Find the Best West Virginia Psychology Degrees Online

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

There are a total of 15 accredited universities in West Virginia that have a psychology degree program at some level. Popular cities include traditional college towns like Morgantown and Huntington.

Becoming a psychologist in West Virginia includes completing a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology prior to applying for licensing. You might be wondering about which programs would be right for this step, since there are so many available options out there to choose from. You should choose doctoral programs that have current accreditation with the American Psychological Association in order to meet the requirements outlined by your state's licensing agency.

Our team encourages you to explore flexible learning alternatives for your earlier degree programs in Psychology since most doctoral programs in this field are offered online in-person. This first step on your journey to becoming a psychologist can be a fulfilling experience that prepares you for the road ahead.

Consider a Featured Online Psychology Program That Is Accepting Applicants

Overview of a Few Campus and Online Psychology Degrees

The University of Charleston: Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Students considering enrollment into online bachelor's programs in West Virginia can consider the University of Charleston for their learning experience. This school can allow you to explore the theories and developments of Psychology completely in the online setting.

By enrolling in this 4-year online program, you can set yourself up for a diverse learning experience including both general education and psychology-based courses. This program consists of concepts related to developmental psychology, social psychology, and educational psychology for optimum growth.

As you move towards the end of your bachelor's program, you may begin taking courses that focus more on the application of psychological science in the public domain. This can prepare you for a smooth transition into master's level programs, which typically focus more on specific areas of treatment or research depending on the degree concentration.

West Virginia University Psychology Degrees

Of West Virginia’s 15 accredited schools, West Virginia University in Morgantown is a popular choice for new psychology students. This school provide top of the line educational programs in psychology. Students will take courses such as Cognition and Memory, Behavioral Principles, and Professional Field Experience. The instructors at this university work hard to ensure that each learner gets an experience that contributes positively to their future career in psychology.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in West Virginia

1. The very first step you should take after deciding to pursue a career as a psychologist is locating a Bachelor's in Psychology program that is in line with your needs. Many learners choose online programs in order to continue working or managing their personal responsibilities at this level. In addition to the bachelor's, you can also pursue the Master's in Psychology in order to gain more in-depth knowledge about this field and a specific area of treatment that is valuable to you. These programs can take most learners around 5-6 years to complete on average.
2. A Psy. D program is the next step.
3. The supervised experience requirements of your state can be a very important aspect of your professional development. Your state requires that you receive supervised experience both during your doctoral degree program and again after graduation. The combined time spent completing this requirement is around 2 years, during which you should keep detailed records of your experience hours for later submission to your state licensing board. This aspect of your training can allow you to exercise your skills under the close supervision of a licensed psychologist.
4. In addition to your field experience requirements, you may also be required to sit for the national licensing examination for incoming psychologists. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the most prominent examination for individuals pursuing licensing as psychologists. This test may require you to engage in intensive preparation using literature from your degree programs and supervised experience. Your state requires passing scores prior to being approved for licensure.
5. The final step on your path to becoming a psychologist is meeting all documentation requirements as outlined by your state. This may include an initial application and all application fees, submission of transcripts from all universities, and proof of completion of supervised experience through completed documents. Once your state has received all of this supporting information, you may be informed of your approval for licensing as a psychologist in West Virginia.

Psychology Scholarships in West Virginia

The educational journey to becoming a psychologist in West Virginia can be long and full of course work and training. If you are considering scholarship options to help pay for the degree programs needed to become licensed, you should look at local and national agencies to maximize your opportunities.

The American Psychological Association can be an excellent resource for finding scholarships specific to your field. This organization provides opportunities for degree funds as well as postdoctoral internship placements, research, and travel associated with your learning experience.

Funding opportunities such as the SHRM Graduate Foundation Scholarship can provide you with up to $5,000 towards the cost of your educational program. This option should be applied for yearly in order to be considered for the one-time award.

Alternative scholarships such as the AAIA Undergrad Scholarship is specifically for learners in bachelor's programs and can be a great way to save some money early on in your experience. Our team encourages you to explore what is offered to learners in your area, as well as seeking out national resources to apply to at each degree level.

Psychology Degrees in West Virginia

Consider a featured online psychology degree or related program.

West Virginia Psychology Licensing

• The onset of your journey to licensing as a psychologist in West Virginia begins with your enrollment in an APA-accredited doctoral program in Psychology. These programs are regularly reviewed to ensure that they consist of all the necessary courses and field experiences needed for future field practice. These programs are not currently offered in the online setting and can last around 4 years from start to finish. While in this program, you may have the opportunity to choose specializations that best align with the type of work you would like to do once working in the field.
• The first requirement for licensing outside of your degree program includes the first phase of your supervision elements. You can complete up to half of your required supervised experience hours while enrolled in your degree program, through internships or residencies offered to you. You should maintain all documents pertaining to this level of experience for later submission to the state board during the licensing application process.
• Prior to beginning the second half of your experience requirement, you should submit an initial application to the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists to receive a provisional license. At this point, you may be required to submit proof of transcripts, degree, and identification to move forward in his process. The application fee at this level is currently $133 which should be paid at the time your submit your application. Once the Board receives all information they may authorize you to continue your postdoctoral experience requirements.
• The final year of your supervised experience requirement can be within an approved field placement with licensed psychologists. You should choose a placement that best aligns with the type of career specialization you are training for in order to get the best possible experience. The Board outlines specific hourly requirements for individual practice, direct supervision, and supervisor one-on-one meetings. You are required to keep documentation of your experience as part of the verification process for final licensing.
• After you have completed the final year of your supervised experience component, your state board may approve you to sit for the board examination for incoming psychologists. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is required for training psychologists in each state. This is essentially a final test of your skills and knowledge prior to being authorized to work with clients in the treatment field. You should make sure to have passing scores sent directly to the Board from the testing facility for consideration.
• Completing all of the requirements for licensing as a psychologist in West Virginia truly displays your hard-working nature and determination. Once licensed, you should make yourself aware of the renewal requirements outlined for licensed professionals in this field. West Virginia requires that you submit a renewal application every 2 years to maintain your license over time. During each renewal period, you should also complete at least 20 continuing education credits from accredited course providers. You should submit these certificates to the Board at the time of license renewal.

West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists is located in Charleston, and is responsible for the licensing, monitoring, educating of psychologists to ensure proper practices in the state.

Address:
West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists
P. O. Box 3955
Charleston, West Virginia 25339
Phone (304) 558-3040
Website

An Overview of West Virginia Psychology Careers

With the median income for clinical psychologists lingering around $46,310 per year, West Virginia is a remarkable place to pursue a career path in psychology. Some learners choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree, which has many benefits and job openings available.

Many entry-level positions are more than happy to accept applicants with a degree in psychology. Any position that involves working directly with the public values an applicant with knowledge of human nature. Those choosing to get a higher degree and get licensed can do so directly through the state of West Virginia.

The licensing process is thorough but well worth the effort, with psychologist positions open around the state. Working hard towards a degree in psychology is a job on its own, but will provide a lifetime of job stability, especially in West Virginia. There is constantly an increase in population in this area, raising the need for new professionals each year.

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