How To Become a Psychologist in Iowa 2025

<p>If you're wondering how to become a psychologist in Iowa, the path involves several years of education, clinical training, and earning state licensure. From earning your degree to meeting supervision and exam requirements, each step is essential to your future career. </p> <p>Whether you're interested in clinical work, research, or counseling, we'll explain <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_psychologist.html">how to become a psychologist</a>. Keep reading to get a step-by-step breakdown of this career journey. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesAPsychologistDo">What Does a Psychologist Do?</h2> <p>Psychologists study how people think, feel, and behave. They then use that knowledge to help others improve their lives. Depending on their specialization, they might work with individuals, couples, or groups to treat mental health conditions, improve relationships, or manage stress. </p> <p>Some psychologists conduct research, design experiments, or analyze behavior patterns in schools, workplaces, or healthcare settings. Others provide therapy, create treatment plans, or consult with doctors and educators. </p> <p>The educational requirements to become a psychologist are extensive, though you may be able to find <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psychology_degree_iowa.html">accredited psychology programs online</a>. This type of learning environment can offer flexibility and affordability on your journey. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeAPsychologistInIowa">5 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Iowa</h2> <p>You may be 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>. In Iowa, the process to become a licensed psychologist involves several key educational and professional milestones. We'll go over licensure requirements below. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Start by completing a four-year undergraduate degree. A major in psychology is ideal, but related fields such as sociology, education, or human development may also be acceptable for graduate school. </p> <p>Additionally, you could find an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_online_psychology_degree_programs.html">accelerated psychology degree online</a>. This allows you to fulfill licensing requirements sooner. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2EarnADoctoralDegree">Step 2: Earn a Doctoral Degree</h3> <p>To get a psychologist license in the state of Iowa, you'll need to complete an accredited program at the doctoral level. You must earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) from an accredited program. </p> <p>This includes coursework, research, and clinical practicum experiences. As part of the doctoral program, you must complete a full-time, one-year internship to meet licensure requirements. </p> <p>Unfortunately, there are no PsyD programs in Iowa, though there are PhDs available. If you're looking for the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psyd_programs.html">best PsyD programs</a>, try online schools or a neighboring state. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3FulfillIowaSPostdoctoralSupervisedExperienceRequirement">Step 3: Fulfill Iowa's Postdoctoral Supervised Experience Requirement</h3> <p>After earning your degree, Iowa requires at least 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral work, typically completed within one year, to qualify for full licensure. This professional experience prepares you to enter the field by providing real-world problem-solving. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4PassTheExaminationForProfessionalPracticeInPsychologyEPPP">Step 4: Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)</h3> <p>You must pass the EPPP, a national standardized licensing exam that assesses your knowledge of core psychological principles and practice. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForLicensure">Step 5: Apply for Licensure</h3> <p>After completing all educational and training requirements, submit your application to the Iowa Board of Psychology. Be sure to include official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, and documentation of examination requirements. An application fee must also be paid at the time of submission. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreTheBestDegreesForAPsychologist">What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?</h2> <p>The best degree for a psychologist depends on their career goals and the setting in which they plan to work. Most psychologists begin with a bachelor's degree in psychology &mdash; but related fields like social work, human resources, or education can also provide a strong foundation. Those seeking entry-level roles or careers outside of clinical practice may stop at this level or pursue applied positions in business or community services. </p> <p>A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field can lead to licensure for certain roles such as mental health counselor or school psychologist. However, to become a licensed clinical psychologist or teach at the university level, a doctoral degree is necessary. </p> <p>Finding the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_psychology.html">most affordable online psychology degree</a> can be a smart first step as an undergraduate just starting out. Most graduate programs require in-person experiences and may have high tuition rates. </p> <h2 id="section---TopPsychologyDegreePrograms">Top Psychology Degree Programs</h2> <p>Iowa is home to several graduate programs in psychology. Below, we'll discuss these in more detail. </p> <h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfNorthernIowa">1. University of Northern Iowa</h3> <p>The University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Arts in psychology with two research-focused emphases: clinical science and social psychology. The two-year program combines rigorous coursework and supervised practicum experiences. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,536 (in-state); $22,238 (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.IowaStateUniversity">2. Iowa State University</h3> <p>Iowa State University's psychology department offers PhD training in cognitive psychology, counseling psychology, and social psychology. Students may also elect to earn a graduate certificate in quantitative methods. </p> <p>The program emphasizes an apprenticeship model, where students engage in hands-on research under faculty mentorship. Aspiring psychologists are supported by small cohorts and full funding for five years. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,919 (in-state); $14,988 (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> American Psychological Association (APA) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.NorthwesternCollege">3. Northwestern College</h3> <p>Northwestern College offers a 60-credit master's program in clinical mental health counseling. It features 100% online coursework, though two on-campus immersion experiences each summer are required. </p> <p>Students may complete the program in two years. This timeline amounts to about two courses per semester. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $590 per credit hour; $590 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.TheUniversityOfIowa">4. The University of Iowa</h3> <p>The University of Iowa offers a research-focused PhD in psychology. Enrollees can pursue several tracks, including clinical science, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and cognition. </p> <p>Students receive intensive lab-based training under faculty mentorship and benefit from full funding for up to five years. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $667 per credit hour (in-state); $667 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> APA </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UpperIowaUniversity">5. Upper Iowa University</h3> <p>At Upper Iowa University, graduate students can earn a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis on leadership and professional development. Students can complete this fully online program in two years through eight-week courses. </p> <p>Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required if you have a 2.75 GPA or higher. Prospective students can choose from fall or spring start times to enroll. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $607 per credit hour (in-state); $607 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </li></ul><h2 id="section---SkillsOfAPsychologist">Skills of a Psychologist</h2> <p>Psychologists must have certain skills to perform their roles adequately. These skills are essential across research, clinical, counseling, and industrial-organizational roles. Some of these include: </p> <ul><li>communication </li><li>analytical thinking </li><li>empathy </li><li>problem-solving </li><li>cultural competency </li><li>research skills </li><li>ethical judgment </li></ul><h2 id="section---CareersAndJobOutlookForPsychologists">Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists</h2> <p>Psychologists in Iowa have a range of career paths available to them, depending on their specialization and level of education. Common roles include clinical psychologists, health service providers, and family therapists. These professionals work in settings such as hospitals, private practices, schools, community clinics, and government agencies. </p> <p>The national outlook for those in the field of psychology is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate is 7% over the coming years. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryOfAPsychologistInIowa">What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Iowa?</h2> <p>The national median annual wage for all psychologists was $94,310, according to data from the BLS. Salaries vary widely depending on location, specialization, and education level. </p> <h2 id="section---ExplorePsychologyDegrees">Explore Psychology Degrees</h2> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_fast_can_i_become_psychologist.html">fastest way to become a psychologist</a> in Iowa involves full-time study and accelerated programs. Explore the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn about the curriculum and expected timelines.</p>