In Which States Can I Be a Psychologist With a Master’s Degree?

# In Which States Can I Be a Psychologist With a Master’s Degree?

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**Featured Image:**

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**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** September 11, 2024
**Updated:** September 23, 2026

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Most states require psychologists to hold a doctoral degree, but some offer master’s-level psychology licenses with varying scopes and supervision requirements. This guide identifies those states and explains what each credential allows.

## ****States With Master’s-Level Psychology Licenses** **

The following states offer a psychology license or board-regulated credential for at least some applicants with a qualifying master’s degree. Requirements were verified against official state sources on September 17, 2026.

**State** **Credential** **Experience and supervision requirements** **Official requirements**
Alaska Psychological Associate 3,000 supervised hours over two years [View requirements] (https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/psy4362.pdf)
Alabama Psychological Technician 500-hour graduate training experience; ongoing supervision required in practice [View requirements] (https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/750-X-2A-.04)
Arkansas Psychological Examiner Supervision required outside independently permitted assessment activities; licensees approved after December 31, 2024, cannot obtain independent-practice status [View requirements] (https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=267&levelType=section&partID=1301&sectionID=54317&subChapterID=333&subPartID=8241&titleID=17)
Kansas Licensed Master’s Level Psychologist; Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist No postgraduate total for the LMLP; 3,000 postgraduate hours for the LCP [View requirements] (https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/master-s-level-psychologists)
Kentucky Licensed Psychological Associate; Licensed Psychological Practitioner 600 graduate training hours for associate licensure; five years, or at least 9,000 hours, of supervised practice for practitioner licensure [View requirements] (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/026/190/)
Maine Psychological Examiner At least one year of full-time supervised experience [View requirements] (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/32/title32sec3831.html)
Michigan Master’s Limited Psychologist Post-master’s supervised experience required; practice remains supervised after licensure [View requirements] (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Psychology/Licensing-Info-and-Forms/Masters-Limited-Psychologist-Licensing-Guide-FAQ-12626.pdf)
Nebraska Psychological Assistant No fixed prelicensure total; ongoing supervision required [View requirements] (https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/PsychSuperApp.pdf)
New Mexico Psychologist Associate No route to independent practice; at least two hours of individual supervision per month required [View requirements] (https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.022.0012.html)
North Carolina Licensed Psychological Associate At least 500 hours of supervised graduate training; specified assessments and clinical services require ongoing supervision [View requirements] (https://ncpsychologyboard.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRACACT_06-21_final.pdf)
Tennessee Psychological Examiner; Senior Psychological Examiner One year of supervised post-master’s experience for examiner licensure; additional supervised practice required for senior status [View requirements] (https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1180/1180-03.20260402.pdf)
Texas Licensed Psychological Associate Six graduate practicum credits; 3,000 postgraduate supervised hours for independent-practice authority [View requirements] (https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-psychologists/applying-for-a-psychology-license/how-to-become-a-licensed-psychological-associate/)
Vermont Psychologist-Master 4,000 supervised hours, including at least 2,000 completed after the master’s degree [View requirements] (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/055/03011a)
West Virginia Supervised-Psychologist; psychologist after full licensure Five years of supervised practice before eligibility for full licensure [View requirements] (https://psychbd.wv.gov/license-info/Documents/Master%27s%20Degree%20Requirements%202026.pdf)
Wyoming Psychological Practitioner Board-approved supervised practice and continued supervision required [View requirements] (https://psychology.wyo.gov/rules)

“Supervised hours” does not mean exactly the same thing in every row. Some states count graduate practica, some require postgraduate experience before licensure, and others require supervision for as long as the professional holds the master’s-level credential. Applicants should review the linked rules and confirm their proposed degree and supervision plan with the state board.

This table excludes credentials limited to school-based practice, such as independent school psychologist or psychoeducational specialist licenses. It also excludes temporary registrations intended only for doctoral trainees. Minnesota retains some master’s-level licensed psychologists under a historical provision, but its eligibility deadlines have passed, so the pathway is not open to new applicants.

