How To Become a Psychologist in Indiana 2025

<p>Psychologists play a major role in helping people manage their daily lives and more severe, chronic conditions. Whether working in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or schools, psychologists make a difference in their clients' well-being. </p> <p>Do you want to learn how to become a psychologist in Indiana? Keep reading. Below, we'll discuss the state's licensure and educational requirements. In no time, you'll know <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_psychologist.html">how to become a psychologist</a> and will be prepared to start your career. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesAPsychologistDo">What Does a Psychologist Do?</h2> <p>Psychologists are mental health experts who use therapy and psychological evaluations to help clients manage their personal lives, relationships with others, and mental health challenges. Some duties include: </p> <ul><li>Observe and interpret how people relate to each other. </li><li>Identify emotional, psychological, and behavioral disorders. </li><li>Diagnose and treat disorders. </li><li>Research emotional issues to understand and predict behavior. </li><li>Write papers and articles on these topics to share findings. </li></ul><p>Depending on the role a psychologist assumes, they might perform different duties. For example, a school psychologist addresses academic and behavioral issues that can impact student learning. Forensic psychologists, on the other hand, analyze legal cases and provide expert testimony in court. Schools offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psychology_degree_indiana.html">accredited psychology programs online</a> to help learners pursue these and other roles. </p> <h2 id="section---7StepsToBecomeAPsychologistInIndiana">7 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Indiana</h2> <p>Students interested in practicing as psychologists in Indiana must obtain a psychology license. This normally requires a doctoral degree. Below, we'll outline Indiana's educational requirements to become a psychologist and detail other steps needed to work as a licensed psychologist in the state. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree teaches students the basics of the field of psychology. Coursework in general psychology programs focuses on human behavior, cognition, perception, and other key concepts. Specialty programs (e.g., forensic psychology) provide more targeted courses. </p> <p>Are you wondering <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_long_does_it_take_to_get_a_degree_in_psychology.html">how long it takes to get a psychology degree</a>? A bachelor's program requires about four years of coursework. However, you could finish sooner by pursuing an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_online_psychology_degree_programs.html">accelerated psychology degree online</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2CompleteADoctoralDegreeProgram">Step 2: Complete a Doctoral Degree Program</h3> <p>The next step in the journey to licensure is earning a graduate degree. In most cases, students need a doctoral degree. However, there are exceptions. For example, learners seeking a school psychologist license can earn a master's degree, which is usually the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_fast_can_i_become_psychologist.html">fastest way to become a psychologist</a>. </p> <p>Students who need a doctoral degree can pursue a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which takes five or six years to complete. The PsyD focuses on the clinical practice and training students need to practice as psychologists. PhD programs prepare learners for academic careers by emphasizing research and theory. </p> <p>When looking for schools to attend, consider ones offering degrees accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). </p> <h3 id="section---Step3GainSupervisedExperience">Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience</h3> <p>While enrolled in a graduate psychology program, students acquire clinical training through practicums in healthcare settings. Programs determine the minimum number of hours of training students need to earn their degree. At the doctoral level, programs also include a mandatory internship that lasts about one year. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ApplyForLicensure">Step 4: Apply for Licensure</h3> <p>After completing a doctoral program, students can apply for psychology licensure in Indiana. Steps include: </p> <ul><li>Complete an application, which can be submitted to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency online at MyLicense.IN.gov. </li><li>Pay an application fee of $100. </li><li>Provide an official transcript showing conferment of a doctoral degree and program (PhD or PsyD). Internships should be listed directly on the transcript. </li><li>Submit a criminal background check (CBC) after applying for licensure. </li></ul><p>Note: Students with a current license from another state or jurisdiction who meet specific qualifications might qualify for licensure by reciprocity. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5TakeExaminations">Step 5: Take Examinations</h3> <p>Once the application for licensure has been reviewed and approved, students will receive a jurisprudence exam via email upon request. This test assesses learners' knowledge of the Statute and Rules of Indiana related to the practice of psychology. Students answer 50 true-false and multiple-choice questions. A passing score of 75% is required. </p> <p>After passing the jurisprudence exam, applicants will receive approval to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This national exam from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) tests students' knowledge of content areas such as assessment and diagnosis and biological bases of behavior. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6GetAnHSPPEndorsement">Step 6: Get an HSPP Endorsement</h3> <p>Once students have met all licensure requirements and become psychologists, they must obtain endorsement as a health services provider in psychology (HSPP) if they plan to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders independently. </p> <p>HSPP endorsement eligibility includes completing a 1,500-hour internship. At least 1,600 hours of post-internship experience is also required. The latter must be completed in at least 12 months (including 900 direct client hours). </p> <h3 id="section---Step7RenewTheLicenseAndContinueYourEducation">Step 7: Renew the License and Continue Your Education</h3> <p>Psychologists in Indiana renew their licenses every two years. Indiana state psychology board licenses expire on September 1st of even years. The last day of the renewal year is August 31st. </p> <p>Not all psychologist need continuing education hours to renew their licenses. Only health service providers in psychology are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two-year license period. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreTheBestDegreesForAPsychologist">What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?