How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota
To become a licensed psychologist in Minnesota, you'll need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, complete 1,750 hours of supervised post-doctoral experience, and pass both the EPPP 1 and EPPP 2 exams. The entire process takes 8-12 years after high school, with median salaries reaching $98,960 annually for clinical psychologists in Minnesota (2024 BLS data).
Minnesota offers excellent opportunities for aspiring psychologists, with the state's mental health workforce continuing to grow and diversify. The journey to becoming a licensed psychologist in Minnesota is substantial, requiring significant educational investment and dedication, but it leads to a rewarding career helping individuals, families, and communities thrive.
Minnesota's psychology industry is experiencing steady growth. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, employment for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 5.3% through 2030. This expansion reflects increasing awareness of mental health needs and growing demand for professional psychological services across the state.
The licensing requirements in Minnesota are designed to ensure that psychologists have the comprehensive training and supervised experience needed to practice safely and effectively. Let's explore each step of this journey in detail.
Table of Contents
Education Requirements for Minnesota Psychologist Licensing
The foundation of becoming a psychologist in Minnesota starts with obtaining the right education. Minnesota requires a doctoral-level degree for most psychology licenses, though there's an alternative pathway for school psychologists.
Bachelor's Degree Prerequisites
Your journey begins with a bachelor's degree, typically in psychology or a related field. While you don't necessarily need a psychology major to apply to doctoral programs, most successful applicants have completed coursework in research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and biological bases of behavior. Strong grades (typically a 3.5 GPA or higher) and research experience through internships or lab work will strengthen your application.
Many aspiring psychologists also take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) during their senior year. While an increasing number of doctoral programs are making the GRE optional, competitive scores can still enhance your application. Most admitted students score above the 60th percentile in the verbal and quantitative sections.
Doctoral Program Requirements
Minnesota requires individuals to graduate from a doctoral program with a major in psychology from a regionally accredited institution. The program must meet additional standards set by the Minnesota Board of Psychology, with APA (American Psychological Association) accreditation being the gold standard.
APA accreditation ensures your program meets rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes. Graduating from an APA-accredited program simplifies the licensure process and is often required for certain positions. You can verify a program's accreditation status through the APA's Commission on Accreditation website.
Doctoral programs typically take 4-7 years to complete and include coursework, comprehensive exams, clinical practicum experiences, a one-year predoctoral internship, and a dissertation or doctoral project. The internship year, often completed through the APPIC (Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers) match process, provides intensive supervised clinical experience.
Learn more about the path to becoming a clinical psychologist and what the training involves.
PhD vs PsyD: Which Path Is Right for You?
One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). Both degrees qualify you for licensure in Minnesota, but they emphasize different aspects of psychology training.
| Aspect | PhD in Psychology | PsyD in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing research and clinical practice | Practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing clinical practice with research literacy |
| Typical Duration | 5-7 years | 4-6 years |
| Dissertation | Original research study with a significant contribution to the field | Doctoral project, often clinically focused or program evaluation |
| Clinical Hours | Minimum required, varies by program (typically 1,500-2,000) | Extensive clinical training, often 2,000+ hours |
| Research Training | Extensive preparing for research careers | Moderate, focused on consuming and applying research |
| Funding | Often fully funded through teaching/research assistantships | Typically self-funded through loans (total cost $80,000-$150,000+) |
| Career Paths | Clinical practice, research, academia, administration | Primarily clinical practice, some consultation and supervision |
| Minnesota Licensure | Fully qualifies for Licensed Psychologist (LP) | Fully qualifies for Licensed Psychologist (LP) |
If you're passionate about research, interested in academic careers, or want to contribute to the scientific understanding of psychology, a PhD might be the better fit. If your primary goal is clinical practice and you want to enter the workforce sooner, a PsyD program's applied focus could be ideal.
For a detailed comparison of these degree paths, explore the differences between a PhD and PsyD in psychology.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
After completing your doctoral degree, you'll need to accumulate supervised post-doctoral experience before you can practice independently in Minnesota. This requirement ensures you're ready to handle the responsibilities of independent practice.
Specific Hour Requirements
Minnesota requires at least 1,750 hours of supervised professional experience completed post-doctorally. This translates to approximately one year of full-time work (typically defined as 35-40 hours per week). If you work part-time, you'll need to accumulate the equivalent hours over a longer period.
These hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed psychologist who has held their license for at least two years. Your supervisor should have expertise in your area of practice and provide regular oversight of your clinical work.
Supervision Structure
The Minnesota Board of Psychology requires that you receive at least one hour of individual supervision for every 40 hours of professional practice. This means if you're working full-time (40 hours per week), you'll meet with your supervisor for at least one hour weekly.
Your supervision sessions should include case review, discussion of ethical issues, examination of your clinical decision-making, and ongoing professional development. Many supervisees find that more frequent supervision, especially early in the post-doctoral year, helps build confidence and competence more quickly.
Acceptable Practice Settings
Post-doctoral supervised experience can be completed in various settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, VA facilities, university counseling centers, private practices, schools, and correctional facilities. The key is that you're providing psychological services under appropriate supervision.
You'll need to maintain detailed documentation of your supervised hours, including dates, activities performed, and supervision received. The Board of Psychology will review this documentation when you apply for licensure.
The EPPP Examination Process
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the standardized national licensing exam required in Minnesota and most other jurisdictions. As of 2024, Minnesota requires both the EPPP 1 and EPPP 2 components.
EPPP 1: Knowledge Exam
The EPPP 1 is a computer-based exam consisting of 225 multiple-choice questions that you'll complete in 4 hours and 15 minutes. The exam covers eight content areas: biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, social and cultural bases of behavior, growth and lifespan development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods and statistics, and ethical/legal/professional issues.
Minnesota requires a scaled score of 500 or higher on the EPPP 1 (scores range from 200-800). According to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), which administers the exam, about 72% of first-time test-takers pass. The exam fee is approximately $687.
Most candidates study for 3-6 months before taking the EPPP 1. Popular preparation resources include AATBS and ASPPB's own study materials. Many successful test-takers recommend creating a structured study schedule and taking multiple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format and time constraints.
EPPP 2: Skills Exam
The EPPP 2 assesses your ability to apply psychological knowledge in real-world scenarios. This computer-based exam presents you with clinical vignettes and asks you to make decisions about assessment, intervention, and ethical considerations. You'll have 4 hours to complete the exam.
Minnesota began requiring the EPPP 2 for new applicants as part of the national transition to this competency-based assessment model. Check with the Minnesota Board of Psychology for current implementation details and passing score requirements.
When to Take the EPPP
You can register for the EPPP once you've been approved by the Minnesota Board of Psychology, which typically occurs after you've graduated with your doctorate. Many psychologists take the EPPP during their post-doctoral year, allowing them to have their license activated immediately upon completing their supervised hours.
If you don't pass on your first attempt, you must wait 90 days before retaking the exam. Your scores are valid for most jurisdictions, which can be beneficial if you later seek licensure in another state.
For more information about the EPPP and licensure requirements, visit the Minnesota Board of Psychology and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
School Psychology Pathway: An Alternative Route
Minnesota offers a distinct pathway for individuals interested specifically in school psychology. This route allows you to work as a licensed psychologist in school settings with less extensive doctoral training.
Educational Requirements for School Psychologists
Unlike the doctoral requirement for clinical psychology licensure, school psychologists in Minnesota can practice with a specialist-level degree (typically an EdS or educational specialist degree) or a master's degree specifically in school psychology. These programs generally take 2-3 years to complete beyond the bachelor's degree.
School psychology programs must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Psychology and typically include coursework in child development, learning theories, assessment, consultation, counseling, and special education law. You'll also complete extensive practicum experiences in school settings.
Practicum and Internship Requirements
School psychology programs include supervised field experiences totaling at least 1,200 hours, including a 600-hour internship in a school setting. This hands-on training prepares you to conduct assessments, design interventions, consult with teachers and parents, and support students' academic and emotional development.
National Certification Option
Many school psychologists pursue the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential offered by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). While not required for Minnesota licensure, the NCSP demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and can facilitate license portability if you move to another state.
Career Scope and Opportunities
Licensed school psychologists in Minnesota work primarily in K-12 educational settings, conducting psychological and educational assessments, developing intervention plans, providing counseling services, and collaborating with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments. The scope of practice differs from clinical psychologists, with a specific focus on educational and developmental issues affecting children and adolescents.
Career Outlook and Salaries in Minnesota
Psychologists in Minnesota enjoy competitive salaries and strong job prospects. Understanding the financial landscape can help you make informed decisions about your career path and specialization.
