to official websites and weaves in high-ranking schools in Washington State. "Psychology schools Washington State," "psychology degree requirements," and "apply psychology college".

Washington State boasts a diverse array of psychology programs, from undergraduate to doctoral levels, offered by public and private institutions alike. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Psychology, or a PhD/PsyD in Psychology, these schools provide excellent pathways for aspiring psychologists, counselors, and researchers.

1. University of Washington (UW) - Seattle

• Programs Offered: BA/BS in Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in School Psychology
• Application Process: Freshmen apply via the UW Office of Admissions using the Coalition Application; transfer and graduate students use specific departmental portals. Psychology is capacity-constrained, requiring a secondary application after enrollment.
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED (freshmen), 2.5+ GPA, SAT/ACT optional due to a test-optional policy, and prerequisite courses like intro to psychology and statistics. Graduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree, GRE (optional for some programs), 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• Key Details: Ranked #1 for psychology in Washington by Niche, UW offers the best psychology programs Washington with a strong research focus in clinical and experimental fields.
• Link: UW Psychology Department

2. Washington State University (WSU) - Pullman

• Programs Offered: BS in Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Counseling Psychology
• Application Process: Apply through WSU Admissions online portal. Graduate applications for PhD programs go through the WSU Graduate School by December 1.
• Requirements: High school diploma, 3.0+ GPA, SAT/ACT optional. PhD applicants need a bachelor’s or master’s, GRE (optional), 3 recommendation letters, research experience, and a 2-page personal statement.
• Key Details: APA-accredited PhD programs follow the scientist-practitioner model. WSU also offers an online BS, making it a top choice for a WSU psychology degree.
• Link: WSU Psychology Department

3. Western Washington University (WWU) - Bellingham

• Programs Offered: BA/BS in Psychology, MA in Experimental Psychology
• Application Process: Use the Common App or WWU application for undergrads; graduate applications go through the WWU Graduate School portal.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school transcripts, optional SAT/ACT. Graduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, and 3 letters of recommendation.
• Key Details: Known for its inclusive campus near Sehome Arboretum, WWU stands out among psychology schools Washington State for undergraduate research opportunities.
• Link: WWU Psychology Department

4. Eastern Washington University (EWU) - Cheney

• Programs Offered: BA/BS in Psychology, MS in Clinical Psychology, MS in School Counseling
• Application Process: Submit an online EWU application for undergrads; graduate applications go through EWU Graduate Studies by March 1.
• Requirements: 2.0+ GPA, high school diploma. Graduate: bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, 2-3 recommendation letters.
• Key Details: Affordable tuition and a focus on clinical and counseling prep make EWU a strong contender for an affordable psychology degree Washington.
• Link: EWU Psychology Department

5. Seattle University - Seattle

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology, MA in Psychology (Counseling focus)
• Application Process: Undergrads apply via Common App; graduate applications go through Seattle U’s portal by January 15.
• Requirements: High school diploma, 3.0+ GPA, optional SAT/ACT. Graduate: bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, 3 letters, personal statement.
• Key Details: A Jesuit institution with small classes (11:1 ratio), it emphasizes social justice in its Seattle University psychology programs.
• Link: Seattle U Psychology Department

6. Gonzaga University - Spokane

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology, PsyD in School Psychology
• Application Process: Common App for undergrads; PsyD applications via Gonzaga Graduate Admissions by December 1.
• Requirements: 3.2+ GPA, high school diploma, optional SAT/ACT. PsyD: master’s or bachelor’s, 3.5 GPA, GRE optional, 3 letters, interview.
• Key Details: Its scientist-practitioner PsyD offers 109 credits (post-bacc) or 51 credits (post-master’s), making it a top pick for PsyD programs Washington State.
• Link: Gonzaga Psychology Department

7. Seattle Pacific University (SPU) - Seattle

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Application Process: Apply via SPU application or Common App for undergrads; PhD applications go through SPU Graduate Admissions by January 15.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school diploma. PhD: bachelor’s/master’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, 3 letters, faith-based statement.
• Key Details: APA-accredited PhD with a Christian framework, SPU excels in clinical psychology PhD Washington.
• Link: SPU Psychology Department

