How To Become a Psychologist in Montana 2025

<p>Are you interested in helping people manage everyday issues and more serious mental health challenges? There's no better time to learn how to become a psychologist. These experts make a difference in the lives of others through the study of behavior and brain function and the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. </p> <p>If you want to learn <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_psychologist.html">how to become a psychologist</a> in Montana, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight the steps required to start this rewarding career. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesAPsychologistDo">What Does a Psychologist Do?</h2> <p>A psychologist is a healthcare professional who studies the brain and human behavior. In this role, experts also work with clients to help them manage daily challenges and treat chronic conditions. Here are some of their duties: </p> <ul><li>evaluate behavior through controlled lab experiments </li><li>administer performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests </li><li>pinpoint behavioral, emotional, and psychological disorders in clients </li><li>help clients identify strengths and point them to resources to manage problems </li></ul><p>Psychologists trained in specialties sometimes perform different duties. For instance, an industrial-organizational psychologist helps solve workplace issues and improve work-life quality. Students looking for programs can find <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psychology_degree_montana.html">accredited online psychology degrees</a> nationwide. </p> <h2 id="section---6StepsToBecomeAPsychologistInMontana">6 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Montana</h2> <p>Meeting the educational requirements to become a psychologist is the first step in starting this career. Read on to learn all the steps needed to secure licensure for this role. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Bachelor's programs explore fundamental concepts through coursework focused on the brain, human behavior, perception, and mental processes. Learners can also pursue specializations in areas of study like forensic psychology and social psychology. Upon completion, students typically earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, which can qualify them for admission to many doctoral programs. </p> <p>If you're 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> at the bachelor's level, most programs are completed in about four years. However, it's possible to earn your degree at a faster pace 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>In most cases, students who want to become psychologists in Montana must earn a doctoral degree in psychology or clinical psychology. An exception is the school psychologist role, which requires completion of a graduate program (master's degree or higher) to secure an educator license. </p> <p>Learners requiring a doctoral degree for the psychology license typically earn a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) when seeking a career in clinical practice or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for academic and research roles. When searching for programs, students should look for ones approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). </p> <p>Going straight from a bachelor's degree to a doctoral program is usually the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_fast_can_i_become_psychologist.html">fastest way to become a psychologist</a>. Taking this route, students earn their doctoral degrees in six or fewer years (including practicums and internships). </p> <h3 id="section---Step3GainSupervisedExperience">Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience</h3> <p>Students seeking a psychologist license in Montana must acquire 3,200 hours or two years of supervised experience. One year may be predoctoral, occurring after completing master's degree-level coursework and during an internship in the doctoral degree program. </p> <p>A minimum of 1,600 hours must be postdoctoral. These hours may not include more than six months of supervised research, teaching, or a combination of the two. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4TakeTheNationalExamAndJurisdictionalCourse">Step 4: Take the National Exam and Jurisdictional Course</h3> <p>Licensure requirements include earning a passing score on the computerized Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), delivered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The Board also requires students to take and pass the online Montana Board of Psychologists jurisdictional course. Applicants are made eligible for this course once a completed application is received. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForLicensure">Step 5: Apply for Licensure</h3> <p>Once students have met the licensing requirements for the state of Montana, they're ready to start the application process. When submitting the application for licensure, learners should include the following (or ensure they're sent directly from the correct source): </p> <ul><li>transcripts of all completed graduate work </li><li>course and program descriptions from official college catalogs </li><li>documents that establish the completion of predoctoral and postdoctoral supervision </li><li>copy of a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank </li><li>board-approved evaluator's recommendation determining that the applicant's course of studies meets minimum standards specified (if applicable) </li><li>copy of postdoctoral supervision logs (for applicants who obtained the postdoctoral year of supervision in Montana) </li><li>EPPP scores reported directly from the ASPPB </li></ul><p>Students must submit a $175 application fee. If applicable, a $25 postdoctoral supervision proposal approval must also be submitted. Online applicants can pay using an e-check or a credit card. Applicants sending in a paper application must submit a check. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6RenewLicensureAndContinueYourEducation">Step 6: Renew Licensure and Continue Your Education</h3> <p>After securing a Montana psychology license, professionals must renew it every year between November 1 and December 31. The renewal fee for active psychologists is $600. Licensees must also meet continuing education requirements, which include reporting 40 hours every two years. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreTheBestDegreesForAPsychologist">What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?