Current Employment Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota employs approximately 2,760 psychologists across various specializations. The Twin Cities metropolitan area offers the highest concentration of opportunities, though psychologists are needed throughout the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
| Psychology Specialization | Median Annual Salary (Minnesota) | Entry-Level (25th Percentile) | Experienced (75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologists | $98,960 | $78,840 | $126,580 |
| Counseling Psychologists | $94,120 | $75,200 | $118,940 |
| School Psychologists | $85,340 | $68,720 | $106,880 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $112,450 | $88,340 | $142,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Data represents state-level averages and may vary by location, experience, and work setting.
Regional Salary Variations
Psychologists in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area typically earns slightly higher salaries than the state average due to higher costs of living and greater concentration of large healthcare systems, universities, and corporations. However, some rural areas offer competitive compensation packages and loan forgiveness programs to attract mental health professionals to underserved communities.
Employment Settings and Opportunities
Minnesota psychologists work in diverse settings, each offering unique opportunities and compensation structures. The largest employers include hospital systems (Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, Fairview Health Services), school districts, the Veterans Administration, university counseling centers, community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and private practice.
Private practice psychologists often have higher earning potential once established, with experienced practitioners in the Twin Cities metropolitan area earning $120,000-$180,000 or more annually. However, private practice also involves business expenses, insurance credentialing challenges, and entrepreneurial responsibilities.
Explore the various psychologist career paths you can pursue with your license.
Growth Projections
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects 5.3% growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists through 2030, adding approximately 150 positions. This growth rate matches the national average and reflects increasing recognition of mental health's importance, expanded insurance coverage for psychological services, and growing demand for services in schools, healthcare settings, and corporations.
Your Complete Licensure Timeline: What to Expect
Understanding the full timeline helps you plan your education and career path realistically. Here's what you can expect at each stage:
Years 1-4: Bachelor's Degree
Complete your undergraduate education, ideally in psychology or a related field. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA (3.5+), gaining research experience, and building relationships with faculty who can provide strong recommendation letters. Take the GRE if required by your target doctoral programs. This phase takes 4 years for full-time students.
Years 5-9 (PhD) or 5-8 (PsyD): Doctoral Program
Complete your doctoral coursework, comprehensive exams, clinical practica, predoctoral internship, and dissertation or doctoral project. PhD programs typically take 5-7 years, while PsyD programs usually require 4-6 years. The internship year (usually year 5 or 6) is particularly intensive and often requires relocation if you don't match with a local site.
Years 10-11 (PhD) or 9-10 (PsyD): Post-Doctoral Supervision
Complete 1,750 hours of supervised professional experience, which takes approximately 1 year at full-time hours. Many psychologists take the EPPP during this year so they can activate their license immediately upon completing supervision. You'll work as a "post-doctoral fellow" or "psychology associate" during this period.
Year 11-12 (PhD) or 10-11 (PsyD): Licensure Application and EPPP
If you haven't already taken it during your post-doctoral year, you'll register for and pass the EPPP 1 and EPPP 2 exams. Submit your license application to the Minnesota Board of Psychology with documentation of your supervised hours. The application review process typically takes 2-4 months.
Total Time Investment: 8-12 years after high school graduation
This timeline can vary based on whether you attend school full-time or part-time, take breaks between degrees, or encounter delays in the internship match process. Some programs offer accelerated options, while others may take longer depending on dissertation completion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Psychologist Licensing
Can I practice psychology in Minnesota with a master's degree?
Generally, no. Minnesota requires a doctoral degree for independent practice as a Licensed Psychologist (LP). However, there are exceptions for school psychologists, who can practice in educational settings with a specialist or master's degree in school psychology. If you have a master's degree in psychology, you might instead consider pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), which have master's-level licensure pathways.
How long does it really take to become a psychologist in Minnesota?
The complete journey takes 8-12 years after high school. This includes 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 4-7 years for a doctoral program (including internship), and 1-2 years for post-doctoral supervised experience. If you're changing careers with a bachelor's degree already completed, you're looking at 5-9 additional years from the time you start your doctoral program.
Can I get licensed in Minnesota if I completed my doctorate in another state or country?
