Last updated: May 28, 2026

Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Mississippi, Ranked (2026)

The APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Mississippi for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 4,000 supervised hours (2,000 internship + 2,000 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Mississippi oral examination, and Mississippi's PSYPACT status (effective April 2024).

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi has APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs at 5 institutions covering 7 programs. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss): Clinical PhD continuously APA-accredited since 1973. University of Southern Mississippi (USM, Hattiesburg) hosts 3 programs: Clinical PhD (continuously since 1979), Counseling PhD (since 1979; reaccredited through 2033 = the maximum period allowed), School PhD (NASP-approved). Mississippi State University (MSU, Starkville) hosts 2 programs: Clinical PhD (reaccredited Fall 2023 for maximum 10 years through ~2033), School Psychology PhD (10-year APA reaccreditation announced January 2025). Jackson State University (HBCU) Clinical PhD (initial APA accreditation 2001; reaccredited 2024 through 2033). William Carey University (Hattiesburg/Biloxi) Clinical PsyD: the only APA-accredited PsyD in Mississippi.
  • USM houses the largest concentration of APA-accredited doctoral psychology training in Mississippi with 3 programs in one School of Psychology (Clinical + Counseling + School). USM Counseling Psychology PhD reportedly ranks #1 in the country based on being the only Counseling Psychology Program with a 100% pass rate on the EPPP (per USM press release). Jackson State University is the only APA-accredited clinical psychology PhD at an HBCU in Mississippi.
  • Mississippi licenses psychologists through the Mississippi Board of Psychology. Required supervised experience is 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience (2,000 internship + 2,000 post-doctoral).
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB) plus a state-administered oral/jurisprudence examination conducted by a panel of licensed psychologists and chaired by a Board member. Mississippi is one of a small number of states that require a state-specific oral examination in addition to the EPPP. Not optional or waived for out-of-state applicants. Mississippi processes all applications through the ASPPB's Psychology Licensure Universal System (PLUS).
  • Fees: Initial application $300 + $50 background check (verify current schedule). Annual renewal cycle with licenses expiring June 30 each year. 20 CE hours per 2-year cycle ending June 30 of the odd-numbered year (CE is biennial within an annual renewal cycle).
  • Mississippi is a PSYPACT operational state since April 8, 2024. Mississippi-licensed psychologists may apply for E.Passport / APIT through ASPPB to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states.
  • Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield is one of the oldest state psychiatric hospitals in the US South. Established 1855; today the largest facility owned and operated by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), employing over 900 individuals and operating over 250 licensed psychiatric and 200+ licensed nursing home beds on a 350-acre campus 15 miles southeast of Jackson. Hosts APA-accredited internship in health services psychology and post-doctoral fellowship.
  • Mississippi psychologist wages run among the lowest in the United States, with mean wages in the $70,000-$80,000 range per BLS. Mississippi cost of living runs well below national average; extensive federally designated Mental Health HPSAs across rural Delta and Pine Belt regions support strong loan repayment options (MS SLRP up to $50,000 for 2 years; NHSC LRP up to $50,000 for 2 years; NHSC SUD Workforce LRP up to $75,000 for 3 years).
Accredited Programs
8
Ranked in this guide
Mississippi, Ranked Median
$70,000-$80,000 range per BLS indicators (verify with MS OEWS table)
vs national $96,100 (Below national; COL-adjusted favorable)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Supervised Hours
4,000
over 4,000 hours total: 2,000 hours internship + 2,000 hours post-doctoral min.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Mississippi

All 8 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) $534/credit (in-state); full tuition scholarship + subsidized health insurance + monetary stipend each year to every student historically On-campus
2 University of Southern Mississippi (USM Clinical PhD) ~$9,998/year (in-state); graduate assistantships provide full tuition scholarship + 9-12 month stipend On-campus
3 University of Southern Mississippi (USM Counseling Psychology PhD) ~$9,998/year (in-state); funded via assistantships On-campus full-time
4 University of Southern Mississippi (USM School Psychology PhD) ~$9,998/year (in-state) On-campus
5 Mississippi State University (MSU Clinical PhD) $10,202/year (in-state, 2025-26); $567/credit On-campus
6 Mississippi State University (MSU School Psychology PhD) $10,202/year (in-state, 2025-26) On-campus
7 Jackson State University (JSU) $8,965/year (in-state, 2025-26); $483/credit On-campus
8 William Carey University (WCU) ~$475-$480/credit (private; verify PsyD-specific rate with WCU Business Office) On-campus weekend cohort format
1

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Oxford, MS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

$534/credit (in-state); full tuition scholarship + subsidized health insurance + monetary stipend each year to every student historically

Out-of-State

$1,580/credit (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

Minimum 5 years beyond baccalaureate; 54 credit hours + yearlong APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology emphasis (within Ph.D. in Psychology)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1973 (one of the oldest in the Deep South)
  • 15 graduate-level courses + practicum + doctoral dissertation + yearlong APA-accredited internship; 54 credit hours total
  • GRE OPTIONAL; applications without GRE scores receive full consideration
  • Full tuition scholarship + subsidized health insurance + monetary stipend each year to every student (historical)
  • Boulder model scientist-practitioner; department also offers Experimental Psychology emphasis
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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2

