Psychology Degrees

Colleges and universities offer psychology degrees at any level from undergraduate to doctoral. There are also many online college degrees in psychology available on the internet. Those who wish to work as a counselor must earn a master’s degree, PhD or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) from a school accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Psychology degrees are in demand in many professional settings because it involves the study of the human mind and behavior. An undergraduate psychology degree may give business students a professional edge, for instance, especially in marketing or politics, where the paramount goal is to appeal to consumers and voters.

Psychology degrees at the master’s level may allow a graduate to get a psychology job in a corporate or school setting, depending on their specialty. School psychologists need to earn a specialized master’s degree called the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), which is recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This degree is. Currently 31 states recognize the NCSP designation do, but the other 19 states do not. It is important that students find out whether or not their state recognizes this degree before applying to any such program.

Schools awards students psychology degrees to conduct research or work as a counselor; these degrees are usually either PhD or PsyD. Once one of these doctoral degrees is completed, graduates then must spend several years as a resident, working under the guidance of a more senior practitioner. To become board certified, graduates also need to pass state licensure exams and sometimes complete more postdoctoral training. There are currently 13 specialties recognized by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Counselor Certification

Counselor certifications are awarded to candidates who have the fundamental skills and educational background required help people work through emotional or behavioral issues. Counselors work in a variety of settings, ranging from one-on-one situations to small groups.

A counselor certification is appropriate for people who like to work with others and positively impact their lives. The credential is validation that a professional has the core competencies required to meet professional standards.

A counselor certification can take many forms. Some of the more common counseling professions include: marriage, drug and alcohol, eating disorders, family, bereavement, metal health, school, professional, and career counselors. Individual U.S. states set the licensing requirements for each of the counseling specializations; however, there is a wide array of academic programs to choose from in order to prepare for a counselor certification.

Many colleges help students prepare for counselor certification. There are many four-year bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, health and human services, behavioral science, mental health, and social work that provide a foundation for a career in counseling. In addition, many schools offer master’s degree programs that serve as a prerequisite for certain licenses. Accredited counseling programs typically require a master’s degree, or equivalent experience, as a prerequisite.