Alabamans have identified mental health and substance abuse as the second greatest health concern in the state, which is whey individuals who have completed master’s in psychology degree programs in Alabama are in high demand. According to Alabama Public Health, poor mental health affects thousands in the state and too often mental illness goes undiagnosed because of a shortage of providers.
In 2016, there were almost 700 psychologists in Alabama with the biggest majority in the clinical, counseling and school psychology profession. The average salary for psychologists in Alabama ranged from $70,910 to $92,050. Nationally, there were almost 174,000 psychologists employed, earning an average salary of $75,230 per year.
Job openings for individuals who have successfully completed psychology degrees in Alabama and other states is expected to increase by 19 percent over the next decade, much higher than other professions. The reason for the growth is that more people are expected to turn to psychologists to assist them with issues they are facing. In addition, an aging population is expected to need to adjust to the mental and physical changes that occur as people age. Veterans returning from the Gulf War are also expected to need additional services as they return to civilian life.
Master’s in psychology degree programs are growing in importance and there is a need for more psychology experts throughout the United States.
Auburn University
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts prepares students for careers in multiple fields. Students are equipped with such skills as critical thinking, communication and information literacy. There is a low student to teacher ratio so students get the one-on-one assistance that help them succeed. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in places like Costa Rica, France, Spain and the Czech Republic. The College of Liberal Arts has created four Fulbright Scholars, two Gilman Scholars, one NSF Graduate Fellowship and one Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. Students can choose from majors in Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Communication or Humanities.
Clinical Psychology
The Clinical Psychology degree program through the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University is a scientist-practitioner program, providing students with a didactic and experiential training. Students specialize in either the adult or children’s track. All students must complete a core set of broad and general coursework. The program exposes students to a wide range of supervision experiences so they can choose a theoretical orientation that will benefit them in their future careers. Throughout the program students participate in research in order to develop a firm understanding of methods used in clinical psychology. Students must participate in a number of campus and community-based positions in order to gain hands-on training. Students may also engage in practicums which will further their understanding of the psychology field in this master’s in psychology degree program in Alabama.
Accreditation
- American Psychological Association
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Dr. Chris Correla
Director of Clinical Training
Auburn University
Auburn AL 36849
Telephone: 334-844-4000
Email: [email protected]
Jacksonville State University
School of Human Services and Social Sciences
The School of Human Services and Social Sciences at Jacksonville University offers academic programs through traditional, online or a combination of both types, providing students with flexible schedules so they can meet family, work and social obligations while pursuing their higher education goals. Graduates report finding careers immediately and that they are well-prepared for graduate school. Students are provided hands-on experiences through partnerships with the local community.
M.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science in Psychology prepares students for board certification as behavioral analysts, providing them with the skills necessary to analyze behavior in humans. Students develop skills in experimental analysis as well as applied behavior analysis. Students learn how environmental events and behavior are linked as well as how basic behavioral principles apply to human behavior. Animal and human research facilities provide the opportunity for students to get hands on experience. Students are also able to work in practicums at agencies in the surrounding area.
Accreditation
- Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis International
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Paige McKerchar, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Department Head
Jacksonville State University
202 Ayers Hall
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville AL 36265
Telephone: 256-782-5808
Email: [email protected]
Troy University
College of Health and Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services at Troy University provides students with the skills they need to pursue professional practice in many different areas. The college strives to deliver the highest standards of education possible, blending a professional perspective with a liberal arts and science foundation. The college partners with many agencies and organizations in the area so students are provided hands-on experience through practicums and internships.
Master of Science Counseling and Psychology (Clinical Mental Health)
The Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology with a concentration in mental health prepares students for careers in a clinical setting. Graduates have found positions in public health clinics, government agencies and private industry. Courses required as part of the Clinical Mental Health concentration include:
- Behavior Pathology
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Drug Education, Prevention and Intervention
- Evaluation and Assessment of the Individual
- Facilitation Skills and Counseling Techniques
- Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
- Group Dynamics and Counseling
- Human Lifespan and Development
- Legal, Ethical and Professional Standards
- Marriage, Family and Sex Therapy Counseling
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Research Methodology
- Theories of Counseling
- Vocational Psychology and Career Development
Students must also complete 600 hours of internship in mental health and a 100-hour practicum.
