Degree-seekers review contemporary issues with human behavior, exploring factors that impact individuals' relationships with the environment and themselves. The course expands students' analytical and research skills.
Why Attend Psychology Colleges and Programs in Oklahoma?
By Rachel Schneider
Students can pursue all degree levels at colleges for psychology in Oklahoma. The state boasts the nation's 15th-lowest tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students at public four-year institutions.
Oklahoma is home to a population of nearly 4 million people, with 34% possessing a college education. The Sooner State features a median income of $26,472 and a GDP of almost $189 billion.
Oklahoma's unemployment rate hovers at 3.4%. The state contains 78 colleges and universities, with 49,015 student loan borrowers in the repayment process and 6,322 borrowers in default on their loans. The state's borrower default rate sits at 12.8%.
What to Expect in an Oklahoma Psychology College Program
In 2018, universities in Oklahoma conferred 819 psychology degrees, ranking 27th in the United States. Students typically take four years to complete a bachelor's degree, which requires 120 credits of coursework. Degree-seekers at the bachelor's level can pursue a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) degree, depending on the focus they want their coursework to explore. Once learners complete their undergraduate degree, they can advance into a master's degree in psychology or a related field.
Students typically take four years to complete a bachelor's degree, which requires 120 credits of coursework.
Master's students can consider pursuing a master of arts or master of science in psychology. These programs usually take degree-seekers two years to complete and include 36-54 credits of coursework. Students who complete their bachelor's degree in a field other than psychology must complete the necessary prerequisites before enrolling in a master's program.
After successful completion of a master's program, students can advance into a doctoral opportunity, pursuing either a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees often take 4-7 years to complete.
What Courses Are Part of an Online Psychology Degree Program in Oklahoma?
Coursework varies across Oklahoma colleges for psychology. However, all programs give learners the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Bachelor's students focus on foundational field knowledge, while master's students explore advanced concepts. Doctoral learners focus on the field's most specialized concepts.
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Statistical Methods in Psychology
This course reviews the practice and logic of psychological research. Students explore descriptive and inferential statistics and learn how to use computer software to compute different formulas and information. Degree-seekers also uncover the discipline's key data points.
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
Learners review the role of theory throughout data collection, psychological research, and data analysis. Students review American Psychological Association (APA) format and conduct original research to analyze data and complete research projects demonstrating their skills.
Positive Psychology
Students explore positive thinking, positive emotions, the pursuit of happiness, character strengths, values, and positive institutions. The course reviews the principles and research used by psychologists to determine the factors that play into psychological flourishing.
Cognitive Psychology
This course reviews the research and theory involved with everyday situations and problems. Degree-seekers examine attention, perception, memory, knowledge systems, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making. Students also explore cognitive neuroscience.
Psychology Program Directory
Education Requirements to Become a Psychologist in Oklahoma
To become a licensed psychologist in Oklahoma, degree-seekers must earn a bachelor's degree. Students do not need to major in psychology at the bachelor's level. Those who major in a different topic in their bachelor's program must complete specific prerequisite coursework before enrolling in a master's program in psychology.
After earning a bachelor's degree, students can enroll in a master's program. Some colleges for psychology in Oklahoma offer master's opportunities in conjunction with a doctoral degree, while others offer stand-alone options.
Some colleges for psychology in Oklahoma offer master's opportunities in conjunction with a doctoral degree, while others offer stand-alone options.
After completing a bachelor's and master's degree, potential psychologists can earn a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology. Although similar, the two programs feature different coursework focuses. At the doctoral level, students should enroll in APA-accredited programs. Applicants must complete a minimum of three years of study prior to their doctoral degree with two years of full-time, on-campus study, excluding internships.
In Oklahoma, school psychologists must complete a minimum of one year of full-time, on-campus study, excluding internships. These candidates must complete a minimum of 42 hours of graduate-level courses reviewing primarily psychological content.
Oklahoma Licensing for Psychologists
Before individuals can practice as professional psychologists in Oklahoma, they must earn a psychology license. Licensing ensures that all psychologists in the state provide service to a certain set of standards, follow the necessary guidelines and regulations, and practice to the best of their abilities.
Why Get Licensed in Oklahoma?
To practice as a psychologist in Oklahoma, professionals must obtain a psychology license. All field specializations require individuals to obtain licensure. Career specialization areas include sports psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.
To become licensed, professionals must complete a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree in the field. They also must complete experience requirements, pass licensing exams, and maintain licensure through renewal every two years.
Licensing Criteria for Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners for Psychologists issues licensure to psychologists in the state based on specific criteria. The first step when pursuing licensure is earning a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology. Aspiring psychologists should earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or another field, completing prerequisite coursework for a master's degree in psychology if they major in another discipline.
After completing a bachelor's program, individuals can pursue a master's degree in psychology, exploring opportunities at stand-alone programs or in conjunction with a doctoral degree. Next, students must complete a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. in psychology.
Upon fulfilling the educational requirements, which can take around a decade, professionals can complete the steps needed to get licensed to practice psychology professionally in Oklahoma.
How to Get Licensed in Oklahoma
The first step in the licensing process, once applicants complete the necessary educational requirements, is submitting an application to the licensing board. Candidates must submit an Applicant Information Form and Affidavit along with a $400 fee. Once the board receives the application and payment, individuals can begin the full online application process.