University of Southern Mississippi (USM Clinical PhD)

Hattiesburg, MS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$9,998/year (in-state); graduate assistantships provide full tuition scholarship + 9-12 month stipend

Out-of-State

~$11,998/year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

5 years (4 years on campus + 1-year off-site pre-doctoral internship)

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Hattiesburg, Jackson, Biloxi, and New Orleans externship sites

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (Boulder model scientist-practitioner)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1979
  • 6-10 admits per year from 100-200 applications (joint stat with MSU)
  • Concentrations in clinical child and adult psychology; all students take both adult and child psychopathology
  • Graduate assistantships provide full tuition scholarship + 9-12 month stipend
  • Externship sites in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Biloxi, and New Orleans
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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3

University of Southern Mississippi (USM Counseling Psychology PhD)

Hattiesburg, MS On-campus full-time APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$9,998/year (in-state); funded via assistantships

Out-of-State

~$11,998/year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

5+ years including 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1979; reaccredited through 2033 (maximum period allowed)
  • Reportedly ranks #1 nationally based on being the only Counseling Psychology Program with a 100% EPPP pass rate (per USM press release)
  • 25 students enrolled currently
  • Full-time on Hattiesburg campus (no online or part-time option)
  • Part of the largest concentration of APA-accredited doctoral psychology training in Mississippi (USM hosts 3)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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4

University of Southern Mississippi (USM School Psychology PhD)

Hattiesburg, MS On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$9,998/year (in-state)

Out-of-State

~$11,998/year (out-of-state)

Length

5+ years including internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD
  • APA-accredited School Psychology PhD; NASP-approved
  • Health-service psychologist scientist-practitioner model
  • Small cohorts
  • Part of USM School of Psychology (largest concentration of APA-accredited doctoral psychology in MS)
  • Integration of research and applied practice grounded in evidence-based practice
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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5

Mississippi State University (MSU Clinical PhD)

Starkville, MS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

$10,202/year (in-state, 2025-26); $567/credit

Out-of-State

$27,637/year (out-of-state); $1,536/credit

Length

Minimum 4 years full-time residence before applying for internship + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • Most recent site visit Fall 2023, reaccredited for the maximum 10 years (next review ~2033)
  • 6-10 admits per year from 100-200 applications
  • Scientist-practitioner model
  • Concentrations: child clinical, health psychology, neuropsychology
  • Application deadline December 1
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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6

Mississippi State University (MSU School Psychology PhD)

Starkville, MS On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

$10,202/year (in-state, 2025-26)

Out-of-State

$27,637/year (out-of-state)

Length

5 years for students entering with undergraduate degree

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Educational Psychology PhD with School Psychology concentration
  • 10-year APA reaccreditation announced January 2025
  • NASP-accredited + APA-accredited
  • Designed to be completed in 5 years for students entering with undergraduate degree
  • Part of MSU College of Education
  • Strong workforce pipeline into MS school districts and DMH facilities
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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7

Jackson State University (JSU)

Jackson, MS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

$8,965/year (in-state, 2025-26); $483/credit

Out-of-State

$11,965/year (out-of-state)

Length

5+ years including 1-year APA/APPIC-member internship

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD
  • The ONLY APA-accredited clinical psychology PhD at an HBCU in Mississippi
  • Charter class 1995; first dissertation 2002; initial APA accreditation 2001
  • Reaccredited 2024 through 2033
  • GRE REQUIRED for 2026 application; no specific cut-off scores
  • 9 hours Multicultural/Diversity Core required
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.3
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8

William Carey University (WCU)

Hattiesburg / Biloxi, MS On-campus weekend cohort format APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PsyD

In-State

~$475-$480/credit (private; verify PsyD-specific rate with WCU Business Office)

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

Practice-focused doctoral training

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD
  • The ONLY APA-accredited PsyD in Mississippi
  • Two campus locations: Hattiesburg (498 Tuscan Avenue) and Biloxi Tradition Campus (Gulf Coast)
  • Concentrations: child/adolescent, health, and forensic psychology
  • Weekend cohort format (practitioner-friendly scheduling)
  • Practice-focused doctoral training
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Mississippi

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

Mississippi Board of Psychology

(601) 353-8871

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral internship (2,000 hours)

Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not applicable

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for MS LPs holding APIT

Hours

4,000

Duration

4,000 hours total: 2,000 hours internship + 2,000 hours post-doctoral

Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + state-administered oral/jurisprudence examination conducted by panel of licensed psychologists chaired by Board member

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Mississippi

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

$70,000-$80,000 range per BLS indicators (verify with MS OEWS table) Below national; COL-adjusted favorable
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport-Biloxi)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

MS district schedules vary Below national
State
U.S.

National median: $86,930

Top metro: Verify with BLS (DeSoto County (largest), Rankin County, Madison County, Jackson, Lamar County)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

Typically suppressed at state level Data may be suppressed
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Jackson (UMMC))

Mississippi Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Mississippi

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions