Psychology is the scientific student of human behavior and of the mind. Most jobs in the field require an advanced degree like a master's or a doctorate. Psychology is a diverse discipline, and there are many different graduate degrees available. Some programs act as preparation for further graduate education leading to a Ph.D. Others are called terminal degrees that allow students to enter the job market after receiving their master's degree.
Employment prospects for psychologists are growing slowly — the field is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The growth is offset by salaries in the field of psychology, which are well above average, making it an excellent field of study.
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Best Doctoral and Master's in Psychology Degree Programs in 2021
What Can I Expect From a Master's in Psychology?
Pursuing your master's degree in psychology is an important step in entering the field. Most psychology jobs require an advanced degree, so you're on the right track. Before you get started, you'll have to choose what program to attend and whether to seek an M.A. (Master of Arts) or M.S. (Master of Science).
During the program, you'll study a variety of topics related to psychology. You'll be required to earn anywhere from 30-36 credits, which typically takes about two years, though it can take longer if you're attending school part-time. Many jobs in psychology require a doctoral degree, so a master's degree is often a stepping stone for the next level of schooling.
Why Should I Get a Master's in Psychology?
Upward Job Outlook Overall the BLS projects growth in most occupations in which professionals with an advanced psychology degree are employed. Health specialists, counselors, and educational advisers are projected to see the highest job growth. Many of these opportunities will be in settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, and schools.
Opportunity to Make an Impact When you work as a psychologist or another professional in the psychology field, you often work directly with individuals, helping them to work through some of the more challenging times of their lives. While the journey to become a licensed psychologist and the career itself are both difficult, people often find it worth it because of how rewarding the field is.
Specialization and Certifications Earning a master's in psychology is the first step towards finishing a doctorate. Most state licensing boards require a doctorate degree if you're interested in practicing psychology, but you can still choose other rewarding career paths with a master's degree. Many professionals who skip a doctorate specialize in educational psychology or organizational psychology and find meaningful work in universities, nonprofits, and private corporations.
What is the difference between a master's in psychology and a Ph.D. in psychology?
A master's degree is an advanced degree that is one level above a bachelor's degree and usually offers various types of specializations. This type of degree takes anywhere from one to three years to complete. You must generally complete a thesis or capstone project before graduation.
A Ph.D. in psychology is the most advanced degree in any field, including psychology. These degrees take about six years to complete and require students to complete a dissertation. A similar degree is the Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology. This degree is significantly newer and requires fewer years, and often no dissertation. Depending on the doctoral degree you choose to pursue, you'll be surprised to find a relevant position in some unusual fields.
Admissions and Requirements
The admission requirements for graduate school in the field of psychology will depend on the school you choose to attend, but there are a handful of standard requirements. You will most likely be required to submit undergraduate transcripts with a competitive GPA, as well as test scores from either the GRE or GMAT.
When it comes to graduate programs, the pool of candidates may be smaller, so schools look at more than simply GRE scores or GPA points too. Consider spending time on your personal statement, if the program requires one, as well as a resume that reflects relevant and recent work applicable to psychology.
Another thing to consider is showcasing skills from other professions that can transfer over to the psychology program of your choice. For example, if you have marketing experience, highlight your research and data analytics skills. Both skills are great foundations for research assistant work.
Career and Salary Outlook for Psychology Graduates
According to BLS data, the median annual wage for a psychologist in the United States is $82,180. The highest 10% of earners make more than $137,590. This above-average salary reflects the fact that licensed psychologists are usually required to have an advanced degree. Psychologists working in government and hospital settings tend to be on the higher end of the pay spectrum, while those working in schools are at the lower end of the pay spectrum.
The job outlook for psychologists is generally positive. Employment is expected to grow by about 3% from 2019 to 2029. The greatest increase is likely to occur for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists due to the greater demand for those services in schools and health care centers.
Concentrations in Psychology and Master's Programs
Psychology is a broad field, and there are many concentrations you can choose from when pursuing your degree. Here are just a few of the most common concentrations:
Behavioral Psychology
This concentration of psychology focuses on the connection between our mind and our behavior. It looks for patterns in human behavior and seeks to determine why humans behave the way they do.
Clinical Psychology
In this concentration, you'll focus on the study and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This type of study focuses on hands-on work directly with clients in either a clinic, counseling center, or hospital setting.
Neuropsychology
This concentration studies the connection between someone's behavior and their nervous system. You'll study the relationship between injuries and illnesses and their effect on behavior.
Counseling Psychology
This concentration is a type of general practice psychology where you learn to counsel patients on a variety of topics surrounding their mental and emotional health. Professionals in this area often counsel patients through stressful life events and focus on individual well-being.
Quantitative and Measurement Psychology
This concentration is primarily focused on the data and statistics behind psychology. Students who seek this concentration often go into research-focused careers.
Certifications and Licenses
There are a variety of certifications and licenses available in the field of psychology. Each of these licensures prepares you to work in a different part of the psychology field. Depending on the direction you choose to go, licensure happens either through your state government or through a particular organization, such as the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Which you choose to pursue will depend on the type of work you hope to do.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for Psychology Graduate Students
Advanced degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees can be a significant financial investment. Luckily, there are different types of financial aid to consider when pursuing graduate studies. Here are a few scholarships available to psychology students.
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students Science Psychological ScienceResearch GrantWho Can Apply: Graduate students conducting psychological science research studies, with additional funding reserved specifically for diversity-focused research.Amount: $1,000
Violet and Cyril Franks ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Students working on graduate-level scholarly projects that use a psychological perspective to help understand and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.Amount: $1,000
Benton-Meier ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Graduate students studying neuropsychology who have completed their doctoral candidacy and demonstrate research competence and area commitment.Amount: $2,000
Minority Fellowship ProgramWho Can Apply: Promising and postdoctoral students focusing on areas related to ethnic minority behavioral health research can apply for this fellowship.Amount: Varies
