Louisiana Psychology Doctorate Programs: Complete 2025 Guide to PsyD & PhD Degrees
Louisiana’s mental health landscape presents both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities for aspiring psychology professionals. With over 790,000 adults experiencing mental illness annually and only 140 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national average—the demand for qualified psychologists has never been more critical.
The state’s unique psychological service needs, shaped by factors including Hurricane Katrina’s lasting impact, rural healthcare disparities, and diverse cultural populations, create specialized practice opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Louisiana’s psychology doctorate programs have evolved to address these distinctive challenges, offering specialized training in disaster psychology, multicultural counseling, and rural mental health service delivery.
This comprehensive guide examines Louisiana’s six APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology, providing prospective students with essential information for informed decision-making, including admission requirements, financial considerations, specialization options, and career outcomes. Whether you’re considering a research-focused Ph.D. or contemplating future Psy.D. programs as they develop in the state, understanding Louisiana’s psychology education landscape is crucial for making an informed educational investment.
Louisiana Psychology Doctorate Programs at a Glance
Louisiana currently offers six APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology across three universities, each providing distinct specializations and training emphases. While the state doesn’t currently offer Psy.D. programs, the available Ph.D. programs combine rigorous research training with extensive clinical practice, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in academia, clinical practice, and specialized psychological services.
| Institution | Program Type | Annual Tuition | Program Duration | Licensure Pass Rate | Accreditation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University | PhD Clinical Psychology | $8,728 (in-state) | 5-6 years | 93% | APA (since 1956) |
| Louisiana State University | PhD in School Psychology | $4,370 (in-state) | 5 years | 89% | APA Accredited |
| Tulane University | PhD School Psychology | Full funding provided | 5-6 years | 90% | APA (since 1991) |
| Louisiana Tech University | PhD Counseling Psychology | $7,788 (in-state) | 5 years | 75% | APA (since 2002) |
| University of Louisiana Monroe | PhD Experimental Psychology | $8,470 (in-state) | 4-5 years | N/A (Research) | Regional |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | PhD Clinical Psychology | $23,046 | 5-6 years | Developing | Candidacy Status |
APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs in Detail
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
LSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences houses Louisiana’s most comprehensive psychology doctoral portfolio, offering multiple specialization tracks within its flagship programs. The Clinical Psychology program, which has maintained continuous APA accreditation since 1956, represents one of the longest-standing accredited programs in the southern United States.
Program Highlights:
- Clinical Psychology PhD: Emphasizes cognitive-behavioral interventions with specialized tracks in adult psychopathology, child clinical psychology, and health psychology
- School Psychology PhD: Focuses on evidence-based interventions in educational settings with emphasis on multicultural competence
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD: Prepares specialists for corporate and organizational consulting roles
- Research assistantships provide complete tuition remission plus $18,000-$22,000 annual stipends
- Access to the LSU Psychological Services Center, serving over 1,000 community clients annually
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA: 3.5 undergraduate, 3.7 graduate
- GRE scores: Competitive applicants typically score above 310 combined
- Research experience strongly preferred
- Application deadline: December 1 for fall admission
Tulane University – New Orleans
Tulane’s School Psychology doctoral program leverages its unique position in New Orleans to provide specialized training in trauma-informed care, disaster psychology, and culturally responsive interventions. The program’s location offers unparalleled opportunities for field experiences in diverse urban and rural Louisiana communities.
Program Distinctions:
- 100% funding guarantee for all admitted doctoral students
- Specialized training in neuropsychological assessment
- Partnership with Tulane Medical School for interdisciplinary training
- Emphasis on bilingual service delivery and multicultural competence
- Average cohort size: 5-6 students, ensuring personalized mentorship
Unique Training Opportunities:
- Disaster and trauma psychology specialization
- Early childhood mental health certificate option
- Integrated behavioral health training in medical settings
- Research partnerships with the Tulane National Primate Research Center
Louisiana Tech University – Ruston
Louisiana Tech’s Counseling Psychology PhD program addresses the critical need for mental health services in Louisiana’s underserved rural communities. The program’s emphasis on integrated behavioral health and rural service delivery prepares graduates for the unique challenges of practicing in areas with limited mental health resources.
Program Features:
- Rural mental health specialization track
- Integrated behavioral health training in primary care settings
- Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and program evaluation
- Partnership with Louisiana Tech’s speech and hearing clinic for interdisciplinary training
- Competitive assistantships covering tuition plus $12,000-$15,000 stipends
Xavier University of Louisiana – New Orleans
As Louisiana’s only Historically Black College/University (HBCU) developing an APA-accredited clinical psychology program, Xavier University addresses critical workforce diversity needs in Louisiana’s mental health sector. Currently in APA candidacy status, the program emphasizes culturally responsive interventions and research on health disparities.
