Arizona Psychology Schools

Guide to Arizona Psychology Degree Programs

If you are looking for a growing economy with a great university system, Arizona is a great place to learn and practice psychology. This state ranks number 15 on the scale of population. Most of this growth is concentrated around the capital of Phoenix, but other smaller cities have emerged as well. This blossom of population means there are more opportunities for psychologists. The state is divided by the desert flats and the higher mountains. The desert flats are where the more extreme temperatures can be found. The higher mountains generally have cooler summers and colder winters.

Arizona is a land of extremes and one of beauty. The colors are astonishing from the reds and oranges of the desert to the cooler colors in the high mountains. People find more greenery than they expect. Cactus grows right next to lush green lawns. Much of the state is steeped in native history but cities like Phoenix are extremely modern and clean. You can find something to fit just about anyone in this state.

Arizona Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

Arizona’s growing population means there are more opportunities available for psychologists as well. Jobs can be found in the public sector through social work, schools and public mental health clinics. Many more opportunities are available through the private sector. The most popular option is setting up private practice. Others will find work in substance abuse centers and private mental health facilities. For those with a research bent, both private industry and higher education facilities can offer opportunities.

Most opportunities, like in other states, are open to PhD graduates. They will be required to obtain licensing from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, who has responsibility for regulating psychologists. For those that hold lesser degrees, the options are very limited. Research and analysis positions may be found with some agencies or universities. Teaching at a high school level may be open with proper teaching credentials.

In Arizona, when starting up practice, the average salary will range from $39,000 - $42,000. According to Payscale, after a couple of years, a clinical psychologist in Arizona can expect to make $62,100 on average. Pay scales are higher and opportunities are richer for those that work in the urban centers. Public sector jobs pay less than those in private practice or that work for private industry.

Growth in psychology positions, in Arizona, is projected to be higher than the national average over the next decade. According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the state’s demand for psychologists will grow 27% in that time period. Psychologists can choose to work in either the private or public sectors. Schools and mental health clinics will have a growing need for their services with the blossoming population numbers. Social services and private practice are also growth areas. Private industry opportunities will grow as well.


Additional Arizona Psychology Schools

Arizona State University - http://www.asu.edu/
University of Arizona - http://www.arizona.edu/
Northern Arizona University - http://www.nau.edu/