So, you love learning how the brain works, helping others, and spending countless hours diagnosing yourself and your friends using the latest TikTok mental health videos (we've all been there). If psychology is your passion, you might wonder: What type of psychology degree do I need to work in this field?
No matter what you plan do to with your education (help others, do research, solve problems, etc.), there's a degree option out there that will help you reach your goals. Psychology degree options include those at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The five main types are an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a PhD, and a PsyD.
At a Glance
Should you get a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate? How do you decide whether to get a PhD or PsyD? A psychology degree can help prepare you for a great career in mental health, education, counseling, research, or applied fields, but you first need to decide which path is right for you. If you are considering earning a psychology degree, it's important to understand what level of education you need to enter your chosen career path. An associate or bachelor's degree might be a good option if you want to dip your toes into the field, but most careers require grad study (either a master's or doctorate). Before you commit to an educational path, start by learning more about the different types of psychology degrees and what you can do with each option.
1.Associate Degree in Psychology
An associate degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level degree that usually takes two years to complete.
Not every school offers an associate program in psychology. Community colleges are a great place to look if you are interested in an associate psychology degree option.
Jobs available at the associate level are somewhat limited as most entry-level psychology professions require a bachelor's degree at the very minimum. Because of this, an associate degree is commonly used as a stepping stone toward earning a bachelor's.
So, what can you do with an associate degree in psychology? One possible job option with an associate degree in psychology is to work as a psychiatric technician in a state mental hospital. In some states, you may also qualify for certain social work jobs, such as a casework aide or an addictions counselor assistant.
2.Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
A bachelor's degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level degree that often takes four years to complete. At many universities, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
What's the difference between a BA and BS?
Generally speaking, BA degrees tend to require more liberal arts general education courses, while BS degrees require more science general education courses.
While a bachelor's degree in psychology can be a great way to break into a psychology career, people who earn this degree often end up working in unrelated fields. In fact, according to one survey, only about 27% of people with a bachelor's in psychology end up working in a field closely related to their degree.
3.Master's Degree in Psychology
A master's degree in psychology is a graduate-level degree that usually takes between two and three years beyond the bachelor's degree to complete. Like the bachelor's degree, students can usually choose between a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in psychology.
Graduates with a master's degree can find jobs in a variety of areas, including mental health services, government agencies, and business fields. While there are some opportunities for teaching at colleges and universities, these positions tend to be limited and highly competitive.
Jobs with a master's level psychology degree are far more plentiful than those at the bachelor's level, which is why this is one of the most popular degree options. While some master's programs offer what is known as a terminal degree, or an end-level degree designed to prepare students for the workforce, other master's programs focus on preparing students for doctoral-level study.
4.PhD in Psychology
A PhD in psychology, or Doctor of Philosophy in psychology, is a doctoral-level degree. The PhD degree tends to take a more research-oriented approach but does include both theoretical and applied training.
How long does it take to get a PhD?
It depends on your educational plan and schedule, but most PhD psychology programs require four to six years of graduate study.
There are a wide variety of specialty areas to choose from with this psychology degree. Your choice will largely depend on what you choose to do after you graduate.
If you're interested in working in psychotherapy or opening your own private practice, you might want to earn a PhD in either clinical or counseling psychology. If you're interested in teaching, research, or an applied area, you might earn a PhD in a specialty such as social, developmental, industrial-organizational, or experimental psychology.
5.Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
The PsyD, or Doctor of Psychology, was created as an alternative to the traditional PhD. PsyD programs tend to be more focused on the professional practice of psychology.
If you earn a PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology and pass the required licensing exams, you are qualified to diagnose and treat mental disorders, conduct psychological tests, and provide psychotherapy.
In most cases, the PsyD degree takes approximately four to seven years to complete. During this time, students receive extensive training in topics such as diagnosing mental illness, performing psychological assessments, and conducting clinical interventions.
Just as with the PhD degree, PsyD students must complete a supervised practicum and internship in a clinical setting. The practicum usually involves working part-time under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, while the internship is a full-time position that lasts at least one year.
Once students have completed their required coursework, practicum, and internship, they can take the state and national licensing exams.
Takeaways
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to a psychology education and career. There are many options to choose from, so it's important to think about your plans, talk to an academic advisor, and decide which degree will help you achieve your goals. Let's be honest: college is expensive, so it's wise to figure out what you want to do before you commit to investing your educational dollars in a psychology degree.
