Home Master’s Degree in Psychology: Expanding Your Career Options Master's in Psychology in Iowa

Master’s in Psychology in Iowa

Find Programs for Master’s in Psychology Degrees in Iowa

As the health care industry of Iowa has expanded in accordance with Affordable Care Act statutes, so too has the social services industry. This industry protects those who are disadvantaged, in need of mental health services, or who are at risk for illegal activity.

Perhaps you have worked in this industry in the past and you’re ready to take your career to the next level, or maybe this is your first venture into the world of psychology. Either way, graduate-level study can help propel your career forward and prepare you to join one of the biggest industries in Iowa.

If you want to work in mental health, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in Iowa. Statewide organizations are focusing on improving access to mental health services for children and using interventions that are most effective for this age group.

Find out how you can begin a career in this industry now—keep reading to learn more about Master’s psychology programs in Iowa.

What Can You Expect from Psychology Master’s Programs in Iowa?

Before you can prepare for your education in psychology, you have to decide which specialty you’d like to work in. Since a Master’s degree explores each subject at an extremely in-depth level, you can choose one field to concentrate on.

A general Master’s degree in psychology may give you a bit of experience in each field of study, but choosing an area of concentration may prepare you for more specialized career choices. Common choices include forensic psychology, counseling psychology, psychological research, industrial/organizational psychology, and social psychology.

Iowa Student Studying For His Psychology Masters

The courses you take are determined by your degree choice, so looking at various curricula may help you make a more informed choice. For example, students who focus on clinical psychology often enroll in courses like Skills for Psychotherapy, Learning and Behavior, Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches, Research Methods and Statistics, Group Therapy, and Social Bases of Behavior.

In addition to your classroom courses, it’s likely that you’ll be required to take some research, lab, or clinical practicum courses.

Numerous government agencies, organizations, and employers fund psychology scholarships in Iowa. The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association awards scholarships that are worth up to $500 each.

Working With Your Master’s Degree in Psychology in Iowa

The employment options that are available to you after graduation are decided by your degree, how well you do in school, and how many professional connections you build as a graduate student. Many graduates choose to work in mental health, counseling, social services, and other directly related fields. However, you may also find that your skills are useful with businesses, marketing firms, government agencies, and clinics.

The need for mental health counselors is growing rapidly in Iowa. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net predicts a 27% increase in job openings. They report that the average salary for an Iowa mental health counselor is $36,100 per year (O*Net, 2015).

Iowa also has a growing demand for marriage and family therapists. During this time frame, a 25% increase in jobs is anticipated (O*Net, 2014). Professionals in this field claim an average salary of $42,000 per year (O*Net, 2015).

Iowa’s psychological needs are growing, and you can help meet these needs. Take the first step by contacting Master’s in psychology programs in Iowa.