</h2> <p>The best degrees are those that align with your preferred psychologist role. For most positions, a doctoral degree is required. However, students can become a school psychologist with a master's degree. </p> <p>The following majors offer degrees at both graduate levels for students seeking different psychology careers. </p> <ul><li><b>Counseling psychology:</b> Students in counseling psychology programs learn how to use counseling techniques to help people with personal challenges manage their lives. </li><li><b>Clinical psychology:</b> Clinical psychology programs prepare students to diagnose and treat disorders through a mix of psychological science and clinical training. </li><li><b>Neuropsychology:</b> In this program, learners study how the brain impacts cognition and behavior and treat clients with brain injuries and neurological illnesses. </li><li><b>School psychology:</b> Students enrolled in school psychology programs learn the psychological and educational practices needed to support learners in school settings. </li><li><b>Rehabilitation psychology:</b> A degree in rehabilitation psychology prepares students to help clients with chronic health conditions or disabilities improve their quality of life. </li></ul><p>After finding your preferred degree, consider looking for ways to save by pursuing the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_psychology.html">most affordable online psychology degree</a> programs. Schools with low tuition rates offering scholarships and fellowships are the best options. </p> <h2 id="section---TopPsychologyDegreePrograms">Top Psychology Degree Programs</h2> <p>Are you interested in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_psyd_programs.html">accredited PsyD programs online</a>? While these programs aren't available in Montana, you can find campus-based degrees at the graduate level. Explore the list below to discover some of the state's best programs. </p> <h3 id="section---1.MontanaStateUniversity">1. Montana State University</h3> <p>Montana State University offers a PhD in psychological science for students who want to apply their knowledge of cognitive, health, and social psychology in academia, government, and business settings. Courses explore advanced research design, biopsychology, and more. Fellowships and other funding options make this low-cost degree even more affordable. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,288 per year (in-state); $20,840 per year (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.MontanaStateUniversityBillings">2. Montana State University Billings</h3> <p>The Master of Science (MS) in psychology at Montana State University Billings prepares students for careers in research and school settings. Learners can also qualify for entry to a doctoral program. Coursework explores clinical research methods, advanced social psychology, and more. This program offers an internship option for clinical training. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $8,280 per year (in-state); Starting at $11,070 per year (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCUC </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfMontana">3. University of Montana</h3> <p>At the University of Montana, students can choose from three doctoral degrees in psychology. The PhD in clinical psychology helps students develop therapy and assessment skills. </p> <p>In the experimental psychology PhD program, enrollees study animal behavior, neuroscience, social psychology, and more. Students who pursue a PhD in school psychology gain research and clinical skills for roles in schools, hospitals, and private practice. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,032 per year (in-state); $37,588 per year (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCUC </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherPsychologyDegrees">Other Psychology Degrees</h2> <p>Do you want to expand your search for programs beyond the state of Montana? Review the schools below to find APA-accredited degrees in neighboring states. </p> <h3 id="section---IdahoStateUniversity">Idaho State University</h3> <p>Idaho State University offers two PhD programs for students interested in psychology. The clinical psychology PhD provides training in the field through rigorous coursework and research components. Learners interested in experimental psychology can pursue a PhD that focuses on research development and ends with a public presentation of the dissertation findings. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $11,522 per year (in-state); $30,632 per year (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCUC </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfNorthDakota">University of North Dakota</h3> <p>Students attending the University of North Dakota can pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, designed for completion in four to six years. Coursework in this program teaches theories of learning and behavior pathology. Enrollees can meet practical experience requirements through the program's clinical practice course. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,680.64 per year (in-state); Starting at $16,104.24 per year (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCUC </li></ul><h2 id="section---SkillsOfAPsychologist">Skills of a Psychologist</h2> <p>Psychologists play an important role in advancing the field through research while also helping their clients lead quality lives. This unique balance requires top-notch skills. Some include: </p> <ul><li><b>Compassion:</b> Experts must be able to empathize when working with clients who deal with major challenges. </li><li><b>Interpersonal skills:</b> Psychologists must be able to make good connections with their clients and the specialists they collaborate with. </li><li><b>Communication:</b> These experts must be comfortable conveying ideas in writing and speaking to peers and clients. </li><li><b>Analytical skills:</b> In addition to working with clients, psychologists use strong analytical skills to conduct research. </li></ul><h2 id="section---CareersAndJobOutlookForPsychologists">Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists</h2> <p>Students earning a master's or doctoral degree in psychology can choose from numerous career options. Below are some of the more popular in this and related fields. Explore this job outlook data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): </p> <ul><li><b>Counseling and clinical psychologists:</b> In these roles, experts help clients to manage mental health and deal with daily changes. Jobs for these positions are projected to grow 13% through 2033. </li><li><b>General psychologists:</b> These experts study the brain and the impact beliefs and feelings have on people's behavior. Employment for these roles is projected to grow 7%. </li><li><b>School psychologists:</b> Professionals support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being in school settings. The projected job growth for this role is a 1% increase. </li><li><b>School counselors:</b> A school counselor works with students to enhance their social and academic skills. This role is expected to see 4% job growth. </li><li><b>Social workers:</b> Experts in social work help individuals and families manage their social challenges. Job growth for this role is projected to jump 7%. </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryOfAPsychologistInMontana">What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Montana?</h2> <p>A psychologist's average salary varies by position. Review the breakdown of annual mean wages for roles in Montana: </p> <ul><li>Psychology teacher (postsecondary): $85,550 </li><li>School psychologists: $81,250 </li><li>Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors: $64,770 </li><li>Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $50,890 </li></ul><h2 id="section---ExplorePsychologyDegrees">Explore Psychology Degrees</h2> <p>Begin an exciting career as a psychologist by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of choice today to find out how they can help you reach your academic goals.</p>