Psychology Programs in Illinois

Psychologists in Illinois are employed in various capacities, from working in schools to working with government agencies and companies to ensure that employees feel safe and can perform their duties optimally.

As a result, these professionals continue to enjoy constant demand for their expertise in Illinois and competitive rewards for their efforts. Anyone who wants to start a career in this profession must prioritize comprehensive education.

With the list below, they only have to look for the best options. All entries were chosen because they meet the requirements of a top-class institution.

They also help candidates meet state requirements, which can help them become licensed and successful psychologists in Illinois.

Top Psychology Schools in Illinois

The following are among the best psychology schools in Illinois.

Notable Mentions

Other notable schools with degree programs for candidates in Illinois include Adler University in Chicago; Augustana College in Rock Island; Aurora University in Aurora; Benedictine University in Lisle; Bradley University in Peoria; Concordia University in River Forest; Lake Forest College in Lake Forest; and National Louis University in Chicago.

Licensure & Certification

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation manages the affairs of psychologists in the state. According to the department, individuals seeking a psychology license in Illinois must meet the educational, examination, and supervised practice requirements.

For their education, candidates are expected to graduate from a training program accredited by the American Psychology Association and earn a doctorate. They must participate in classroom and hands-on training before receiving 3,500 hours of supervised practice. Of these, 1,750 hours may be received through an internship.

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is usually the standard for psychology licensure examinations across the country, and the same applies in Illinois. Candidates must pay $600 for this examination and take it within 60 days of registration.

Individuals who have met these requirements may then submit their applications to the department for official licensure officially. Doing this incurs a $50 application fee.

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for a psychologist in Illinois just starting their career is around $94,474, according to the figures provided by the employment platform Indeed, obtained from a survey of psychologists in the state.

The same survey reveals that psychologists who are among the highest-paid in the top 10% can end with an annual average salary of $142,155. At the same time, those among the lowest-paid may begin with an annual average salary of $62,786.

Going forward, they may consider specialty areas, credentials, reputation, and location factors to improve their annual returns. Of course, candidates with more experience tend to earn more.

Currently, the highest-paying cities for psychologists in Illinois include Chicago, with an annual average salary of $176,556; Naperville, with an annual average salary of $133,527; and Oak Park, with an annual average salary of $133,421.

Springfield and Marion are also in the top five, with annual average salaries of $127,746 and $124,049, respectively.

Job Outlook

Candidates looking to become psychologists in Illinois will be glad to know there is enough room for them. The profession is expected to continue growing in demand, which is set to be due to several factors, including better mental health awareness in regular daily life and among students and employers.

Naturally, fresh candidates will also be needed to replace old workers who are retiring or considering changing professions.