Nationwide 11%
Washington Psychology School Options & Licensing Requirements
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.
Total Results:
| SCHOOL NAME | CITY, STATE | STUDENT POPULATION | SCHOOL TYPE | TUITION | PROGRAM TYPE | PROGRAMS |
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| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 42,444 | Public, 4-year | $11,305 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 27,329 | Public, 4-year | $10,874 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | 14,842 | Public, 4-year | $8,022 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Clark College | Vancouver, WA | 12,893 | Public, 2-year | $3,407 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | 12,126 | Public, 4-year | $7,372 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA | 11,320 | Public, 4-year | $7,941 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Edmonds Community College | Lynnwood, WA | 9,798 | Public, 2-year | $3,953 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane, WA | 8,722 | Public, 2-year | $2,829 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | 7,764 | Private, 4-year | $33,160 | Campus | View Programs |
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| Seattle University | Seattle, WA | 7,755 | Private, 4-year | $34,200 | Campus | View Programs |
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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
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APA Licensing Information
Article with basic information on the licensure of psychologists across the country.
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UW Medicine Psychology Internship Program
Opportunities for aspiring psychologists to earn valuable experience specific to their desired area of practice.
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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
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 |
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Washington |
Median Wage Annually | $66,850 |
$94,060 |
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Washington |
Median Wage Hourly | $32.14 |
$45.22 |
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Washington |
Lowest 10% yearly wage | $49,560 |
$45,070 |
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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
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American Psychological Association
National organization dedicated to the advancement of the field of psychology as a whole.
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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.
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Washington State Psychological Association
Member organization which exists to support and develop the psychologists working within Washington state.