Vermont Psychology Doctorate Programs

As more people become open to the idea that they might need treatment for mental health, anxiety or other behavioral issues, the system that provides such care will continue to be strained. In fact, this has been an issue in the U.S. since the 1960s and was a driving factor in the development of the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), a doctoral degree that’s focused more on clinical practice than academic research.

But being able to practice psychology in the U.S., including here in Vermont, means first being licensed by the state where you want to practice. Before that can happen, though, people must first earn a doctoral degree in psychology, whether a Psy.D. or a more traditional Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).

Let’s explore what doctoral degree options exist here in Vermont, as well as the strict licensure procedures that must be followed in order to practice legally in the state.

What’s On This Page

• Vermont PsyD Programs
• Other Vermont Doctorate Programs
• Vermont Psychologist Requirements
• Vermont Doctorate Salary Outlook

List of PsyD Programs in Vermont

No Psy.D. degrees are currently offered in the state of Vermont, but the good news for students here is that an online Psy.D. could potentially fulfill the licensure requirements in Vermont. Additionally, the state does permit those who have completed master’s degrees in psychology to apply for licensure, but several thousand hours of professional experience is needed, and most licensure applicants will find a doctoral program is the best way to get that supervised experience.

Here’s a look at the online programs that could fit the bill for students in Vermont.

Ashford University

Ashford’s online Psy.D. is new for 2020, and it includes one of the widest ranges of possible specialties, including criminology, educational leadership, health, industrial-organizational, mediation and sports. Most work is done online, but students in Vermont will be well-advised to complete an internship as part of their course of study.

• Institution type: Private, for-profit
• Campus: Online, headquartered in California
• Total expected tuition: $76,404
• Degrees offered: PsyD
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Visit school: Click here

California Southern

CalSouthern’s online Psy.D. is 100% online, and while it’s not accredited by the American Psychological Association, it was developed with California’s state requirements for licensure in mind. That means it was designed specifically to provide the academic and experience required to earn professional licensure. Vermont students will need to be sure to complete an internship as part of this program.

• Institution type: Private, for-profit
• Campus: Online, headquartered in California
• Total expected tuition: $35,970
• Degrees offered: PsyD
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Visit school: Click here

Other Psychology Doctorates in Vermont

One psychology doctorate is available in the state of Vermont, and it’s APA-accredited.

University of Vermont

The University of Vermont’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology has been APA-accredited since 1973. Today’s students can sharpen their modern skillset at a nonprofit outpatient psychology clinic staffed by the graduate program. Nearly 50 students have completed the program since the 2008-09 school year, and 89% went on to earn professional licensure.

• Institution type: Public
• Campus: Burlington
• Annual tuition: Students receive full tuition remission
• Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: APA
• Visit school: Click here

How to Become a Practicing Psychologist in Vermont

Education is just one part of the process necessary to becoming a psychologist in the state of Vermont. Let’s explore the rules and regulations in Vermont that apply to individuals seeking psychologist licensure in the state.

1. Get your bachelor’s degree in psychology. An undergraduate psychology major isn’t required by state statute, but it may be necessary to receive a license, depending on the additional educational steps you decide to take. Other applicable fields include social work, biology and statistics, though individuals with degrees in those areas may need to complete remedial psychology coursework
2. Earn a master’s or doctorate in psychology. Both types of degrees are accepted in Vermont, but those with doctoral training will likely be better applicants. That’s because the state requires the types of extensive professional experience that are most often baked into Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs. That said, applicants with master’s degrees still can become licensed in the state, but they will have a high hurdle to clear when it comes to experience.
3. Meet other requirements. In addition to an advanced degree in psychology, applicants must complete at least 4,000 total hours of supervised professional experience, with at least 2,000 coming post-degree. Passage of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology is also required.
4. Remain licensed, and keep up with requirements. Be sure to renew your license on schedule, which is every other year in the state of Vermont.

Vermont Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

Clinical, counseling and school psychologists in the state of Vermont tend to be much better-paid than the average resident here in Vermont. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for clinical, counseling and school psychologists in Vermont is more than $70,000, compared to about $51,000 for the average full-time worker in the state.

Psychologist jobs in Vermont are expected to experience modest growth of about 6% over the next decade, slightly higher than the 5% expected for all occupations in the U.S.