Employment in psychology is predicted to grow quicker than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An individual wanting to become a psychologist should be compassionate, emotionally stable and able to handle others effectively. Regardless of the area of study, to become a psychologist, he must satisfy certain college requirements.
Degree Requirements to be a Psychologist
Psychology is a broad field with a number of different specialties, such as clinical, counseling, developmental and school psychology. A psychologist can engage in private practice or work in facilities, such as schools, prisons or the legal system.
A doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or a PysD) allows the student to practice independently and helps qualify him for a vast range of teaching, clinical and research positions. To obtain a doctoral degree, five years of graduate study ending in a dissertation is generally required. A master’s degree allows him to work as an industrial-organizational psychologist or a psychological assistant. A minimum of two years full-time graduate study is required to obtain a master’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree allows the student to help psychologists in correctional programs and community mental health facilities. To work as a psychologist who provides direct patient care in a solitary or group setting, the individual must receive state licensure. A bachelor’s degree does not qualify him to provide this type of care; therefore, employment possibilities might be limited. It can take up to four years to complete the bachelor’s program.
Coursework Requirements to be a Psychologist
A psychology degree program involves coursework in lifespan development, foundations of psychology, psychology of learning, social psychology, cognitive psychology, measurements and tests, research methods, and inferential statistics.
Coursework for a doctoral degree includes research design and quantitative experimental methods, which are essential to completing the dissertation. The individual can obtain his PsyD. degree through practical work and exams instead of a dissertation. To obtain a clinical, school and counseling doctoral degree, an extra year of supervised post-doctoral experience is required.
The master’s degree program includes practical experience in a related environment and a master’s thesis based on original research. To expand employment potential with a bachelor’s degree, take two extra courses in areas such as economics, personnel or business administration, marketing, consumer education, communications, journalism, speech, computer science or social work.
Advancement Requirements for a Psychologist
To improve advancement opportunities, participate in continuing education and earn an advanced degree, such as the PhD. Furthermore, the American Board of Professional Psychology awards those who have attained professional achievement in psychology with specialty certifications in areas such as rehabilitation, forensic, psychoanalysis, group and family, and clinical health. To obtain this certification, the individual must complete the doctoral degree program and obtain state licensure.
Psychology is a complex subject; studying the human mind and behavior is not a simple task. Consequently, to obtain a degree in the field takes time and a true desire to help others. Still, the rewards are varied and fulfilling.
Grace Ferguson - Grace Ferguson has been writing since 2000. She writes website content and other areas of nonfiction regularly for private clients. Grace ...
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