Alabama Psychology Schools

Guide to Alabama Psychology Degree Programs

Psychology plays an exciting role in today’s world. It helps people from all segments of society deal with what life throws at them. If this interests you and you want to find a great place to study and practice, Alabama may be right for you. With the warmth and charm of the South, you can find opportunities for education in most of the big cities. The majority of population lives in the metropolitan area around Birmingham. Smaller cities such as Montgomery and Huntsville are also steadily growing. Psychology majors can find both a home and a place to setup practice within the state’s borders.

Alabama has attracted higher than average industrial growth in the last ten to twenty years. Birmingham boasts a huge medical complex around the University of Alabama hospital. Banking and telecommunications are also driving economic forces within the state. For high technology, Huntsville is a growing center. Mobile is one of the largest Gulf ports and does billions of dollars of business each year. All of this translates into growing opportunities for those with psychology degrees. The state boasts lower than average costs of housing and living.

Alabama Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

According to Payscale, with a couple of years in experience, a clinical psychologist in Alabama makes an average around $61,900. Just out of school, salaries run around $43,000 - $45,000 on average. Jobs in metropolitan areas will have overall salaries higher than those in rural communities. Private industry jobs, on average, pay more than those in the private sector.

Growth in psychology jobs in Alabama is supposed to be above that of the national average. According to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, the state’s demand for psychologists will grow 21% over the next few years. Psychologists will find work in medical centers such as Birmingham. The schools and mental health clinics have a growing need as well for their services. Social services and private practice are also growth sectors. Substance abuse rehab centers provide options for jobs as well.

Most opportunities are available to PhD graduates. With those credentials, options are available from public and private sectors. Although not a highly populated state, there are opportunities available in the urban areas of Alabama. Alabama does require licensing for psychologists. The Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology examines, licenses, and regulates psychologists within the state.

Options for those holding lesser degrees are very limited. Research and analysis jobs can be found at some public agencies or universities. Industrial psychology practice does not generally require a PhD. Teaching at the high school level is also an option with a teaching certificate. Many find jobs as assistants to licensed psychologists while they continue to pursue their doctorate degree.

Additional Alabama Psychology Schools

Alabama State University - http://www.alasu.edu/
Auburn University - http://www.auburn.edu/
University of Alabama of Birmingham - http://www.uab.edu/