Arkansas Psychology Schools

Guide to Arkansas Psychology Degree Programs

Arkansas could be the right place to get your psychology degree and start your practice. This Southern state ranks eighth in the nation for industry. It is home to several major industries and some major universities. A degree in psychology will do you well in this growing economic arena. For outdoor beauty, look no further than the Ozark Mountains in the north western part of the state. In the area along the eastern border the Mississippi river has created flat fertile plains. In the interior, rolling hills and lush forests help complete the landscape.

People have congregated in a few metropolitan areas that also boast universities that offer psychology degrees. In the northwestern corner of the state, Fayetteville is both a university town and the home to several major companies. The state capital of Little Rock sits in the center of the state with a large university sector. Fort Smith to the south of Fayetteville is a growing town as well. Population in the state has been steadily growing over the last three decades and this trend should continue.  

Arkansas Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

For Arkansas, the expected demand growth for psychologists is projected close to the national average. Per the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, the state will see a demand growth of 17% in the ten years. Psychologists should be able to find work in both private and public sectors in most urban areas of the state. In the public sector, schools and social work are the most common job sources. In the private sector, mental health clinics, substance abuse centers and private practice show promise as sources for jobs. Private industry’s growth in the state means there will be more options for research and analysis in there as well.  

A clinical psychologist in Arkansas, after a couple of years in practice, will average about $55,600. This is below the national average salary. For those just setting up practice, they can expect to start around $40,000 - $43,000. Jobs are more plentiful in metropolitan areas and will pay higher salaries when compared to rural communities. Public sector jobs will pay less, on average, than those in private practice or working for industry.

Arkansas is a moderately populated state. This means that the number of available jobs is also lower than more populous states. As with all the other states, most opportunities here are for those that hold a PhD in Psychology. They can choose to go into any sector they choose or set up private practice. Arkansas does require practicing psychologists to obtain and maintain licensing. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Psychology is responsible for regulating psychologists. They have the power to discipline as well. For those with lesser psychology degrees, the options are much more limited.

Additional Arkansas Psychology Schools

Arkansas State University - http://www.astate.edu/
University of Arkansas - http://www.uark.edu/
John Brown University - http://www.jbu.edu/