Arkansas Psychology Doctorate Programs: Complete Guide for 2025
Table of Contents
- Arkansas Psychology Doctorate Options
- Current Arkansas Psychology Programs
- Online PsyD Programs for Arkansas Residents
- How to Become a Psychologist in Arkansas
- Arkansas Psychology Career Outlook
- Salary Expectations for Arkansas Psychologists
- Nearby State Programs
- Licensure Requirements
Arkansas Psychology Doctorate Options
Students interested in pursuing advanced psychology training in Arkansas face a unique landscape of educational opportunities. While the state currently has no Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs, Arkansas offers two excellent APA-accredited Ph.D. programs and numerous pathways for residents to achieve their clinical psychology goals.
The need for qualified, compassionate mental health professionals continues to grow in Arkansas, where mental health challenges affect more than 1 in 5 adults. This demand makes psychology doctorate training increasingly valuable, whether through in-state Ph.D. programs, accredited online PsyD programs, or neighboring state options.
Arkansas residents have three primary pathways to doctorate-level psychology training:
- In-State Ph.D. Programs: Two APA-accredited programs focusing on research and clinical practice
- Online PsyD Programs: Nationally accredited programs accepting Arkansas residents
- Nearby State Programs: Regional options with strong clinical training components
Current Arkansas Psychology Programs
Arkansas is home to two distinguished APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology, both housed within respected state institutions. These programs adhere to the scientist-practitioner model and offer excellent preparation for psychology licensure.
| University | Program Type | Accreditation | Specialization | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology | APA-Accredited | Clinical Psychology | 5-7 years |
| University of Central Arkansas | Ph.D. Counseling Psychology | APA-Accredited (2015) | Counseling Psychology | 5-6 years |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Clinical Psychology | APA-Accredited | Clinical/Medical Psychology | 5-6 years |
University of Arkansas Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
The University of Arkansas offers a comprehensive Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology that follows the scientist-practitioner training model. Located in Fayetteville, this program prepares students to become both scientifically informed mental health service providers and clinically informed researchers.
The program recently received a federal Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2022-2025), designed to increase the number of behavioral health care providers working in interprofessional teams. This funding enhances training opportunities and provides additional support for students interested in integrated behavioral health.
University of Central Arkansas Counseling Psychology Ph.D.
APA-accredited since 2015, the University of Central Arkansas offers a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology housed within the Health & Behavioral Sciences Department. As of 2024, 17 students have completed the program with a licensure rate of 71%.
This program emphasizes counseling psychology principles and prepares students for diverse career paths in mental health services, with a particular focus on addressing community mental health needs.
Online PsyD Programs for Arkansas Residents
While Arkansas lacks in-state PsyD programs, residents can access high-quality, accredited online PsyD programs from institutions nationwide. These programs combine online coursework with local clinical training, making doctoral education accessible without relocating.
Popular online options for Arkansas residents include:
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Offers online PsyD with extensive clinical training components
- Fielding Graduate University: Provides a hybrid PsyD model with online courses and intensive residencies
- University of Southern Maine: Features an online PsyD with 100% job placement rate
- Adler University: Offers online PsyD with a social justice focus
These programs typically require local clinical placements, which can often be arranged at Arkansas healthcare facilities, community mental health centers, and private practices.
How to Become a Psychologist in Arkansas
The path to becoming a licensed psychologist in Arkansas requires careful planning and a strong commitment. The process typically takes 7-10 years of post-secondary education and supervised experience.
Educational Requirements
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Most prospective psychologists begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field. Arkansas institutions, such as the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and Henderson State University, offer strong undergraduate psychology programs.
Step 2: Earn a Doctoral Degree
Arkansas requires a doctoral degree in psychology for licensure. You can choose between:
- Ph.D. in Psychology: Research-focused with clinical training (available in Arkansas)
- PsyD (Doctor of Psychology): Practice-focused clinical training (online or out-of-state options)
The Arkansas Psychology Board gives preference to degrees from APA-accredited programs; however, graduates from other accredited programs may also qualify after submitting additional documentation.
Licensure Process
Step 3: Complete Supervised Experience
Arkansas requires 1,800 hours of supervised post-doctoral professional experience. Temporary licensure may be granted to qualified graduates while completing this requirement.
Step 4: Pass Required Examinations
Candidates must achieve a scaled score of at least 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure
Licensed psychologists in Arkansas must renew their licenses every two years and complete continuing education requirements.
Arkansas Psychology Career Outlook
The psychology profession in Arkansas exhibits strong growth potential, driven by increased awareness of mental health needs and the expansion of healthcare integration. Several factors contribute to positive career prospects for psychology graduates.
Job Growth Projections
Psychology careers in Arkansas are experiencing robust growth, with projections significantly exceeding national averages:
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: 13.2% projected growth through 2032
- School Psychologists: 14% projected growth through 2032
- All Psychology Specialties: Above-average demand compared to other professions
This growth rate substantially exceeds the national average of 4% for all occupations, indicating strong job security and advancement opportunities for psychology professionals in Arkansas.
Salary Expectations for Arkansas Psychologists
Psychology careers in Arkansas offer competitive compensation well above the state’s average wage. While salaries may be lower than in some metropolitan areas, the cost of living in Arkansas makes psychology careers financially attractive.
For detailed salary information by specialty and region, visit our comprehensive Arkansas Clinical Psychologist Salary guide.
| Psychology Specialty | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $89,290 | $60,000 – $120,000+ | Little Rock, Fayetteville |
| School Psychologists | $75,000 | $55,000 – $95,000 | Little Rock, Jonesboro |
| Industrial-Organizational | $95,000 | $70,000 – $130,000+ | Little Rock, Bentonville |
These salaries compare favorably to the Arkansas average wage of $51,250, with psychologists earning approximately 70% more than the typical worker in the state.
Nearby State Programs
Arkansas residents have access to excellent psychology doctoral programs in neighboring states, many of which offer in-state tuition reciprocity or reasonable non-resident rates.
Regional Program Options
Texas Programs:
- University of Houston – APA-accredited Ph.D. and PsyD programs
- Texas Tech University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Baylor University – APA-accredited PsyD program
Louisiana Programs:
- Louisiana State University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Tulane University – Ph.D. in Psychology
Missouri Programs:
- University of Missouri – Multiple Ph.D. specializations
- Saint Louis University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Many of these programs participate in regional tuition agreements, making them financially accessible for Arkansas residents.
Arkansas Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Arkansas Department of Health Psychology Board oversees the licensure of psychologists in the state. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone planning a career in psychology in Arkansas.
Application Requirements
Licensure candidates must submit:
- $200 application fee
- Three professional references
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Proof of doctoral degree completion
- Background check results
- Documentation of 1,800 hours supervised experience (may be completed post-graduation)
- EPPP examination results (minimum scaled score of 500)
Continuing Education
Licensed psychologists are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their licenses. This requirement ensures practitioners stay current with evolving best practices and emerging treatments.
Reciprocity Options
Arkansas participates in the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Agreement of Reciprocity program. Licensed psychologists from other states with at least five years of practice experience may qualify for expedited licensure in Arkansas.
May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
