Iowa Psychology Licensing Requirements and School Options

Iowa offers ample opportunity for both new and experienced psychologists. The state’s lowest paid psychologists – often those just starting out on their career paths – earn more than their counterparts in 42 states. Similarly, the highest paid psychologists are well compensated compared to their peers across the nation. Interested students can get their start in Iowa at one of the state’s four APA-accredited psychology programs.

To find out more about psychology programs in Iowa, use the search tool below.

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Total Results:

SCHOOL NAME	CITY, STATE	STUDENT POPULATION	SCHOOL TYPE	TUITION	PROGRAM TYPE	PROGRAMS
Ashford University	Clinton, IA	74,596	Private, 4-year	$9,648	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions - Other
Kaplan University-Davenport Campus	Davenport, IA	56,606	Private, 4-year	$13,365	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Psychology - General
University of Iowa	Iowa City, IA	29,810	Public, 4-year	$6,678	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services Psychology - General Educational Psychology Doctorate Educational Psychology Psychology - General Neurobiology and Anatomy Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Iowa State University	Ames, IA	29,611	Public, 4-year	$6,648	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Psychology - General Doctorate Neuroscience Psychology - General
University of Northern Iowa	Cedar Falls, IA	13,168	Public, 4-year	$6,648	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services College Student Counseling and Personnel Services Psychology - General Clinical Psychology Counseling Psychology School Psychology Educational Psychology
Upper Iowa University	Fayette, IA	5,713	Private, 4-year	$24,400	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General
Drake University	Des Moines, IA	5,384	Private, 4-year	$29,410	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Neuroscience Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Saint Ambrose University	Davenport, IA	3,567	Private, 4-year	$25,730	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology Teacher Education Neuroscience Psychology - General Forensic Psychology
Southeastern Community College	West Burlington, IA	3,341	Public, 2-year	$4,260	Campus	View Programs
Associate Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
Iowa Lakes Community College	Estherville, IA	3,102	Public, 2-year	$4,654	Campus	View Programs
Associate Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

Psychology candidates in Iowa must hold a doctoral degree, complete a supervised work experience, and pass the national Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

Iowa’s Psychologist Licensing

Licensed psychologists in Iowa are permitted to do the following:

Offer counseling to groups and individuals with emotional and relationship issues
Measure and test attributes such as intelligence, attitudes skills, and personality
Teach and conduct research in psychology

Iowa’s Licensing Authority

The Iowa Board of Psychology issues licenses and regulates psychologists in the state.

Psychologist licensure candidates in Iowa must have completed the following steps:

Graduated with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program

Completed a post-doctoral supervised professional experience

Passed the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)

Other Licensing Criteria

The post-doctoral supervised professional experience must consist of at least 1,500 hours completed in no less than 10 months. Direct supervision must be provided for at least 45 hours of the experience.
To be certified as a Health Service Provider in Psychology, the candidate must receive a total two years of clinical experience in an internship accredited by the APA or at an organization that holds membership in the Associate of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). At least 375 hours of each 1,500-hour year must be in direct patient contact, two hours per week must be under face-to-face supervision, and two hours a week must be spent in psychology learning experiences.

Iowa’s Psychology Licensing Exams

Psychologist candidates in Iowa must pass the national Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

Recognized Psychology Specializations in Iowa

Counseling Psychology
General Psychology

Clinical Psychology

Specialization Requirements

Candidate must meet all other licensure requirements

License Renewal

Licenses must be renewed biennially. Licensed psychologists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. For the second renewal, license holders must complete six hours of continuing education in Iowa mental health laws and regulations or risk management. For all following renewal periods, license holders must complete six hours of continuing education in: ethical issues, federal or Iowa mental health laws and regulations, or risk management.

Iowa Licensure Resources

Iowa Board of Psychology
Board that oversees licensing and professional conduct of psychologists in Iowa.
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
Responsible for creating and overseeing the administration of the EPPP and other licensing exams.

Iowa Salary and Employment Trends for Psychologists

Growth and Employment Rate for Psychologists in Iowa vs Nationwide

Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists

Nationwide 11%

Iowa 9.6%

Psychologists, Other Growth 2012-2022

Nationwide 11%

Iowa 10.9%

Number Clinical, Counseling, & School Psychologists and Psychologists, Other employed 2014

Nationwide 115,810

Iowa 770

Earnings for Psychologists in Iowa vs Nationwide

		Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists	Psychologist , Other
Nationwide	Median Wage Annually	$68,900	$92,110
Iowa	Median Wage Annually	$70,770	$99,170
Iowa	Median Wage Hourly	$34.02	$47.68
Iowa	Lowest 10% yearly wage	$47,560	$52,710
Iowa	Highest 10% yearly wage	$124,620	$128,050

To learn more about psychology education programs, licensure, and economic data in Iowa, please visit the following resources.

Iowa Psychology Resources

American Psychological Association
The main authoritative body for psychology in the United States.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
The Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Occupational Employment Statistics sections contain information on salary and job growth for psychologists in Iowa and nationwide.
Iowa Psychological Association
A state affiliate of the APA. Advocates for the profession of psychology, provides continuing education, and educates the public about the work of psychologists in Iowa.