Psychology offers many career opportunities to specialize in helping Americans with mental health, addiction, trauma, and other challenges. They work as clinicians at mental health facilities, social service agencies, schools, and other institutions, and as "field psychologists" who conduct research. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 14% job growth rate between 2018-28 in the field, making for an encouraging job market for psychologists. This outpaces the 5% average job growth rate for all occupations.
Since every state requires each psychologist to hold a license to practice, those interested in this career must first complete the education and training needed to qualify for licensure in Nevada, as well. The Silver State offers some of the nation's best accredited programs in psychology. The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and University of Nevada Las Vegas both make the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the best psychology schools in the nation.
This resource provides more information on how to choose psychology colleges in Nevada, common coursework, state licensure requirements, and state-specific salary and employment data for this profession.
How Do Online Psychology Degree Programs in Nevada Work?
Online programs allow busy learners to juggle career and family responsibilities. Some schools offer asynchronous degrees that do not require students to attend virtual classes at set times. Others may require synchronous sessions with more rigid requirements. While UNR features a fully online master of social work, it does not offer other psychology degrees online.
Other schools offer online programs in psychology. The California-based National University (NU) operates a campus in Henderson and features an online BA in psychology, an MA in performance psychology, and an MS in school psychology. Sierra Nevada College (SNC) also offers a fully online BA in psychology. Other schools may offer more fully online or hybrid options, so prospective students should do their research on all available institutions.
Whichever psychology colleges in Nevada students choose, they do not sacrifice quality if the institution holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the APA for certain doctorate programs. Furthermore, when schools issue diplomas, they make no distinction between online and virtual learning.
Featured Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
What Courses Are Part of an Online Psychology Degree Program in Nevada?
Coursework for online psychology degrees in Nevada varies depending on the specialization. At the undergraduate level, programs typically touch on some fundamental subjects, such as abnormal and developmental psychology. We list five common courses below.
Cognitive psychology observes human mental processes, including learning, language, memory, and reasoning. Faculty members use technology like functional brain imaging to highlight the areas of the brain responsible for the processing and indexing of information. They may introduce students to pioneers in cognitive psychology, such as Ulric Neisser, Albert Bandura, and Susan Carey.
This foundational course in any psychology program teaches students how childhood experiences and other factors help cultivate a person's personality, intellect, and behavior. Students can learn about classical and recent theories and the psychologists who helped develop them, such as Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, and Mary Dinsmore Ainsworth.
Another required course for undergraduates, this course offers insight into abnormal psychology, attendant disorders, and behaviors. In addition to classical and contemporary theories and research, faculty introduce students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), psychology's principal tool for psychiatric diagnoses.
Schools increasingly offer this course at a time when more Americans turn to positive psychology to improve their lives. Enrollees can learn about the empirical evidence of positive psychology's impact on health and well-being in areas like physical and mental health, stress mitigation, and maintaining strong relationships.
Degree-seekers enrolled in this course can learn about forensic psychology applications in the legal system, including how forensic psychologists serve as expert witnesses to explain criminal behaviors, assess witness competency and propensity for violence, and help with the jury selection process.
Becoming a Psychologist in Nevada
This section outlines the steps that aspiring psychologists must take to meet Nevada's licensure requirements. We cover areas like how to choose a specialization, degree requirements, and the best psychology colleges in Nevada.
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Specialize
Psychology's many subdisciplines can provide learners with the opportunity to specialize in clinical, social, school, or pediatric psychology. Faculty at psychology colleges in Nevada have various research specializations that impact what programs they offer, especially at the graduate level. The American Psychological Association (APA) website provides a great resource for students to explore their options. APA recognizes 54 divisions that include the various subdisciplines and special areas of interest. -
Earn Your Degrees
A student can plan to spend about 10-12 years completing their education if they seek licensure as a psychologist in Nevada. Learners begin their training with bachelor's degrees, which they can typically complete in four years. A master's degree commonly takes two years, and then a doctorate can 7-8 years or more.The time it takes to complete a doctoral degree depends on whether students pursue a Psy.D., Ph.D., or Ed.D. While schools like NU and SNC offer online options for baccalaureate and master's degrees, learners may have trouble finding an online doctoral degree in Nevada. In master's and doctoral programs, students can complete internship experience, with the most required at the doctoral and post-doctoral levels.
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Obtain Licensure
The State of Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners oversees the licensure process for psychologists in the state. The board requires each student to complete an APA-approved doctorate or the equivalent that includes a 2,000-hour pre-internship. Once a candidate graduates from the program, they can register with the board as a psychological assistant who works under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.Once registered, each candidate must complete 1,750 postdoctoral hours of supervised professional experience that they regularly update in the board's supervised experience monthly log. The state requires two exams for licensure: the national examination for professional practice in psychology (EPPP) and the psychological state exam. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards developed the 225-multiple-choice EPPP, which is administered by Pearson VUE for $600. The state exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions and is administered at approved testing centers for $300.
