Best Psychology Schools & Programs in Washington

The Evergreen State of Washington may be hiding in the Northwest corner of the country, but there are plenty of educational opportunities to be found in this beautiful part of the world. More than 2,000 psychologists are currently working in the state, many of them educated at institutions such as the University of Washington and Washington State University. At Washington psychology schools and graduate programs, students will find areas of study such as animal behavior, clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience and quantitative psychology.

To see the variety of graduate programs and psychology schools to pick from in the state of Washington, check out the convenient search tool below.

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SCHOOL NAME	CITY, STATE	STUDENT POPULATION	SCHOOL TYPE	TUITION	PROGRAM TYPE	PROGRAMS
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	Seattle, WA	42,444	Public, 4-year	$11,305	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Neurobiology and Anatomy Psychology - General Master’s Psychology - General Doctorate Psychology - General Neurobiology and Anatomy
Washington State University	Pullman, WA	27,329	Public, 4-year	$10,874	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Neuroscience Psychology - General Master’s Neuroscience Psychology - General Educational Psychology Doctorate Neuroscience Psychology - General Counseling Psychology Educational Psychology
Western Washington University	Bellingham, WA	14,842	Public, 4-year	$8,022	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Neuroscience Psychology - General Developmental and Child Psychology Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services College Student Counseling and Personnel Services Comparative Psychology Mental Health Counseling/Counselor
Clark College	Vancouver, WA	12,893	Public, 2-year	$3,407	Campus	View Programs
Associate Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
Eastern Washington University	Cheney, WA	12,126	Public, 4-year	$7,372	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Developmental and Child Psychology Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling Master’s Psychology - General Developmental and Child Psychology Counseling Psychology School Psychology
Central Washington University	Ellensburg, WA	11,320	Public, 4-year	$7,941	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services Experimental Psychology Counseling Psychology School Psychology
Edmonds Community College	Lynnwood, WA	9,798	Public, 2-year	$3,953	Campus	View Programs
Associate Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions - Other Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
Spokane Falls Community College	Spokane, WA	8,722	Public, 2-year	$2,829	Campus	View Programs
Associate Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions - Other
Gonzaga University	Spokane, WA	7,764	Private, 4-year	$33,160	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Seattle University	Seattle, WA	7,755	Private, 4-year	$34,200	Campus	View Programs
Bachelor’s Psychology - General Master’s Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services College Student Counseling and Personnel Services Psychology - General

To practice psychology in Washington, it is necessary to obtain a license. Becoming licensed not only requires an education in the field, but also the completion of a number of other steps. Only when all of the requirements have been met will an individual be able to receive an official license from the state.

Psychologist Licensing in Washington

Acquiring a psychology license in Washington enables an individual to offer a number of services and programs, such as the following:

Treatment and therapy aimed at solving addiction problems like dependency on drugs or alcohol
One-on-one therapy sessions which can address any number of mental issues such as depression or anxiety
Group therapy which will bring together individuals facing similar challenges in life

Washington Psychology Licensing Authority

The Examining Board of Psychology is part of the Washington State Department of Health, and is the body responsible for issuing licenses to practice psychology. Carefully following all of the requirements for experience and education is important for any individual who wishes to successfully acquire a license.

The following is an outline of the licensure process in Washington:

Complete a doctoral education in psychology from an accredited institution

Finish a total of 3,300 supervised work experience hours, with at least 1,500 hours in internship

Pass two exams

Submit to a background check, and supply the Board with all necessary paperwork and fees

Washington Psychology Licensing Exams

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and a Washington State Jurisprudence exam must be passed in order to be considered eligible for licensure in Washington.

Recognized Psychology Licensing Specializations in Washington State

Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology

Social Psychology
School Psychology

Specialization Requirements

Fulfill all of the standard requirements for licensure in Washington as well as any specialization requirements

License Renewal

Complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years

Other Licensing Resources for Washington Psychology

APA Licensing Information
Article with basic information on the licensure of psychologists across the country.
UW Medicine Psychology Internship Program
Opportunities for aspiring psychologists to earn valuable experience specific to their desired area of practice.
Washington State Department of Health Examining Board of Psychology
Licensing board responsible for approving psychologists in Washington.

Salary and Employment Trends for Psychologists in Washington

Washington Psychologists vs. Nationwide – Growth and Employment Rate

Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists Growth 2012-2022

Nationwide 11%

Washington 18.8%

Psychologists, Other Growth 2012-2022

Nationwide 11%

Washington 7.4%

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

Nationwide 115,810

Washington 2,170

Psychologists Earnings in Washington State vs. Nationwide Averages

		Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists	Psychologist , Other
Nationwide	Median Wage Annually	$68,900	$92,110
Washington	Median Wage Annually	$66,850	$94,060
Washington	Median Wage Hourly	$32.14	$45.22
Washington	Lowest 10% yearly wage	$49,560	$45,070
Washington	Highest 10% yearly wage	$93,430	$115,080

To learn more about the field of psychology in Washington, please take a moment to review some of the links included below.

Washington Psychology Resources

American Psychological Association
National organization dedicated to the advancement of the field of psychology as a whole.
Washington State Association of School Psychologists
School psychologists play an important role in the educational system, and this organization provides them with support and opportunities.
Washington State Psychological Association
Member organization which exists to support and develop the psychologists working within Washington state.

Washington Psychology School Options & Licensing Requirements

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