[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the best graduate schools for psychology that can help you meet your academic and career goals takes time and effort. Here, you can find detailed descriptions of master’s and doctoral programs, available specialization areas, and admission requirements. Explore the key differences between master’s and doctoral psychology programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Master’s Programs in Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-psychology/”]Master’s in psychology programs[/hen-ui-link] lead to a master of arts (MA) or a master of science (MS). Both degrees offer core psychology courses, including advanced research methods, behavioral neuroscience, ethics, psychopathology, and psychology of personality.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MS might offer additional coursework in experimental design and psychological statistics. Whereas, an MA curriculum might include more content in psychological theory and therapeutic approaches. Psychology master’s students also choose a concentration area and may complete a practicum, master’s thesis, or comprehensive exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admissions Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychology master’s program admissions processes vary. However, this list includes common criteria and application requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; some programs may prefer bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology, or a related field, but others accept a bachelor’s in any major[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A 2.5-3.0 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prerequisite coursework in psychology, research methods, and statistics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GRE scores[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official undergraduate transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An admission essay or personal statement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2-3 letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Core Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Research methods[/hen-ui-heading] Master’s in psychology programs usually require two core research courses, including research methods. This course covers qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis and interpretation of practical and theoretical research results.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Professional ethics in psychology[/hen-ui-heading] Enrollees explore the ethical standards and regulations that guide and govern psychology and related fields. The class also examines ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and professional roles and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Advanced developmental psychology[/hen-ui-heading] This course delves into the concepts, principles, and theories of children’s and adolescents’ cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. It emphasizes how children and adolescents function with families and groups and at school.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Principles of behavioral neuroscience[/hen-ui-heading] Learners study the aspects of behavior governed by physiological mechanisms, including emotions, learning, memory, motivation, and psychopathology. Other topics may include chemical, neuroanatomical, and electrophysiological biological bases of behavior.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Capstone experience[/hen-ui-heading] Capstones serve as culminating experiences for psychology master’s programs. Students may create a professional portfolio of their academic work or complete a research project, an internship, or a practicum experience.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about concentrations you can pursue at the best graduate programs for psychology and find out which one is right for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Applied Behavioral Analysis”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applied behavior analysis, also called behavioral neuroscience, focuses on observing human behavior, psychological theories, and therapeutic techniques to treat dysfunctional or harmful behavior stemming from external stimuli.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in applied behavior analysis courses include advanced intervention, behavior assessments, and research and experimental design. The curriculum may also include internships and practicum experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning a master’s in behavior analysis, graduates can pursue doctoral study in psychology or careers, such as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral disorder counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cognitive behavior therapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Researchers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Case managers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Child and Adolescent Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in child and adolescent psychology degree programs train graduates to work with children and early teens, emphasizing building analytical, clinical, and research skills. Course topics include child psychopathology, developmental psychology, and psychological assessment. Specialized courses may address issues like ADHD, the autism spectrum, or bullying. Master’s programs often include supervised practicum experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-child-adolescent-psychology/”]master’s in child and adolescent psychology[/hen-ui-link] degree programs can enter doctoral programs to become child psychologists or qualify for positions as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral therapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Child therapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Clinical Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most states require a doctorate in clinical psychology to become licensed and begin practicing independently, but a master’s in clinical psychology offers preparation for doctoral study. Programs may include addictions, clinical assessment, professional ethics, and trauma counseling courses. Students typically complete a master’s thesis, supervised internship, or clinical practicum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in clinical psychology-holders can pursue positions in counseling centers, healthcare facilities, the justice system, and public health. These careers include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Addiction counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical researchers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Marriage and family therapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Forensic psychologists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School psychologists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Counseling Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling psychology master’s programs prepare professional counselors and psychotherapists in a variety of subfields, such as community mental health, marriage and family therapy, sex therapy, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-substance-abuse-counseling/”]substance use counseling[/hen-ui-link]. The typical curriculum includes classes on cognitive behavior, evidence-based practice treatment, lifespan development, and psychodynamic counseling models. Practicum opportunities provide supervised hands-on training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Armed with a master’s in counseling psychology, graduates can pursue doctoral study or careers as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Addiction counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Marriage and family therapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Developmental Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Development psychology focuses on human growth and development and the relationships between the brain and behavior. Course content includes cognitive development, family processes, gender and culture, language acquisition, and social and emotional development. Areas of emphasis span brain development, ethnic-racial minoritized youths, and parent-child interactions. Students may complete a capstone project or a thesis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They help people of all ages with developmental disabilities, cognitive issues, or mental health disorders. The concentration prepares graduates for therapy and research careers in:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral Health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Educational Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational psychology master’s programs prepare students for educational counseling and research positions or doctoral study. Enrollees typically complete practicums in education environments and can concentrate in adult education, gifted and talented learners, learning and assessment, and scholarly research. Course topics include program evaluation, qualitative design and analysis, self-regulation, and motivation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a background in educational psychology, graduates can become:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical supervisors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They work in schools, learning centers, research facilities, and community organizations. They can help teachers improve instructional strategies and evaluate how people process information.