4 answers
Lilliann
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What degree is required to be a psychologist?
I am in twelfth grade right now at deer valley high school and I want to major in psychology when l get to college. I do not know what degree to go for because there are so many.
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4 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
To become a psychologist, you'll typically need to pursue a graduate-level degree, but the specific degree required depends on your career goals and the type of psychology you want to practice. Here are the common educational paths:
1. **Bachelor's Degree**: Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology is a good foundation. During your undergraduate years, focus on building a strong academic record and gaining research or internship experience in psychology to prepare for graduate studies.
2. **Master's Degree**: Some careers in psychology, such as school psychology or industrial-organizational psychology, may require a master's degree. A Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology or a related specialization can be pursued after your bachelor's degree.
3. **Doctoral Degree**: Most psychologists hold a doctoral degree. There are two primary types:
- **Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)**: Ph.D. programs in psychology focus on research and typically require a dissertation. They are suitable for those interested in academia, research, or clinical practice.
- **Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology)**: Psy.D. programs are more practice-oriented and emphasize clinical training. They are ideal for those aiming to become clinical psychologists.
4. **Licensure and Certification**: In addition to your degree, psychologists need to obtain licensure in the state they wish to practice. This often involves passing a licensing exam and completing supervised hours of practical experience.
5. **Specialization**: Depending on your career goals, you may choose to specialize further within psychology. Specializations can include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, and more. Each specialization may have its own educational and licensing requirements.
6. **Continuing Education**: Psychology is a dynamic field, and ongoing learning is essential. Psychologists often engage in continuing education to stay current with research and best practices.
Before deciding on a specific degree, it's crucial to identify your career goals within psychology. Do you want to provide therapy, conduct research, work in schools, or pursue another area of specialization? Once you've clarified your goals, you can choose the appropriate degree and educational path that aligns with your aspirations.
Additionally, consider speaking with academic advisors, professors, or professionals in the field of psychology. They can provide guidance and insights into the educational requirements and career opportunities within psychology, helping you make an informed decision as you prepare for college.
1. **Bachelor's Degree**: Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology is a good foundation. During your undergraduate years, focus on building a strong academic record and gaining research or internship experience in psychology to prepare for graduate studies.
2. **Master's Degree**: Some careers in psychology, such as school psychology or industrial-organizational psychology, may require a master's degree. A Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology or a related specialization can be pursued after your bachelor's degree.
3. **Doctoral Degree**: Most psychologists hold a doctoral degree. There are two primary types:
- **Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)**: Ph.D. programs in psychology focus on research and typically require a dissertation. They are suitable for those interested in academia, research, or clinical practice.
- **Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology)**: Psy.D. programs are more practice-oriented and emphasize clinical training. They are ideal for those aiming to become clinical psychologists.
4. **Licensure and Certification**: In addition to your degree, psychologists need to obtain licensure in the state they wish to practice. This often involves passing a licensing exam and completing supervised hours of practical experience.
5. **Specialization**: Depending on your career goals, you may choose to specialize further within psychology. Specializations can include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, and more. Each specialization may have its own educational and licensing requirements.
6. **Continuing Education**: Psychology is a dynamic field, and ongoing learning is essential. Psychologists often engage in continuing education to stay current with research and best practices.
Before deciding on a specific degree, it's crucial to identify your career goals within psychology. Do you want to provide therapy, conduct research, work in schools, or pursue another area of specialization? Once you've clarified your goals, you can choose the appropriate degree and educational path that aligns with your aspirations.
Additionally, consider speaking with academic advisors, professors, or professionals in the field of psychology. They can provide guidance and insights into the educational requirements and career opportunities within psychology, helping you make an informed decision as you prepare for college.
Luiza Rodrigues
Psychotherapist
3
Answers
Miami Beach, Florida
Updated
Luiza’s Answer
It depends on what you want to do, but if you would like to provide clinical services, like therapy you will need to have a 4-year bachelor's degree in psychology and then go to Graduate School. After graduation school, you will need your residency and the time frame varies from state to state.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Lilliann:
Clinical Psychologists have to have a doctoral degree (PH.D or Psy.D) in Psychology from an accredited or approved college or university. This is obtained after earning Bachelor and Master Degrees in Psychology. Professional licensing and certification is required as well.
There are other careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
Clinical Psychologists have to have a doctoral degree (PH.D or Psy.D) in Psychology from an accredited or approved college or university. This is obtained after earning Bachelor and Master Degrees in Psychology. Professional licensing and certification is required as well.
There are other careers in Psychology that one can pursue. According to Indeed.com, here are some of the top careers for a Psychology major:
- Therapist
- Psychology Program Director
- Behavioral Analyst
- Researcher
- Psychology Professor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Military Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Experimental Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Child or School Psychiatrist
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
Inés Donovan
3
Answers
Updated
Inés’s Answer
Hi.
It depends on what you want to do. I have a 4 year bachelor degree in Psychology from a University. I do not work in the field but having a bachelors is often a requirement for many jobs related or not. IMO It is a good degree because you get to study about people and understanding people is interesting plus a useful skill.
Beyond that there can be more schooling and specialization for example: if you want to be a therapist you could go for a Masters in clinical psychology and get a license to be a therapist. They also have school psychologists for education settings. They also have Industrial/Organizational Psychology for businesses. For researchers you can go all the way up to a PhD.
It depends on what you want to do. I have a 4 year bachelor degree in Psychology from a University. I do not work in the field but having a bachelors is often a requirement for many jobs related or not. IMO It is a good degree because you get to study about people and understanding people is interesting plus a useful skill.
Beyond that there can be more schooling and specialization for example: if you want to be a therapist you could go for a Masters in clinical psychology and get a license to be a therapist. They also have school psychologists for education settings. They also have Industrial/Organizational Psychology for businesses. For researchers you can go all the way up to a PhD.