What is Psychology?
Washington State offers numerous opportunities for aspiring psychologists. With its robust economy, vibrant cities like Seattle, and stunning natural landscapes, it's an ideal location for both professional and personal growth. To become a psychologist in Washington, you'll need to complete an accredited doctoral program in psychology, gain supervised clinical experience, and pass the required licensing exams. Additionally, Washington’s diverse economy includes fields where psychologists are essential, such as healthcare, education, and business.
Psychology professionals play a crucial role in various industries. For instance, retail businesses use psychological insights to shape product offerings and marketing strategies. In law enforcement, forensic psychologists assist with understanding criminal behavior and advising on parole decisions. They help ensure that individuals re-entering society are psychologically ready, contributing to public safety and well-being.
Washington's universities attract top faculty, seeking professors with strong academic credentials and professionals from the state economy who bring practical psychological insights to the classroom. This collaboration enriches the courses, offering students a broader perspective on psychology's real-world applications.
Psychology professionals in Washington deal with human behavior across various fields. While counseling is a common path, the state offers several licensure options, such as addiction counselors, marriage and family therapists, and pastoral counselors. These roles reflect the broad scope of psychology, emphasizing how different specializations address diverse aspects of mental health and well-being. Whether in clinical settings or supporting various industries, psychologists play a key role in understanding and improving human behavior.
Featured Online Programs
Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Washington
University of Washington
Score: 93.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,643
- Out-of-State:$41,997
- Net Price: $10,603
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 52,319
- Undergrad Students: 36,213
- Graduate Students: 16,106
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Washington-Bothell
Score: 82.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,559
- Out-of-State:$41,913
- Net Price: $9,357
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 5,735
- Undergrad Students: 5,192
- Graduate Students: 543
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Pacific Lutheran University
Score: 78.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,964
- Out-of-State:$50,964
- Net Price: $24,825
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 2,633
- Undergrad Students: 2,301
- Graduate Students: 332
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Washington State University
Score: 78.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,997
- Out-of-State:$29,073
- Net Price: $17,911
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 27,539
- Undergrad Students: 22,612
- Graduate Students: 4,927
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Seattle University
Score: 76.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,285
- Out-of-State:$54,285
- Net Price: $35,412
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 7,121
- Undergrad Students: 4,046
- Graduate Students: 3,075
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Washington-Tacoma
Score: 75.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,817
- Out-of-State:$42,171
- Net Price: $10,680
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 4,794
- Undergrad Students: 4,083
- Graduate Students: 711
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Puget Sound
Score: 74.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,900
- Out-of-State:$59,900
- Net Price: $41,363
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 2,023
- Undergrad Students: 1,712
- Graduate Students: 311
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Whitworth University
Score: 74.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,920
- Out-of-State:$50,920
- Net Price: $28,299
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 2,415
- Undergrad Students: 2,047
- Graduate Students: 368
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Saint Martin's University
Score: 73.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,210
- Out-of-State:$44,210
- Net Price: $21,811
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 1,609
- Undergrad Students: 1,365
- Graduate Students: 244
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Seattle Pacific University
Score: 72.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,814
- Out-of-State:$38,814
- Net Price: $26,549
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,118
- Undergrad Students: 2,432
- Graduate Students: 686
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Central Washington University
Score: 72.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,192
- Out-of-State:$26,771
- Net Price: $15,864
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,257
- Undergrad Students: 8,743
- Graduate Students: 514
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Heritage University
Score: 70.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,920
- Out-of-State:$19,920
- Net Price: $7,841
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 853
- Undergrad Students: 796
- Graduate Students: 57
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Walla Walla University
Score: 69.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,027
- Out-of-State:$33,027
- Net Price: $25,314
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 1,432
- Undergrad Students: 1,300
- Graduate Students: 132
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Eastern Washington University
Score: 68.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,353
- Out-of-State:$25,892
- Net Price: $12,827
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,910
- Undergrad Students: 7,604
- Graduate Students: 3,306
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
City University of Seattle
Score: 43.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,232,024
- Out-of-State:$20,232,024
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 20%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 2,095
- Undergrad Students: 1,274
- Graduate Students: 821
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Online Psychology Education in Washington
Washington's diverse economy includes top industries such as information technology, manufacturing, business services, and retail, with IT ranking third in the US Healthcare, including mental health and psychological careers, is another strong sector. Psychology professionals, especially those specializing in organizational psychology, are crucial in tech, helping companies foster environments that enhance creativity and efficiency. These roles contribute to the overall success of businesses, blending psychology with various industries across the state.