Program Innovations:
- Focus on addressing mental health disparities in minority communities
- Specialized training in culturally adapted interventions
- Partnership with Xavier’s College of Pharmacy for integrated healthcare training
- Community-engaged research opportunities in New Orleans neighborhoods
Additional Psychology Doctorate Options
Beyond APA-accredited clinical programs, Louisiana offers specialized doctoral training for students interested in research careers or emerging specializations:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
ULM’s PhD in Experimental Psychology provides rigorous research training in cognitive neuroscience, behavioral pharmacology, and evolutionary psychology. While not designed for clinical practice, graduates pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry.
University of New Orleans
UNO offers a PhD in Applied Biopsychology focusing on behavioral neuroscience and psychopharmacology research. The program emphasizes translational research with applications to addiction, neurological disorders, and behavioral health interventions.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Louisiana
Louisiana’s path to psychology licensure requires careful planning and adherence to specific state requirements set by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP). Understanding these requirements early in your doctoral journey ensures smooth progression toward independent practice.
Educational Requirements
Step 1: Complete Your Undergraduate Foundation
While not all doctoral programs require a psychology bachelor’s degree, successful applicants typically complete:
- Core psychology coursework (minimum 18 credit hours)
- Statistics and research methods (6-9 credit hours)
- Natural sciences with laboratory components (8 credit hours)
- Research experience through assistantships or independent projects
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 for competitive doctoral admission
Step 2: Earn Your Doctoral Degree
Louisiana accepts both Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees for licensure; however, currently, only Ph.D. programs are available in-state. Your doctoral program must include:
- Minimum 60 graduate semester hours in psychology
- Core areas: biological bases, cognitive-affective bases, social bases, individual differences
- Professional training in assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision
- Dissertation or doctoral project demonstrating research competence
Clinical Training Requirements
Practicum Experience:
- Minimum 300 hours of supervised practicum before internship
- At least 150 hours must be direct client contact
- Settings may include university clinics, hospitals, or community agencies
Predoctoral Internship:
- 2,000 hours completed over 12-24 months
- APA-accredited or APPIC-member internships strongly preferred
- Louisiana offers 8 APA-accredited internship sites with 42 positions annually
Postdoctoral Supervised Experience:
- 1,900 hours required for licensure
- Must be completed within 2 years
- Supervision by a Louisiana-licensed psychologist is required
Examination Requirements
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP):
- Minimum passing score: 500 (scaled score)
- Louisiana first-time pass rate: 72% (2023 data)
- Computer-based testing is available year-round
- Cost: $687 plus state administrative fees
Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination:
- Written portion covering Louisiana psychology laws and regulations
- Oral examination before the LSBEP board
- Must be passed within one year of EPPP
Licensure Maintenance
- Annual renewal required by June 30
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years
- Minimum 3 hours in ethics/professional conduct
- Suicide prevention training is required every two years
Louisiana Clinical Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
Louisiana’s psychology professionals earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s growing demand for mental health services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession offers both financial stability and significant growth potential over the coming decade.
| Psychology Specialization | Louisiana Median Salary | Louisiana 75th Percentile | National Median | 10-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologists | $96,100 | $119,150 | $95,610 | 10.8% |
| School Psychologists | $84,940 | $105,780 | $84,940 | 7.2% |
| I-O Psychologists | $113,320 | $147,420 | $147,420 | 8.0% |
For detailed salary information by region within Louisiana, visit our comprehensive Louisiana Clinical Psychologist Salary Guide.
Metropolitan Area Variations:
- New Orleans-Metairie: $98,460 median, highest demand for bilingual psychologists
- Baton Rouge: $94,320 median, growing opportunities in integrated healthcare
- Shreveport-Bossier City: $91,870 median, critical need for rural mental health specialists
- Lafayette: $89,940 median, expanding telehealth opportunities
Emerging Specialization Premiums:
- Neuropsychologists: 15-25% above base clinical rates
- Forensic psychologists: 10-20% premium for court-qualified experts
- Disaster/trauma specialists: High demand following natural disasters
- Bilingual practitioners: $5,000-$10,000 annual premium
May 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Psychologists. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
Choosing the Right Psychology Doctorate Program
Selecting among Louisiana’s doctoral psychology programs requires careful consideration of your career goals, financial situation, and preferred practice setting. Each program offers distinct advantages that align with different professional trajectories.
