Looking for the best Master's Degree in Psychology in Washington? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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The best degrees in Washington for psychology are designed for you. If you've got a particular career in mind, studying the right courses is key. Graduates with a master's degree can pursue diverse career paths. Master's degree-holders possess the knowledge to move into advanced roles.
With a master's degree, individuals earn approximately $1,574 per week, which translates to approximately $6,296 a month and $81,848 annually.
Psychology Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Psychology Profession
It is important to learn about the psychology programs available to you in Washington. A variety of topics are covered in these programs, including biological and behavioral sciences, research methods and statistics, psychometrics, discrimination and diversity issues, and social psychology. Psychology degree-holders may work as clinical, counseling, and school psychologists; forensic psychologists; neuropsychologists; or research psychologists.
The average annual wage in Washington is $50,450, or $24.25 per hour. This applies to the 3,205,930 workers in the state. The BLS projects that the lowest earners make $30,460 a year, and the highest earners bring in about $127,470. The following displays the earnings for psychologists in Washington.
Key
Psychologists in Washington
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Washington and Nationwide
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Washington ranks number 40 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in America against specific states. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). According to a 100-point scale, Washington's cost of living index is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Washington can use the cost of living comparison to determine the right fit for them.
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Jobs for psychologists are projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. The BLS projects 55,200 psychologists in 2020 increasing to 56,300 by 2030. Typically, a master's degree is required for entry-level positions in these fields.
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Master's Degrees in Psychology in Washington
#1 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Washington
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in psychology program, offered by Eastern Washington University from its Cheney campus, ranks as a top program. The educational specialist in school psychology program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in psychology. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends a background in psychology before applying.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Eastern Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 96%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Educational specialist in school psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,721
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,214
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,707
Out-of-state
$24,676
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
12,349
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Washington
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Washington, Seattle University hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The master of arts in psychology program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to psychology. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in psychology before applying to the program.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Seattle University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 78%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program Name: Master of arts in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $19,280
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,280
Average Tuition
In-state
$47,565
Out-of-state
$47,565
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
7,050
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Washington
Antioch University-Seattle
Seattle, WA
4 years
Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in psychology can earn their degree from Antioch University-Seattle. The MA in psychology program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to psychology. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. Applicants with prior experience in psychology or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
Antioch University-Seattle at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Program Name: MA in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $18,954
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,954
Average Tuition
In-state
$21,600
Out-of-state
$21,600
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
735
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Washington
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA
4 years
Campus
The master's in psychology degree at Seattle Pacific University uses a flexible distance learning format. The master of arts in industrial-organizational psychology program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in psychology. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program builds on prior psychology experience during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Seattle Pacific University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 91%
Program Name: Master of arts in industrial-organizational psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $30,636
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,636
Average Tuition
In-state
$46,728
Out-of-state
$46,728
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
3,601
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Master's Degree in Psychology
You can use financial aid to pay for your college. Scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help learners lower their degree costs. As well as federal and private student loans, some students may qualify for scholarships. Do your research in advance to learn what kinds of financial aid might be available.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid to pay for their degree.
For scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
In Washington, the cost varies based on which college or university you attend. Some similarities exist among both public and private institutions. Find out whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
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Are you thinking of attending a private college? The cost of education at private colleges is often higher. Here is a graph that illustrates the number of Washington residents attending private colleges.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for school, should you consider borrowing student loans? You should keep in mind some factors before committing to a loan.
In order to successfully repay the loan, you must ensure that you can make the payments on time.
If you are considering obtaining a degree from a particular institution, it is important to consider whether it will benefit you in your career objectives.
Make sure that you can afford the repayment schedule for your loans.
Take a look at the data below to determine what students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
An online program and an on-campus program differ in cost and class sizes. Several benefits can be gained from an online program, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs usually cost more because student fees are optional for distance learners. There are some benefits to attending classes on a regular basis, however.
Private colleges and public colleges differ in some important ways. A private school is generally more expensive than a public one. The government determines the costs for public institutions, and grants and scholarships are used to cover these costs. There are often merit scholarships available for students with high academic performance at private schools.
The lower student-to-teacher ratio at private colleges allows students to interact with faculty directly. There are some benefits and drawbacks to attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for psychologists in Washington?
In Washington, psychologists make a mean annual salary of $105,640.
What is demand like for psychology majors?
The total number of psychologists is projected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an online master's degree in psychology?
It is possible to obtain an online master's degree in psychology. In today's environment, most schools offer some form of online education.
How long does it usually take to complete a master's degree?
Full-time students typically complete a master's degree in two years. In the case of part-time students, the process will take longer to complete.
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