Pennsylvania Psychology Schools

Guide to Pennsylvania Psychology Degree Programs

Are you looking for a state with many options for learning and living? Pennsylvania can easily top your list of contenders. The state runs from the shore of Lake Erie in the west down to the Atlantic at Philadelphia. The major urban centers are Pittsburg to the west and Philadelphia to the east. In between are some smaller cities and rural communities. Much of the state retains its rural beauty. The state though ranks sixth among the nation’s state economies. The state is home to fifty of the countries Fortune 500 companies. Manufacturing is compacted around major urban centers.

The state is home to several major universities that offer psychology degrees. Many of them are nationally known for their programs. Opportunities for residency and practice are more likely in the urban areas. The state is known for its charming country side, but the urban areas are modern and progressive. This can prove interesting in state political discussions. Population growth has flattened out over the last few decades with some shift to the urban centers from the rural communities. There is an increasing number of minorities making their home in the state. This changing landscape provides more options for psychology majors to look at for specialization.

Pennsylvania Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

Pennsylvania has the sixth highest population of all the states. With the density much higher in urban centers, opportunities will be more abundant in these locations. However, rural communities will still have needs. Most opportunities require an applicant to hold a PhD. Pennsylvania does require licensing for those practicing psychology. The Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology is responsible for examining and regulating psychologists. Options for those with lesser academic degrees are more limited. Universities and government agencies may have openings for research and data collection for non-PhD degree holders.

By 2014, it is projected that the state will see a 10% demand growth according to Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis. This places the growth rate at slightly below the national average of 16%. According to Payscale, after practicing for 2 or 3 years, a clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania will average $61,700 per annum. Those just starting out will get around $41,000 - $43,000. Accreditation and specialization can have a large impact on the salary ranges.

Opportunities are more abundant in the urban centers. For those living in metropolitan areas, the prospective jobs will have higher salaries than those in small cities and rural communities. Growth in both the public and private sectors are going to be about the same. Private industry opportunities are definitely confined to the manufacturing centers of Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Erie and Scranton. Schools and mental health clinics will continue to need psychological services in most parts of the state. Social Services and private practice are other viable options.

Additional Pennsylvania Psychology Schools

Bryn Mawr College - http://www.brynmawr.edu/
Pennsylvania State University - http://www.psu.edu/
University of Pennsylvania - http://www.upenn.edu/