Florida Psychology Schools

Guide to Florida Psychology Degree Programs

If you want warm weather year round and a tropical climate, look no further than Florida. This state has seen a population explosion in the last couple of decades. Florida boasts the fourth largest economy in the US. Despite the recent economic issues, Florida is still a place where a psychologist can work and live. Tourism makes the largest economic impact. Tourism is a service industry that has attracted the increasing population boom. To support this population, medical and psychology demands have grown as well. Populations continue to grow along both coasts and in the Panhandle as well.

Florida rarely sees a day below forty degrees Fahrenheit. The summers warm up to a balmy ninety degrees or more. The humidity levels remain high throughout most of the year. Since most of the state is within easy reach of the coast, tropical showers are very normal during the spring and summer months. For those that love sun and water, the oceans and beaches are great attractions. The diverse population is served by dozens of universities and colleges. Many of these offer various degrees in psychology. With the large cities nearby, residency opportunities can often be found close to universities.

Florida Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

As one of the more populous states, there are more opportunities for psychologists than in other states. But most of those positions will require obtaining a doctorate. Private practice is the most popular choice for those that gain licensure. Social work, mental health clinics and substance abuse centers are growth outlets as well. The need for school psychologists continues to blossom as the population grows. The Florida Board of Psychology is responsible for licensing and regulation of psychologists. For those with lesser psychology degrees, the options are much more limited. Research and analysis positions may be found at some universities or public agencies.

In Florida, the growth in demand for psychologists is projected to be slightly above the national average. The state’s demand will grow 22% in the next eight to ten years according to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation. Both the public and private sectors will see demand grow. Social work and mental health clinics as well as schools will see the largest growth in the public realm. Private practice and industry positions will lead the private sector.  

After a couple of years in practice, a clinical psychologist in Florida can expect to make, on average, about $61,300 annually. That comes from Payscale. For those just starting out after graduating, starting salaries will average around $46,000 - $50,000. Jobs are expected to be more readily available in the major metropolitan areas around Miami, Orland, Tampa and Jacksonville. Smaller cities will also have moderate growth. Positions are available in more rural settings, but competition for those is tougher.

Additional Florida Psychology Schools

University of South Florida - http://www.usf.edu/
Florida State University - http://www.fsu.edu/
Florida International University - http://www.fiu.edu/