Psychology Schools

Psychology has become a popular course of study for people at both the undergraduate and graduate levels because of the many career choices in this field (but almost all of the top careers in this field will require at least a master's degree. Psychology schools can teach students in these fields towards a variety of goals.

Students in psychology schools who want to become psychologists or psychiatrists need to earn an advanced degree from a psychology program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). First, these students must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, preferably with a major in psychology, before applying to a graduate school program. Most clinical psychologists earn a doctorate (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) after five years of study. Graduate psychology programs require students to conduct original research and write a dissertation. As with other medical degrees, there is also a mandatory residency period in which students complete their training under the supervision of experienced practitioners.

Psychology schools teach many subfields or specialties, including counseling, clinical practice, school-based psychology and developmental psychology. The latter two specialties focus on the needs of children, and are in high demand as schools integrate children with developmental and learning disabilities.

On the other hand, some psychology careers require only a master’s in psychology, which takes about two years to complete, includes writing a thesis. These graduates can work in either a corporate or institutional setting, providing counseling or using their knowledge of the human mind to drive recruitment techniques or design marketing campaigns.

Which Psychology School is Right for Me?

When researching schools with psychology programs, consider the following factors:

Accreditation. The American Psychology Association reviews and provides accreditation to the schools and to the programs. It is important to make sure that the school is accredited. This provides a level of assurance that the psychology school has met the minimum quality standards.
Area of specialization. In finding a school that supports a particular career path, make sure the school has the proper courses. Also, psychology schools tend to have a particular theoretical orientation; therefore, confirm the school’s particular psychology theory, such as research.
Degrees offered. Even with a career path that is currently undecided, it is important to know whether the school provides opportunities for progression to advanced degrees. After attaining a bachelor’s degree, the option to enroll into the master’s or even doctoral program at the same institution should be available. However, if higher levels of education are not available, is it possible to transfer earned credits to another school?

Earning a Psychology Degree

A psychology degree is required in order to pursue a career studying human behavior.

While a bachelor’s degree in psychology may qualify a candidate for certain market research or industrial organization positions, the opportunities are limited. In fact, the Department of Labor indicates that the overall job outlook for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology is very limited. A bachelor’s degree in psychology could prepare students to assist psychologists that work in a clinical setting, such as a mental health center. A four-year psychology degree could also meet eligibility requirements for some sales, service, or business management positions. It is not uncommon for students who have achieved a four-year psychology degree to pursue a career outside of the field. Only 38 percent of psychology degree graduates remain in the field.

According to the Department of Labor, the greatest prospects for psychologists over the next decade will be for individuals with a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.), who also have a specialization in growth areas, such as health or industrial organization.

At a rate of 42 percent, four-year psychology degree program graduates go on to obtain their master’s degree. A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology is far more marketable than an undergraduate degree. In fact, a doctorate is required to obtain a license to practice psychology. A doctoral degree usually entails five years of full-time graduate study.

Psychology Careers

Psychology is the study of human behaviors and interactions. The following are among the many psychology careers that one could pursue:

The largest group of individuals pursuing psychology careers can be found in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists help people cope with whatever life has thrown their way. They work in places like counseling centers, hospitals, vocational rehabilitation centers, and health maintenance organizations. Specializations within clinical psychology include: health psychology, neuropsychology, child psychology, and many others.

Cognitive psychology focuses on an analysis of memory, thinking, emotions, and perceptions.

Psychology careers that deal with how individuals develop in various stages of life (e.g., adolescence) are in the field of developmental psychology.

School psychologists work with students, faculty, and administration to help ensure students receive a quality education.

The highest projected psychology job growth over the next decade is psychology careers in the industrial sector. According to the Department of Labor, there will be a 26 percent growth rate in this area by 2018. Industrial psychologists work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to increase productivity and organizational effectiveness.

Research-based psychology careers can be found in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. One hot research area that businesses are interested in is behavioral economics. This involves the study of consumer purchase behaviors.

Psychology careers can vary in terms of the salaries they fetch. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a psychologist working in a clinical, counseling, or school setting is $64,140 per year.

Finding Psychology Careers

A psychology career provides insights into human behavior and interactions. Psychologists study the human mind and go about their research in many ways. They use testing tools to gather data about a person’s behavior, thoughts and motivations. Some of those testing tools include: intelligence tests, personality tests, aptitude tests, and performance predictors.

Another way that psychologists gather data is by personal observation, interviews, surveys, and clinical studies. A psychology career involves the analysis of all the data so as to formulate possible explanations for what was observed.

According to the most recent statistics issued by the Department of Labor, more than 170,000 individuals were pursuing a psychology career in 2008. Academic institutes employed 29 percent of those individuals. Government agencies and private businesses also employ psychologists. The average salary for a psychologist working in a clinical, counseling, or school setting is $64,140 per year.

A psychology career requires a commitment to higher education. While there are many bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, there are relatively few job opportunities available unless a master’s or a doctoral degree is obtained. Only 38 percent of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology actually pursue a psychology career. A large number (42 percent) of psychology graduates continue their education with master’s degree programs. A doctoral degree is required for licensure as a psychologist.