Psychology Programs in Mississippi

The field of psychology is broad, incorporating several sub-disciplines, all of which focus on different aspects of human experience. Regardless of the specific specialty area, however, the goal of a psychologist remains simple—to understand how the human mind works with its environment and help people facilitate better responses to their conditions to bring about a more functional society as a whole.

Mississippi is home to several quality training programs for aspiring psychologists and, subsequently, to several successful professionals in this field. The following guide explores possible destinations where you can receive robust psychology training in Mississippi.

Here, residents will discover only prominent colleges and universities in the state and which specific psychology programs they offer. We also explore other relevant topics, such as the licensure and certification requirements for prospective psychologists in Mississippi.

Top Psychology Schools in Mississippi

Below are the best colleges and universities to receive training as a prospective psychologist in Mississippi.

Licensure & Certification

The Mississippi Board of Psychology is responsible for setting and overseeing licensing requirements for psychologists in the state. To receive a license from the board, candidates are expected to pass two professional examinations, receive some work experience under the supervision of licensed psychologists, and have a doctoral degree in the field.

This state also expects candidates to be of good character and will carry out background checks and professional references to this effect.

For their education, they must graduate from an accredited institution, after which they are to receive 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience. The first half of these is obtained from an internship completed in one to two years. Candidates may then participate in post-doctoral practice to receive the remaining hours of supervised experience.

The two examinations needed to become a licensed psychologist in Mississippi include the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the state oral examination.

A bachelor’s degree may open up opportunities for roles in case management, psychiatric technician, or human resources specialist, among other supportive positions.

Salary & Career Outlook

In Mississippi, psychologists can be categorized based on their annual average salary and bracket. Those in the highest-paid bracket typically earn an annual average salary of around $198,141.

Those at the lower end of the bracket may be in the bottom 10% or among the average earners.

The annual average salary for the bottom 10% of psychologists in Mississippi is usually $100,167. For those who are among the average midpoint earners, they can expect to take home an annual salary of around $140,880.

Candidates can increase their annual earnings by acquiring more experience, moving to a more favorable location, working with a more favorable employer, and acquiring specialty credentials to build their professional reputation.

The best places to work in Mississippi with the highest annual average salary include Hattiesburg, with an annual average salary of $248,417, and Jackson, with an annual average salary of $174,530.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for psychologists nationwide will increase by 6 percent in the next 10 years, significantly higher than the average for other occupations. This is incredible news for candidates in Mississippi looking to enter this profession and plan their future accordingly.

These new positions will arise because more people prioritize their mental health and see psychologists. Schools and other organizations are also working with psychologists to promote the mental health of their staff and students.