## **What Counts as a Master’s-Level Psychology License?**

A master’s-level psychology license is a state-regulated credential that authorizes someone with qualifying graduate training to provide specified psychological services. It is not equivalent to unrestricted psychologist licensure in every state.

The credentials in this guide generally fall into three categories:

- **Independent-practice credentials:** Some states allow qualified master’s-level professionals to practice independently after completing additional supervised experience and meeting other requirements.
- **Supervised-practice credentials:** Other licenses authorize psychological services only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
- **Limited-scope credentials:** Certain professionals may provide testing, assessment, consultation, or other defined services but cannot offer the full range of services available to doctoral-level psychologists.
Eligibility depends on more than [earning a master’s in psychology] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/degrees/masters/earning-psychology-masters-guide/) . States may prescribe the program’s credit total, curriculum, practicum, examinations, supervised experience, and institutional accreditation. A general psychology degree may not contain the clinical preparation required for licensure.

Title restrictions matter as well. A psychological associate, examiner, practitioner, or technician should not represent the credential as unrestricted psychologist licensure. Students comparing [psychology licensures] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/licensure/psychology-licensures/) should examine both the title and its authorized scope of practice.

## **States That License Master’s-Level Psychology Professionals**

The licenses in the table do not provide equivalent practice authority. Some states offer a route to independent practice, while others restrict master’s-level professionals to supervised work or particular services.

### **States With a Route to Independent Practice**

- **Alaska:** Psychological associates qualify for licensure after completing the state’s education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements.
- **Kansas:** An LMLP may pursue licensed clinical psychotherapist status, which permits a broader clinical scope.
- **Kentucky:** Licensed psychological associates may advance to licensed psychological practitioner status.
- **Texas:** LPAs may apply to the board for independent-practice authority.
- **Vermont:** The Psychologist-Master credential permits qualified master’s-level professionals to practice as licensed psychologists.
- **West Virginia:** Master’s-level Supervised-Psychologists may eventually qualify for psychologist licensure.
Arkansas previously allowed psychological examiners to obtain independent-practice status after additional supervised experience. State law now bars examiners licensed after December 31, 2024, from receiving that status, making the current pathway a supervised or limited-practice credential.

### **States With Supervised or Limited Practice**

- **Alabama:** Psychological technicians practice under a licensed psychologist’s supervision.
- **Maine:** Psychological examiners may conduct interviewing and psychological testing. They may provide certain interventions under supervision but cannot provide psychotherapy.
- **Michigan:** Master’s limited psychologists practice under the supervision of fully licensed psychologists.
- **Nebraska:** Psychological assistants may administer and score tests and help develop interpretations under supervision. They cannot independently provide interpretations or treatment recommendations.
- **New Mexico:** Psychologist associates practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or board-certified psychiatrist.
- **North Carolina:** Licensed psychological associates require supervision when conducting personality or neuropsychological assessments, providing psychotherapy or counseling to clinical populations, using certain intrusive or experimental procedures, or supervising services that would require supervision if provided directly.
- **Tennessee:** Psychological examiners practice within a board-defined scope and under required supervision. Experienced licensees may qualify as senior psychological examiners.
- **Wyoming:** Psychological practitioners provide services under a board-approved supervisory arrangement.
These distinctions affect professional autonomy, billing, permissible services, and portability. A credential that supports independent practice in one state may not qualify its holder for an equivalent license elsewhere.

## **APA Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Psychology**

The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA) now accredits master’s programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, as well as combinations of those areas and other developed practice areas. Historically, APA accreditation focused on doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral programs, so accreditation at the master’s level is a relatively recent development.

The pool of [APA-accredited master’s programs] (https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs) remains very small. Prospective students should not assume that a program is APA-accredited because its university holds institutional accreditation or its doctoral psychology program has APA accreditation.

APA accreditation also does not guarantee eligibility for every state credential. Licensing boards may impose their own requirements concerning degree titles, credit hours, coursework, practica, examinations, and supervised experience. Before enrolling, compare the program’s curriculum directly with the rules for the state and license you intend to pursue.

