Psychology Programs in Alabama
Alabama is home to several successful psychologists, and the job outlook for professionals in this field remains favorable. Thanks to professional organizations such as the Alabama Psychological Association and the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology, candidates can also look forward to a smooth entry into the field and several opportunities for career growth.
Even though all of these are extremely appealing reasons for individuals in Alabama to consider a career in psychology, none is more exciting than the fact that there are several high-quality schools and training programs in the state for interested individuals. These programs boast a plethora of highlights, including top-quality instructors, wonderful facilities, and a high graduate success rate.
To save students the stress of discovering the top options, we have curated the list below, containing only the most worthwhile programs for aspiring psychologists in Alabama.
Top Psychology Schools in Alabama
The following are some of the most prominent training programs in Psychology for interested candidates in Alabama.
Samford University
Homewood, AL Campus + Online
Samford University's Psychology programs are among the best in the state. Located in Birmingham, candidates can enroll here to earn a Bachelor's Degree in General Psychology and start their careers on a strong foundation.
Tuition
$337 - $1,243 per CreditContact
(205) 726-2011
admission@samford.edu
Alabama A&M University
Huntsville, AL Campus + Online
Alabama A&M University is another excellent destination for high-quality psychology programs in Alabama. Interested candidates begin with a Bachelor's in General Psychology program, spending four years in training before possibly moving on to the Master's in Counseling Psychology program.
Tuition
$287 - $574 per CreditContact
(256) 372-5000
admissions@aamu.edu
Athens State University
Athens, AL Campus + Online
At Athens State University, individuals looking to become psychologists in Alabama may enroll in a Bachelor's in General Psychology program. One of the highlights of this program is the open enrollment policy, which means that candidates don't have to wait for enrollment to reopen before they can start their journey.
Tuition
$256 - $640 per CreditContact
(256) 233-8100
admissions@athens.edu
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL Campus + Online
Alabama State University offers several training programs for prospective psychologists in Alabama. These include a Certificate in Counselor Education program, a Bachelor's in General Psychology program (with an option to attend classes online), and a Masters in Counselor Education program.
Tuition
$11,068 - $22,516Contact
(334) 229-4800
admissions@alasu.edu
Auburn University
Auburn, AL Campus + Online
Auburn University offers high-quality psychology training programs on multiple campuses across the state. The school's main campus in Auburn offers the following programs:
Certificate in Counselor Education,
Bachelors in Psychology,
Masters in Psychology,
Masters in Clinical Psychology,
Doctorate in General Psychology,
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, among other options.
Tuition
$6,445 - $17,461Contact
(334) 844-4000
admdean@auburn.edu
Notable Mentions
Some other notable destinations offering comprehensive training for aspiring psychologists in Alabama include Spring Hill College in Mobile, Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach; Faulkner University in Montgomery, Gadsden State University in Gadsden; George C. Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Huntingdon College in Montgomery; Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville; Oakwood University in Huntsville; and South University in Montgomery.
Licensure & Certification
Candidates in Alabama must obtain a license before they can start practicing professionally in the state. Becoming a licensed psychologist in Alabama begins with an accredited training program. Here, candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
With this, they may secure related roles in fields like case management or human services.
Afterward, they may earn a master’s degree to be licensed in fields such as industrial-organizational psychology and marriage and family therapy.
However, to become licensed clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists, candidates must earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in their chosen specialty and then apply to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology.
They may then pass the two important licensure examinations, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Professional Standard Examination (PSE).
As for certification, psychologists in Alabama are not expected to receive certification, but doing so can bring about several personal and professional benefits.
Some prominent certification organizations include the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AHIM).
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for psychologists in Alabama ranges from $85,090 to $154,867. The first figure belongs to those who are still finding their way in the field and are currently among the lowest earners in the state.
The second figure, $154,867, belongs to established psychologists in Alabama, who are among the top 10% earners in the state.
Generally, however, most psychologists here will fall among the average earners, taking home an annual salary of around $114,794.
As with any profession, experience and location can play huge roles in determining how much a psychologist in the state will earn — as will factors such as specialty and specific organization of employment.
The best places to work in Alabama with the highest annual average salary include Birmingham, with an annual average salary of $174,530; Tuscaloosa, with an annual average salary of $128,639; and Madison, with an annual average salary of $121,570.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for psychology in Alabama is quite promising. There remains a growing demand for mental health services all across the state, buoyed by the fact that more and more people are becoming aware of mental health issues.
Some other factors that contribute to the rise in demand for psychologists in Alabama include an aging population and substance abuse issues that occur in the state, like many other states across the country.