A psychology degree might be something you’re considering. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in a variety of categories. It’s essential to consider the amount of education required for entry into your desired professional path before deciding on the type of degree to pursue.

An undergraduate degree may be adequate for some jobs. A graduate degree may be necessary for several other job routes.

The many psychology degrees, the time required to earn each one, and the possible careers are shown below.

1. Associate in Psychology

It typically takes two years to acquire an associate’s degree in psychology, which is an undergraduate degree. Many students who choose the associate degree option transfer to a state university to finish their bachelor’s degree. The associate degree option is frequently provided by community colleges.

To put it simply, there aren’t many associate-level positions available. A bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum need for the majority of entry-level psychology careers.

Before continuing on to more advanced courses, an associate degree is an excellent method to build a strong foundation in psychology. It is frequently used as a stepping stone toward achieving a bachelor’s.

Working as a psychiatric technician in a state mental hospital is one potential career path for those having an associate’s degree in psychology. You might also be eligible for some social work positions in some states, such as those of a casework assistant or an assistant to an addictions counselor.

2. Psychologist With A Bachelor’s Degree

An undergraduate-level degree in psychology is called a bachelor’s degree, and it usually requires four years to finish.

The option to earn a bachelor’s degree in either the arts or sciences is available to students at many universities.

Generally speaking, B.A. degrees tend to require more general education courses in the liberal arts, whereas B.S. degrees often require more general education courses in the sciences.

Graduate-level psychology students typically have access to a significantly wider choice of employment options. The number of entry-level professional choices is limited, but a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation for further graduate study in the field.

One poll found that only approximately 27% of people with a bachelor’s in psychology choose to work in a profession that is directly relevant to their degree.

Case managers, psychiatric technicians, career counselors, and rehabilitation specialists are a few frequent employment titles for those with this type of degree. Many people with bachelor’s degrees work in other fields, such as sales, management, and teaching.

3. Master’s Degree in Psychology

A psychology master’s degree is a graduate-level degree that typically requires two to three years of further study beyond a bachelor’s degree to accomplish. Students typically have the option of either an M.A. or M.S. in psychology, much like with a bachelor’s degree.

The master’s degree is one of the most popular options because there are a lot more jobs available at the master’s level than at the bachelor’s level.

While some master’s programs offer what is referred to as a terminal degree, another word for an end-level degree created to prepare students for the workforce, other master’s programs place a stronger emphasis on preparing students for doctoral-level research.

4. Ph.D. in Psychology

A doctor of philosophy in psychology, usually known as a Ph.D., can be obtained in psychology after four to six years of graduate study.

Though it does include both theoretical and applied training, the Ph.D. degree has a tendency to be more research-oriented than the Psy.D.

Additionally, there are many different specialization fields to pick from. You might wish to get a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology if you’re thinking of working in psychotherapy or starting your own private practice.

5. Psychology Doctor (Psy.D.)

In place of the conventional Ph.D., the Psy.D., or doctor of psychology, was developed. Psychology professional practice is typically more of a focus in Psy.D. schools.

A PsyD in School Psychology or counseling psychology and passing the necessary license exams entitle the holder to diagnose and treat mental problems, administer psychological tests, and deliver psychotherapy.

The average time to earn a Psy.D. is between four and seven years. During this time, students receive in-depth instruction on subjects including diagnosing mental illness, taking psychological tests, and carrying out clinical interventions.

Psy.D. candidates must undergo an internship and supervised practicum in a clinical environment, just like Ph.D. candidates. The practicum is often a part-time job where the applicant works under the supervision of a certified psychologist, as opposed to the internship which is a full-time position that lasts at least one year.

Students can take the state and federal licensing tests after completing the necessary curriculum, practicum, and internship.

The Conclusion

It’s good to research the professional opportunities each degree in psychology can lead to as you have a wide range of possibilities for your educational route. Make smart educational investment decisions to achieve your objectives.