Oregon Psychology Schools

Guide to Oregon Psychology Degree Programs

Getting a degree in psychology can be a turning point in life. Where do you want to do it? Oregon can be the perfect place for getting your degree and starting your practice. Nestled on the Northwestern coast south of Washington State, Oregon is unique place to live. The coast is home to many lighthouses in some breathtaking scenery. Go from the lowlands along the ocean and climb up to Mt. Hood. All of this comes along with cities such as Portland and Eugene. Oregon is the home to some major companies and an excellent selection of universities. Oregon is an ideal place to get your psychology degree and start practicing.

Oregon’s diverse population tends to hug the coast from Portland down to Salem. The state boasts many lakes and lush forests. Outdoor activities abound with temperatures that are mild year round along the coast. Towards the east part of the state, temperatures can be more dramatic, but not uncomfortable most of the time. It is a great place to live and work. Population growth is moderate but steady. Psychology opportunities are becoming more available as new people move into the state.

Oregon Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

Oregon is not a densely populated state. This makes psychology job opportunities a bit harder to find. Having a doctorate degree makes a large difference. Private practice and public sector jobs are the biggest possibilities for employment. Industrial psychologists may be able to find employment with the major companies housed throughout the state. Schools and mental health clinics provide a growing number of opportunities. The Oregon Board of Psychology Examiners is responsible for licensing and regulating psychologists.

A clinical psychologist can expect to make a median salary of $62,600 after practicing a couple of years according to Payscale. Starting salaries hover around $46,000. Accreditation is an important factor in determining salary. This plus specialization can mean tens of thousands of dollars in salary difference. As with many other areas, those practicing in metropolitan areas will get higher salaries compared to rural areas. Jobs in private practice or industry will be paid more than those employed in the public sector.

Demand for psychologists is expected to be a few points above the national average in Oregon. According to the Oregon Employment Department, growth in demand is supposed to be 22% over the next eight to ten years. Growth is expected in mental health clinics and substance abuse centers. Schools psychologists will find possibilities to work in various education system positions. Private practice is the most common way to do business however. Opportunities for master’s degree holders are much more limited. Research and analysis jobs may be found at some higher education facilities or in some government offices.

Additional Oregon Psychology Schools

University of Oregon - http://www.uoregon.edu/
Lewis & Clark College - http://www.lclark.edu/
Oregon State University - http://www.oregonstate.edu/