## **What You Can Do With a Master’s in Psychology If Your State Doesn’t License It**

If your state does not offer a suitable master’s-level psychology license, you may still have several career and education options. The right path depends on your program’s curriculum and the type of work you want to perform.

### **Pursue a Counseling License**

A licensed professional counselor pathway can lead to psychotherapy and independent clinical practice. However, a general psychology master’s program may not include the counseling coursework, supervised practicum, or postgraduate experience required for LPC licensure. Check the licensing board’s educational requirements before assuming your degree will qualify.

### **Earn a Social Work License**

An LMSW or clinical social work pathway generally requires a Master of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. A master’s degree in psychology normally cannot substitute for that professional degree, so this route may require completing another graduate program.

### **Consider Behavior Analysis**

Professionals interested in assessing and changing behavior may consider the Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential. BCBA eligibility depends on current Behavior Analyst Certification Board requirements, including qualifying graduate education, behavior-analytic coursework, supervised fieldwork, and examination. Some states also require behavior analysts to hold a state license.

### **Explore Nonlicensed Psychology Careers**

Depending on their education and experience, psychology graduates may qualify for positions in research, program evaluation, human resources, market research, community services, behavioral-health programs, or higher education. These roles do not typically authorize independent diagnosis, psychotherapy, or other activities reserved for licensed professionals.

### **Continue to a Doctoral Program**

Students who want the broadest route to psychologist licensure may pursue a PhD or PsyD. Doctoral study can expand opportunities in assessment, treatment, research, teaching, and independent practice, although admission and licensing requirements still vary. When comparing clinical doctoral options, verify programs through the directory of [APA-accredited PsyD programs] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/degrees/doctorates/apa-accredited-psyd-programs/) .

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

### **Can I Call Myself a Psychologist With a Master’s Degree?**

Only if the law in your state authorizes that title. Vermont offers a Psychologist-Master license, and West Virginia provides a route through which qualifying master’s-level applicants can eventually receive psychologist licensure. Other states use titles such as psychological associate, examiner, practitioner, or technician. Holding a master’s degree alone does not authorize someone to use the title “psychologist.”

### **Can a Master’s-Level Psychology Professional Practice Independently?**

In some states, yes. Alaska and Vermont issue master’s-level licenses after applicants complete substantial supervised experience, while Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, and West Virginia offer routes through which qualifying professionals can obtain broader or independent-practice authority. Other states require supervision throughout practice or limit the services a licensee may provide.

### **Does an APA-Accredited Master’s Degree Guarantee Licensure?**

No. APA accreditation indicates that a program meets the APA Commission on Accreditation’s standards, but each state establishes its own licensing requirements. A state may require particular coursework, degree credits, practica, examinations, or supervised experience beyond what a program provides.

### **Can I Transfer a Master’s-Level Psychology License to Another State?**

Not automatically. Master’s-level psychology credentials vary widely, and many states do not offer an equivalent license. A professional moving to another state may need to satisfy additional requirements, qualify for a different mental health license, or be unable to continue the same scope of practice. Verify the destination state’s rules before relocating or providing services to clients there.

## **How to Evaluate a Master’s-Level Psychology Pathway**

Before selecting a graduate program, work backward from the credential you want and the state where you intend to practice.

1. **Confirm that the license is open to new applicants.** Some states preserve older credentials for existing licensees but no longer accept new applicants through those pathways.
2. **Compare the program with the state’s education rules.** Review required degree titles, credit totals, coursework, practica, institutional accreditation, and any programmatic accreditation requirements.
3. **Understand the scope of practice.** Determine whether the credential permits psychotherapy, diagnosis, assessment, testing, independent practice, or only supervised services. Also check how the state restricts professional titles.
4. **Review the experience and examination requirements.** Verify when supervised hours may begin, who may provide supervision, which activities count, and whether the state requires the EPPP or a jurisprudence examination.
5. **Consider portability and long-term goals.** Master’s-level psychology licenses may not transfer easily because many states have no equivalent credential. If you may relocate or want unrestricted psychologist licensure, compare the master’s pathway with doctoral education and current [state psychologist licensure requirements] (https://psychdegreestarter.com/licensure/psychologist-licensure-requirements-by-state/) .
Licensing boards make the final determination of eligibility. When possible, obtain written confirmation that a program and proposed supervision plan satisfy the state’s requirements before enrolling or beginning supervised practice.

