Psychology Programs in Montana

When an individual chooses to begin a career as a psychologist in Montana, it is imperative to understand the scope of the profession, the training arrangements, and the licensure requirements.

Readers of this page who are aspiring psychologists in Montana will be glad that the guide below explores these considerations and more.

It begins with a comprehensive list of schools in the state, with acclaimed programs in General Psychology and specialty disciplines. It then moves on to explore what awards and degrees students can receive here and their expected requirements.

Lastly, the guide explores the key steps needed to receive a psychology license in Montana and the annual average salary figures that professionals in the state may fall into based on various factors.

Top Psychology Schools in Montana

Below are some high-quality destinations where you can earn a psychology degree in Montana.

Licensure & Certification

The state Board of Psychology oversees receiving a license as a fresh psychologist in Montana. As in most places nationwide, candidates need a doctorate to receive a full license in this field.

They must complete their doctoral education at an accredited institution and participate in supervised practice. Here, they must acquire 1,600 hours of training in one year before completing their doctorate and then 1,600 hours after earning it.

Afterward, they may officially apply for a license from the board by participating in an oral examination. To qualify, candidates must send in their official transcripts and five references.

The fee for the exam is $200, while the application fee is $175.

Those who have passed this exam will then be scheduled for an oral exam. Lastly, aspiring psychologists in Montana must also pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology to be officially licensed.

Graduates with lower qualifications can explore roles in case management, psychiatric technician positions, or human resources, contributing to various sectors.

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary for a psychologist in Montana is $179,379. This figure is in the same bracket as the national average and is more appropriate for candidates who are still in the middle of optimizing their career earnings.

Those who are already at the top may take home an annual average salary of $340,918, which puts them in the category of the top 10% psychology earners in the state. In the beginning, it is also possible for psychologists to fall below the average category and find themselves in the bottom 10% – in which case they will be taking home an average salary of around $94,382 per year.

With time and more experience, candidates can improve their yearly earnings. They may also consider working on factors such as their location, credentials, and specialty areas to optimize their returns further.

For those interested in the best locations for a high annual salary in Montana, Glendive and Butte are the best choices. Psychologists in these places earn an annual average salary of $362,756 and $332,434, respectively.

Job Outlook

The state of Montana has not been immune to the continuing growth of the field of psychology across the country. In fact, this positive trajectory is expected to continue to improve as more individuals prioritize their mental health by working with psychologists more often.

Companies across the state are also expected to keep hiring psychologists to not only help employers who are already suffering from mental health issues but also to facilitate a more favorable environment where workers feel safe and can optimize their productivity.