A Brief History of the Psychology Major
Psychology is the study of the human mind. The human brain is one of the most fascinating organs in history. If the complexity of the brain intrigues you, then you should consider a degree in psychology. Psychology, at its core, deals with the observation, interpretation and application of human behavior accross various levels and platforms. Through research, studies, and observation of behavioral patterns, psychologists have learned much that can help foster understanding between individuals, groups, institutions, nations, cultures. Psychology is a diverse field with a wide array of specialty opportunities. Some psychology majors may choose to go into teaching and counseling, while others will opt for clinical practice. A graduate degree is usually required to practice as a psychologist in a health care setting. Career goals notwithstanding, all students now have the opportunity to earn their psychology degree online, thus giving them the flexibility to maitain their regular jobs while pursuing their education.
Delving Into the Psychology Major
Students who wish to pursue a degree in psychology have many undergraduate and graduate level training options to choose from. Many online colleges and universities offer psychology degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level, and these are available in various concentrations and specialty areas. The coursework and reading material in psychology will vary based upon institution. Generally, those interested in a psychology degree will complete course work in social sciences, behavioral sciences, statistics, math, arts, and humanities at the undergraduate level. Courses in the curriculum for a psychology degree may also include general psychology, community psychology, research, abnormal psychology, social psychology, community psychology, and human behavior. A bachelor’s is required to work as an assistant in a mental health setting. Graduate level training will prepare students for licensure or certification, after which they are able to practice as independent psychologists. A Ph.D. is required for independent practice licensing.
Degree Levels:
Associate
An associate’s degree is the first step toward earning a graduate degree in psychology. This academic level sets the foundation for teaching, research, and observational skills needed to understand psychology principles. Reading materials will provide students with an introductory knowledge of the diseases of the mind, while preparing them for a bachelor’s degree or graduate degrees. Students looking to earn an associate’s degree will complete coursework in general psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, brain and behavior, as well classes in social sciences, composition, mathematics, humanities, and communications.
Bachelor’s
The purpose of the bachelor’s degree is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology. The focus of this academic curriculum is to prepare students for research and evaluation of psychological principles. Students at this level gain a well-rounded education either for immediate employment in research and business or for graduate education in psychology or related fields. The coursework may include history of psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, psychology of personality, physiological psychology, and research methods in psychology. By the end of the bachelor’s program, students will have gained a thorough understanding of the bases of human behavior.
Master’s
A master’s degree in psychology requires about two years of full-time graduate study. Some programs require practical experience in an applied setting. The curriculum at this level is designed to educate students on specific concepts while preparing them for the workforce. Courses at this level may include cognitive psychology, physiological psychology and research methodology. A master’s in psychology program typically focuses on teaching students how to frame the right questions and discover answers on human behavior. Course materials and readings are geared towards equipping students with a mastery of theory, research of personality, data analysis techniques, critical evaluation skills, and knowledge of social influences on behavior.
Doctorate
Students who decide to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology learn to use scientific methods to understand human behavior and quantify outcomes. The main purpose of the doctoral curriculum is to provide students with a firm understanding of psychological principles, clinical skills, and research methodology. Courses may include experimental psychology, human development, cognitive processes, and clinical ethics. It may take between five and seven years to complete doctoral work in psychology. Completion of the program often requires a dissertation and a comprehensive internship or residency. Doctoral candidates are able to specialize in a subfield, such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, or criminal psychology.
Supplementing Your Psychology Major
One of the many benefits of a psychology degree is that it pairs well with other majors. The versatility of this field makes it a good accompaniment to fields such as communications, business administration, as well as other social science specialties. Psychology majors who wish to specialize in one area or another also have a vast selection of specialty areas to choose from. Specialty areas in psychology include: clinical psychology, educational psychology, social psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. Students may also choose to concentrate on criminal psychology, sports psychology, children’s psychology, public health, management, or substance abuse. Some subfields are research-oriented, while others are mainly concerned with the practical application of psychological principles. Depending on the level of your program, you’ll receive the training and education you need to prepare for a career in social work, teaching and counseling, and health care environments like hospitals, clinics and group practices. Psychologists are typically not allowed to prescribe medication, but they do work with other health care providers to recommend treatment options to patients. You can broaden your employment opportunities by obtaining an advanced degree or additional certification in psychology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctoral degree holders and psychologists with extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science are more desirable in the employment force.
Learn More About the Psychology Major
- U.S. News’ Best Psychology Programs
- SALMON Psychology
- Introduction to Personality Psychology
- Open Courseware from MIT: "Brain and Cognitive Sciences"
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences
The Psychology Major in the Job Market
The research, observational and analytical skills acquired in psychology enable them to work in a wide range of fields, from healthcare and academia to sports and management. Psychologists perform a variety of duties, from mental health treatment to forensic analysis. Other career pathways include statistical analysis, company survey, marketing, journalism, and more. The field of psychology is critical to the overall development of a society. The job outlook for psychology majors remains bright, as demand continues to grow. Particularly, school psychologists are a coveted group in the field, a demand fueled in part because the growing awareness of students’ mental health and behavioral problems. Though master’s degree holders in areas other than industrial-organizational psychology face keen competition in the job market, psychologists with doctoral degrees enjoy the best job prospects, according to the BLS. In addition, students with more advanced degrees will be able to open their own practice or join an existing group of psychologists. According to a BLS estimate, psychologists working in their own offices will earn the highest average salaries, while those who work in school settings will earn the second highest average.The median annual salary for clinical, counseling and school psychologists was $64,140 in 2008. Psychology majors seeking job openings should visit CareerBuilder.com or the APA’s job forum.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
