Psychology Degree & Career Guide

Featured Rankings | Associate’s | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Doctorate | Accreditation | Become a Psychologist

Quick Facts:

• A psychology degree opens doors to a wide range of careers, including clinical psychology, counseling, research, human resources, marketing, and more.
• To become a licensed psychologist, you will need to pursue advanced degrees such as a master’s or a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.).
• Depending on your career path, you may need to obtain specific licenses or certifications. Requirements vary by state and country.
• The current median pay for licensed psychologist is $92,740 and job growth is expected to be higher than average (6%) over the next decade (BLS).

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring how we think, feel, and act. It delves into understanding the reasons behind people’s actions, emotions, and thoughts, from childhood through adulthood. By studying psychology, you can uncover the mysteries of the brain, learn about mental health, and develop ways to help people overcome challenges and improve their well-being. Whether you’re interested in becoming a therapist, a researcher, or even working in fields like education or business, psychology offers a fascinating and rewarding career path that lets you make a positive impact on others’ lives. 

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Associate’s in Psychology

An associate’s degree in psychology is a two-year undergraduate program that provides a basic introduction to the field of psychology. This program covers fundamental topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and general psychology principles. Students also gain skills in research methods, critical thinking, and communication.

An associate’s in psychology typically takes about two years to complete if attended full-time, and it includes a mix of general education courses and psychology-specific classes.

Career opportunities with an associate’s degree in psychology are somewhat limited compared to higher degrees, but it can still open doors to entry-level positions. Graduates may work as psychiatric aides, case management aides, social service assistants, or in administrative roles in mental health settings. Additionally, an associate’s degree can be a stepping stone for further education, such as transferring to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Bachelor’s in Psychology

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a four-year undergraduate program that provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes. This degree involves studying a wide range of topics, including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. Students learn about psychological theories, conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in psychology takes about four years to complete if attended full-time. The program includes a combination of core psychology courses, electives, and general education classes. Many programs also offer opportunities for internships or research projects to gain practical experience.

Career opportunities for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are diverse. While some roles in psychology require advanced degrees, a bachelor’s degree can lead to entry-level positions in fields such as human resources, case management, marketing, social services, and mental health support. Graduates can work as psychiatric technicians, research assistants, career counselors, or in various administrative roles. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in psychology serves as a strong foundation for pursuing graduate-level education in psychology or related fields.

Master’s in Psychology

A master’s in psychology is an advanced degree that delves deeper into the study of the mind and behavior, building on the foundational knowledge gained during a bachelor’s degree. This program involves specialized coursework in areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, organizational psychology, and research methods. Students often engage in hands-on training through internships, practicums, or research projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Typically, a master’s in psychology takes about 2 to 3 years to complete, depending on the program and whether you study full-time or part-time.

Earning a master’s in psychology opens up various career opportunities. Graduates can work as licensed counselors, school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, or in roles related to human resources, market research, and mental health services. For those interested in clinical practice, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone to a doctoral program, which is often required for higher-level positions and licensure as a psychologist.

Doctoral Degrees in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.)

A doctorate in psychology is the highest level of education in the field, allowing for deep specialization and expertise. It typically takes between 4 to 7 years to complete, depending on the program and the student’s pace. There are two main types of psychology doctorates: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

A Ph.D. in psychology focuses heavily on research and academic scholarship. It prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, and clinical practice, emphasizing the creation of new knowledge through rigorous research. Students in Ph.D. programs spend a significant amount of time conducting research, writing a dissertation, and may also receive training in clinical practice.

On the other hand, a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice and the application of psychological knowledge to help individuals and communities. While still involving some research, Psy.D. programs focus more on training students to become practicing psychologists who provide therapy, assessment, and consultation. These programs often include extensive supervised clinical experience.

Graduates with a doctorate in psychology can pursue careers as licensed psychologists, university professors, researchers, clinical supervisors, consultants, and more. The choice between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. depends on whether one is more interested in research and academic work (Ph.D.) or clinical practice (Psy.D.).

A Note on Accreditation

The APA Commission on Accreditation is the national accrediting authority for psychology. APA accreditation ensures that schools meet the academic requirements of this rigorous accrediting body. CACREP deals with masters and doctoral programs. A CACREP accredited school confers degrees respected by employers and other universities. Choose online psychology degree accredited by APA for undergraduate programs.

A psychology accreditation for master’s and doctoral level schools should include the appropriate regional and national accrediting bodies. Select from CACREP accredited colleges and universities with specializations that appeal to you.

APA accredited online programs have passed the rigorous standard set by this professional organization, and only accredited psychology programs are eligible for student financial aid. APA accreditation is also a standard considered by perspective employers for clinical, teaching and other psychology jobs. So, we recommend applying only to APA accredited online programs.

Becoming a Psychologist

Quick Facts: Psychologists
Median Pay	$92,740 per year $44.59 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Master’s or Doctorate in Psychology
On-the-job Training	Internship/residency
Job Outlook	6% (Faster than average)

To become a psychologist, you need to follow several steps. First, you must finish high school or get your GED, focusing on subjects like psychology, biology, and math. Next, you go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, which usually takes about four years. In college, you’ll learn about the basics of psychology, how the mind works, and how to conduct research. Some people choose to get a master’s degree in psychology, which takes about two more years and helps you specialize in areas like clinical psychology or counseling.

To become a licensed psychologist, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or Psy.D., which takes about 4-7 years. During this time, you’ll study more advanced topics, do research, and get hands-on experience working with patients. An important part of your doctoral program is completing an internship, where you gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced psychologists. After finishing your education and internship, you must get licensed to practice psychology, which involves passing a national exam and sometimes a state exam too.

Once you’re licensed, you might need to work under supervision for a while before you can practice independently, which is called a postdoctoral fellowship. Even after becoming a psychologist, it’s important to continue learning by taking additional courses or attending workshops to stay updated on the latest research and techniques. By following these steps, you can become a psychologist and help people understand and manage their thoughts and feelings.

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