Becoming a psychologist can be challenging yet rewarding. Knowing the right steps to become a psychologist is key. In addition, you’ll find that the field of psychology has many diverse areas of practice. This article will help you find the right degree and career path that matches your skills and interests. You’ll also find out how to get an edge on the competition.
What steps prepare me to becoming a psychologist?
- Request information from psychology programs. It’s important to explore your psychology school options. Some of the programs are more traditional with in-person classwork, while others offer online degrees. It’s important that you take a little time to learn about each program, and choose the one right for you.
- Volunteer in your community and get involved in research. Becoming a volunteer is an easy first step to opening the door to becoming a psychologist. Not only will volunteering prepare you for internships but also help you find the area of psychology you want to focus your career on. Additionally, volunteering shows a level of commitment to the profession that may open doors for scholarship and research opportunities.
- Become a research assistant. The field of psychology is rapidly advancing and there are many research opportunities for undergraduate students. In addition, this looks great on an application. Remember to keep track of your volunteer and research hours.
- Keep in contact with psychologists and professors you meet. Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in getting accepted to the school of your choice. Strong letters of recommendation from professionals in the field show that you are a great candidate for their program.
- Take necessary prerequisites. This is vital when applying for the psychology program you hope to attend. Each program is different but often developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, technical writing, human development, and cognitive neuroscience are prerequisite courses you’ll take.
What are my psychology degree options?
Psychology offers a variety of degree options. Consider the type of work you wish to pursue to determine the degree that’s right for you.
- Bachelor;s of Psychology: This program is a great way to prepare for graduate school and helps you meet prerequisites for your program. It also gives you opportunities to volunteer and do research in the field. There are many traditional and online programs available to you.
- Masters of School Psychology (EdS): This master’s degree prepares you to work as a school psychologist. Typically, candidates already have a bachelors degree. Courses focus on developing clinical skills, counseling, and supporting students with mental health concerns in the school setting. In addition, clinical rotations are an important element to becoming a school psychologist and typically takes a year to complete.
- Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD): After graduating with a bachelor’s degree of your choice you can apply for a doctorate in psychology. This graduate degree allows you to practice clinical psychology. You’ll provide mental health counseling to individuals, families, and groups. Many program options exist including traditional and online degrees. Clinical experience is also an important part of your training as a clinical psychologist.
- Doctorate of Psychology (PhD): This degree is designed for psychologists who would like to provide individual, family, and group counseling. It also prepares you to conduct research and teach at the college level. Options available through a variety of programs include traditional campus-based degrees, online degrees, and part-time learning. Also, completing supervised clinical training is critical to being a psychologist and typically takes 1-2 years to complete.
- Specialty board certifications in Psychology: The American Board of Professional Psychology offers specialty certifications in 15 areas, including exciting fields like forensic psychology, organizational and business psychology, psychoanalysis, police and public health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, couple and family psychology, geropsychology, and clinical child and adolescent psychology.
No matter what degree you ultimately choose to pursue, verify the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation.
Further Reading: Online Colleges with Laptop Programs
After completing my psychology degree, what’s next?
After completing your psychology degree, you sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) offered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. By passing this exam you qualify to become licensed in your state. Check with your state licensure board for additional requirements. Usually becoming licensed is a simple process.
Where will my psychology degree take me?
A degree in psychology has many benefits. Not only will you play a critical role in helping individuals and families achieve mental and emotional wellness, but you’ll also be able to choose from an array of practice arenas. Some of the practice arenas include being a forensic psychologist, organizational psychologist, sports psychologist, or school psychologist. In addition, with a PsyD or PhD in psychology you’ll earn on average $80,370 annually. Also, it’s common for school psychologists to make an average annual salary of $78,200. Finally, you can expect to see 3% job growth over the next 10 years.