Why Choose to Study Psychology in Arizona?
The Arizona population has passed 7 million people in recent years. Many people brought to the area by a lush recreational lifestyle and promising job and housing market have also decided that the Aztec State is a fine place to pursue educational opportunities, especially as it relates to the field of psychology.
Arizona has 19 distinct colleges or universities with a recognized psychology program, most offering both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. You’ll find 4 community college programs, 13 four-year bachelor’s programs, and 10 graduate degree programs, with two of those schools consistently hitting the top ranks in national university ratings for psychology.
With its popular degree programs across the state and significant supply of accredited online opportunities, this vibrant state is poised to be a center of psychological study in 2021 and beyond.
Top-Rated Psychology Schools in Arizona
Northern Arizona University – As a four-year university, Northern Arizona provides students a path on a psychology-specific BA degree, achieving 120 credits of study with a third of them in psychology, specifically, as a requirement. Most students take the standard four years to complete the program, although it is possible to complete the course with additional credit loads in three years. Those on track for a graduate degree are invited into research-specific courses as well as summer internships. There are also foreign study programs in Peru under the University’s program as well.
University of Arizona – U of A provides both BA programs as well as graduate school and, within those graduate studies, the University is famous for its masters’ degree in psychology. Designed as an accelerated program, students can expect to be completed with both a BA and MA in psychology within five years. At the end of earning the 30 graduate credits path, the student is primed to pursue a doctorate in psychology or work in specialized positions in various psychology functions in industry, media or government agencies. Every graduating student must complete a master’s report to finish the program.
Arizona State University – One of the leading public universities in the distance learning field while still retaining a robust traditional portfolio of disciplines and strong ranking standing nationally, Arizona State University provides another choice for online psychology study. The university provides both a standard BA degree path as well as a master of science in the field, offering students a recognized 33-credit path towards a doctorate degree in research psychology.
ASU also provides a wide range of options for psychology, including some of the more detailed sub-fields such as abnormal psychology and legal psychology as well as applied psychology science. Every student applying must provide a GRE score as well as have successfully completed a research methods course and a statistics course during their BA tenure.
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Job Prospects in Arizona for Psychology Professionals
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a psychologist working in Arizona in 2021 is $95,538, which puts it below the national average of $111,034/year. Most of the hiring for psychologists tends to be in the bigger cities of Scottsday, Phoenix and Tuscon.
Psychology Certification and Licensure Requirements in Arizona
The objective criteria testing for a psychology career in Arizona can be met through:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP), or
- The Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
Different schools in Arizona operate under different criteria, depending on which of the above accreditation system they choose to use for their particular discipline training regimen. However, it is the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) that provides the minimum threshold for licensure to practice in Arizona. The EPPP is a common standard among most U.S. states, and Arizona applies it for its own licensing approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the typical study tenure before becoming a psychologist?
Generally, a student should have completed a four-year degree and then a master’s degree in the field. Clinical time and internships are also expected as well. The academic combination and licensing exam typically put a student on a six to eight-year track before being fully engaged in practice, and you may very well work under experienced staff for a while before operating as a fully independent psychologist.
What state-specific psychology scholarships are available?
Every major university has its own portfolio of scholarships for students in its psychology program, with some being offered by the school directly, some via partners with that school, and some from the federal government in the form of grants. Distinct scholarships any eligible student can apply for include:
- Dr. Patti Flint Women in Science Scholarship – Offering $5,000 to a recipient, the Women in Science scholarship is specific to Arizona and dedicated to boosting women’s enrollment in natural sciences and medicine. Students must plan to live and attend an Arizona school.
- College Success Arizona Grants – These grants are specific to undergraduates in college past their first year and engaged in a program, and who also need financial help. The grant provides $1,000 to $2,000 and is fairly open to all disciplines.
What internships or fellowships exist in Arizona?
Similar to scholarships, each graduate-level school has typically partnered with one or a number of clinics and programs offering mental health services in the immediate community. Additionally, other opportunities exist such as:
- Lifeline PCS offers unpaid internships in mental health counseling roles for college credit to graduates who need clinical time for academic requirements. Students should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, be located in Scottsdale, AZ, and have flexible hours.
In state government, the Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, Adult Protective Services (APS) offers an internships opportunity geared to give students clinical exposure as well as experience in governmental social services. Students get exposed to the requirements of the professional investigator as well as college credit for work performed. Applicants should be located in or near Glendale, AZ.
Where in Arizona do You Want to Study?
Arizona Psychology Resources
Arizona Psychological Association – Provides a resource for professional networking, ongoing education, advocacy, and additional member services for in-state psychologists.
Granite Mountain Psychological Society – Offers resources and support to members located in the North-Central Arizona region. The Society regularly provides professional education, networking and protecting the industry locally with advocacy.
Northern Arizona Veteran’s Affairs – Located in Flagstaff, AZ, the Northern Arizona VA provides military veterans access to health services for post-traumatic stress disorder and related mental health needs as well as regular health screening and primary care. The Flagstaff office is also a throughput for access to the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System Mental Health Services system as well.
Arizona Neuropsychology Society – Operates as an extension of the Arizona Psychological Association, specifically focused on the promotion and education of neuropsychology. Members have all completed graduate studies and are actively licensed in the state to practice.
