Licensed mental health experts who are devoted to helping people with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders are known as psychologists. The Mississippi Board of Psychology handles the licensure process in this state. If you want to know how to become a psychologist in this state then read this detailed guide.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Mississippi

Psychologists can choose to work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, organizations, industries, educational institutions, research institutions and so on. Their foremost duty is to give face to face consultations. During these consultations they identify and diagnose emotional, mental or behavioral problems. After which they suggest necessary treatments.

Education Required A doctoral degree
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Licensure is mandatory
Experience/Training Acquiring 2 years of supervised work experience is a must
Key Skills Problem-solving, Communication, Organizational Analytical and Observational Skills; Integrity and Patience etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Mississippi $86,110 (Psychologists, All Other)
Job Outlook(2018-2028) 14% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Mississippi had an employment level of 50 for the occupational category of Psychologists, All Other. Moreover, BLS also forecasted a 14% rise in employment for all psychologists in the US between 2018 and 2028.

 

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Mississippi

Working as a licensed psychologist in Mississippi requires a great deal of passion and grit. If you feel this career is for you then, you must complete the following educational, work and licensure requirements.

    1. Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s DegreeNumerous universities in Mississippi offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree such as, the Mississippi State University that offers an online BA in Psychology. Completion of a bachelor’s degree is the first step towards becoming a psychologist.

Master’s Degree

Depending upon your bachelor’s degree and your target university for a doctoral degree, you may have to complete a 2-year master’s degree in Psychology. The University of Southern Mississippi offers a 2-year master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

Doctoral Degree

The minimum acceptable education for all psychologists in the US is completion of a doctoral degree in Psychology. This degree usually takes 4-6 years to complete. The University of Southern Mississippi offers a PhD degree in Clinical Psychology.

    1. Field Work Requirement
Without acquiring at least 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist it is not possible to become licensed in any state of the US.
    1. Licensure Requirement
The Mississippi Board of Psychology issues a license to all psychologists in the state. It is mandatory in the state of Mississippi to be licensed and the requirements of licensure are given below.

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

The time it takes to become a licensed psychologist varies from person to person depending upon the educational path they take and when they pass the licensure exams. It also depends on when and where they acquire their work experience. Typically, it may take approx. 10 to 12 years or so for anyone to become a psychologist.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Mississippi?

To be able to work as a licensed psychologist in the state of Mississippi, all candidates must:

  • Have earned an APA/ASPPB accredited doctoral degree in Psychology
  • Have gained 2 years of field experience under a licensed psychologist
  • Passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Cleared the state conducted Oral and Jurisprudence Exam
  • Have no criminal record and be of a good moral character

For further details, visit the official website of the Mississippi Board of Psychology.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Mississippi?

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $86,110 as the annual mean salary of for the occupational category of Psychologists, All Other employed in the state of Mississippi.