Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Illinois (IL)

Associate Degrees: Options for Illinois Psychology Students

If you’re just beginning your psychology education, earning an associate degree in psychology is a great start. An associate degree can help you gain an overview of foundational psychology-related topics to prepare you for entry-level positions, such as psychiatric technician, substance abuse counselor, social service assistant, and more. These degrees also provide an affordable way to earn two years of college credits for transfer into a psychology bachelor’s degree program.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Illinois

A bachelor’s is usually the foundational degree for most psychology careers, whether you intend to move directly from your program to the job market or continue to graduate-level study.

Along with substantial general education requirements, psychology bachelor’s students complete foundational and some advanced coursework in psychological theory, abnormal psychology, human development, research methods, and more. Four years of full-time study is typically required, although it can be earned quicker if you already hold an associate degree.

Illinois Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Specialization is key for your master’s degree in psychology. That means obtaining knowledge and skills from a wide range of areas of specialized practice within the larger psychology field.

Specialization areas include (among others) clinical psychology, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, education/school psychology, forensic psychology, organizational psychology, and social psychology. Additionally, a minimum of a master’s degree is needed to obtain Illinois licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Illinois

There are two basic types of psychology doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and the PhD in Psychology. The PsyD is a logical choice for students interested in top-level practice-oriented careers, whereas the PhD is geared toward those seeking careers in advanced research and teaching on the postsecondary level.

Graduate certificates are also an option if you hold a psychology degree. A graduate certificate in psychology allows you to obtain advanced training in a specialized area within the psychology field without the greater time and expense of a full graduate degree program.

Answering Your FAQs About Illinois Psychology Degrees

Is there financial aid available for online psychology programs in Illinois?

Just as with students in campus-based psychology degree and certificate programs, there is financial aid for online students available in Illinois. You may be eligible for certain scholarships for public service degrees, grants, fellowships and assistantships (for grad students), work-study opportunities, employer tuition reimbursement programs, veterans benefits, and of course, student loans.

The best place to start your financial aid search is within your program itself. You’ll also want to check out the funding resources available through the Illinois Student Assistant’s Commission (ISAC), as well as non-government state and national sources such as:

• Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA)
• American Psychological Foundation
• National Institute of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

What are the requirements for psychologist licensure in Illinois?

Illinois clinical psychologist licensure requirements include:

• A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in clinical psychology
• Passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
• Completing two years of supervised professional experience (one-year doctoral internship and one-year post-doctoral training)

Licensure as a school psychologist in Illinois requires:

• A master’s or higher degree in psychology or school psychology with a specialization in school psychology
• A 250-hour practicum in a school setting and a 1,200-hour internship under the direction of a credentialed school psychologist
• Possession of a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential

Will my online psychology program in Illinois qualify me for psychologist licensure in other states?

In most cases, yes. However, it depends on the particular Illinois online psychology degree or certificate program you’re interested in and the state in which you intend to obtain licensure. Information on state licensure eligibility can usually be obtained by contacting a program representative, and it’s critical that you do so before enrolling in any program.

Where can I find an internship or practicum site for my online psychology program in Illinois?

If you’re required to complete an in-person internship or practicum for your online psychology program in Illinois (as most graduate and some bachelor’s students are), the logical starting point for your site search is within your degree or certificate program itself. Most programs have long-term relationships with practice sites in their school’s local area, as well as throughout the state.

You may also be able to locate a provider yourself. Common provider types include hospitals, community clinics, substance abuse facilities, research centers, schools, and correctional facilities. Doctoral students may also want to check out the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) to search for internship and postdoctoral training options.

Are psychology professionals in Illinois in high demand?

That depends on the specific area and occupation in the psychology field in which you choose to practice. For example, according to the Department of Labor’s Projection Central website, long-term (2022 to 2032) job growth is projected to increase in Illinois by an impressive 11% for clinical psychologists and counselors and by a whopping 17.4% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.

On the other hand, the projected job growth for school psychologists in the state during the same period is only 2.3%. You’ll find plenty of options for what you can do with your psychology degree, so be sure to explore the careers that both interest you and have high availability.

Career Growth for Illinois Psychology Graduates

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Your Helpline: Resources for Illinois Psychology Students & Professionals

There are tons of quality resources that you can tap into as you navigate your way through your academic studies and on into your psychology career, including the five professional associations listed below. Most of these organizations offer student memberships, and all feature benefits and other resources specifically for psychology students.

• Illinois Psychological Association With nearly 1,200 members, the Illinois Psychological Association is the largest professional association of psychologists in the state committed to helping advance psychology as both a science and a profession.
• Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA) The ISPA represents school psychologists in the state and is committed to serving the educational and mental health interests of children. The nonprofit association aims to advance school psychology practice by holding high standards for effective and ethical psychological services within school systems.
• Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists The Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists aims to implement prescriptive authority for highly-trained prescribing psychologists within the state. The association also advocates for the mental health needs of underserved populations and helps promote diversity in the prescribing psychologist community.
• Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA) Through advocacy, education, and support services, the IMHCA supports the well-being of mental health counselors within the state. The organization informs mental health professionals on the latest developments in the field, shares best practices, and provides a forum to educate the community about mental health.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Illinois Chapter The Illinois Chapter of the NAMI helps support individuals and families impacted by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support groups. The alliance offers training and educational materials for mental health professionals as well.

Best Online Options for Psychology Students in Illinois

A great way to compare online psychology programs is by taking a look at what the best of them have to offer. We’ve reviewed all of the schools currently offering online psychology programs in Illinois and ranked the top-performing options.

Our choices were made by taking into account elements important to most students, including academics, affordability, study convenience, and access to helpful academic and career support services. To find out more, you can review the “About the Rankings” section below and continue reading to see the best online programs in Illinois.