It’s never easy to decide to go back to school, especially when it involves taking on thousands of dollars in debt. That said, if you want to work in psychology, earning a master’s degree in psychology will significantly increase your opportunities when looking for jobs or pursuing your doctoral degree in the future. So how do you know which Education Degree is right for you? Answering the following questions will help you choose the best psychology masters programs possible.
What are My Options?
Getting your master’s degree in psychology is a great option for professionals who want to increase their knowledge base, improve their communication skills, and/or enhance their careers. But how do you find which program is best for you? Here are some steps you can take.
1. Online research, use Google and search for articles about the best psychology programs in your country (or state, if you’re in the United States).
2. Speak to professionals, like your guidance counselor or professors in your department of interest.
3. Ask people with degrees in psychology about their experiences in school
4. Attend open houses at schools you’re interested in
5. Do your research using online resources like College Factual or U.
As a psychologist, you’ll be working with patients through all stages of mental health challenges. The same is true for your career: if you want to excel, you’ll need a psychology degree from a reputable school.
What Kind of Job Can I Get With This Degree?
To be honest, that’s hard to say. Generally speaking, people with graduate degrees in psychology tend to work as researchers, therapists, counselors, or social workers. But even if you decide not to pursue one of these careers after earning your degree—or if you choose one but decide not to practice it for some time—you may find you have more career choices available than someone who doesn’t have a master’s degree.
What Classes Will I Take?
A key question you should ask is, What classes will I take? Not only do these courses cover theories and concepts that will prove valuable as a psychology professional, but they also help students learn how to organize their time and manage their workload. Because not all programs offer similar coursework, it’s important to find out what topics your program offers so you can decide if those classes fit into your schedule and needs.
What are Potential Career Paths?
If you’re interested in a career as a clinical psychologist, there are several types of psychology master’s programs that can help prepare you for a future in private practice.
1. University-Based Clinical Psychology Programs
2. Clinical Psychology Programs with a Human Services Focus
3. Clinical Psychology Programs with an Education Focused
4. Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs with an emphasis on Biological Research
Be sure to choose one with courses and practicums focused on your desired area of practice—school, research, or clinical. Before beginning your career as a clinical psychologist, most state licensing boards require you to get a master’s degree. It takes anywhere from 1-3 years, depending on which program you attend. Visit BestPsychologyDegrees.com to know more.