Other Licenses and Certifications
Some aspiring mental health professionals may not want to pursue a doctorate. They can serve the public with rewarding master's-level careers, such as a social worker or professional counselor. The following list provides three options.
The Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers oversees licensure for these mental health professionals. To qualify for the LCSW credential, each candidate must hold a Council on Social Work Education-accredited master's in social work and initial licensed social worker (LSW) licensure. With the board's approval, candidates can sit for the master's-level national exam administered
The Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors oversees licensure for MFTs. Candidates must hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or social work from a regionally accredited college approved by the board. They must have at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience in MFT. They subsequently sit for the national MFT exam administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.
Salaries and Job Outlook for Psychologists in Nevada
BLS data suggests that psychologists can enjoy increased employment in the coming decade, with a 14% job growth projection. At the state level, about 120 psychologists work in Nevada, making an annual mean wage of $74,060. The pay is less than what psychologists make in neighboring states like Utah ($86,340), Arizona ($87,600), and California ($114,860).
Metropolitan areas in Nevada offer the state's best economies. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists make an annual mean wage of $94,260 and $77,000 in Reno and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, respectively. The state ranks eighth in the category of most thriving state economies, providing psychologists with a fertile ground for job prospects.
Nevada at a Glance
Population: 3,034,392
Population Growth (2010-2018): 12.36%
Population Growth Rank: 7
Source: United States Census Bureau
| Mean Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2016-26) | |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $74,060 | N/A |
| California | $114,860 | 13.0% |
| Arizona | $87,600 | 5.0% |
| Utah | $86,340 | N/A |
| Idaho | $87,410 | 20.0% |
| Oregon | N/A | -5.0% |
| National Average | $95,610 | 10.3% |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologist Salary | General Unemployment Rate | Education and Health Services 12-Month Employment Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reno | $94,260 | 3.2% | 2.9% |
| Las Vegas | $63,930 | 4.5% | N/A |
Source: BLS
Psychology Degrees and Careers in Nevada -- Frequently Asked Questions
Those interested in pursuing online psychology may have more questions about psychology colleges in Nevada, what baccalaureate program they should choose, and the skills they need for psychology careers. Read on for answers to some of these common questions.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Nevada?
Students begin their training with a bachelor's degree, which they can usually complete in four years. They must complete a master's degree, which usually takes two years, to enroll in a doctorate. The Psy.D., Ph.D., and Ed.D. will take between 3-7 years to complete.
Are Online Psychology Classes Hard?
Enrollees must complete theoretical and clinical coursework in psychology programs. Students can expect the coursework to increase in difficulty as they advance from lower-level to upper-level coursework and onto graduate studies. Subjects like advanced statistics and research methodologies may prove difficult for some students.
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Psychologist?
Psychologists build successful therapeutic relationships by establishing rapport with the patients, which requires listening and communication skills. Since psychologists must engage in problem-solving to address the client's issues, they possess keen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
What Schools Are Best for Psychology in Nevada?
Students can pursue online psychology programs in Nevada at institutions like NU and SNC, which offer online undergraduate and graduate programs. Aspiring psychologists should investigate other colleges in Nevada for even more online options.
Is a BA or a BS in Psychology Better?
Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in psychology can receive a stronger science education and more hands-on experience in a BS program compared to the BA. By design, the BA provides a well-rounded liberal arts education. A BS provides more practical experience through laboratory work and research experience. College advisors offer invaluable advice for navigating these matters to develop academic and career plans.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Nevada
If you're looking to earn a master's in psychology online in Nevada, search for schools and programs that are properly accredited. Accreditation includes regional, national, and program-specific forms. Regional accreditation is the most common and most prestigious. Some schools do not accept nationally accredited credits when transferring. Schools in Nevada are often accredited regionally by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Aspiring psychologists should also consider major or program-specific accreditation through agencies like the APA, especially with psychology Ph.D. programs in Nevada. Many state licensing boards only accept doctoral degrees from APA-accredited programs.
Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Nevada
Fellowships and internships provide supervised training hours for psychology students. These programs focus on enhancing research and postgraduate studies through experience. Fellowships are usually targeted toward graduate students as paid positions, while internships may be paid or unpaid in exchange for course credit.
Fellowships provide post-doctoral students with the specialized training they need for licensure as psychologists in Nevada and other states. The fellowships usually involve paid experience in the post-doc's specialty. Conversely, internships provide paid or non-paid experience at a relevant organization in exchange for course credit.
Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health
Backed by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, this provider has locations around southern Nevada that provide in-patient and out-patient mental health services.
H.O.P.E. Counseling Services
This clinic serves patients of all ages with mental health concerns. Their primary mission is to provide healing and empowerment to clients.
