If you are looking for doctoral programs in psychology in South Carolina that have been accredited through the American Psychological Association (APA) to advance professional opportunities in various specialty areas in the dynamic psychology field, read on to learn about the state’s 2 best psychology degree programs.
While South Carolina may be best known for its rich history and beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coastline, the 24th most populous state in the nation offers much more for psychologists. In fact, the “Palmetto State” is expected to experience tremendous growth in job opportunities for psychologists as the field grows at a rate of 12% before 2022. Since the best career prospects will most likely require individuals to possess a doctoral degree as well as post-doctoral supervised work experience, read on to learn about the two accredited psychology doctoral programs available within South Carolina.
University of South Carolina
Department of Psychology
First founded in 1801 as the state’s flagship comprehensive four-year public research institution on the historic Horseshoe, the University of South Carolina is located on a vibrant 444-acre urban campus in the heart of the state’s capital city of Columbia with more than 31,000 students. Consistently recognized for its top value in high education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the prestigious Princeton Review, USC is ranked as the 112th best college, 55th top public school, and 22nd best college for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the Departmendisst of Psychology is acclaimed for hosting the 94th best clinical psychology doctoral programs and the 132nd top psychology graduate programs in the United States.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical-Community Psychology
In an effort to bridge together the two distinctive subfields of the dynamic psychology field, the Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology program has been designed to provide qualified graduate students with a doctoral level training experience in understanding the in-depth cases of psychological well-being as well as abnormal psychological conditions. As a program that places a specific emphasis on viewing mental wellness on a broad continuum beyond the traditional absence of pathology, the curriculum considers all environmental, social, physical, and cultural factors that influence psychological health. With admissions straight from the baccalaureate degree level, the program typically consists of at least five to six years of full-time graduate studies for completion, including a doctoral dissertation research project and a year-long internship experience in an approved clinical or community-based intervention setting.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
Well-known for being only one of four programs nationwide with the designation of very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation that is uniquely offered within a Department of Psychology, the Ph.D. in School Psychology program follows the scientist-practitioner model of training to prepare qualified graduate students for entering professional careers in academic settings. With an emphasis on practice that is informed by psychological sciences, the program pursues a number of pressing research concerns, including cultural differences, youth development, school mental health programs, school-based intervention, childhood disabilities, child positive well-being, and neuropsychological assessment. For completion of the degree, students must complete a minimum of 78 credits of advanced coursework, 12 credits of doctoral dissertation research, and 2 credits of internship with successful completion of a comprehensive examination in the culminating year.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
Barnwell College Room 248
1512 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-2312
[email protected]
Program Website
Not only will earning a doctoral degree in psychology place you on the track towards a lucrative salary potential of up to $110,410 in South Carolina, but it will also unlock rewarding professional opportunities in psychology for academic, research, and clinical practice settings to truly make significant contributions to the field for the improvement of mental health. If you have received the calling to put your talents to use in studying the mind and helping others overcome all of life’s challenges, be sure to check out these doctoral programs in psychology in South Carolina that fulfill all licensure requirements for practice.