If you’re majoring in psychology then you’ve probably been advised to get a graduate degree.
For many jobs in psychology, having a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology is a requirement.
So, how can students determine which graduate program is right for them?
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What career options might be best?
At a Glance
The first step is to begin by asking yourself some important questions.
How long are you willing to go to school?
Where do you envision yourself working?
What areas of psychology interest you the most?
Some of the most common areas of employment include mental health, education, business, and government.
Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, counseling centers, schools, health clinics, or private practice.
Counselors may have different titles depending on their degree and licensure.
Social Workers
Social workersoften diagnose and treat mental illness or work for social welfare agencies.
Those with an undergraduate degree in psychology may elect to obtain a master’s degree in social work.
Masters-level social work graduates can become licensed to practice in all 50 states.
Colleges and universities employ doctorate-level (and occasionally masters-level) graduates to fill faculty positions.
Professors are generally expected to teach undergraduate- and graduate-level students and conduct research.
Many also provide help with college applications and career choices.
School counselors hold a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program.
They must also complete an internship and pass licensing examples.
All states have differing requirements, but most require a minimum of a master’s degree in school psychology.
To become licensed, you must also complete a supervised internship and pass licensing exams.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Industrial-organizational psychologistsstudy workplace behavior and ergonomics, often working to increase productivity or efficiency.
Human factors psychologistsexplore the ways that people interact with products and environments.
They also help design interfaces that are easy to understand to maximize productivity and safety.
What This Means For You
Career options with a graduate degree in psychology are highly diverse.
The best way to determine what path is right for you is toevaluate your own needs and interests.
For many profession, a doctorate degree in psychology opens up more jobs and opportunities for advancement.
American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.
American Counseling Association.Licensure requirements: U.S. state and territory licensing of professional counselors.
National Association of Social Workers.Types of social work degrees.
American School Counselor Association.State requirements and programs.
National Association of School Psychologists.Overview of differences among degrees in school psychology.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook; psychologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