Psychology professionals in Washington also work with data, such as university research faculty who analyze data and write reports. Some psychologists consult with corporations on issues like workplace arrangement and personnel challenges, while others apply their expertise to counseling on sensitive matters, though not necessarily deep psychological issues. These diverse roles show the breadth of psychology's impact across industries.
Online psychology education in Washington offers flexible options for students interested in pursuing degrees in psychology. Many accredited programs allow students to complete coursework remotely, providing convenience and accessibility. These programs cover a wide range of specialties, from counseling to organizational psychology, and allow students to balance their studies with work or family commitments. Be sure to explore online programs accredited by recognized agencies to ensure a quality education and a pathway to licensure or career advancement.
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Online Associates (AS)
An online associate degree in psychology is a solid foundation for those looking to start a career in fields like marketing or mental health. The degree offers skills in critical thinking and quantitative analysis, with added benefits for students who take courses in statistics. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles in marketing, analyzing data, or work as addiction counselors in the mental health field.
These degrees can provide a solid start for many careers, though a master’s degree is often necessary for advanced positions. Students can work in the field after completing their associate degree and return to school later to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Washington community colleges offer lower tuition rates, reducing debt, while practical experience gained can be advantageous when applying for internships or graduate programs.
Online Bachelors (BS)
An online bachelor’s degree in psychology equips students with skills in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, making them highly attractive to businesses. Students learn research methods and can further enhance their credentials by adding a minor or double major in areas like sociology, statistics, or business. Those who specialize in management or business fields can open doors to diverse career opportunities in psychology and beyond.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is essential for pursuing a master's in the field. Students should explore graduate programs before completing their undergraduate studies. Additionally, those who decide to switch fields can still leverage their psychology degree when applying for advanced degrees in other disciplines.
Our national rankings, online bachelors in psychologyOnline Masters (MS)
An online graduate psychology degree is where most psychology students want to be. A master's degree is necessary for those who desire a career in mental health counseling. It's also vital for those who seek a career in psychological research or in academia. There are even other options, such as a dual MBA degree, which may pave the way to a career in organizational psychology or as an analytical marketing professional.
In Washington, as in many states, a master's psychology degree can lead to a career in counseling. Students need to pass an examination as well as fulfill other requirements, especially the experiential requirement. Most clinical psychology graduate degree programs will require a great many internship hours, which will help satisfy Washington state's requirements, but students will still need to log more hours after earning their degrees in order to qualify for licensure. These hours will also help those who seek a PhD and a career as a psychologist.
Our national rankings, online masters in psychologyOnline Doctorate (PhD)
An online PhD is the ultimate academic degree. Psychology professionals who earn a doctorate have many avenues to pursue. For some psychology specialties, a doctorate is required. For instance, forensic and other psychologists may need a doctorate to pursue their field, and it's a highly desired degree for those in organizational psychology. For counseling professionals, a PhD isn't required but those with a doctorate can charge insurers more per hour while also enjoying elevated professional status. Psychiatrists also need to complete a doctorate degree.
A PhD is also a de facto requirement for anyone who wants a career in academia. It is possible to teach with a master's psychology degree, but it's very hard to land a full-time, permanent position with anything less than a PhD. A doctorate is certainly needed to land a tenure-track position for most candidates. A doctorate is also necessary for those who wish to pursue a career in psychological research.
