Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in Utah
Utah has cultivated the perfect environment for psychologists looking for ample opportunities in everything from private practice to industry to research to public policy and beyond. That’s because in addition to its postcard-perfect landscapes, Utah offers a pro-business climate, a growing economy, a low crime rate, an innovative and affordable healthcare system, and a young, healthy population.
And while it’s easy to view Utah in a positive light, this state, like so many others, continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic. The demand for psychologists, addictions counselors and social workers here is on the rise, right along with the rise in heroin overdose deaths, which have tripled in the past decade.
Your Future in Psychology Starts with a Master’s Degree
You’ll need a doctorate degree in Utah if you want to practice clinical psychology. But a master’s degree in psychology here will not only provide you with the solid educational foundation you need to pursue doctoral study, it will prime you for a variety of fulfilling careers.
For example, a master’s degree in social work is the minimum educational requirement needed to earn licensure as a social worker, marriage and family therapist, or clinical mental health counselor through the Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
You’ll also need a master’s degree to work toward licensure as a school psychologist through the Utah State Department of Education.
Utah’s Psychology Master’s Programs Hit the Mark for Excellence
Utah’s selection of psychology master’s programs includes some of the biggest names in education, along with some of the most impressive opportunities. For example, Brigham Young University’s psychology department is home to a comprehensive clinic that provides the university and broader community with mental health services.
Utah State University offers an MEd and an EdS degree in School Counseling, along with outstanding research labs like the Behavior Economics Lab, the Multisensory Cognition Lab, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Disorders Lab, and more.
Excellent Mental Health Services Go Hand-in-Hand with Utah’s Innovative Healthcare System
According to recent data, Utah has one of the healthiest populations in the U.S. Just some of the factors that have helped Utah achieve this distinction include a young population (the average age is just under 30), a well-educated workforce, and low numbers of smokers, hospitalizations, and those living in poverty.
Work as a clinical or counseling psychologist here and you’ll be part of an innovative healthcare system that includes University of Utah Health Care, which has consistently ranked among the top medical centers in the nation for its quality, safety, and accountability.
Utah’s Opioid Epidemic Demands Addiction and Recovery Psychologists
Utah hasn’t escaped the nation’s opioid epidemic, calling for increasing numbers of psychologists who can examine and study the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors of drug addiction and provide treatment for Utah residents struggling with this disease.
Recent statistics reveal a troubling 300 percent increase in heroin overdose deaths in Utah since 2007. Opioid overdose deaths in Utah have averaged about 600 annually from 2013 to 2016.
Social and health psychologists also lend their assistance to the opioid crisis in Utah by working with community and government agencies to educate law enforcement and others on the use of naloxone kits used to save lives during an opioid overdose.
A Business Friendly State Makes for Great Opportunities in Applied Psychology
Utah’s industrial/organizational and engineering psychologists are enjoying this state’s healthy and progressive business climate, which recently helped it earn recognition as one of the top three states for business. Utah received high marks for both its economy and infrastructure.
Utah’s pro-business climate has earned it a consistent top spot on Forbes’“Best States for Business” list, and its tech hub—fondly referred to as the Silicon Slopes—is home to big names like EA Sports, IM Flash Technologies, and Adobe.