Yes, but your doctoral program must have been regionally accredited and meet Minnesota Board of Psychology standards. APA accreditation is strongly preferred. If you completed your training outside the U.S., you may need to have your credentials evaluated by a credentialing service. You'll still need to complete the post-doctoral supervision requirement and pass the EPPP, even if you're already licensed elsewhere.
How much does it cost to become a licensed psychologist in Minnesota?
The total investment is substantial. Doctoral programs cost $80,000-$150,000+ if self-funded (more common with PsyD programs), though many PhD students receive tuition waivers and stipends. Add licensing fees ($300-500), EPPP exam fees (~$687), and application costs. However, PhD programs often provide full funding through teaching or research assistantships, significantly reducing costs. Living expenses during 5-7 years of graduate training represent another major investment.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and provide psychotherapy, psychological testing, and behavioral interventions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and often focus on medication management, though some also provide psychotherapy. Both play important roles in mental healthcare, and many work collaboratively to provide comprehensive treatment.
Do I need to complete continuing education to maintain my Minnesota psychology license?
Yes. Minnesota requires licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal, which occurs every two years. Specific requirements include hours in ethics and cultural competency. The exact CE requirements may change, so check with the Minnesota Board of Psychology for current standards. Maintaining CE credits ensures you stay current with best practices and emerging research in the field.
Can I open a private practice immediately after getting licensed?
Legally, yes, you can open a private practice as soon as you receive your license. However, most new psychologists work in established settings for a few years first to build clinical confidence, develop professional networks, understand business aspects of practice, and become credentialed with insurance panels (which can take 3-6 months). Many successful private practitioners recommend gaining 2-3 years of post-licensure experience before starting your own practice.
What's the EPPP pass rate, and how hard is the exam?
About 72% of first-time test-takers pass the EPPP 1, according to ASPPB. The exam is challenging because it covers the entire breadth of psychology knowledge from your doctoral training. Most successful candidates study 3-6 months using structured prep materials and practice exams. The key is developing a study schedule that allows you to review all content areas systematically rather than cramming.
Can I work in Minnesota while completing my post-doctoral hours?
Yes. During your post-doctoral supervision period, you'll work as a psychologist with a designation such as "psychology associate" or "post-doctoral fellow," depending on your employment setting. You can provide psychological services under supervision and are typically paid a salary (post-doctoral salaries in Minnesota range from $50,000-$70,000, depending on setting and location). You cannot practice independently or bill insurance directly until your license is fully activated.
Does Minnesota have reciprocity with other states for psychology licenses?
Minnesota doesn't have automatic reciprocity agreements, but the state does accept licenses from psychologists who hold the Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) from ASPPB. The CPQ streamlines the mobility process for licensed psychologists moving between states. If you're licensed in another state and want to practice in Minnesota, you'll likely need to submit an application demonstrating you meet Minnesota's requirements, which may include additional supervised hours or documentation. The process is generally straightforward if you're already licensed elsewhere and meet Minnesota's education and supervision standards.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree required: Minnesota requires a PhD or PsyD from an APA-accredited program for most psychology licenses (school psychology offers a master's-level pathway).
- Post-doctoral supervision is mandatory: You'll need 1,750 hours of supervised experience after your doctorate before practicing independently.
- EPPP exams are essential: Pass both EPPP 1 and EPPP 2 examinations to demonstrate competency in psychological knowledge and skills.
- Timeline is substantial: Plan for 8-12 years after high school graduation, including bachelor's degree (4 years), doctoral program (4-7 years), and supervised experience (1-2 years).
- Competitive compensation: Clinical psychologists in Minnesota earn a median salary of $98,960 annually, with industrial-organizational psychologists earning even more ($112,450 median).
- Strong job growth: Minnesota's psychology workforce is growing 5.3% through 2030, creating approximately 150 new positions.
- Multiple specialization options: Choose from clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, and other psychology specializations based on your interests and career goals.
Start Your Psychology Career Journey in Minnesota
Becoming a licensed psychologist is a significant commitment, but it opens doors to a meaningful career making a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're drawn to clinical work, research, consultation, or education, Minnesota offers diverse opportunities for psychologists across specializations and settings.
Ready to explore accredited psychology programs in Minnesota? Discover Minnesota psychology degree programs that can help you start your journey. Compare program features, specializations, and formats to find your perfect fit.
Additional Minnesota Psychology Resources:
- Minnesota Counselor Licensing
- Minnesota Social Work Licensing
- Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
