Alabama Psychology Doctorate Programs
Mental health struggles are an incredibly serious problem in Alabama. In fact, according to public health surveys, Alabamians themselves pegged mental health and substance abuse as the second-leading health concern in the state.
With the state in the midst of a mental health crisis, it’s no wonder so many people are interested in becoming trained and licensed to practice psychology. Licensed psychologists are skilled and experienced professionals who can help their fellow Alabamians with serious mental health concerns as well as the day-to-day bumps of life.
A journey to becoming a psychologist in Alabama starts with education, such as earning a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
What’s On This Page
- Quick Facts
- Alabama PsyD Programs
- Other Alabama Doctorate Programs
- Alabama Psychologist Requirements
- Alabama Doctorate Salary Outlook
Quick Facts:
- Tuition for an in-state student at Auburn University is $10,424 per year.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham is recognized by Carnegie for their achievements in research and community engagement.
- The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa costs $10,170 per year in tuition for in-state students.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham is considered one of the top public schools in the nation.
- The University of Auburn sports a 73.7% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students.
List of PsyD Programs In Alabama
There are currently no PsyD programs in the state of Alabama.
EE ALSO: 5+ Best Online Accredited PsyD Programs
Other Psychology Doctorates in Alabama
Several major colleges and universities in Alabama offer doctoral psychology degrees through programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). None of them are Psy.D. degrees, but in the state of Alabama, a Ph.D. in Psychology also is accepted in applications for licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Let’s take a look at the details students should know about the universities that offer doctoral psychology degrees in the state of Alabama.
University of Alabama
With a total of five Ph.D. degrees in various disciplines within the study and practice of psychology, the University of Alabama system is well-established as a leader in doctoral psychology programs. Whether on the main campus, Tuscaloosa, where two Ph.D. options exist or on the University of Alabama-Birmingham campus, which is home to three psychology doctoral programs, all five are APA-accredited — in fact, the program at the main campus has been accredited by the APA since 1959. Over the past 10 years, an average of 91% of graduates across the two programs have earned professional licensure.
- Institution type: Public, not-for-profit
- Campuses: Birmingham and Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa is main campus of University of Alabama system)
- Annual tuition: All students admitted to either program are guaranteed at least four years of full tuition and an annual stipend, among other benefits
- Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology (Tuscaloosa), PhD in Experimental Psychology (Tuscaloosa), PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience (Birmingham), PhD in Developmental Psychology (Birmingham), PhD in Medical/Clinical Psychology (Birmingham)
- Accreditation: APA
- Visit school: Click here for Tuscaloosa and click here for Birmingham
Auburn University
Within Auburn University, two distinct schools offer a selection of Ph.D. degrees focused on psychology and human behavior. From the Department of Psychological Services comes three degrees, in clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and cognitive and behavioral sciences. The university’s College of Education is home to two Ph.D. options, counseling psychology and education psychology. Over the past decade, about 88% of graduates across both programs have gone on to earn licensure in psychology.
- Institution type: Public, not-for-profit
- Campus: Auburn
- Annual tuition: All students admitted receive tuition waiver and annual stipend
- Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, PhD in Counseling Psychology, PhD in Educational Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Visit school: Click here
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama’s Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology first received APA accreditation in 2013. It’s offered through a program administered by both the psychology department and a branch of the school of education, making it ideal for those who want to work in educational psychology. Over the past several years, about two-thirds of graduates have earned professional licensure.
- Institution type: Public, not-for-profit
- Campus: Mobile
- Annual tuition: Most students admitted to the program receive full tuition and annual stipends
- Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Visit school: Click here
How To Become A Practicing Psychologist In Alabama
In every state, including Alabama, practicing as a professional psychologist requires licensure by a state body. Here in Alabama, that’s the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology. The road to becoming a psychologist might end there, but it begins years before. Let’s take a look at what goes into becoming a licensed psychologist in Alabama.
- Get your bachelor’s degree in an applicable field, usually psychology, though this isn’t always required. All psychology doctorates offered in the state of Alabama are Doctor of Philosophy degrees (Ph.D.). It’s not necessary to earn a master’s degree before applying for Ph.D. programs in most cases, but those who have master’s degrees in unrelated fields will need to take a larger number of courses before they can begin doctoral training. Bachelor’s degree applicants should have earned their degrees in psychology.
- Earn a doctoral degree. As mentioned, all of the APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs offered in Alabama are Ph.D. degrees, and the state licensing board accepts only psychology doctorates from programs that are accredited by that agency. In Alabama, it’s required that applicants complete an internship to be eligible.
- Meet state requirements. The Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology processes licensure applications for psychologists here in our state. Requirements for licensure vary depending on the specialty, but all include the requirement that applicants pass a criminal background check.
- Remain licensed. Once a psychologist in Alabama earns their license, they must be renewed annually.
Alabama Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook
The average annual wage for all workers in Alabama is about $45,000, but the average clinical, counseling or school psychologist in the state earns about $70,000 per year, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the high end of the scale, they can expect to bring home more than $100,000 in annual wages.
SEE ALSO: Alabama Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook
Psychologist jobs in Alabama are expected to grow by about 12.8% over the next decade, which is much faster than the expansion rate expected for all jobs across the economy (about 5%).