Find the Best Virginia Psychology Degrees Online

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

Popular cities such as Arlington and Lynchburg host several of the 41 accredited universities in Virginia. Regardless of whether prospects wish to be a bachelor’s of psychology graduate or the more popular Master’s in Clinical Psychology, there is an abundance of career opportunities available.

If you are thinking career as a psychologist is the right choice for you, you should begin searching for Bachelor's in Psychology programs to enroll in. This program was designed for new Psychology learners that are preparing for careers in diverse research and treatment fields in this area. In Virginia, since the minimum degree requirement to become licensed is the doctorate degree, you could also benefit from completing a Master's in Psychology prior to applying to these top-level programs. These 2 programs can be completed in 5-6 years for students engaged at a full-time rate. More on steps to becoming a licensed psychologist in Virginia follow.

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

Online Psychology Degrees in Virginia

Old Dominion University: Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Universities in the state of Virginia seem to appreciate the need for flexibility and convenience in the collegiate learning environment. Online degree options such as the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Old Dominion University can provide you with the level of convenience you need to pursue your dreams of a career in this field.

This 120 credit hour program consists of course work focused on Psychology in the form of research, behavioral science, and clinical practice. You can begin your journey to a career as a psychologist through flexible online programs in order to maintain your current quality of life throughout the process.

Through online bachelor's programs, you can also take advantage of the 24/7 access to instructors, courses, and course materials. The knowledge gained through degree programs at this level can also prepare you for higher level learning in future Psychology programs.

As you begin your search for programs to kick start your educational path, consider the specialization options and how they can contribute to your career in the future. Our team encourages you to explore multiple program options before choosing the one that is right for you.

Liberty University has multiple online programs within counseling or psychology

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia promotes great education and American pride in one package. Students that attend this university will get an education that provides the knowledge and respect needed to be a trustworthy psychological worker. The courses at this university are strategically designed to give learners the information needed to be proactive and effective societal workers. Students are required to work independently on research projects in order to really spotlight their potential.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Virginia

1. You can find doctoral programs in Psychology at universities all across the U.S. However, you should ensure that the programs you are searching for hold current accreditation with the American Psychological Association (APA) prior to enrollment. These accredited programs consist of the appropriate amount of Psychology-based courses and field experiences needed for students pursuing a career in this licensed field. You can finish this program in around 4 years when enrolled full-time.
2. An important consideration for incoming licensees should be preparation for all field experience requirements in this program. During the final years of your doctoral program, you may begin in-person intensives and internships designed to help you learn the practice of Psychology in a real-world environment. The experience component of your doctoral program totals around 1 year. You may also be required to complete an additional year of supervision experience after graduating from your program. The documents kept during each phase of your supervision elements are required by your state board at the time of licensure.
3. After spending some time in doctoral degree programs and with professional psychologists in the field, your state may expect you to be incredibly knowledgeable and experience in professional Psychology practice. In order to test your abilities, you may be required to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This exam may require ample preparation, as its the most primary examination for professional psychologists in the U.S. Once you have passed the exam you can move forward in your journey to becoming a psychologist.
4. Your state may have a specific outline of documentation requirements needed for licensing approval. Beginning with the licensing application, you should provide all required information and documents regarding your educational programs and supervised experience. The state may also conduct a background test at this point and mandate that all fees are paid prior to approval. Once you have finished these steps you may be approved for licensure as a psychologist in your state.

Psychology Scholarships in Virginia

The pursuit of a doctoral degree in Psychology can be an exhilarating experience. Within your journey, you may be expected to participate in multiple degree programs focused on strengthening your skills in this field.

If you are interested in finding creative ways to lower the costs of this process, you should look deeper into funding resources such as scholarships to help soften the blow from high tuition rates. Scholarships can be found through private agencies, non-profits, or even large professional organizations.

Major supporters of Psychology learners include the American Psychological Association (APA) and the International Honor Society in Psychology. Reviewing these agencies for scholarship opportunities can help you view what types of scholarships may be offered and how to qualify for them.

Scholarships such as the Routh Research and Dissertation Grant and the Frank X. Barron Award can provide funds towards doctoral research and practice, as well as the costs of educational programs. Our team encourages you to explore what types of opportunities might be available before settling on student loans to fund your education.

Psychology Degrees in Virginia

Consider a featured online psychology degree or related program.

Virginia Psychology Licensing

• Your road to becoming a licensed psychologist begins with acceptance into Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in Psychology. This may be one of the longer parts of the journey considering most options as this level take around 4 years to complete in total. Part of your degree program may also entail engagement in around 1 year of supervised experience through internships with licensed professionals in the field. Once you have graduated from an APA-accredited degree program, you can move on to the next stages of the licensing process in your state.
• The Virginia Board of Psychology states that applicants for licensure must first complete 1,500 hours of postdoctoral experience. Prior to beginning your experience, you need to apply for a provisional and temporary license through your state board. This can provide you with the authorization you need to begin providing psychological services while under close supervision of a licensed psychologist supervisor. The 1,500 hour requirement can typically be completed in around 1 year when engaging at a full-time rate.
• Your state requires that incoming psychologist prospects also participate in board testing as part of their individual requirements. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the examination that you may be required to take during this process. You should engage in thorough study and preparing prior to taking this test, since it was developed to help ensure that practitioners in this field have adequate knowledge and practical skills. You should work with the testing agency to ensure your passing scores are sent directly to the Board after completion.
• Your state’s initial application process begins after test scores are received. You can submit your initial application along with a $200 fee to the Virginia Board of Psychology and begin requesting documents such as official transcripts are sent to the Board. At this point you should also review the accuracy of your supervision documents and provide them as supporting evidence for consideration. Your state may require that you participate in background testing during this phase as well.
• After receiving all required information, your state may issue your approval for licensing as a psychologist. With this honor comes great responsibility, since psychologists are required to follow all licensing regulations regarding renewals and continuing education. You should prepare to submit your recertification application each year, along with a $140 fee and proof of completion of 14 continuing education credits.

Virginia Board of Psychology

The Virginia Board of Psychology is located in Henrico, and is responsible for the licensing, monitoring, educating of psychologists to ensure proper practices in the state.

Address:
Virginia Board of Psychology
9960 Mayland Dr., Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
Phone (804) 367-4697
Website

Outlook for Psychology Careers in Virginia

Virginia has always been home to great educational systems and a profound state government. In order to be licensed by the state of Virginia as a practicing psychologist, graduates must take part in the registration process and pass the board exam in psychology. The licensing process is in depth, but worth the effort.

Professionals in psychology are constantly being sought after to fill positions in all walks of life. Since human behavior is an aspect of every career either directly or indirectly, a psychologist is a good addition to any company. Career opportunities differ for those with an undergraduate and graduate degree, but the limitations are few for both. The flexibility of this degree path gives graduates the opportunity to see different perspectives in the working environment while still doing the job that they love.

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