Key Decision Factors
Research vs. Practice Emphasis:
- LSU Clinical: 60% research, 40% practice – ideal for academic careers
- Louisiana Tech Counseling: 40% research, 60% practice – optimal for clinical careers
- Tulane School: Balanced approach with flexibility for individual interests
Specialization Opportunities:
- Child/adolescent psychology: LSU and Tulane offer dedicated tracks
- Health psychology: LSU’s medical center partnerships provide unique training
- Rural mental health: Louisiana Tech’s emphasis on underserved populations
- Cultural diversity: Xavier’s focus on minority mental health
Financial Considerations:
- Full funding availability varies significantly between programs
- In-state tuition provides substantial savings ($8,000-$25,000 annually)
- Living costs range from $12,000 (Ruston) to $18,000 (New Orleans) annually
- Research assistantships typically provide $15,000-$22,000 plus tuition
Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities
Doctoral psychology education represents a significant financial investment; however, Louisiana’s programs offer various funding mechanisms to help minimize the debt burden. Understanding these options early enables you to plan strategically for your financial needs throughout your doctoral journey.
Institutional Funding
- Graduate Assistantships: 20 hours weekly commitment, providing tuition remission plus stipends
- Research Assistantships: Work with faculty on grant-funded projects ($18,000-$22,000 annually)
- Teaching Assistantships: Instruct undergraduate courses ($15,000-$20,000 annually)
- Fellowship Opportunities: Merit-based awards ranging from $5,000-$25,000
External Funding Sources
- Louisiana Board of Regents Fellowships: Up to $30,000 annually for exceptional students
- HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Program: Service-payback programs for rural practice commitment
- APA Minority Fellowship Program: Full funding for underrepresented students
- NIH F31 Diversity Fellowships: $25,000 stipend plus tuition for research training
Louisiana-Specific Opportunities
- Louisiana Loan Repayment Program: Up to $40,000 for a two-year rural practice commitment
- Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS): Covers tuition for eligible Louisiana residents.
- Louisiana National Guard Education Benefits: 100% tuition coverage for qualifying service members
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any Psy.D. programs available in Louisiana?
Currently, Louisiana does not offer any Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) programs. All doctoral psychology programs in the state are Ph.D. programs that combine research training with clinical practice. Students seeking Psy.D. programs may consider nearby options in Texas, Mississippi, or Alabama, or explore accredited online Psy.D. programs that accept students from Louisiana.
Can I become a licensed psychologist in Louisiana with an online doctorate?
Yes, Louisiana accepts doctoral degrees from regionally accredited online programs for licensure eligibility. However, the program must meet all LSBEP requirements, including supervised practicum and internship hours that typically require in-person training. Review our guide to online clinical psychology programs for APA-accredited options.
What’s the difference between LSU’s clinical and counseling psychology programs?
LSU offers a Clinical Psychology PhD focusing on psychopathology assessment and treatment. In contrast, Louisiana Tech (not LSU) provides the state’s only Counseling Psychology PhD emphasizing wellness, vocational development, and multicultural counseling. Clinical programs typically prepare students for hospital and private practice settings, while counseling psychology emphasizes community mental health and college counseling centers.
How competitive is admission to Louisiana’s psychology doctoral programs?
Louisiana’s APA-accredited programs maintain highly selective admission standards, with acceptance rates ranging from 5% to 12%. LSU’s Clinical Psychology program receives approximately 200 applications for 6-8 positions annually. Successful applicants typically present a GPA above 3.7, GRE scores above 310, substantial research experience, and a precise alignment with faculty research interests.
Are there specific advantages to studying psychology in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers unique training opportunities not available in other states, including specialized disaster and trauma psychology training related to hurricane response, extensive multicultural practice with diverse populations, experience in rural mental health service delivery, and lower living costs compared to programs in major metropolitan areas. The state’s mental health workforce shortage also translates to excellent job prospects upon graduation.
What financial aid options are available for out-of-state students?
Most Louisiana doctoral programs offer competitive funding packages regardless of residency status. Tulane provides full funding to all admitted students. LSU and Louisiana Tech offer assistantships that include tuition waivers for out-of-state students. After one year, doctoral students can often establish Louisiana residency for tuition purposes, which significantly reduces costs.
Can I specialize in neuropsychology in Louisiana?
Yes, both LSU and Tulane offer neuropsychology training within their doctoral programs. LSU’s program features a neuropsychology concentration, offering specialized assessment training and research opportunities. Tulane’s program collaborates with the medical school to provide comprehensive neuropsychology training, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations.
What are the job prospects for psychology graduates in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s psychology job market is projected to show robust growth, with a 10.8% increase anticipated through 2032, compared to a 4% general job growth rate statewide. The state’s designation as a mental health professional shortage area in 64 parishes creates exceptional employment opportunities. New graduates report average job search times of 2-3 months, with multiple offer scenarios common.