Counseling and Psychology – Student Affairs Counseling
Individuals who desire to help others identify their passions and talents would benefit from a master’s degree in student affairs counseling from Troy University. Students develop the skills to help people see their own promise. The program equips students with the professional tools to play an important role in the success of students as they seek post-secondary education. Students develop an understanding of theories and models as well as organizational management and program development. Students develop an understanding of the legal, ethical and administrative structures of higher education as well as skills that will help them work in an area of diverse needs and administrative structure.
Counseling and Psychology – Rehabilitation Counseling
The Master of Counseling in Psychology with a concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling is designed for those who wish to help people with disabilities live more independently and overcome obstacles. The master’s in psychology degree program in Alabama prepares students to assist individuals who are struggling with disability and empower them to become fully integrated in their workplace. Students develop skills that lead to a fulfilling career, allowing them to work closely with employers, institutes of higher learning and others to provide services to those in need.
Master of Science Counseling and Psychology (General)
The Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology offered through the College of Health and Human Services at Troy University allows students to specialize their studies in mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, social services, student affairs, school counseling or school psychometry. It is also available in a general program that touches on all concentrations for students who wish to get a more generalist background in psychology. The program prepares students for professional positions using the highest standards. Students are prepared for state and national licensing by a faculty that delivers through a variety of modalities. Students develop an understanding of factors that relate to the counseling profession as well as knowledge of program evaluation and research. Students develop personal and professional methods for analyzing and evaluating issues in an ethical and legal basis. Students are able to analyze and evaluate in order to create methodologies using therapeutic interventions and assessment techniques.
Master of Science Counseling and Psychology (Substance Abuse)
Individuals who wish to help those who are suffering from substance abuse will benefit from the Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in substance abuse. Students gain an understanding of the identify, roles, history and culture that may lead an individual to abuse drugs or alcohol. Students develop an understanding of methods for evaluating and analyzing in an ethical and legal manner issues that exist in an addictive person as well as the effects addiction has on friends and family. Students are prepared for leadership positions in public, private and governmental agencies designed to treat drug and alcohol addiction.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Commission on Rehabilitation Education
Contact
Mark Tillman, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Health and Human Services
400 Pell Avenue, Room 157
Troy AL 36082
Telephone: 334-808-6468
Email: [email protected]
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Alabama
Graduate Studies
The Graduate Studies Department offers more than 120 master’s, educational specialist and doctorate programs. It is part of one of the fastest growing and most dynamic top 50 public universities. Programs offered at the school are nationally prominent. Degree programs offered through the college prepare students for professional and personal success. Faculty and staff are committed to student success and students are provided many opportunities for hands-on learning with internships and practicums at various agencies in the surrounding community.
Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a master’s in psychology degree program in Alabama that focuses on creating skilled researchers and practitioners who have a desire to help others. Students are trained not only to be outstanding practitioners but also scientists who search for answers to the factors that can lead to psychological problems. Students choose from either Clincial or Experimental focuses. Under the Clinical focus, students may concentrate their studies in the following areas:
- Clinical Child
- Clinical Geropsychology
- Clinical Health
- Psychology and Law
Students who choose to focus their studies in Experimental Psychology can choose from the following concentrations:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Development Science
- Social Psychology
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges
- American Psychological Association
Contact
Mary Beth Hubbard
Graduate Program Assistant
348 Gordon Palmer Hall
Box 870348
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0348
Telephone: 205-348-1919
Email: [email protected]
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology provides students with the skills that help them understand why people behave the way that they do. It is a varied field that is growing in necessity as more people seek psychologists to help them manage in day-to-day life. Students who enter the psychology department are able to solve problems, reason both verbally and quantitatively while also thinking clearly. The department is small and very student-centered. Research covers many components of experimental psychology and students have conducted research on cognitive, human factors, social/personal issues and other aspects of psychology.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology emphasizes the importance of science in the treatment of behavior issues. The focus of the master’s in psychology degree program in Alabama is general-experimental and coursework includes:
- Applied Experimental
- Biological
- Cognitive
- Developmental
- Human Factors
- Industrial/Organizational
- Social Psychology
Students may choose to specialize their studies in Industrial/Organizational psychology, identified as one of the fastest growing occupations over the next ten years. The program does not qualify students for licensure or private practice.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
University of Alabama in Huntsville
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville AL 35899
Telephone: 256-824-1000
Email: [email protected]
The University of West Alabama
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts at the University of West Alabama allows students to express their creativity in art, music and theatre as they study the complex human animal. Students in the college not only debate the great questions of the time, they also learn practical job skills. Graduates have obtained the skills they need to become leaders in their field of study. Fortune 500 CEO’s emphasize the talents that are most valued and these are the skills that are the focus in the College of Liberal Arts.
Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology provides students with methods in statistics and research based in psychology. The program provides the base in core fields of psychology as well as elective classes that allow students to customize their area of study. Students gain the training they need to move into doctoral programs as well as marketable statistics and research methods that employers say they need. Students are provided training in a variety of fields so that students can explore their own interests. Students are provided with presentation and publication, teaching assistant and travel abroad opportunities.
Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Clinical Psychology Option
The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology with a Clinical Psychology Option offers students a broad overview of the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Students develop an understanding of how to assist those suffering from substance abuse, depression, anxiety and other mental issues in a clinical setting. Courses required include:
- Advanced Developmental Psychology
- Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders
- Health Psychology
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Personality Assessment
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Psychopharmacology
- Selected Topics in Psychology
- Statistics and Research Methods I & II
- Systems of Psychotherapy
- The Therapeutic Relationship
- Theories of Personality
Students must complete a psychology practicum, an internship and a master’s thesis.
Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Health and Sports Psychology option
The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology with a Health and Sports Psychology option is designed for students who wish to enter the field of sports health upon graduation. The program does not qualify students for licensing in Alabama or other states. Before enrolling for the master’s in psychology degree program in Alabama, students should check the certification requirements. Courses required include:
- Advanced Developmental Psychology
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Advanced Sport Psychology
- Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders
- Exercise Physiology
- Health Psychology
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Psychology and Sociology of Human Performance
- Psychopharmacology
- Selected Topics in Psychology
- Statistics and Research Methods I & II
- Techniques of Counseling
Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education: Counseling/Psychology Option
The Master of Science in Adult Continuing Education with a Counseling/Psychology Option is designed for students who wish to work with adults who wish to move into a new career or advance in a new career through adult education courses. The program does not qualify students for licensure or teaching certificates. Courses required include:
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Advanced Techniques in Family Counseling
- Assessment Techniques in Family Counseling
- Career Development and Counseling
- Counseling Multicultural Populations
- Life-Span Development and Learning
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Personality Assessment
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Psychological Tests and Measurements
- Psychology of Emotion
- Psychopharmacology
- Selected Topics in Psychology
- Systems of Psychotherapy
- Systems Theory in Psychology
- Techniques of Counseling
- Techniques of Educational Research
- The Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders
- The Therapeutic Relationship
Students must also complete a practicum and internship. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses and must successfully complete a comprehensive evaluation that demonstrates mastery of the curriculum.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
University of West Alabama
Livingston AL 35470
Telephone: 800-621-8044
Email: [email protected]
Website:
It is expected that individuals who have successfully completed master’s in psychology degree programs in Alabama and other states will have more job opportunities over the next decade than those who have not completed such degrees.
See also: Top 50 Best Online Masters in Psychology Degree Programs