The University of Idaho has officially launched two new graduate degree programs designed to address critical workforce gaps in mental health care and elder services, as first reported by bigcountrynewsconnection.com. The School of Health and Medical Professions (SHAMP) welcomed its inaugural students this fall for a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and a Master of Science in Gerontology.
The expansion comes as Idaho faces significant challenges in healthcare accessibility. According to state designations, every county in the Gem State is currently classified as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. Despite the high demand for services, data indicates that only about half of Idahoans with diagnosed mental health conditions are receiving treatment.
Addressing the Mental Health Workforce Gap
The new Psy.D. program aims to increase the number of licensed clinical psychologists in the region. Thomas J. Farrer, an associate professor and the director of the Psy.D. program, emphasized the practical application of the curriculum.
“These programs are exactly the kind of investment Idaho needs right now,” University of Idaho President Scott Green told the Big Country News regarding the expansion.
Farrer noted that the gerontology track focuses on systemic improvements for aging populations. “Gerontology is about examining the systems people use every day and rethinking them so they work for people at every stage of life,” Farrer told Big Country News.
Growing Demand for Elder Care Professionals
The introduction of the Master of Science in Gerontology responds to a rapidly shifting demographic landscape. Adults aged 65 and older now comprise approximately 17% of Idaho’s total population. That figure represents more than 50% growth in the senior population over the past decade, placing increased strain on healthcare infrastructure and social services.
The gerontology degree is offered fully online, a format designed to accommodate working professionals who need flexibility while advancing their careers. Students can complete the program in one year or progress at their own pace, allowing current healthcare workers, social service providers, and administrators to gain specialized knowledge without leaving their jobs.
Rapid Growth for SHAMP
The launch of these programs marks a significant milestone for SHAMP, which was founded in June 2024. In the spring of 2025, the school offered only one degree program: Idaho WWAMI Medical Education.
In just over a year, SHAMP has expanded its portfolio to include six total degree programs. The school is continuing to grow, with a seventh program—a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing—scheduled to launch in fall 2027.
Rusty Baker, co-director of SHAMP, oversaw the rapid development of the school’s academic offerings. The expansion reflects a broader strategy by the University of Idaho to align its educational output with the specific labor market needs of Idaho communities.
Application Timelines
Prospective students interested in the Psy.D. program can apply for the fall 2027 cohort, with applications opening after Labor Day. Those interested in the Master of Science in Gerontology can submit applications for spring 2027 admission.
The University of Idaho’s focus on health professions complements its recent investments in other academic areas. The university recently expanded its artificial intelligence curriculum with new degrees and certificates, signaling a broader commitment to preparing students for high-demand fields across technology and healthcare sectors. For more on the university’s technological initiatives, see University of Idaho Expands AI Curriculum with New Degrees and Certificates.
The addition of clinical psychology and gerontology programs positions the Moscow-based institution to play a larger role in training the next generation of Idaho healthcare providers. By focusing on mental health and aging services, the university is targeting two of the most pressing public health challenges facing the state.