Illinois Psychology Schools

Guide to Illinois Psychology Degree Programs

Do you want to learn and work in a state with many options? Illinois can rest high on your list to think about. Chicago sits on the north east corner of the state clinging to Lake Michigan. This bustling metropolis is home to several million people when all of the outlying communities are included. But just to the south in the rest of the state lies wide open farm land and old small town charm. The western side of the state is defined by the run of the Mississippi river. The state was a passageway for people was they moved west towards the Pacific Ocean.

The largest cities in Illinois are magnets for those pursuing psychology educations and careers. These areas are growing and show no signs of stopping. The state has dozens of colleges and universities that offer psychology as a degree. You can choose the hustle and bustle of Chicago or the quiet elegance of Springfield, the state’s capital. Many other smaller cities and town dot the entire state. This state offers both cultural and outdoor opportunities for recreation. Outside of Chicago, the cost of housing is generally lower than the national average.

Illinois Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

According to Payscale, a clinical psychologist in Illinois with a couple of years experience averages about $62,600 annually. Those beginning practice can expect to start around $44,000 - $45,000. Jobs around Chicago will have larger salaries than those in other parts of the state. But jobs in smaller cities and towns will be higher than in rural areas. As in other states, public sector positions pay less than private ones.

As one of the most populous states in the United States, the job prospects in Illinois are as deep as its population. PhD graduates will find the most opportunities. They can find work in just about any area they choose. Illinois does require licensing for practicing psychologists. The Illinois Board of Psychological Examiners has responsibility for regulating and licensing psychologists. There are fewer opportunities for those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees. They will find options for research and analysis jobs in the public sector and universities. Some limited counseling positions are available under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists.

Growth in psychology positions, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, is supposed to be slightly higher that of the national average. The state’s demand for psychologists will grow 20% in the next decade. Psychologists work in both private and public sectors throughout the state, but most commonly around the urban areas. The smaller towns and communities will see a rise in the need for school psychologists and mental health counselors. Substance abuse counseling will continue to rise throughout the state.

Additional Illinois Psychology Schools

Northwestern University - http://www.northwestern.edu/
University of Illinois at Springfield - http://www.uis.edu/
Loyola University Chicago - http://www.luc.edu/