After submitting an application, professionals can complete two years of supervised professional experience in their chosen specialty area. Individuals can begin their supervised professional experience before or after they submit their application. They can use 1-2 years of experience from a pre-doctoral internship as long as they completed it in the areas of clinical, counseling, or school psychology.
Once individuals satisfy the experience requirements, they must pass the Oklahoma psychology licensing exams, including the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the state's jurisprudence exam. The final step in the licensing process is submitting an official application to the board for licensure, demonstrating completion of all required steps.
License Renewal in Oklahoma
Psychologists in Oklahoma must renew their psychology license each year, completing a minimum of 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Three of the 20 credits must focus on ethics. All credits must receive board approval.
The calendar year for CPE is January 1 through December 31 with all credits due by year's end. Professionals can carry over up to 12 hours to the next renewal year and must pay a $400 fee before the next calendar year. Individuals can participate in seminars and workshops that fulfill CPE requirements in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Psychologist Salaries and Employment Trends
Employment trends for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Oklahoma demonstrate that psychologists in the discipline earned significantly lower mean wages than all other psychologists in the state. From 2016-17, these psychologists earned mean wages between $55,000 and nearly $57,000 compared to the occupation's national figures, which ranged between $78,000 and more than $81,000. In 2016, all other psychologists in Oklahoma earned a mean annual wage of $84,370, compared to the national mean wage of $94,650.
Jobs for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists are projected to grow 15.9% through 2026, which is higher than the national figure of 14.2%.
In 2018, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a mean wage of $60,760, falling below the wages for surrounding states and the national average. All other psychologists in Oklahoma earned an annual mean wage of $89,300, falling just slightly below the national average of $95,610. The state also boasts the third-highest wages among surrounding states for all other psychologists.
Jobs for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists are projected to grow 15.9% through 2026, which is higher than the national figure of 14.2%. Compared to surrounding states, Oklahoma features the occupation's fourth-highest growth rate.
| 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Oklahoma | $56,860 | $55,360 |
| Psychologists, All Other in Oklahoma | $84,270 | N/A |
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists Nationally | $78,690 | $81,330 |
| Psychologists, All Other Nationally | $94,650 | $93,440 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mean Wage For Psychologists In Oklahoma and Nearby States (2018)
-
Nationally
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $85,340
Psychologists, All Other: $95,610
-
Oklahoma
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $60,760
Psychologists, All Other: $89,300
-
Texas
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $73,650
Psychologists, All Other: $90,780
-
New Mexico
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $73,600
Psychologists, All Other: $84,080
-
Colorado
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $85,470
Psychologists, All Other: $83,630
-
Kansas
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $65,320
Psychologists, All Other: $102,910
-
Missouri
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $76,480
Psychologists, All Other: $86,730
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Arkansas
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: $69,000
Psychologists, All Other: $83,030
Source: BLS
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | Psychologists, All Other | |
|---|---|---|
| Nationally | 14.2% | 10.3% |
| Oklahoma | 15.9% | N/A |
| Texas | 20.0% | 9.2% |
| New Mexico | 8.2% | 11.1% |
| Colorado | 33.5% | 16.7% |
| Kansas | 9.3% | N/A |
| Missouri | 16.2% | 4.2% |
| Arkansas | 17.7% | 9.1% |
Source: Projections Central
Psychology Programs and Licensing in Oklahoma Frequently Asked Questions
Is Psychology a Good Major?
Students who major in psychology can pursue degrees at all levels. Earning a degree in the field allows professionals to explore a variety of career opportunities. Psychology professionals can specialize in several areas, allowing them to align their interests with their career.
What Is a Good Specialty for Psychology?
The best psychology schools in Oklahoma allow students to focus their degree on a particular specialization. Some specialization opportunities include experimental psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.
Do I Have to Major in Psychology to Become a Psychologist?
To become a psychologist, professionals must complete a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree. While learners do not need to major in psychology at the bachelor's level, they must major in psychology for their master's and doctoral programs to meet licensing requirements.
What is the Difference Between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Psychology?
A Ph.D. is considered the more common degree type at the doctoral level and is meant for students interested in expanding their psychology skills and knowledge through scientific research. A Psy.D. trains learners to apply scientific knowledge of psychology to provide optimum service in the field.
Should I Get a BA or BS in Psychology?
Students who earn a BA in psychology typically complete courses in political science, history, and sociology. Those who pursue a BS in the discipline focus on advanced coursework, exploring neuroscience, clinical psychology, and statistical analysis. Depending on the type of coursework they want to pursue, students can decide whether a BA or BS better suits them.
Psychology Resources for Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Psychological Association Functioning as an advocate for the psychology profession in Oklahoma, OPA strives to advance the psychology profession while promoting the well-being of individuals across backgrounds and communities.
- Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists Resource Guide to Application Requirements Professionals can refer to this guide to understand the different license types, along with licensing and application components.
- Oklahoma Psychological Society OPS aims to provide psychology faculty and students with a space to share and communicate their ideas in order to actively contribute to psychological research.
- Oklahoma School Psychological Association OSPA serves members by advancing the standard of the profession and providing professional development opportunities. The organization promotes the education, rights, mental health, and welfare of children and youth in Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma Counseling Association Operating as a professional organization for counselors in Oklahoma, OCA provides encouragement and support for professionals in the field. The group offers meetings and a newsletter.