Online Psychology Degrees in Virginia: Comparing Programs

Psychology Associate Degrees in Virginia

Two-year associate degrees in psychology prepare students for entry-level, non-clinical jobs related to psychology. Job examples include mental health technician, teacher’s aide, social services assistant, and youth counselor. These degrees also offer convenient and affordable ways to complete general education and foundational psychology coursework in preparation for a bachelor’s degree program.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Virginia

Bachelor’s degrees in psychology provide the knowledge and skills needed to enter the job market in many different roles. They also prepare students for graduate psychology programs. Most psychology bachelor’s degree programs take four years of full-time coursework, and a few offer part-time study.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in Virginia

Master’s-level psychology programs prepare students for leadership and advanced non-clinical roles in specialized areas. Online formats are popular for psychology master’s degrees, but campus-based programs are also common. Program lengths vary, sometimes substantially, allowing working professionals plenty of leeway to complete their studies in two to four years.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Georgia

A PsyD degree is for students interested in being advanced clinicians and administrators in public and private practice settings. A PhD in psychology is an academics-based credential focused on top-level scientific research and postsecondary teaching roles. You can also choose a graduate certificate to gain advanced specialty knowledge without earning a degree.

FAQs From Virginia Psychology Students

What financial aid resources are available to Virginia psychology students?

Psychology students in Virginia have access to a wide variety of financial aid resources like scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships (for graduate students), employer tuition reimbursement and work-study programs, and VA benefits. Most Virginia psychology students are also eligible for student loans, particularly those from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program. Start your funding search with the financial aid offices, like those at Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Many of these schools, like James Madison University, offer scholarships and grants exclusively to psychology students. Another excellent funding resource is the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Why should I check if my psychology education program is accredited?

Graduating from an accredited program is important because it’s an endorsement of its quality curriculum and thorough preparation of students to enter the workforce after they graduate. For that reason, it’s noticed and encouraged by future employers as well as university graduate programs. Look for accreditation by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, or APA-CoA, the primary programmatic accreditor for professional education and training in psychology in the US.

What is the difference between being a counselor and being a psychologist?

These roles are similar, and both help people with their mental health, but counselors and psychologists have different functions and audiences for their work. Counselors often provide services based on their specialty — in schools or addiction recovery for example — while psychologists focus more on one-on-one or general group mental health advice and tactics.

What are some specializations that are available from my psychology degree?

According to the APA, there can be up to 17 different specializations for someone with a psychology degree. There are four main ones, though, that are usually part of a psychology career and taught at most schools.

• Counseling psychologists concentrate on using their knowledge to assist people in dealing with everyday issues as they arise.
• Clinical psychologists assist people with moderate to severe psychological disorders.
• Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and law, using their expertise to aid jurors and judges in making informed decisions within the legal system.
• School psychologists often work in K-12 settings to help students address issues around behaviors, emotions, family situations, learning, and mental health.

What qualifications do I need to become a licensed or practicing psychologist in Virginia?

At a minimum, all major psychology professions in every state demand a master’s or education specialist degree, but the majority, including Virginia, also require a doctoral-level degree and a substantial amount of experience. In Virginia, you’ll need 1,500 hours of supervised work experience. You will also have to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Salary & Career Outlook for Psychology Graduates in Virginia

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Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals in Virginia

Whether you are a student earning your degree or are a practicing psychology graduate who wants to build a career in Virginia, there are groups and organizations that can help you on your journey. Here is a look at some of the groups available.

• Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP): This is the preeminent association of psychology professionals in Virginia and the state’s affiliate organization of the American Psychological Association. Student membership includes participation in local in-person events and state conferences.
• Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP): A professional association of practicing school psychologists and school psychology students in the state, the VASP offers access to many psychology student resources, including an up-to-date list of internship openings.
• Virginia Association for Psychological Science: This association is dedicated to the advancement of psychology as a science across student and professional levels. Memberships are available to all psychologists, secondary psychology teachers, and psychology graduate and undergraduate students.
• Virginia Board of Psychology (VBP): The VBP oversees the licensing and practice of psychology professionals in the state. Through its site, you can apply for or renew a state license and review state laws and regulations.
• Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology: Psi Chi is the honor society for psychology undergraduate and graduate college students in the US. There are Psi Chi chapters on 30 Virginia college and university campuses.

List of the Best Schools for Online Psychology Degrees in Virginia

The information for each Virginia school on this list comes from volunteered information to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Schools must have at least one program that is either fully or partially offered online to be included. The metrics used are those that are likely driving your decision to choose a school, including financial aid availability, cost, online curriculum, and career support.