More Information About Psychology
- Professionals in the field of psychology study human behavior and the reasons behind why people do what they do.
- Psychologists are usually required to have a PhD to practice.
- Some of the sub-specialties in the field of psychology include health psychology, child psychology, and counseling psychology.
What is the field of psychology?
Psychology is the field of science that studies human behavior basically, why people do what they do. Psychologists today can work in settings such as university laboratories, hospitals, counseling centers, and even large companies. The different settings account for the different types of psychologists, such as clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, health psychologists, and industrial psychologists. All psychologists, no matter what their specialization, have the same mission: to improve people's lives by analyzing behaviors and working with people to make life-improving behavior change.
What kinds of degrees are there in the field of psychology?A psychology student can come out of school with many different levels of degrees, depending on how long they want to stay in school. The first degree earned is a Bachelor of Arts in psychology (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science in psychology (B.S.). These degrees take between four to five years to complete. The B.A. and B.S. differ only in the number of science courses required; a Bachelor of Science in psychology requires more science coursework than the Bachelor of Arts degree. The next step on the road of psychology is a master's degree. This is usually another year or two of work after a bachelor's degree. Students can choose to enter a terminal master's program, one that offers only a master's degree, or enroll in a program that allows a student to earn a master's degree in conjunction with a Ph.D. These extended programs last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on a student's ability and specialization. A master's or Ph.D. degree allows a psychology student to specialize in a particular piece of the psychology field, such as child psychology, health psychology or sports psychology. Usually students with a master's or Ph.D will work in a research facility at a university or go into practicing as a counseling psychologist. A Psy.D. degree is another psychology degree that is specifically designed for those who only want to be a practicing doctor of psychology. A person with a Psy.D can open their own practice, or work within a mental health institution, but they don't have the qualification to work in the research field.
What career opportunities are available for someone with a degree in psychology?There are a broad array of psychology careers in hospitals, universities, and private practices. The fields that are likely to have the best opportunities are school psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Health psychology is also becoming a popular field because a psychologist's emphasis on the "whole person" has shown to be helpful in treating disease. The American Psychological Association claims that psychology is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree. Many psychologists find work in university research facilities, hospitals, businesses or private counseling centers.
How much money can someone make in the field of psychology?To say the average salary within the entire field of psychology is not giving respect to each separate specialty within psychology. The field could include college professors, counselors, business leaders, psychologists, and many, many other professions. In the specified field of psychology, however, an average counselor makes between $40,000 and $64,000 dollars a year, and a psychologist can make anywhere between $64,600 and $85,200 a year. These salary estimates are very limited because there are so many different paths to follow with a psychology background.
What are the leading schools offering programs in Psychology ?- University of Phoenix - Human Services Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private University in the U.S. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Services get a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of working in the fields of counseling, social work, and psychology. Students in this line of study take 60 credits in courses ranging from human behavior, to managing and financing human services program. Most students can earn a degree in as few as 2 years. ( More Info )
- Grand Canyon University Online Founded in 1949 as a private, non-denominational Christian university, Grand Canyon University emphasizes individual attention and staff support. Students learn professional essentials for success in Education careers—all with the convenience of flexible online classes. ( More Info )
- Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
- Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
- 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 )
- Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
- Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs Kaplan University Online offers associate, bachelor, and master degree programs in Criminal Justice. In addition, they offer certificate programs in Crime Scene Technician and Terrorism/National Security Management. ( More Info )
- Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( 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. ( More Info )
- American InterContinental University Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers curricula that provide students with career preparation in business, design and media arts, engineering, education, and information technology. AIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. ( More Info )
- Kaplan University - Business Programs Kaplan University Online offers Bachelor's, Associate's, and Master's Degree programs in Business Administration and Management. This degree program focuses on better, more efficient management practices in following emphasis areas: E-Business, Health Care Management, or Sales and Marketing. In addition, they offer certificate programs in Accounting & Finance, as well as Healthcare Management. ( More Info )
- University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
- Northcentral University Northcentral University is an accredited online university that offers students graduate degrees in programs including business and technology management, education and psychology. ( More Info )
- Upper Iowa University Online Upper Iowa University Online serves over 6500 students around the world. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Upper Iowa University offers Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees through the schools nationally regarded online program. ( More Info )
