How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Utah?

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology typically takes individuals four years, with an additional 4-5 years (or more) for the master's and doctoral program requirements.

Are Online Psychology Classes Hard?

Psychology courses cover different topics, depending on the degree level. Bachelor's students review general concepts in the field to create a solid foundation in psychology. At the master's level, learners focus on more specialized and advanced coursework, advancing even further at the doctoral level.

What Skills Are Needed to Be a Psychologist?

Learners planning to pursue careers as psychologists should possess excellent active listening skills. During their daily job responsibilities, psychologists communicate with patients to determine effective treatment plans and advice. These professionals should also hold strong organization skills to successfully manage a diverse group of clients.

What Schools Are Best for Psychology in Utah?

Utah is home to many prestigious colleges and universities with psychology programs across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students can also explore several online opportunities. Learners in the state should consider Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and the University of Utah.

Is a BA or a BS in Psychology Better?

A bachelor of arts in psychology is a better fit for a learner interested in a liberal arts-focused curriculum, while a bachelor of science in psychology is best suited for students who want to explore technical studies in the field, including science, statistics, and math. Both degrees fulfill the bachelor's-level requirements for licensure.

Online Psychology Degree Programs in Utah

January 22, 2021 | Staff Writers

Aspiring psychologists in Utah pursue the field to assist people of all ages with mental health challenges. Our guide allows degree-seekers to explore the structure of online programs, licensure requirements, and career and salary data, along with information about internships, fellowships, and professional organizations. We’ve compiled this information to help students find their ideal programs in the Beehive State.

Featured Online 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.

How Do Online Psychology Degree Programs in Utah Work?

Utah offers many colleges and universities with online psychology programs across all degree levels. Many students pursue fully online programs, while others explore hybrid opportunities that combine on-campus and online elements.

Most online programs take learners the same amount of time to complete as their on-campus counterparts. However, many institutions feature online programs in accelerated formats, allowing degree-seekers to graduate sooner. Online options feature the same coursework as on-campus offerings and are typically taught by the same prestigious instructors, so prospective employers hold them in the same regard.

What Courses Are Part of an Online Psychology Degree Program in Utah?

Coursework for students pursuing their online psychology degrees in Utah varies, depending on the school and degree level. Below, we have compiled some courses that students typically encounter at the undergraduate level.

Psychological Foundations of Learning

Degree-seekers enrolled in this course can focus on studying human learning by reviewing the modeling, conditioning, and cognitive development of high-level thought processes. During the course, learners can explore models of social learning, behaviorism, and memory.
Abnormal Psychology

In this course, students can explore psychotic and neurotic behaviors in humans. Faculty members examine the classification, symptoms, and origins of therapy, prevention, and diagnosis. Enrollees can complete the course to work effectively with all types of patients throughout their careers.
Physiological Psychology

Students enrolled in this course can explore information about sensory systems, the nervous system, the development of memory and learning, and physiological behavior.
Cognition and Language

This class provides an in-depth analysis of human cognition and language, covering topics like pattern recognition, memory, problem solving, cognitive development, and psycholinguistics.
Development Across the Lifespan

Learners in this course can focus on the perceptual, physical, emotional, and cognitive capacities that develop from infancy to late adulthood. Coursework examines how biological inheritance can affect one’s social and physical environment.

Becoming a Psychologist in Utah

Becoming a psychologist in Utah requires several crucial steps. In the section below, readers can learn about specialization opportunities, the educational requirements they must satisfy, and other available licenses and certifications in the field.

Specialize

Psychology students can often take advantage of specialization opportunities, allowing them to tailor their degrees to align with their interests and career goals. Learners interested in pursuing specializations can consider clinical, educational, counseling, forensic, industrial-organizational, and many other types of psychology.
Earn Your Degrees

Before an individual can seek licensure as a psychologist in Utah, they must earn their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in psychology. Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first stepping stone for aspiring psychologists. This degree level focuses on general coursework to provide a solid foundation. Earning a bachelor’s degree typically takes students four years of full-time enrollment to complete. An enrollee pursuing their master’s degree usually takes two years and focuses on more specialized and advanced coursework.

