Home Doctorate in Psychology Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Minnesota

Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Minnesota

Find Doctoral Degree Programs in Minnesota

At one point, working in psychology meant sitting in an armchair and listening to patients discuss their childhoods. However, thanks to the work of clinicians, researchers, and teachers, the field has diversified significantly since its early days of development. Now, with a doctorate in psychology, you may conduct research, work in clinical care, teach students, explore connections between psychology and other areas of healthcare, or participate in some combination of these duties.

However, it does take a fair amount of education to explore these options. Psychology is a highly regulated field, both on a national level and by each state. To work as a psychologist in Minnesota, you may start by looking at Ph.D. and Psy.D. in psychology degrees in MN.

If you’re considering how this option could change the path of your career, keep reading to learn more about school options in Minnesota and explore the list of Minnesota psychology programs below.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Minnesota

Choosing a doctoral program is one of the most important parts of this process, since it determines what type of education you get and which connections you build in your field.

First, note that most Ph.D. programs are well developed for Bachelor’s degree graduates. A Master’s degree may decrease the amount of time you spend in a doctoral program, but the vast majority of Minnesota schools do not require it for admission. In fact, your Bachelor’s degree does not even have to be related to the field of psychology. Many schools prefer students with some experience studying psychology, but you may be able to overcome that by taking the psychology GRE.

While comparing schools, make sure to note the differences between Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs. Top Ph.D. in psychology programs in MN are based in rigorous academic scholarship and clinical training, paving the way to an academic career.

Minnesota Students Taking a Test For Online Psychology Doctorate Degree

Listed below, find some of the courses commonly required in Ph.D. Psychology programs:

  • Behavioral Research Methodology
  • Adult Clinical Psychopathology
  • Child Clinical Psychopathology
  • Standards and Ethics of Psychology
  • Behavioral Assessment
  • Research Design and Statistics

Your other main option as an aspiring doctoral student can be found at top Psy.D. in psychology programs in Minnesota. In these programs, you may focus on building competence in foundational areas of psychology, diagnose problems through various means of assessment, and display strong ethical and professional decision making skills.

As a Psy.D. student, you may find that your curriculum includes courses like:

  • Diversity Issues in Psychology
  • Advanced Psychopathology
  • Contemporary Ethical Issues
  • Relationship Counseling
  • Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Advanced Group and Social Behavior
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Lifespan Development
  • Contemporary Approaches to Psychotherapy

You prepare for your future career through a variety of practical experiences. This typically includes a set of clinical practicum courses and an internship. Your internship should last between 1000 and 2000 hours.

Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Minnesota

For as long as you are a psychology student or psychology professional in Minnesota, you must follow the guidelines and laws of the Minnesota Board of Psychology. This includes meeting their educational standards and their licensing requirements.

Upon graduating, you may sign up to take the two required licensing exams. The first, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, is required across the country. The second is the Minnesota Professional Responsibility Exam, which is administered to all licensed health professionals in Minnesota.

The healthcare sector is strong in Minnesota, particularly in the mental healthcare specialty. For that reason, you may see steady job growth through 2022. From 2012 through 2022, O*Net has predicted a 7% boost in psychologist job openings and a 5% boost in psychology professor job openings (2016).

Minnesota salaries are close to those reported in other Midwestern states. An average salary of $77,460 is reported for clinical, school, and counseling psychologists (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Minnesota psychology professors earn an average of $70,650 per year (BLS, 2016).

Start reaping the benefits of a psychology career, you have to devote enough time to your training. Find out more about your options now by reaching out to Psy.D. and Ph.D. in psychology degrees in MN.