Are you intrigued by people? Maybe you love watching strangers interact or enjoy listening to your friends’ problems. You may want to consider pursuing a degree in psychology.
Psychology involves studying people and how they relate to others and their environment. A psychologist observes, interprets, and records human behavior, social processes, emotional reactions, and cognition to draw conclusions about people. On average, psychologists make around $40 per hour, and experts expect the field to grow over the next eight or nine years.
If that sounds good to you, the next step is deciding where to study. Colorado has a lot to offer psychology majors, including beautiful scenery and impressive schools to prepare you for your future career.
Why Choose to Study Psychology in Colorado?
Colorado boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in America. From towering mountains to rolling sand dunes, there’s something for every taste. Plus, people spend a lot of time outside, and you have about 300 days of sunshine each year.
Beyond the gorgeous setting and clean air, you have some excellent educational opportunities. Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for education, and that includes post-secondary degrees. You can choose large state institutions, smaller private universities, or even online colleges.
The top psychology school in Colorado is the University of Denver, with a sprawling campus and a solid graduation rate. As a private research institution, you have opportunities to join studies in the psychology field, even as an undergraduate student. The University of Denver also offers several programs of study to meet your needs and help you specialize early.
If you prefer a public school, you may want to consider the University of Colorado at Boulder. UC Boulder is larger with a slightly lower graduation rate, but psychology remains one of the university’s most popular majors.
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Job Prospects in Colorado for Psychology Professionals
Earning your degree is one thing, but what do you do when you graduate? From private practice to school psychology, you have several opportunities to explore.
Colorado ranks among the highest states for employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists with a mean annual pay of just under $100,000. Of course, it depends on where you work and your specialty, which may require continuing education.
For those interested in pursuing clinical psychology, counseling, or school psychology, Colorado could be a respectable state to set down roots. Employment remains stable with reasonable pay at most levels, and that scenery isn’t easy to leave behind!
Colorado Psychology Licensing and Certification Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is not sufficient education to practice in Colorado. You can choose any major you like, but you need to complete certain prerequisites to prepare for advanced degree programs.
After completing undergraduate studies, you can pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree could be sufficient for some fields, like marriage and family counseling. However, you still need to complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised internships.
Other specialties require you to earn a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) before attempting licensure or certification. You still must complete the supervised internship hours before pursuing licensure.
After completing the requisite education and supervised experience, you can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE). If you pass, you can apply for licensure through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Colorado further requires that you begin as a limited psychologist candidate. You then have four years to complete any remaining licensing requirements for your field. Additionally, you must renew your licensing every two years to continue practicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Colorado?
Depending on your educational course load, the level of degree you want to pursue, and your chosen field, it can take anywhere from eight to twelve years to obtain your license.
What Colorado-Specific Psychology Scholarships are Available?
Paying for education isn’t cheap, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to offset the costs. You can find some scholarships earmarked for psychology students. Additionally, some of the top colleges in Colorado offer special awards for undergraduate and graduate students in psychology.
- The University of Colorado at Boulder offers undergraduate and graduate awards for students in the psychology and neuroscience department.
- Metropolitan State University offers scholarships for Psychology and Human Development majors.
- The University of Denver also offers special opportunities for psychology students.
What Psychology Internships and Fellowships are Available in Colorado?
Gaining valuable internship experience is a crucial part of your psychology education. Thankfully, Colorado offers multiple opportunities to explore the field and gain the requisite supervised experience.
- Check out the undergraduate internship opportunities at Colorado State University. You can start as early as your first year and take them for credit or not.
- Students hoping to work with children may want to explore opportunities at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
The University of Colorado has a partnership with Anschutz Medical Campus with various fellowships available, including addiction services, hospice and palliative medicine, and clinical psychology.
Where in Colorado do You Want to Study?
Colorado Psychology Resources
Pursuing any educational opportunities is an undertaking, especially when you need to complete internships, fellowships, examinations, and licensing. These resources should help you navigate the field of psychology from starting your education to completing your licensing.
Colorado Department of Education – Representatives from the Department of Education can help guide you through the educational system. You can also explore employment postings for school psychologists.
Colorado Psychological Association – The Colorado Psychological Association exists to advance the profession and promote psychological health and well-being.
Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners – Contact this board if you have questions about licensing, want to check the status of your application, or review state mandates and regulations for psychologists.
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – Apply for licensure through this department once you complete the required hours and pass the NCE. You can also follow up with them to renew your license as needed.
