6 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Massachusetts
To become a practicing psychologist in Massachusetts, you must obtain a license. Licensure requirements include a doctoral degree, supervised experience, and exams. We've broken down the steps to become a psychologist in Massachusetts below.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that take about four years to complete. You must have a bachelor's degree before you can move on to a graduate program.
Most graduate psychology degrees do not require a specific undergraduate major, although a bachelor's degree in psychology is a common choice. Many schools offer accredited psychology programs online at the bachelor's level.
You should choose an option that offers plenty of coursework in social sciences and corresponds to the field you want to study. Psychology is a great option, but, for example, if you want to be a school psychologist, you could also major in education.
Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree
Master's degrees are graduate degrees that usually take about two years of full-time study, although some schools offer accelerated psychology degrees online that allow you to finish faster.
However, a master's program may not be necessary, as not all doctoral programs require you to hold a master's degree. Some will reduce the number of credits needed for the doctoral degree if you have one, though. This can be one of the fastest ways to become a psychologist.
On the other hand, some psychology-related careers require a master's but not a doctorate. For example, if you want to become a mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, or work in another area of human services, you'll generally just need a master's.
Step 3: Complete a Doctoral Program
To become a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts, you need to have a doctoral degree in psychology. This can be a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or Doctor of Education (EdD) in school psychology.
PhDs in psychology are the most common option and typically prepare students for both research and clinical careers. PsyD degrees are primarily focused on clinical practice. EdDs in school psychology are for those working in education.
All three options lead to licensure in Massachusetts, so long as they are offered through board-approved programs. Approved programs include those that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or are designated as a doctoral program in psychology by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) or the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (RNHSP).
During your doctoral program, you'll take coursework focused on your area of specialization. You'll also engage in research projects and participate in practicums and an internship.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Experience
Applicants for psychology licensure in Massachusetts must also fulfill an experience requirement. You'll need at least 3,200 clock hours of supervised experience.
Up to 1,600 supervised hours can be earned during your predoctoral internship—that is, the internship that's a part of your doctoral program. The remaining 1600 hours must be completed through a postdoctoral training program.
Step 5: Take the Licensure Exams
In Massachusetts, two exams are required for a psychology license. One is a national exam, and the other is a state-specific exam.
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the national exam. It's developed and administered by the ASPPB and tests your knowledge of psychology and psychotherapy. You must obtain a passing score of at least 500 for licensure.
In Massachusetts, applicants for a psychologist license must also take the Massachusetts Jurisprudence exam. This exam will test your knowledge of Massachusetts law as it's applicable to psychology practice.
Step 6: Obtain and Maintain Licensure
Once you've completed your doctoral program and supervised experience and passed your exams, you can finish the application process. There are a few other steps required:
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Complete a board-approved training program in domestic and sexual violence.
- Apply to be a health services provider with MassHealth.
- Pay the required application fees.
Even after you've secured your professional license, you're not quite done. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists requires licensed psychologists to renew their licensure every two years.
To renew your license, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education each year. This education must be through an entity approved by the APA, the Massachusetts Psychological Association, or the Board of Registration of Psychologists.
What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?
A doctoral degree, specifically a PhD in psychology, PsyD, or an EdD in school psychology, is required to earn a psychology license in Massachusetts. PhDs in psychology are the most commonly offered option.
A master's degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy may be enough to lead to counseling roles or jobs in related fields. However, it is not enough for psychology licensure in Massachusetts.
Top Psychology Degree Programs
Several schools in Massachusetts offer APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology. We've featured some of the best PsyD programs and PhDs in psychology below.
1. Boston University
Boston University is a private, nonprofit research institution in Boston. It offers APA-accredited PhDs in clinical psychology and in counseling psychology and human development.
The clinical psychology degree helps students develop skills in research and science-based clinical practice. The counseling psychology and human development program focuses on using evidence-based practices to promote optimal development for children, youth, and young adults in diverse settings.
Estimated tuition cost: $66,670 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), APA, and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
2. Boston College
At Boston College (BC), students can earn a PhD in counseling psychology through the School of Education and Human Development. The program focuses on a social justice approach to intervention at the individual, community, and policy levels.
BC, a private Catholic research university, is located in Boston. It provides a range of financial aid options to help students cover their degree.
Estimated tuition cost: $37,404 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: NECHE and APA
3. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst offers a PhD in clinical psychology and a PhD in school psychology. UMass Amherst is a public research university in Amherst, MA.
The clinical psychology degree prepares students for careers in clinical research and practice. The school psychology program prepares students to practice as school psychologists or pursue health service psychology.
Estimated tuition cost: $15,091 per year (in-state); $33,407 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: NECHE and APA
4. Northeastern University
Two accredited PhDs in psychology are available through Northeastern University. The PhD in counseling psychology prepares students for professional practice, while the PhD in school psychology is for those who want to work specifically in educational settings.
Northeastern, located in Boston, is a private, nonprofit research university. It includes rigorous hands-on training for students in both programs.
Estimated tuition cost: $28,786 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: NECHE and APA
5. Clark University
Clark University is a private, nonprofit research institution in Worcester, MA. It offers a PhD in clinical psychology through its Department of Psychology.
The program emphasizes high-quality research and clinical training. Students graduate ready to become skilled clinical psychologists who work to improve the lives of people in their communities.
Estimated tuition cost: $49,750 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: NECHE and APA
Skills of a Psychologist
Psychologists need a strong understanding of psychological theory, clinical practice, and research methods. However, there are also several soft skills they need, including:
- analytical and critical thinking skills
- communication skills
- compassion and patience
- integrity and confidentiality
- interpersonal skills
- observational skills
- problem-solving skills
Your degree program will provide you with a firm foundation in these skills, but you'll develop them even further through practicums and internships.
Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general psychology jobs are expected to increase nationwide by 7% by 2033. In Massachusetts specifically, growth is also expected, though the amount varies by career.
Counseling and clinical psychologists, as well as school psychologists, are expected to see a job growth of 12% by 2033. Other psychologists, including neuropsychologists and clinical neuropsychologists, are expected to see a growth of 9% in Massachusetts in the same time frame.
What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary in Massachusetts also depends on the type of psychologist you are. It depends on your location as well.
Counseling and clinical psychologists in Massachusetts have a median annual salary of $87,060, which is below the U.S. median of $95,830. However, those in the Boston and Springfield, MA, areas earn a median salary of over $100,000 per year.
School psychologists in Massachusetts have a median annual salary of $98,150, which is higher than the national average of $86,930. Other types of psychologists also earn more, with a median annual salary of $128,150 in Massachusetts compared to the national median of $117,580 per year.
To help maximize your salary, try to keep your costs low while in school. Look for some of the most affordable online psychology degrees and take advantage of financial aid opportunities.
Explore Psychology Degrees
Start your journey toward a psychology career path by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.