Altea Research
Altea Research is based in Las Vegas and specializes in clinical trials on new medications and therapies to treat psychological and neurological disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, and substance abuse/dependence.
Psychophysiology of Emotion and Personality Laboratory
This lab in Las Vegas is affiliated with the University of Nevada. Led by Dr. Stephen Benning, research focus includes manifestations of psychological disorders and personality traits as factors of risky behaviors.
Neuropsychology Research Program
Also associated with UNLV, this research lab, ran by Dr. David N. Allen, conducts research emphasizing neuropsychological function in people battling neurological disorders.
Professional Organizations for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals
Students and psychologists join professional organizations to gain access to organizational and peer support, professional development, research, and other resources. The following list offers some of the main organizations that aspiring psychologists can join in Nevada.
- Nevada Psychological Association NPA's membership consists of psychologists, students, and others interested in mental health professions. The small group offers members several benefits, including reduced continuing education, advocacy in the state legislature, and a listing of pre-doctoral internship opportunities available in the state.
- American Psychological Association As the nation's largest organization representing psychology and psychologists, APA manages 54 divisions representing the various subdisciplines and interest areas. Member benefits include liability insurance, professional development, networking events, and job listings.
- Nevada Counseling Association NCA advocates for the practice of counseling and the use of effective interventions to meet the needs of Nevada's residents. Member benefits include opportunities for professional development, leadership development, and conference discounts, along with access to a thriving professional network.
- American Mental Health Counselors Association AMHCA is a national organization divided into four regions: Midwest, North Atlantic, Southern, and Western. This association oversees the standards of practice for clinical mental health counseling. In addition to advocacy, AMHCA offers other member benefits, such as continuing education, publications, health and wellness benefits, and networking events.
- Nevada Association of School Psychologists As an affiliate of the National Association of School Psychologists, NVASP welcomes school psychologists in Nevada to a supportive community of peers. The organization offers professional development, advocacy at the state legislature, and networking opportunities.
Scholarships for Online Psychology Degree Programs in Nevada
This award, for a graduate of a Northern Nebraska high school, supports a student seeking an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree at a college or university in Nevada.
- Amount Offered: Up to $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15
- Eligibility Requirements: Nevada residents who have graduated from high schools in Northern Nevada with a minimum 2.5 GPA may apply.
This scholarship memorializes Mike Scofield, a Reno Police officer who died in a motorcycle accident. It is intended for graduates of northern Nevada high schools who attend a Bible-based church and are enrolled in a higher learning institution in Nevada.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: April 30
- Eligibility Requirements: A candidate must provide proof of enrollment, submit transcripts, meet minimum GPA requirements, and demonstrate financial need.
This award is for returning and nontraditional students seeking a higher degree. The award benefits students attending and seeking a degree at Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College, or Great Basin College.
- Amount Offered: Up to $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: April 30
- Eligibility Requirements: An applicant must attend a school in Nevada as a re-entering student.
This scholarship, provided by the Nevada Women's Fund, benefits female residents of northern Nevada attending higher learning institutions in the same area.
- Amount Offered: $500-$5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 28
- Eligibility Requirements: A candidate must be a female resident of northern Nevada with a minimum 3.0 GPA enrolled in a minimum of 6-8 credits per semester.
This scholarship for students who are members of federally-recognized tribes can be applied toward any degree at a higher learning institution.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: January 1, May 31
- Eligibility Requirements: Each applicant must be a verified member of a federally recognized tribe, possess a minimum 2.25 GPA, and have completed no more than 150 undergraduate credit hours.
American Addiction Centers sponsor this scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in behavioral health programs who demonstrate a passion for entering the mental health field.
- Amount Offered: $2,500-$5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 30
- Eligibility Requirements: High school graduates enrolled part- or full-time in undergraduate or graduate programs may apply.
This essay contest, covering how addiction has personally affected the lives of its applicants, awards $1,000 bi-annually to two students.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: July 1, November 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Residents of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, or Nevada must write and submit an essay to apply.
Find Online Psychology Degree Programs in Nevada
Now that you've gained some valuable insight into psychology in Nevada, you can start researching your online psychology degree. The following database provides a list of accredited online programs offered in Nevada.
Explore Psychology Careers
Mental Health Initiatives in Nevada
The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health oversees behavioral health services, wellness, and prevention in the state. Those living with mental health challenges can receive in-patient and out-patient clinical treatment at facilities across Nevada. This includes peer support programs, clinical medication management, a clinical mobile outreach and safety team, and a clinical program for assertive community treatment.
Through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency, Nevadans can receive community-based prevention and treatment services. They can also access a 24/7 crisis helpline that offers safe, non-judgmental support for those in crisis. According to the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Nevada has a 6.5 treatment rate per 1,000 population, compared to the 23.69 U.S. rate.