Forensic psychology applies psychology to the criminal justice system and entails psychologists to testify in court and present data to legal professionals. Health psychology analyzes behavior and its influence on health and sickness with its aim being to improve a patient's overall health. Occupational psychology involves the study of organizations and how they function along with how individuals and groups of individuals behave at work. Social psychology observes how emotion, behavior, and thoughts of individuals are affected by the presence of others (whether this presence is real, envisioned, or implied).
Due to the various branches of psychology, the job prospects will differ in each area. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities will be the most copious for graduates with doctoral degrees in applied psychology areas such as clinical psychology or health psychology.
Psychology Degree Levels Available
Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology
An associate's degree in psychology prepares students for entry-level positions in the mental health field or for further advancement to a bachelor's or master's degree. This two-year program includes courses in areas such as developmental psychology, marriage and family relations, and theories of personality. Students who graduate from this program may gain employment as a psychiatric technician, rehabilitation worker, or support worker. However, this two-year degree is somewhat limited as far as opportunities and salary; a student with an associate's degree in psychology who would like to advance to a higher position as well as salary, should continue onto the bachelor's degree in psychology.
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
The bachelor's degree in psychology program educates students in various behavioral and psychological issues and problems. Students learn about different theories of personality and effective procedures in coping with these behavioral or psychological dilemmas. This undergraduate-level degree is a four-year program which includes courses such as abnormal psychology, behavioural modification and application, research methods in psychology, and measurement and assessment. During this program, students choose from a number of subjects within psychology to concentrate on such as social/personality psychology, clinical psychology, or school psychology. Students then have the opportunity to work on an honors thesis with an advisor who specializes in their chosen field of focus. Students graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology may work as a case manager, policy analyst, research assistant, or rehabilitation specialist.
Master's Degree in Psychology
A master's degree in psychology is a graduate-level degree which prepares students to become leaders in the mental health profession. At this point in their academic career, students will have chosen an area of specialization in which to focus on throughout their program. Within two years, students graduate with a strong research-based background in the psychology field and are able to continue onto the doctoral program or enter the workforce as a clinical researcher or counsellor.
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree in Psychology
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in psychology use scientific methods to better comprehend and explain human behavior and cognition. As with most Ph.D. programs, students are required to submit a thesis proposal, pass a qualifying examination and candidacy examination, and complete a dissertation based on original research conducted by the student, all the while achieving above a B average in mandatory coursework. Graduates from the Ph.D. program in psychology primarily secure positions in academia or clinical settings.
Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) Degree
The Psy.D. program allows students to obtain an applied clinical doctorate degree which is primarily practice-oriented, whereas the Ph.D. program is primarily research-oriented. Upon graduation, students are able to diagnose and treat mental disorders and may obtain employment in a variety of settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, or private practice.
Admission Requirements
Although various colleges and universities may vary slightly, students can expect fairly standard admission requirements when applying to obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in psychology. Successful completion of high school or an academic equivalent (such as a GED) is required along with high school transcripts displaying grades obtained in completed courses. SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university must be completed and submitted along with an application fee, which of course varies depending on the institution. Volunteer and or work experience in areas such as mental health or crisis help-lines is always beneficial to the student and will aid in their acceptance during the application process.
Admission into the master's and doctoral programs require a bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related field. Colleges and universities require a transcript from the institution where the bachelor's degree was obtained, displaying the student's GPA which should be at a 3.25 minimum (on a 4.0 scale). Students must have completed and received a score within the 80th percentile or above for the GRE (Graduate Records Exam). A statement of purpose, which states the student's career or research goals, must be submitted. Two or three reference letters from faculty members is also mandatory. If a student fulfills all of these requirements, then an application form from the college or university must be completed and submitted along with an application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
An associate's degree in psychology's tuition fees may vary between $15 000 and $25 000. A bachelor's degree in psychology's tuition fees may vary between $50 000 to $75 000. A master's degree in psychology's tuition fees may vary between $30 000 to $80 000. A doctoral degree in psychology's tuition fees may vary between $20 000 to $40 000.
Colleges and universities which offer an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in psychology must be aligned with APA (American Psychological Association) standards. Most employers only hire students who graduated from an APA-accredited institution.
Annual Salary for Different Occupations in Psychology
A psychology graduate's salary is based on various factors which include (but are not limited to) their level of education, level of experience, and their field of specialization. Earnings may vary drastically from person to person. However, here are a few of the median annual earnings for the most common professions in the psychology field (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):
- Career Counsellor $53 380
- Support Worker $33 880
- Mental Health Counsellor $43 290
- Clinical Psychologist $73 090
- Professor Of Psychology $62 050
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