Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
There are several possible avenues to starting a successful career as a psychologist in Pennsylvania. Candidates enjoy flexibility and options regarding the specific awards/degrees they would like to earn to start and the specific schools from which they would like to receive their training.
Even though flexibility and options are generally good things, they can also create an extra layer of challenge, which arises from sifting through several alternatives to select a viable one. However, we have taken the necessary steps on behalf of prospective students to make this process a lot easier.
We do this by narrowing down the possible options to strictly prominent ones. The list below showcases just a few high-quality schools to study Psychology in Pennsylvania.
We also reveal the possible programs and degrees that candidates can earn from these destinations and why they deserve consideration.
Top Psychology Schools in Pennsylvania
The following are among the best psychology schools in Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA Online + Campus
The University of Pennsylvania's Psychology programs are perfect for students seeking a psychology degree, particularly at the undergraduate level. The program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and continue their education through graduate programs.
Tuition
$60,920 per YearContact
(215) 898-5000
info@admissions.ugao.upenn.edu
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA Online + Campus
Carnegie Mellon University is a very popular institution that attracts some of the brightest minds across the country. The school offers several psychology programs, including a doctorate program in Cognitive Neuroscience.
Tuition
$570 - $898 per UnitContact
(412) 268-2000
admission@andrew.cmu.edu
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA Online + Campus
Drexel University offers three Certificate and three Bachelor's degree programs for psychology undergraduates. The Bachelor's programs include an online program with a general track, a Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling program, and a Bachelor's in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor program.
Tuition
$1,150 - $1,481 per CreditContact
(215) 895-2000
enroll@drexel.edu
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA Online + Campus
Located in Pittsburgh, Carlow University has long offered highly-rated psychology programs for Pennsylvania residents. The university's options for interested candidates include certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, and even doctorate programs.
Tuition
$806 - $1,099Contact
(412) 578-6000
admissions@carlow.edu
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA Online + Campus
Arcadia University is one of the best universities to study as an aspiring psychologist in Pennsylvania simply because of the students' options for their education. For instance, along with a Certificate in Community Psychology and a Certificate in Counseling Psychology, the school also offers a popular Bachelor's in Psychology program that has produced successful graduates.
Tuition
$580 - $1,425 per CreditContact
(215) 572-2900
Admiss@arcadia.edu
Cairn University
Langhorne, PA Online + Campus
Cairn University in Longhorn offers an excellent Bachelor's in Psychology program that helps students learn various fundamental topics in an array of concentrations in the field. The program is notable for its thoroughness in the classroom and for using an evidence-based approach to help students develop real-world familiarity with their prospective duties.
Tuition
$425 - $725 per CreditContact
(215) 752-5800
admissions@cairn.edu
Licensure & Certification
In Pennsylvania, anybody looking to receive a full psychology license must meet the requirements instituted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. One major part of these requirements is a doctoral degree in psychology.
Anything less than this will only be enough to work in supplementary/assisting positions.
Candidates must also receive their doctorate from a program accredited by either the American Psychological Association or the Canadian Psychological Association.
The state also requires full-time supervised professional experience, meaning candidates must have 1,750 hours of on-the-job practice before receiving a license. At this point, they can only work as psychology residents or psychologist trainees.
Lastly, they are expected to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the state jurisprudence examination overseen by the Professional Credentialing Services.
Salary & Career Outlook
As a psychologist in Pennsylvania, your annual average salary will depend on how long you’ve been on the job. This isn’t necessarily the only factor to consider, but it does play a significant role that can’t be dismissed.
For instance, psychologists in the state may fall among the bottom 10%, making an annual average salary of $69,808. They may also be among the average earners, taking home around $101,683 at the end of the year, or among the peak earners, with $148,112 in average earnings per annum.
Candidates’ positions in this category are determined by experience or other relevant factors, such as their specialties and location within the state. Incidentally, psychologists in Philadelphia are the highest-paid in the state based on location alone.
They earn an annual average salary of $178,843, while psychologists in Harrisburg earn an annual average of $132,169. Psychologists in Glen Mills take home an annual average salary of $115,397.
Job Outlook
Pennsylvania State Department of Labor and Industry notes that the state is experiencing a 7.9% boost in demand for psychologists. This will lead to around 365 openings every year for the next decade.
Philadelphia is the most prominent destination with the state’s highest employment rate for psychologists. This growth in demand is set to span multiple disciplines, including education, counseling, and research.