Psychology Degrees in Wisconsin - WI

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

Psychologists typically pursue one of two fields in the course of earning their psychology degree in Wisconsin: Teaching/research at universities and government agencies or applied work in a clinical or business setting. Coveted research careers in academia typically require a Ph.D. or Psy.D., in addition to a prolific body of research. Fewer research and teaching jobs exist at universities or governmental agencies, so many talented psychologists do applied work in a specialty. Specialties include clinical psychology, school psychology, school counseling, sports psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial psychology, and developmental psychology.

More psychologists are employed as clinical psychologists than any other specialties, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  They typically work in hospitals, clinics, counseling centers and private practices. Clinical psychologists treat patients for post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, neurological conditions and other conditions related to stress or mental illness.

A significant percentage of practitioners holding a psychology degree in Wisconsin are employed as school psychologists or school counselors. Licensing requirements for school psychologists vary among states, but the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) established a nationally recognized standard. The National School Psychology Certification System (NSPCS) has a credential system for members and non-members of NASP. The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) Web site states school psychologists must have a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, along with a one-year internship related to the field, to become licensed. Wisconsin school psychologists must be licensed by the state of Wisconsin and/or be nationally certified through NSCB.

Psychology Continuing Education Requirements in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing requires psychologists to document at least 40 hours of continuing education. The courses must be approved by the state agency and include at least 6 hours of courses in ethics, risk management or jurisprudence. The WPA states on its Web site that it meets APA continuing education standards.