Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn

Are you considering a job that focuses on how the brain, mind, and behavior work together? A psychology degree could put you on the road to exploring a number of careers in the industry.

Professionals in this field monitor, analyze, and record people’s social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. Their research focuses on the interactions between people and their surroundings. They then give their clients the information they need to deal with difficult life situations more skillfully.

All levels of higher education provide a variety of psychology degrees. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can open up options to work as a training specialist or market research analyst, while an associate degree in psychology may be sufficient to meet criteria for careers as a medical assistant or preschool teacher.

For psychologist roles in contexts like industrial organizations, a master’s degree may be sufficient. A master’s degree can also serve as preparation for careers as applied behavior analyzers or marital and family therapists, or it can be the first step toward a PhD degree, which some states demand in order to become a licensed therapist.

The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, and the Doctor of Psychology, or PsyD, are the two most popular doctoral degrees, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

The former is intended for students who want to conduct research and generate new information, while the latter concentrates on using psychological science to help individuals or organizations.

Undergraduate Psychology Degrees

1. Associate Degree in Psychology

For people seeking a two-year degree that teaches principles applicable to a range of professional situations, the associate degree is the best option.

Since you can complete your Associate Degree at a community college or technical school before transferring to a 4-year institution to finish your degree, it’s also a cost-effective method to begin earning a bachelor’s degree.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

For people who have a keen interest in human behavior and thought, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is appropriate. A bachelor’s degree offers a well-rounded education, whether it’s for intellectual curiosity or to provide the groundwork for obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology. The degree is worth considering because it offers extensive instruction in statistics and research.

Graduate Psychology Degrees

1. Master’s Degree in Psychology

While a doctorate is typically required for careers in psychology, a master’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs in educational or professional contexts. For those who are interested in more complex psychology issues or who plan to eventually achieve a PsyD or PhD in psychology, a master’s degree in psychology is a good choice.

2. PsyD Programs

PsyD programs are the best for those looking to work as clinical psychologists. The PsyD degree gives greater training and instruction on therapeutic abilities than a psychology PhD. Therefore, anyone who wants to work as a healthcare provider should seriously consider enrolling in a PsyD program.

3. Psychology PhD Programs

The curriculum of the psychology PhD differs from that of the PsyD in that it places a greater emphasis on research methods and ideas. Graduates with a PhD can teach at the post-secondary level, engage in research, or provide patient care.

4. Graduate Certificates

Psychology graduate certificate programs are ideal for satisfying continuing education needs or for learning about a specialist subject. Graduate certificates offer academic paths that don’t require the money or time needed to get a full degree, whether you’re a psychologist wishing to take a deep dive in an unknown subject or a non-psychology professional learning a little bit about psychology.