Psychology Programs in Arkansas

Whether it’s brain science and cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, or rehabilitation psychology, candidates looking to start a career in psychology will find several high-quality training programs in Arkansas.

However, given that comprehensive training is vital to job success, candidates should take the time to make the right decision regarding their training destination.

Naturally, there are so many factors to consider when choosing a psychology program that it can get overwhelming going through all the available options. We seek to eliminate the stress and confusion for interested individuals in Arkansas by providing a detailed list of the top psychology programs in the state below.

Top Psychology Schools in Arkansas

The following are some highly-rated institutions offering strong psychology programs in Arkansas.

Notable Mentions

Notable destinations to receive training as an aspiring psychologist in Arkansas include Central Baptist College in Conway, Harding University in Searcy, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Hendrix College also in Conway, Lyon College in Bedford, Ouachita Baptist University also in Arkadelphia, Philander Smith College in Little Rock, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Licensure & Certification

Arkansas requires aspiring psychologists to receive a license from the state before they can start working legally. The Arkansas Psychology Board is responsible for issuing psychology licenses and setting the requirements for candidates looking to earn one.

Currently, to become a licensed psychologist in Arkansas, one must have a PhD, complete post-doctoral practice, and pass a licensing exam.

Candidates are expected to attend an accredited program such as the ones highlighted above for their education. From there, they will have to complete an internship and supervised practice for at least two years and a total of 200 hours on the job. Once they finish the internship, they may then take the national psychology exam, which is none other than the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Lastly, after meeting the above requirements, candidates may submit their application, pay a $600 assessment fee, and pass the state examination to become licensed officially.

With low-level degrees, it may be possible to secure employment in supplementary roles such as case management, psychiatric technician, and human resources specialist.

Salary & Career Outlook

As an aspiring psychologist in Arkansas, the annual average salary is usually around $153,738. This figure is relevant for candidates who are among the average earners in the state and applies to most states.

For candidates who are among the lowest-paid psychologists in Arkansas, the expected annual average salary is $121,609. However, this figure can be as high as $194,355 for those who have successfully made it to the top earners.

To optimize a psychologist’s salary in Arkansas, candidates may consider factors such as experience, credentials, establishment of employment, and, of course, location.

Booneville is the highest-paying city for psychologists in Arkansas, with an annual average salary of $175,748. This is followed by Springdale and Fort Smith, with annual average salaries of $133,469 and $133,469, respectively.

Psychologists in Little Rock earn an annual average salary of $130,734.

Job Outlook

The year-on-year projection for psychologists in Arkansas is as favorable as elsewhere. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in demand for psychologists, leading to thousands of new jobs being created annually for the foreseeable future.

This projection is a result of an increase in awareness regarding mental health and the need to talk to professionals in the field. An aging population, along with companies looking to optimize the mental health of their employees, will also contribute to the growth of psychology as a profession in Arkansas.