Hawaii Psychology Schools

Guide to Hawaii Psychology Degree Programs

Does the idea of a tropical island suit your taste? Well Hawaii can be both a place to live and to learn for psychologists. The mid-Pacific location is ideal for trading on both sides of the ocean. This has attracted many large companies to establish offices somewhere in the island chain. Tourism is a huge economic draw. For people looking to the islands, they are often drawn by many factors. The island chain is a beautiful place to live and work. With an average temperature of 78F the days are full of ocean breezes. Hawaii offers its residents ease of life and the longest lifespan of the entire US.

With the Pan Pacific elements, there are many opportunities to have contact with cultures from all parts of the world. Many educational chances are offered through multi-national and multi-cultural channels. This includes the state's universities and private colleges. Outdoor activities are another big draw to the state. Near perfect year round weather makes golf a daily adventure. Beaches host sunbathers and swimmers year round and the waters are often floated over by windsurfers. The state capital of Honolulu can boast of having one of the lowest crime rates among big cities in the US. The warm weather and natural beauty make many people want to travel to Hawaii and never leave.

Hawaii Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

By 2014, it is projected that the state will see an 8% demand growth according to Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. This places Hawaii at half the national average growth of 16% over the next few years. According to Payscale, a psychologist in Hawaii with a couple of years practice will make around $64,400 on average. Those just out of graduate school will start around $44,000 - $46,000.

Since the state of Hawaii is an island chain, the opportunities available are mixed. For those living in metropolitan areas such as Oahu or Honolulu, salaries will be higher than for those in smaller communities or on the smaller islands. Private sector jobs will get higher salaries than public sector ones. Schools and mental health clinics show share a need for psychological services in many parts of the state. Social Services and substance abuse centers will continue to have needs.

Hawaii is a moderately populated state with a unique structure being a set of islands. Almost all opportunities will require an applicant to hold a PhD. Work available is in public health services, university research or private practice. Hawaii does require licensing and oversight of those practicing psychology. The Hawaii Board of Psychology is responsible for regulating psychologists within the state. Job opportunities for those with lesser academic degrees are extremely limited.

Additional Hawaii Psychology Schools

Hawaii Pacific University - http://www.hpu.edu/
University of Hawaii at Hilo - http://www.hilo.hawaii.edu/
Chaminade University of Hawaii - http://www.chaminade.edu/