## **Sources for State Licensing Requirements**

The state information in this guide was verified using licensing-board materials, statutes, and administrative rules from:

- Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners
- Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology
- Arkansas Psychology Board
- Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
- Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology
- Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Michigan Board of Psychology
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners
- North Carolina Psychology Board
- Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology
- Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners
- West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Wyoming Board of Psychology
Direct links to the relevant state sources appear in the comparison table. The state inventory was also cross-checked using the [ASPPB PSY|Book] (http://psybook.asppb.org/) , while information about accreditation was verified through the [APA Commission on Accreditation] (https://accreditation.apa.org/public-notice-programs-database?utm_source=chatgpt.com) .

Because licensing rules can change, readers should confirm current requirements directly with the applicable state board.

State	Credential	Experience and supervision requirements	Official requirements
Alaska	Psychological Associate	3,000 supervised hours over two years	[View requirements] (https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/psy4362.pdf)
Alabama	Psychological Technician	500-hour graduate training experience; ongoing supervision required in practice	[View requirements] (https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/750-X-2A-.04)
Arkansas	Psychological Examiner	Supervision required outside independently permitted assessment activities; licensees approved after December 31, 2024, cannot obtain independent-practice status	[View requirements] (https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=267&levelType=section&partID=1301&sectionID=54317&subChapterID=333&subPartID=8241&titleID=17)
Kansas	Licensed Master’s Level Psychologist; Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist	No postgraduate total for the LMLP; 3,000 postgraduate hours for the LCP	[View requirements] (https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/master-s-level-psychologists)
Kentucky	Licensed Psychological Associate; Licensed Psychological Practitioner	600 graduate training hours for associate licensure; five years, or at least 9,000 hours, of supervised practice for practitioner licensure	[View requirements] (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/026/190/)
Maine	Psychological Examiner	At least one year of full-time supervised experience	[View requirements] (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/32/title32sec3831.html)
Michigan	Master’s Limited Psychologist	Post-master’s supervised experience required; practice remains supervised after licensure	[View requirements] (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Psychology/Licensing-Info-and-Forms/Masters-Limited-Psychologist-Licensing-Guide-FAQ-12626.pdf)
Nebraska	Psychological Assistant	No fixed prelicensure total; ongoing supervision required	[View requirements] (https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/PsychSuperApp.pdf)
New Mexico	Psychologist Associate	No route to independent practice; at least two hours of individual supervision per month required	[View requirements] (https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.022.0012.html)
North Carolina	Licensed Psychological Associate	At least 500 hours of supervised graduate training; specified assessments and clinical services require ongoing supervision	[View requirements] (https://ncpsychologyboard.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PRACACT_06-21_final.pdf)
Tennessee	Psychological Examiner; Senior Psychological Examiner	One year of supervised post-master’s experience for examiner licensure; additional supervised practice required for senior status	[View requirements] (https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/1180/1180-03.20260402.pdf)
Texas	Licensed Psychological Associate	Six graduate practicum credits; 3,000 postgraduate supervised hours for independent-practice authority	[View requirements] (https://bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-psychologists/applying-for-a-psychology-license/how-to-become-a-licensed-psychological-associate/)
Vermont	Psychologist-Master	4,000 supervised hours, including at least 2,000 completed after the master’s degree	[View requirements] (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/26/055/03011a)
West Virginia	Supervised-Psychologist; psychologist after full licensure	Five years of supervised practice before eligibility for full licensure	[View requirements] (https://psychbd.wv.gov/license-info/Documents/Master%27s%20Degree%20Requirements%202026.pdf)
Wyoming	Psychological Practitioner	Board-approved supervised practice and continued supervision required	[View requirements] (https://psychology.wyo.gov/rules)