Types of Psychology Degree

Students can pursue degrees in psychology at all levels. Each degree builds on the one before it to prepare students for clinical positions.
- An associate degree in psychology generally requires about 60 credit hours or 1-2 years to complete. These degrees consist primarily of general education courses and serve as a stepping stone toward a four-year degree in the field.
- A bachelor’s program in psychology requires about 120 credit hours or 60 hours beyond the associate degree. These programs offer foundational courses in psychology, preparing students to pursue some entry-level careers or enter graduate school. Graduates who enter the job force with this degree often pursue careers in other fields.
- A master’s degree in psychology can take 2-3 years to complete. This degree allows graduates to practice as counselors in some states or work as industrial-organizational psychologists.
- Most states require a doctorate in psychology to earn clinical licensure. This degree can take anywhere from 4-6 years to complete and serves as the minimum requirement for practice.
Can you get a psychology degree online?
Yes. Many schools offer online psychology degrees. However, while a program may offer online coursework, all graduate psychology programs require in-person internships or practicum experiences. Typically, online students complete these at sites in their home communities. Students should seek out regionally accredited online psychology degree programs.
Why is accreditation for online psychology programs important?
To earn licensure in psychology, you must hold a degree from an accredited institution. Psychology licensing exams require candidates to graduate from an accredited program. Additionally, credits earned at an unaccredited institution do not transfer to accredited schools, and employers often will not recognize degrees from unaccredited institutions.
Should I get a BA or BS in psychology?
Generally, these degrees offer similar foundational courses in psychology. Graduate programs in psychology often look for those foundational courses. Occasionally, graduate psychology programs will look specifically for a BA or BS, but more often, they require a bachelor’s in psychology. BS degrees tend to require more general education courses in the sciences, while BA tracks emphasize the liberal arts.
What job can I get with a master’s in psychology?
Although most states require a doctoral degree in psychology to earn clinical licensure, many states allow those with a master’s degree to practice in certain areas, such as counseling. Some students may choose to pursue an educational psychology degree, which would allow them to practice as a school counselors in many states. Industrial and organizational psychology positions also often require a master’s degree rather than a doctorate.
How long does it take to earn a psychology degree?
This depends on which degree track you select, whether you enroll full or part-time, and the individual program requirements. For example, a bachelor’s in psychology may take 3-4 years, and a doctorate can take an additional 6-8 years beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Which psychology degree makes the most money?
Typically, higher degrees earn higher salaries. Those with a bachelor’s in psychology earn an average salary of $59,000, while master’s degree-holders earn an average of $61,000, and doctoral-level graduates earn an average of $88,000 per year. These numbers can vary based on experience, geographic location, employer, and other factors.
What Psychology Degree Concentrations are Offered Online?
While pursuing an online psychology degree, students often explore concentrations and specializations, depending on their interests and career goals. Degree concentrations allow learners to specialize in their coursework. These concentrations may require additional coursework beyond the core curriculum or special placements for required internship and practicum experiences. The list below provides more information about available concentrations.
Courses in this concentration emphasize child development, with an internship experience working with young people. These psychologists primarily work with patients under 18 and must possess doctorates.
Author Credit: psychology.org
Online Forensic Psychology Overview

What is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychologists use psychology in the legal system. They may work in correctional facilities, for public prosecutors, or as experts in law firms. Forensic psychologists may testify in courtrooms, carry out research, perform investigations, and implement treatment programs for patients.
Explore what forensic psychologists do, the different types of forensic psychology degrees, and available career paths with each degree.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist?
Students need a doctoral degree to earn licensure as clinical forensic psychologists. The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree, a requirement for graduate study. The cost of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field varies greatly. In some instances, online learners may qualify for in-state tuition even if they live in another state.
Next, students must earn an advanced degree. Pursuing a master’s can help learners find a non-clinical job or earn credits toward a doctoral program. Master’s programs typically take about two years to complete, though some online programs offer accelerated options.
Students usually complete the doctoral degree and internship requirements within seven years. To obtain licensure, doctoral graduates must also pass a national licensing exam.
Original Post: psychology.org
What Does a Child Psychologist Do?
Child psychologists study the mental, behavioral, and expressive development of children, focusing on the period from birth to adolescence. These psychologists may treat relatively healthy children by evaluating language, cognitive functions, and motor skills throughout each stage of early childhood development. Child psychologists also diagnose and treat children with severe psychological disorders such as autism, mood disorders, and issues resulting from trauma or abuse.
Child psychologists may counsel patients in schools, social service agencies, government organizations, the juvenile justice system, or private practice, often using behavioral modification therapy, play therapy, journaling, and therapeutic intervention techniques.
Child psychology encompasses several primary subspecialties, including pediatric, adolescent, and abnormal child psychology. Professionals in a particular subspecialty may work with specific patient groups, such as infants or adolescents, or focus on advanced behavioral disorders affecting children, adolescents, or both.
Regardless of their specialty, all child psychologists must earn licensure in their state through the American Board of Professional Psychology. For licensure, individuals typically need a doctoral degree from an accredited institution, extensive work experience, and a passing score on a board examination.
On this page, learn more about the role of a child psychologist, their duties, and their work environments.
Source:
https://www.psychology.org/online-degrees/child-psychology/
Industrial Organizational Psychology Degree Programs
Industrial-organizational psychologists use their understanding of human behavior to help improve a company’s effectiveness. In many companies, create systems for hiring, training, and evaluating employees. They also develop programs and policies to help boost employee morale and retention. Others may specialize in a particular area, such as planning company mergers or assisting with downsizing due to budget constraints. Regardless of the focus of their work, industrial-organizational psychologists must possess observation, analysis, and program design skills.
Industrial-organizational psychologists commonly work as independent consultants, assisting private companies with specific organizational issues. These professionals may also find full-time positions in larger organizations with human resources departments. With skills transferable across many different industries, industrial-organizational psychologists may work for corporations, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for industrial-organizational psychologists will grow by 14% from 2018-28. Candidates with a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology and training in quantitative research methods hold a competitive edge when applying for open positions.
On this page, we cover how to study industrial-organizational psychology online.”
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