At the doctoral level, learners can explore the most specialized, advanced scope of the psychology field, typically taking 4-7 years or more to earn their degrees.
Obtain Licensure

To practice as a psychologist in Utah, individuals must obtain licensure after meeting educational requirements, beginning with earning a bachelor’s degree in the field. Upon completion of a bachelor’s program, learners must complete their master’s and doctorate.

Potential psychologists in the state need to ensure the college or university they earn their degree from is both regionally accredited and accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for the doctorate. Once fulfilling their educational requirements, each individual must complete a year of supervised experience and pass their licensing exam.

Other Licenses and Certifications

While many students who pursue psychology degrees in Utah follow the standard pathway of becoming a psychologist, individuals who hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the field can explore other career opportunities. Read on for a few examples.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Graduates who hold their master’s degrees can focus their careers on working as LCSWs in several different settings, providing mental health evaluations, case management services, and emotional support to individuals in need. Aspiring LCSWs must pass the clinical social work exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Dedicated to guiding clients through crises, including death and divorce, MFTs specialize in providing help to individuals, families, and married couples. Aspiring MFTs must pass the national marital and family therapy exam through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPCs provide substance abuse and mental health care to individuals across the country. These professionals can work at the doctoral and master’s levels and must pass the national clinical mental health counselor exam.

Salaries and Job Outlook for Psychologists in Utah

Psychologists in Utah received an annual mean salary of $86,340 in 2018, falling in the middle range for surrounding states and below the national average for the occupation ($95,610). While Utah does not report a projected job growth figure from 2016-26, the surrounding states report percentages ranging from 5-33.3%, with the national average at 10.3%.

Utah boasts low unemployment rates in metropolitan areas, with the highest coming in at 3.2%. The BLS projects education and health services occupations across the state to experience 12-month employment growth rates ranging from 0.9%-8.6%. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Utah’s metropolitan areas enjoy annual average salaries between $63,690 and $105,510, as shown in the table below.

Utah at a Glance

Population: 3,161,105

Population Growth (2010-2018): 14.28%

Population Growth Rank: 2

Source: United States Census Bureau

	Mean Annual Salary	Projected Job Growth (2016-26)
Utah	$86,340	N/A
Arizona	$87,600	5.0%
Nevada	$74,060	N/A
Colorado	$83,630	16.7%
Wyoming	N/A	33.3%
Idaho	$87,410	20.0%
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
Ogden – Clearfield	$105,510	2.8%	8.6%
Provo – Orem	$85,420	2.6%	4.6%
St. George	$75,690	3.2%	0.9%
Salt Lake City	$71,680	2.8%	3.6%
Logan	$63,690	2.4%	1.4%

Source: BLS

Psychology Degrees and Careers in Utah — Frequently Asked Questions

In the section below, students considering enrolling in a psychology degree at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels can review some of the most commonly asked questions for potential psychologists in Utah.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Utah?

Becoming a psychologist in Utah takes about ten years or more, with much of the time allotted for educational components. Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology typically takes individuals four years, with an additional 4-5 years (or more) for the master’s and doctoral program requirements.
Are Online Psychology Classes Hard?

Psychology courses cover different topics, depending on the degree level. Bachelor’s students review general concepts in the field to create a solid foundation in psychology. At the master’s level, learners focus on more specialized and advanced coursework, advancing even further at the doctoral level. With determination and keen time management skills, all students can complete their necessary coursework.
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Psychologist?

Learners planning to pursue careers as psychologists should possess excellent active listening skills. During their daily job responsibilities, psychologists communicate with patients to determine effective treatment plans and advice. These professionals should also hold strong organization skills to successfully manage a diverse group of clients.
What Schools Are Best for Psychology in Utah?

Utah is home to many prestigious colleges and universities with psychology programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students can also explore several online opportunities. Learners in the state should consider Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and the University of Utah.
Is a BA or a BS in Psychology Better?

A bachelor of arts in psychology is a better fit for a learner interested in a liberal arts-focused curriculum, while a bachelor of science in psychology is best suited for students who want to explore technical studies in the field, including science, statistics, and math. Both degrees fulfill the bachelor’s-level requirements for licensure.

Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Utah

When pursuing an online psychology degree in Utah, each student should choose an accredited program to ensure they receive a quality education and a degree that employers recognize. Agencies in the U.S. offer accreditation at the regional and national levels. Nationally accredited schools are typically career-focused or vocational, while regionally accredited institutions are typically academically oriented.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities handles regional accreditation for Utah institutions. Regional accreditation is the most common and highly regarded type of accreditation. Psychology students should also look for doctoral degrees with APA accreditation, as licensing organizations often require them.

Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Utah

Internships and fellowships provide experience for students and recent graduates. Internships may be paid or unpaid, with companies commonly offering them to undergraduate or graduate students. Fellowships are almost always paid positions meant to supplement a graduate student’s education with practical experience.

Some aspiring psychologists pursuing their online degrees in psychology might want to explore fellowship and internship opportunities in Utah. Read on for a few examples of relevant organizations in the state.

Highland Ridge Hospital

This facility specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. The hospital primarily treats patients with addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs.

University of Utah Hospital

University of Utah’s Neuropsychiatric Institute treats patients with mental health and behavioral issues, including anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, and addiction.

Provo Canyon Behavioral Hospital

This facility provides psychological help for adolescents, adults, and seniors. The hospital treats patients with mental issues with a focus on substance abuse.

Salt Lake Behavioral Health Center

This facility treats patients with mental illnesses and provides mental health care programs for service members, veterans, and military families.

Multisensory Cognition Lab

This Utah State University research center focuses on how people, from infancy through adulthood, understand the world through their five senses.

National Center for Veterans Studies

This center, operated by the University of Utah, conducts psychological research and advocacy to improve the lives of veterans. Researchers study common psychological issues in veterans.

Professional Organizations for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals

Graduates who earn their online psychology degrees in Utah can explore membership opportunities in many different professional organizations. Joining a professional organization can serve as an excellent way to develop your professional network and meet with peers in the mental health and psychology fields. By creating connections, students and professionals can broaden their knowledge and learn about potential job opportunities.

Utah Psychological Association By serving as a leader for strengthening political outreach and advocating for Utah psychologists to make a difference in the profession, the Utah Psychological Association works to protect patient privacy and maintain high standards for practice in the field, emphasizing mental health and mental wellness.
American Psychological Association APA functions as the top professional and scientific organization for psychology in the U.S. and promotes the communication, advancement, and application of psychological knowledge and science to improve the lives of others.
Utah Counseling Association The Utah Counseling Association functions as an organization of counseling professionals who focus their careers on residential treatment, education, private practice, government, business, and healthcare settings.
American Mental Health Counselors Association American Mental Health Counselors Association joins licensed counselors to set and enforce standards for ethics, licensing requirements, and education for the mental health field. Members of the association enjoy access to the Journal of Mental Health Counseling.
Utah Association of School Psychologists This association works to empower school psychologists in the state by advancing educational research, practices, and policy development to improve students’ behavior, learning, and overall mental health. UASP promotes the welfare and rights of school psychology professionals, along with children and youth.

Scholarships for Online Psychology Degree Programs in Utah

Danielle Vacca Scholarship
This award, offered through the University of Utah’s department of psychology, supports students whose lives have been affected by drunk driving.
- Amount Offered: $4,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Each applicant must be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student with a 2.8 GPA.
Clayton Awards for Excellence in Research
The University of Utah’s psychology department offers two graduate scholarships funded by the Joseph A. and Ruth S. Clayton Trust.
- Amount Offered: $4,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 18
- Eligibility Requirements: Graduate students of psychology at the University of Utah may apply.
AAC Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program
This scholarship, sponsored by the American Addiction Centers, supports undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about treating mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Amount Offered: $2,500-$5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 30
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled in or entering a program in nursing, counseling, psychology, social work, or therapy

Find Online Psychology Degree Programs in Utah

Utah offers many options for students pursuing online psychology degrees. When choosing a school, consider the psychology program’s curriculum, available concentrations, and in-person requirements. The database below includes every accredited school that offers an online psychology degree in Utah.

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Mental Health Initiatives in Utah

Utah recognizes the need for mental health initiatives and offers several options for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. The Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) functions as the state’s mental health and substance abuse authority, managing publicly funded treatment and prevention efforts. The division serves individuals with mental health problems, along with alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse.

DSAMH provides quality programs and services that promote community and individual wellness. The division highlights early intervention and prevention to strengthen the system of care for youth and children through community-based, family-oriented programs. DSAMH strategic initiatives include division policies, programs, activities, and systems to achieve goals that align with the organization’s scope of responsibility.