More Information About PhD in Psychology

What should I know when considering a degree in PhD in Psychology ?

A PhD is the highest degree any university confers, and obtaining a PhD in psychology entails in-depth and extensive study of the human mind, behaviors, and cognitive processes, usually over a time span of several years. A doctorate in psychology includes a theoretical and research component as well as practical applications within a student’s chosen specialization. At this degree level, almost all students will decide on a very focused area to specialize in, just a few of the most popular include; clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, or research psychology. There are many more areas of focus within the field, and new areas are constantly being researched and studied.

Career Opportunities

A doctoral psychology degree affords its graduates with several different career directions and nearly an endless amount of employment prospects. Graduates can work in the K-12 public school system, within various industries of the private sector, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or government owned facilities. Psychology doctors can also work at post-secondary institutions conducting cutting edge research or teaching as a professor. Many licensed psychologists go on to open up their own practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an incredibly high 4 out 10 psychologists work as self-employed individuals and operate their own practices and clinics.

What You Will Learn

While the benefits of having a PhD in psychology are apparent, earning a PhD takes a lot of hard work. Graduate students usually attend several hours of classes and participate in mandatory research studies daily. This form of study typically continues for years, culminating in the writing of a time consuming dissertation, after which most students must bear an enormous amount of debt. However, today there are several web-based colleges and universities that offer an online psychology degree. Earning a PhD online still takes a lot of hard work but has many benefits. An online degree program allows students the flexibility to work while going to school. This way students can earn their PhD while they gain experience working in a psychology related field and make money so they do not have to take on the burden of student debt.

Earnings

Earnings for most psychologists with PhDs are quite high in general, but do vary substantially by industry and institution type. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual earning of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006 were $59,440. However psychologists working in certain industries, as professors in prestigious universities or as self-employed private practice owners can often have annual earnings well over six figures.

Article References

Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm#earnings

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/

Yale University Library: Social Science Libraries and Information Services
http://www.library.yale.edu/socsci/subjguides/psychology/associations.html

What are the leading schools offering programs in PhD in Psychology ?

• California Coast University Online Established in 1973, California Coast University has enabled working adults without the time or access to a physical school with the opportunity to complete degree training programs that can open new career doors. Flexible distance-learning classes ensure that students will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Business Administration, Management, Psychology, and Health Care Administration in as much or as little time as they have available. ( More Info )
• University of the Rockies Online University of the Rockies Online provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities globally for diverse groups of individuals seeking preparation for life goals, professional practice, service, and distinguished leadership.
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