8. Central Washington University (CWU) - Ellensburg

• Programs Offered: BA/BS in Psychology, MS in Experimental Psychology
• Application Process: CWU online application for undergrads; graduate apps via CWU Graduate School.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school transcripts. Graduate: bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, 2 letters.
• Key Details: An affordable public option with a rural campus, CWU offers a solid CWU psychology program.
• Link: CWU Psychology Department

9. Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) - Tacoma

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology
• Application Process: Common App or PLU application.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school diploma, optional SAT/ACT.
• Key Details: A small Lutheran university, PLU shines for undergraduate research in its PLU psychology degree.
• Link: PLU Psychology Department

10. Whitworth University - Spokane

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology
• Application Process: Common App or Whitworth application.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school transcripts, optional SAT/ACT.
• Key Details: A private Christian school, it’s a welcoming choice for a Whitworth psychology program.
• Link: Whitworth Psychology Department

11. University of Puget Sound - Tacoma

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology
• Application Process: Common App.
• Requirements: 3.0+ GPA, high school diploma, optional SAT/ACT.
• Key Details: Liberal arts focus with robust training in University of Puget Sound psychology.
• Link: Puget Sound Psychology Department

12. Saint Martin’s University - Lacey

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology
• Application Process: Online application or Common App.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school transcripts.
• Key Details: Benedictine values and a small student body define this Saint Martin’s psychology degree.
• Link: Saint Martin’s Psychology Department

13. Northwest University - Kirkland

• Programs Offered: BA in Psychology, MA in Counseling Psychology
• Application Process: Online undergrad application; graduate apps via Northwest Graduate Admissions.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school diploma. MA: bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, 2 letters.
• Key Details: Christian institution excelling in counseling psychology masters Washington.
• Link: Northwest Psychology Department

14. Walla Walla University - College Place

• Programs Offered: BA/BS in Psychology
• Application Process: Online application.
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, high school diploma.
• Key Details: A Seventh-day Adventist school with a rural vibe, ideal for a Walla Walla psychology degree.
• Link: Walla Walla Psychology Department

15. Antioch University Seattle - Seattle

• Programs Offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
• Application Process: Online graduate application by February 1.
• Requirements: Bachelor’s/master’s, 3.0 GPA, GRE optional, 3 letters, interview.
• Key Details: Focus on social justice and clinical practice in its Antioch PsyD Washington program.
• Link: Antioch Psychology Department

16-28: Additional Notable Psychology Schools

Due to space and data limits, these schools offer psychology programs with streamlined application processes—typically online portals, high school diplomas (undergrad), or bachelor’s degrees (graduate), with GPAs from 2.0-3.0+.

• 16. Bellevue College - AA in Psychology
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• 17. Clark College - AA in Psychology
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• 18. Edmonds College - AA in Psychology
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• 19. Everett Community College - AA in Psychology
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• 20. Green River College - AA in Psychology
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• 21. Highline College - AA in Psychology
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• 22. Olympic College - AA in Psychology
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• 23. Pierce College - AA in Psychology
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• 24. Shoreline Community College - AA in Psychology
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• 25. Spokane Falls Community College - AA in Psychology
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• 26. Tacoma Community College - AA in Psychology
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• 27. Whatcom Community College - AA in Psychology
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• 28. Yakima Valley College - AA in Psychology
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General Tips for a Seamless Application

1. Deadlines: Undergrad deadlines typically range from November 1 to January 15; graduate deadlines fall between December 1 and March 1.
2. Documents: Prepare transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement tailored to each program’s focus (e.g., research, clinical practice).
3. Prerequisites: Verify psychology degree requirements like statistics or intro to psychology for capacity-constrained majors.
4. Financial Aid: Apply for FAFSA and institutional scholarships early—many schools offer aid to help you apply psychology college.
5. Contact Admissions: Reach out to departments for clarification or to connect with faculty, especially for graduate programs.

This guide equips you to confidently apply to the top psychology schools in Washington State, paving the way for a rewarding career in psychology. Visit each school’s admissions page linked above for more tailored details.