In most cases, becoming a psychologist takes somewhere between eight and 12 years of schooling.
However, when considering acareer in psychology, this timeframe is not always cut-and-dry.
This information can help.
Illustration by Joshua Seong, Verywell
The next step is to decide if you want to earn a master’s or doctorate-level degree.
Of course, there are other career options in psychology that do not require as many years of college.
Learn your options and what each educational path prepares you for in terms of a psychology career.
However, a masters is not always necessary.
What Is a Terminal Degree?
program immediately after earning your bachelors degree.
(Doctor of Psychology).
As with your master’s degree, the doctorate degree you pursue really depends on your career goals.
If you are interested in acareer in research, a Ph.D. might be the best choice.
Ph.D. programs place greater emphasis on research, experimental methods, and training graduates to work as scientists.
If you are more interested in starting a private therapy practice, considera Psy.D degree.
The American Psychological Association recommends that you enroll in an accredited program.
Accreditation provides public notification that an institution or program meets certain standards of quality.
Licensing requirements for psychologists vary by state and specialty.
Careers in forensic orsports psychology, for example, have differing requirements.
It can be helpful to learn about different degree options and requirements for various careers in psychology.
Here are a few to consider.
just note that these represent the minimum educational requirements in these fields.
Additionally, job opportunities and pay are generally greater with advanced training.
There are many different types of mental health professionals.
There are also a number of types of psychologists and each field has its own educational and training requirements.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
Tokar S.What is a terminal degree?Southern New Hampshire University.
American Psychological Association.State licensure and certification information for psychologists.
American Psychological Association.Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?
American Psychological Association.Why APA accreditation matters.
American Psychological Association.Postdoctoral fellowships.
Dinos S, Tsakopoulou M.Becoming a Psychologist: Is Psychology the Right Career for You?
Kuther TL.The Psychology Major’s Handbook.
U.S. Department of Labor.O*NET OnLine.