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Become a Psychologist in Washington
To get started on the road to a psychology career, it's important to start cultivating one's knowledge. This may start in high school or early in college. Some schools offer an introductory psychology course that may be so popular that it's hard to land a seat in the class.
Naturally, it's vital to earn a degree in psychology. The field is highly regulated and to pursue a license, you'll require a degree. Some can start with a license as an addiction counselor if counseling is their passion, which only requires an associate psychology degree or a degree in a related field. However, to truly dive into the field, a master's degree is the true goal. A master's degree allows a professional to work as a mental health counselor in private practice and can provide a solid foundation for those interested in research. However, to pursue a career in psychological research, a PhD is required.
It's important to note that there are many ways to use a psychology degree. Not every student will go on to work as a therapist or researcher. In fact, many take their knowledge of human behavior and apply it in fields such as social work, guidance counseling, career counseling, marketing, and management. The world of business is so dependent on human relationships and understanding human behavior, that a psychology degree can provide a real edge in negotiations or understanding marketing data.
To become a licensed psychologist in Washington, you'll need to follow a series of steps:
Education: Obtain a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) from an accredited institution. This typically involves coursework, research, and a dissertation.
Supervised Experience: Complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience. This includes a year-long internship that meets the licensing requirements.
Examination: Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is a national exam assessing your knowledge in the field.
Application: Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Health, including documentation of your education, supervised experience, and exam results.
Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted.
Continuing Education: After licensure, you'll need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license.
By following these steps and adhering to the guidelines provided by the state, you can become a licensed psychologist in Washington.
Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates
- Psychiatric Technician:
These professionals work in the mental health field where they support the psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses they work with. A psychiatric technician assists with patient needs and may require a state licensure. In fact, Washington state does license this profession so candidates should consult the Washington State Department of Health for their current requirements. - Social Work Assistant:
This position is often an administrative job that requires office skills and a high level of organization. A social work assistant can be asked to maintain a social worker's calendar, might field telephone calls from clients and others, while even conducting preliminary interviews with clients. This may be a great entry-level position for someone with an associate psychology degree or an equivalent. - Social Worker:
This title can apply to many different job descriptions. Some social workers are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) who operate as independent counseling professionals. Other job descriptions may call for no specific degree. Social workers may work for the state as case workers for foster children, mentally unstable adults, or developmentally delayed individuals. Some social workers even work in the court system or hospitals where they help people find the resources they need. - Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor:
This is, sadly, a growing field in this country. Addictions counselors work with individuals stricken with substance abuse disorder. These clients may be addicted to any number of substances including alcohol, opioids, or cocaine, to name a few options. Washington state licenses addictions counselors with degrees starting at the associate psychology degree level. - Human Resources Specialist:
These business professionals work with a firm's personnel issues. This can include anything from negotiating the best benefits package to managing employee disputes. HR specialists may conduct trainings on such issues as insider trading, sexual harassment, or current employment laws. While business knowledge is imperative, HR specialists also need a keen insight into human behavior. A degree in psychology can be immensely helpful in a human resources career. - Child Psychologist:
There are many specialty areas for a psychologist to pursue and child psychology may be one of the most important of them. A child counselor works with young people to help them overcome traumas and other psychological difficulties that may be holding them back. This practice may involve creative approaches such as art therapy, play therapy, and even movement therapy. - School Counselor/Psychologist – School Counselor:
To become a school counselor, professionals need to earn an MEd degree that concentrates on counseling. They must also earn a teaching certificate from the state of Washington. School counselors work with students to help them overcome various difficulties that may be holding them back from success. - Psychiatrist:
At one time, psychiatrists were the default choice for those seeking psychotherapy. However, that role has largely shifted to counselors and psychologists, who hold either an MA or PhD, respectively. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who focus on the medical reasons for psychological distress. They spend most of their time analyzing blood samples and interviewing patients to determine the best medications and dosages for them. - Counselor
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