Best Psychology Schools in Alabama

How to Find a Psychology Program in Alabama

Your search should consider as many variables as possible as no two psychology programs are the same. As well as program title and cost, consider the following factors.

Psychology Degree Pathways in Alabama

Considering your options starts with knowing the psychology degree pathways available in Alabama. If you're a new undergraduate, your choices are simple: a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you have two options for progress: a graduate certificate to niche your existing skills (these typically take one to two years), or a master's degree (two to three years). A graduate certificate may also be used to convert related degrees into psychology.

Finally, there is the doctorate for those who already have a graduate psychology degree. There are two types of this terminal degree. First, a psychology Ph.D. is for more research-minded candidates, while the PsyD is aimed at students who seek clinical practice as a career. No PsyD programs are currently available in the state.

Choose a Psychology Specialty

Students will find that undergraduate programs don't typically specialize. It is only with graduate programs that you can begin niching down your skills into a specific area of psychology.

The University of Alabama offers a BA (bachelor of arts) and a BS (bachelor of science) in the psychology major. As the state's most prominent university, it also offers graduate programs in Educational Psychology (MA and EdS) and PhDs.

The University of South Alabama offers a bachelor's degree and master's degree in psychology, along with an accelerated master's, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling & Psychology.

Accreditation

It's important for students to understand whether or not a program is accredited.

• Accreditation is a mark of minimum standards for education
• It is mandatory to study an accredited program if you wish to enter clinical practice
• Even non-clinical roles in psychology will expect you to have an accredited program
• Accreditation also means the right to become a member of a professional organization

Accreditation is conducted nationally by the American Psychological Association (APA). The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the regional accrediting body to look for.

Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Alabama

Both campus and online psychology programs have benefits and drawbacks.

With online study, the main benefit is the flexibility to go at your own pace, on days and times that suit you. However, depending on whether your study pattern is synchronous or synchronous, you may be expected to turn up for virtual classes.

Campus study of course has the social aspect benefit, but your time is much more structured, and you will need to book and attend classes during the mandated times and physically commute to campus. This is not ideal for people who may currently work full-time or have family commitments.

Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in Alabama

To practice as a clinician in Alabama, you must first complete a doctorate. But that isn't enough. The state will require a minimum of eleven months post-doctoral internship if working in clinics, and a minimum of ten months if working in a school. You may do one internship or two so long as the minimum term is achieved.

Finally, you will be subject to several exams before you can become licensed. The first is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPS). The second is the Professional Standards Examination (PSE).

Licensure by endorsement is possible subject to minimum standards as mandated in other states.

List of Psychology Degree Programs in Alabama

Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Alabama? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.