Psychology Schools in Michigan
Learn about psychology degrees in Michigan and find out how you can have a psychology career in the Great Lake State.
Psychology Schools in Michigan
By Kimberly Ross
The University of Michigan offers stellar programs for those looking to earn a psychology degree in Michigan. The psychology department not only has a host of research labs, but it is also affiliated with the school's Detroit Initiative program. In this program, students are provided with countless opportunities to cooperate with non-profit organizations in the community.
Michigan State University offers innovative psychology programs in psychology, such as behavioral neuroscience, ecological-community psychology and social/personality psychology. If you are working towards your degree at Michigan State, you can also gain valuable experience at the school's psychology clinic, which offers therapy services and community outreach programs.
The University of Phoenix's Detroit and West Michigan campuses also offer bachelor's and master's degrees in mental health counseling, human services and psychology.
Michigan Job Market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology professionals working in the metropolitan areas immediately surrounding Detroit should see higher salaries than in other areas of Michigan. Here are the mean annual salaries* of those using a psychology degree in Michigan:
| Psychology Career | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychologist | $72,170 |
| Counselor | $41,340 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $42,760 |
| Social Worker | $49,230 |
Michigan Licensure Requirements
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, all health license applicants must undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints. If you want to use your psychology degree in Michigan, you must also pass the appropriate national board examination. Here are the additional requirements, depending on your field:
Psychologist
- A doctoral degree in psychology
- Completion of a 2,000-hour supervised internship
Counselor
- At least a master's degree in counseling or related field
- Completion of 3,000 hours of counseling experience under supervision, of which 100 hours must be in the immediate presence of the supervisor (for applicants with a master's degree)
- Completion of an additional 1,500-hours of counseling, of which 50 hours must be in the presence of the supervisor (for applicants who have completed 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours beyond a master's degree)
Marriage and Family Therapist
- A master's degree in marriage and family therapy that includes a 300-hour practicum of direct client contact
- Completion of supervised post-degree experience that includes 1,000 hours of direct client contact
Social Worker
Michigan state offers licenses for bachelor's social workers (BSW) or master's social workers (MSW).
- A bachelor's degree (for BSW) or master's degree (for MSW) in social work
- Completion of 4,000 hours of post-degree experience under supervision (for MSW)
Making the Most of Your Degree in Michigan
Whether you are still working on your psychology degree in Michigan or trying to find work in your field, discover career-related support by joining a professional organization. As a member, you will have access to job opportunities, continuing education courses and important information on current issues. Below is a list of just a few of these organizations located in Michigan:
- Michigan Association of Art Therapy
- Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
- Michigan Counseling Association
- Michigan Psychological Association
- National Association of Social Workers, Michigan Chapter
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary may vary according to geographic location, years of experience and employer type.
Psychology Degrees USA
Did You Know?
- In 1817, Michigan was the first state to establish a university, the University of Michigan. It opened in Detroit but later moved to Ann Arbor.
- Nicknamed the "Great Lakes State," Michigan is the only state to touch four out of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
- Except for Alaska, Michigan has more shoreline than any other state in the U.S. It has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.