Georgia Psychology Schools

Guide to Georgia Psychology Degree Programs

From the southern city charm of Savannah north to the bustling metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia can be a good place to study and practice psychology. The state is a dichotomy of opposites. In many parts of this state, rural areas cling to tradition. The larger cities still contain vestiges of the traditions as well. But, some areas are starting to emerge into a more modern mindset. Atlanta has become the major powerhouse in the Southeast for large cities. Georgia is also home to a few smaller cities such as Augusta, Savannah and Columbus. In between the larger cities, vast amount of rural farm land exist amongst small rural communities.

Georgia’s economy would rank 28th in the world if it were an independent country. Georgia is home to several Fortune 500 companies and to hundreds of company headquarters from the world. Population, especially in the larger cities, has been steadily growing for decades. For those that want to pursue a career in psychology, the population growth means more opportunities to practice. Georgia is also home to dozens of universities that offer education opportunities for psychology and other majors. Life in the state can range from the beaches along the southeast coast to the mountains in the southern parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

Georgia Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

Georgia’s job pool grows as its population has been. Psychologists can find work in both the private and public sectors. The blossoming populations mean a growing demand for school psychologists and mental health clinic practitioners. Social work is also providing burgeoning opportunities. Industry growth around the urban centers means both private practice and industry job growth. Most jobs do require a PhD however. Georgia regulates the practice and licensing of psychologists. The Georgia Board of Psychology is responsible for examining and regulating psychologists.

For those that have master’s and bachelor’s degrees, the options are limited.  For those with master’s degrees, some can find work doing limited counseling under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. Research and analysis jobs can be found at in some universities and public agencies. For those with a bachelor’s degree, teaching at the high school level is an option.

A clinical psychologist in Georgia can expect an average of about $60,600 annually, with a couple of years experience. That statistic comes from Payscale. For those just getting started out of school, the average is closer to $45,000 - $49,000 in the private sector. Jobs are much more readily available in metropolitan areas. And they can expect higher salaries than those in rural communities as well. Private practice pays more than public sector jobs. Private industry salaries are higher than public ones as well.

According to the Georgia Department of Labor, the state’s demand for psychologists will be higher than the national average. It is expected to grow 27% in the next decade. Public sector and private sector jobs will continue to become available. With population booms in urban areas, jobs with schools and in social work will grow along side.  

Additional Georgia Psychology Schools

University of Georgia - http://www.uga.edu/
Georgia Institute of Technology - http://www.gatech.edu/
Morehouse College - http://www.morehouse.edu/