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Psychology School
By Ashley Boyce, an allied health world staff writer
Published: January 5th, 2010
What are my psychology degree options?
Psychologists are on par with medical doctors not only in terms of the vitally important services they provide and the delicate and personalized nature with which they administer patient care, but also with regard to the extent of schooling they require to enter their respective professions.Psychologists have long been associated with doctorate level training culminating in a Ph.D. or Psy.D. credential. Although this is the case for those who wish to pursue counseling psychology, clinical psychology, professorship, and advanced university
research work, it is not a universal requirement for all psychologists. Psychology schools online and through campus based institutions provide a number of degree options for aspiring psychologists of all professional inclination. The following represents occupational opportunities for the respective psychology degrees:
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BS/BA):
Although earning a BS is often thought of as undergraduate preparation for master’s and doctorate programs, it will allow for some occupational opportunities. BS and BA recipients are often found working as assistants in social or vocational programs, and even performing substance abuse and addiction counseling at private clinics. In fact, chemical dependency professionals provide one on one and group counseling as interns often after earning an associate’s degree. Individuals holding bachelor’s degrees will also find opportunities in applied business and organizational capacities.Master of Science in Psychology/Terminal Master of Psychology (MS):
A master’s degree can either be pursued in preparation for a doctorate program through psychology schools, or as the final educational step, in which case it is referred to as a “terminal” master’s degree. Master’s can typically be earned in two to three years after graduating with a BA or BS. When opting for a terminal master’s, expect psychology careers in industrial-organizational psychology or other forms of applied psychology that may not involve direct patient care and that don’t require a clinical rotation.Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology/Doctor of Psychology (Ph.D./Psy.D.):
The doctorate degree represents the final goal for the select students of classic counseling and clinical psychology. No other credential carries with it so much respect and responsibility. A doctorate represents eight to ten years invested in psychology schools and puts recipients in the unique position of being able to counsel individuals, couples, and groups in a wide array of psychological, mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Anybody interested in an independent practice of counseling psychology will pursue a Doctor of Psychology degree.Do psychology schools require an internship or clinical rotation?
As much as medical doctors need to demonstrate their ability to work effectively and ethically by making the right diagnosis and administering the right treatment, psychologists must also demonstrate a fully developed aptitude for their work before they are allowed to enter practice. This is accomplished through a clinical or counseling internship often facilitated by the graduate school being attended.This is most often an actual internship in the traditional sense in that participants will receive a stipend that represents a fraction of the psychologist salary they can look forward to after licensure. This internship component of training involves 3000 hours of practice under the observation of a licensed psychologist.
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