</h2> <p>The best degree to start a career as a psychologist depends on the type of role you want to pursue. Most positions require a doctoral degree, while a master's degree is sufficient for school psychologists. Degree programs you might consider include: </p> <ul><li><b>Clinical psychology:</b> A clinical psychology degree program prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat disorders through coursework, research, and clinical training. </li><li><b>Counseling psychology:</b> In a counseling psychology program, students learn culturally-sensitive practices to help clients improve their well-being and overcome mental health challenges. Coursework and supervised work experience are required. </li><li><b>School psychology:</b> School psychology programs teach students the skills to provide social, emotional, and academic support in school settings. </li><li><b>Forensic psychology:</b> In forensic psychology programs, students gain the skills to advocate for fair treatment and informed decision-making in the criminal and civil legal systems. </li><li><b>Industrial/organizational psychology:</b> Students learn to enhance professional settings through psychology coursework in life coaching, leadership, and ethics. </li></ul><h2 id="section---TopPsychologyDegreePrograms">Top Psychology Degree Programs</h2> <p>Are you ready to start a career as a psychologist? Review the list below to find some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psyd_programs.html">best PsyD programs</a>. We'll also highlight top master's degrees in Indiana. </p> <h3 id="section---1.IndianaStateUniversity">1. Indiana State University</h3> <p>The general psychology program at Indiana State University lets learners graduate with a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA). Students in this campus-based program prepare for careers in research or entry to doctoral-level programs. </p> <p>Courses focus on biopsychology, social psychology, and other related concepts. Enrollees with a 3.0 or higher can qualify for graduate assistantships to reduce school costs. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $462 per credit hour (in-state); $601 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </p> <h3 id="section---2.BallStateUniversity">2. Ball State University</h3> <p>At Ball State University, learners seeking careers in psychology can pursue one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_psychology_degree_indiana.html">cheapest online psychology degree</a> programs in the state. The MS in quantitative psychology, a 33-credit online program, teaches research design, applied regression analysis, and more. Upon completion, graduates can qualify for research and teaching roles or pursue a PhD degree. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $464 per credit hour (in-state); $696 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p> <h3 id="section---3.IndianaTech">3. Indiana Tech</h3> <p>The MS in psychology at Indiana Tech explores principles, theories, and research in the field. Courses in this APA-aligned program boost learners' knowledge of lifespan development, counseling theory, and legal issues in psychology. Graduates are prepared for doctoral degrees and jobs in hospitals, mental health agencies, and schools. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $545 per credit hour (in-state); $545 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p> <h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfEvansville">4. University of Evansville</h3> <p>The University of Evansville's PsyD in clinical psychology prepares students for careers helping people manage stress and mental illness. Learners take courses in psychological theory, intervention, and research, and obtain clinical practice through supervised training. After completing graduate school, students will be ready to work in medical centers, school systems, and mental health clinics. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $14,790 per semester (in-state); $14,790 per semester (out-of-state) </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfIndianapolis">5. University of Indianapolis</h3> <p>The University of Indianapolis offers a 111-credit hour PsyD clinical psychology program that students complete in just five years when attending full-time during the academic year and summers. Coursework in this campus-based program focuses on lifespan psychology, interventions, and psychopathology. Two years of clinical training are required. Learners interested in completing an MA degree take nine additional credit hours. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,080 per credit hour (in-state); $1,080 per credit hour (out-of-state) </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p> <h2 id="section---SkillsOfAPsychologist">Skills of a Psychologist</h2> <p>Working as a psychologist means spending one-on-one time with people who share their innermost thoughts and concerns. Managing these sensitive moments alongside other duties requires top skills, such as: </p> <ul><li><b>Communication:</b> Psychologists must be comfortable speaking to clients and peers and conveying ideas in writing. </li><li><b>Compassion:</b> In this role, experts must be capable of empathizing with clients who are dealing with stressful situations. </li><li><b>Patience:</b> When clients become stressed or overwhelmed during sessions, psychologists must have the skills to remain calm. </li><li><b>Analytical skills:</b> When not working with clients, psychologists might conduct research and present findings, which requires quality analytical skills. </li></ul><h2 id="section---CareersAndJobOutlookForPsychologists">Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists</h2> <p>A psychology degree can lead to many career paths. Review the following popular careers and examine their job outlooks based on data from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>: </p> <ul><li><b>General psychologist:</b> In this role, experts study behavior and how beliefs and feelings influence people. Jobs for this position are projected to grow 7% through 2033. </li><li><b>Counseling and clinical psychologists:</b> These professionals help clients manage mental and behavioral health. Job growth for these roles is projected to jump 13%. </li><li><b>School psychologists:</b> Experts use techniques in psychology to improve learning challenges in schools. Employment is expected to grow 1%. </li><li><b>School counselors:</b> Counselors help students develop the social and academic skills to excel in school and life. These roles are expected to see 4% job growth. </li><li><b>Social workers:</b> Experts in social work diagnose and treat emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. Job growth is projected to jump 7%. </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryOfAPsychologistInIndiana">What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Indiana?</h2> <p>The average salary of psychologists in Indiana varies by position. Here is a breakdown of annual mean wages for several roles: </p> <ul><li><b>Clinical and counseling psychologists:</b> $91,840 </li><li><b>School psychologists:</b> $76,880 </li><li><b>Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors:</b> $59,040 </li><li><b>Mental health and substance abuse social workers:</b> $58,170 </li></ul><h2 id="section---ExplorePsychologyDegrees">Explore Psychology Degrees</h2> <p>Take the next step toward a rewarding career in psychology by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.</p>