What You Should Know About This Degree
It’s important to have a clear understanding of your desired career path when studying for a master’s in psychology. If your goal is to be a clinical psychologist, you’ll need to pursue a doctorate. You might also consider a master’s in social work, counseling, or education. Master of social work degrees train students in psychotherapy techniques that help individuals and communities overcome challenges, and graduates can work as general psychotherapists. A master of science in counseling requires at least two years of supervised experience. After this period, graduates can provide a wide range of services, including mental health, community, addiction, school, marriage, and family counseling. Students wishing to work in a classroom environment should consider pursuing a master of education degree. To determine which program is right for you, think about how you would like to use your knowledge and understanding of human behavior.
Additional licenses and certifications are needed to demonstrate expertise in the field of psychology. A state-issued license, such as Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is an essential qualification. The American Board of Professional Psychology approves a range of specializations to help psychology graduates qualify their abilities.
What’s Next?
Here are a couple of questions to ask when considering a master’s in psychology:
- Am I eligible for this program? At the graduate level, psychology programs are open to prospective students who hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related fields. You might also need to have a minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score and demonstrate previous coursework in statistics, experimental methods, and developmental psychology.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s degree programs in psychology take two to three years to complete and often involve a final thesis. Online programs allow students to complete courses at their own pace. If you’re considering becoming a psychologist, you will also need to attend a doctorate program. PhD programs usually take four to six years, and some master’s programs are included as part of doctoral programs.
Be mindful of application deadlines and additional prerequisites for programs in which you’re interested. Many schools post detailed application information for their programs in the admissions sections of their websites.
Consider how you will cover the costs associated with your preferred area of study. Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study funds are all ways to pay for your graduate studies. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to find out if you quality for government funding.