How To Become a Psychologist in Maryland 2025

Psychologists are doctors of the mind. Like all other doctors, they are required to pursue state licensure and earn advanced degrees. Maryland residents wondering how to become a psychologist need to learn about their state's requirements, as some states have slightly different requirements than others.

Learn more about how to become a psychologist, including the educational requirements to become a psychologist and how long it takes to get a psychology degree, how to apply for licensure, and which colleges can best help you achieve your goals.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists are mental health professionals. These doctors utilize multiple methods to evaluate, diagnose, and help treat mental disorders and conditions. Although all licensed psychologists work with mental and behavioral health, there are multiple specializations within the field.

The two primary specializations are clinical psychology and counseling psychology, each with its own subspecialties. Clinical psychologists can work in various settings with a primary focus on studying conditions, including roles as hospital psychologists or school psychologists.

Counseling psychologists often work in the same settings as clinical psychologists, but their focus is more on patient care and direct treatment. These professionals provide face-to-face psychological services, including talk therapy, to address stress and emotional issues.

4 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Maryland

Becoming a psychologist in the state of Maryland requires completing multiple steps, including pursuing accredited psychology programs online or on-campus, satisfying post-education requirements, and passing state exams. These requirements will vary slightly from state to state, so you must plan according to Maryland's requirements if you plan to practice within the Old Line State.

Step 1: Earn Degrees

The first step to becoming a psychologist in Maryland is to earn college degrees. First, you'll be required to earn a bachelor's degree. Students should choose a psychology major or a related field, such as social work or criminal justice.

Next, you'll need to continue to graduate school and complete a master's program. Graduate programs involve selecting a specialization and beginning clinical experience.

Finally, nearly all psychologists will be required to complete a doctoral program to begin working in the field. The most popular degrees are either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology. These degrees can be earned through virtual coursework, but there will be on-site clinical requirements before earning a psychologist license. There are both traditional and accelerated psychology degrees online.

Step 2: Complete Supervised Professional Experience Requirements

Earning a psychology license requires completing 3,250 total hours of supervised clinical experience. Students must complete 75% (2,438 hours) of this requirement in face-to-face settings, but some of these hours can be completed via virtual and telehealth sessions. The other main requirement is that 1,750 hours must be completed through an internship within 24 months.

Step 3: Apply to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Students will need to submit their application to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists (MBEP) after finishing all required experiential hours. Aspiring psychologists will need to submit either the practice-oriented programs or the non-practice-oriented programs packet. Your application includes submitting transcripts and consenting to a criminal history records check.

Step 4: Pass the Maryland Psychology Exams

In addition to submitting your application, you'll be required to pass both the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Maryland Jurisprudence exams. The EPPP is an exam that aligns with multiple state licensing requirements and covers core competencies related to psychology.

After completing the EPPP, your scores will automatically be submitted to the MBEP by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The Maryland jurisprudence exam focuses on the ethics, regulations, and laws specific to Maryland.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?

The best degree for psychologists is either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology. These degrees will be required for most career paths within the field. It is possible to earn some psychology careers with only a master's degree, but this is rare. In addition to the doctoral degree, students should have a master's and bachelor's degree in psychology or a directly related field.

Top Psychology Degree Programs

Students across the state of Maryland can enroll in multiple online, hybrid, and on-campus graduate programs. With online options, students can even enroll in the most affordable online psychology degree programs available nationwide. These programs all align with state licensure requirements and can help you achieve your career goals. Look into accredited PsyD programs online to find more flexible learning pathways.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers various online degrees, including a Master of Science in clinical professional counseling. This degree is offered fully online but is only available to residents of Maryland, Virginia, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. The program requires 60 credits; however, students can transfer up to 12 credits.

Estimated tuition cost: $544 per credit (in-state); $659 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Mount St. Mary's University

The Master of Science in applied behavior analysis from Mount St. Mary's University (MSMU) prepares students for a variety of careers. Graduates of this program will develop skills directly related to learning, behavioral, and communication disorders. Students can complete coursework either on campus or through scheduled Zoom classes.

Estimated tuition cost: $720 per credit hour (in-state); $720 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Loyola University

Loyola University (LU) offers students a Doctorate of Psychology in clinical psychology (PsyD). This American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited program takes around five years for full-time students to complete 131 credit hours and 1,510 clinical experience hours. Students will have externship opportunities at over 100 different clinical locations around the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area.

Estimated tuition cost: $1,135 per credit (in-state); $1,135 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland offers an on-campus Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in clinical psychological science. This degree prepares students to work in research and teaching roles in addition to therapy roles. This program is one of the most respected in the nation, ranking 18th out of 157 total programs by the APA.

Estimated tuition cost: $878 per credit hour (in-state); $1,878 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Towson University

Towson University has a Master of Arts in psychology with four different concentrations. Students can choose from clinical psychology, counseling psychology, experimental psychology, and school psychology focuses. Each concentration is tailored for the respective doctoral degrees (PsyD or PhD) for students preparing for advanced studies.

Estimated tuition cost: $739 per credit hour (in-state); $1,335 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Accreditation: MSCHE

Skills of a Psychologist

Becoming a psychologist requires several key skills related to different aspects of the field. Some of the most commonly used skills include problem-solving, research, and communication skills. These skills are needed in clinical and counseling-based roles. Other beneficial skills include understanding different cultures, time management, and patience when interacting with patients.

Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists are expected to see 7% growth in job openings, over double the national average. This growth rate is an average for all career paths in the field, and individual specialties may see different rates. Clinical and counseling psychologists are expected to have 13% growth, while school psychologists are only expected to have 1% growth.

What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Maryland?

The national average salary for psychologists is $94,310, according to the BLS, which is much higher than the national average of $63,795 for all occupations. This average will vary based on a few key factors, such as location, experience, and employer. Psychologists in governmental roles often receive higher salaries than in private sector positions, such as in hospitals or private practice.

Explore Psychology Degrees

Whether you're in Maryland or one of the other 49 states, our articles and school profiles make it easy to learn more about the fastest way to become a psychologist and top degrees offered nationwide. Once you've picked the best school for your needs, use our resources to request more information or start your application today.