Virginia Psychology Schools

Guide to Virginia Psychology Degree Programs

Do you want to get your psychology degree and work in a great state? Virginia should be high on your list. The whole state is home to small towns and huge metropolises. Beach lovers will cling to the coast while mountain lovers will move west to the Blue Ridge. Federal government offices can be found in the Washington DC metropolis area to the north. State jobs abound near the state capital of Richmond to the south. Universities can be found in towns and cities in all parts of the state. These employment destinations provide many places a psychologist can find work and home.

Home to historical sites and high technology centers, this state provides many opportunities for work and play. The cities that grace the southern part of the state are steeped in old Southern charm and tradition. Towards the north, the growth around DC makes modern housing and amenities the norm. But the entire state provides outdoor recreation fun from swimming in the ocean to skiing down a mountain. Culture can be found all around the cities and towns from Broadway plays to art museums.

Virginia Psychology Job Outlook and Salary

According to the Virginia Employment commission, the state’s need for psychologists will grow at double the pace of the national average. Expectations are for a thirty percent increase for jobs in this field. Psychologists can find work in either private or public sectors. Schools and hospitals are following the growth in the metropolitan areas. This increases the need for psychologists. Social work and mental health clinics bring jobs as well. Private industry and government can offer opportunities as well.

Population-wise, Virginia has been steadily growing for the last few decades and that growth is not stopping. The job pool is growing along side. Those that hold doctorate degrees will find work in just about any area they want to specialize in. Research and data analysis opportunities can be found at universities, some government offices, and in private industry. Counseling and clinical practice can be done in the public and private arenas. All practicing psychologists are required to gain licensing from the Virginia Board of Psychology.  This board regulates those that practice psychology throughout the state.  If you hold a master’s or bachelor’s in psychology, the job opportunities will be less than those for doctorate holders.

In Virginia, according to Payscale, the average salary for a psychologist in Virginia is around $63,200 after practicing a couple of years. The starting salary range begins a bit higher than average around $50,000. As with other states, more jobs can be found in metropolitan areas than in rural counties. However, with growth trends in some smaller communities, opportunities can be found all over the state.  

Additional Virginia Psychology Schools

University of Virginia - http://www.virginia.edu/
College of William and Mary – http://www.wm.edu/
George Mason University - http://www.gmu.edu/