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Experimental Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experimental psychology focuses on the research and data collection aspects of psychology. Programs encourage students to evaluate psychology research to strengthen their skills. Students also build strong quantitative research skills and conduct experiments in various subfields of psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The research skills gained during an experimental psychology program prepare graduates for careers as psychological consultants and experimental researchers in labs, research facilities, and businesses. Other potential paths include doctoral study and employment as a:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community college instructor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavior analyst[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychotherapist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Forensic Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Forensic psychology blends psychology with the legal system. The concentration provides legal and forensic training while emphasizing clinical abilities. Forensic psychology graduate students learn to conduct psychological assessments of defendants and victims. They also develop experience conducting interviews, writing legal reports, and acting as expert witnesses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in forensic psychology, graduates can work for law firms, legal advocacy groups, victim support services, and courts. Some work closely with the correctional system in counseling and assessment roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-forensic-psychology/”]Forensic psychologists[/hen-ui-link] usually need a doctorate, but roles for master’s degree-holders include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Correctional treatment specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crime scene investigators[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Expert witnesses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lab analysts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Industrial-Organizational Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Industrial-organizational psychology blends psychology and business, focusing on the science of work lives. Master’s degree curricula emphasize leadership roles and organizational cultural and structural change. Courses may include personnel psychology, talent management, research methods, and social psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals in this field work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, developing employee training plans, designing change management programs, and evaluating consumer behavior. Positions include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employee relations director[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Industrial-organizational psychologist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research consultant[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Training development director[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”School Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School psychology examines mental health, behavior, and academic performance in educational settings. Master’s students learn to support children managing emotional or behavioral challenges. They also study how to work with teachers, administrators, and parents to create supportive learning environments.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a school psychology degree, learners strengthen their assessment, analysis, and data collection abilities. They also study mental health interventions, academic interventions, and instructional support approaches.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s degree-holders in school psychology can qualify for positions as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral health specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational diagnosticians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychotherapists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School psychologists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Social Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social psychology examines human behavior in social contexts and how other people impact individual behavior. Master’s degree programs typically emphasize research and scholarship. Common social psychology courses include culture and psychology, emotion, group dynamics, and social cognition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social psychologists work for government and private organizations, in research and development, and as consultants. Clinical psychologists need a doctorate, but master’s degree-holders in social psychology can fill positions as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community college instructors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Marketing directors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Policy directors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political strategists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program managers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Researchers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Sports Psychology”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in sports psychology prepares professionals to help athletes achieve peak performance with combined psychology and kinesiology methods. Students may take courses that include current issues in sports psychology, performance enhancement, psychology of injury, and tests and measurement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sports psychologists work with sports teams and in rehabilitation centers and schools. They help amateur and professional athletes with issues like anxiety, burnout, eating disorders, mental barriers, and injuries. This title requires a doctorate, but master’s program graduates can work as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Athletic directors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified mental health consultants[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Head coaches[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performance enhancement specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal trainers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What’s the Difference Between an MA and an MS in Psychology?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some psychology graduate programs offer master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degrees. Both options include core psychology courses that provide advanced training in psychology research and practice. However, an MA typically emphasizes therapeutic approaches, while an MS focuses on research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both programs may require clinical hours, a master’s thesis, or master’s exams, depending on the university. Either program can qualify for you for the same opportunities, but employers may prefer one over the other.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Master’s vs. Doctorate in Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn the differences between master’s programs and doctoral programs in psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Doctoral Programs in Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the doctoral level, psychology graduate students pursue three types of doctoral degrees: doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), doctor of psychology (Psy.D), and doctor of education (Ed.D.). Each of these degrees prepares graduates for different career paths.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed psychologist or a psychology professor, you must have a doctorate. Many doctoral programs do not require a master’s degree for admission. Explore doctoral degree options in psychology and possible career pathways for each degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admissions Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychology Ph.D. programs require a bachelor’s degree and evaluate applicants’ undergraduate grades, GRE scores, and application essays. Admission decisions typically emphasize undergraduate research experience and proposed research interests that align with department faculty. Candidates should have a foundation in research methods, statistics, math, and sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common Psy.D. admission requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related field, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants submit personal statements, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and resumes. Departments may also require interviews.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Core Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Psychological assessment[/hen-ui-heading] Doctoral programs offer several core psychological assessment courses, including cognitive assessment, assessment of personality and individual differences, integrative assessment, and neurophysical assessment. Degree-seekers learn about interview-based and psychometric approaches and data integration.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Dissertation research[/hen-ui-heading] Course content includes preliminary psychological literature searches, methodology development, and advanced statistical analysis strategies to help students hone their research skills and apply them to their dissertations.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Ethnic and racial diversity in psychology[/hen-ui-heading] Enrollees examine issues relevant to multicultural psychology and clinical practice from a social justice perspective. Course content includes perspectives of psychology with underserved and culturally diverse populations.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Psychology internship and practicums[/hen-ui-heading] Practicums comprise closely supervised clinical experiences that integrate theory and practice in a professional setting. Students typically complete multiple practicums in conjunction with different courses. Learners complete internships after they have finished their courses, practicums, and dissertation requirements.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Ethics and professional issues[/hen-ui-heading] This course covers concepts, theories, and applications relating to the American Psychological Association’s code of professional ethics. Students learn about strategies for handling ethical issues, including detection, intervention, and prevention of child abuse and suicide.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/best-online-doctorate-psychology/”]Psychology doctoral[/hen-ui-link] students can choose from among several concentrations. Ph.D.-holders may be more interested in teaching and research in these areas, while Psy.D. program graduates often gravitate toward clinical practice, working directly with clients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular specialty areas include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Development psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]Organizational psychology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School psychology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Doctoral Programs in Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral students can choose from three doctoral program types: Ph.D., Psy.D., and Ed.D. Explore the differences between these options and what students learn in each program to find out which is right for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ph.D. in psychology programs emphasize research and appeal to students interested in teaching roles in higher education or research in academic and non-academic settings, such as private laboratories and government agencies. Graduates usually hold positions as consultants, professors, researchers, and high-level university or healthcare system administrators.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical courses include affective science, cognitive development, neuroscience, research methods, and statistics. Learners complete doctoral dissertations and internships, and may also need to pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their analytical skills and mastery in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Doctor of Philosophy (Psy.D.)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most Psy.D. graduates pursue clinical practice after receiving state licensure. Psy.D. program enrollees select a specialization, such as behavioral psychology, child psychology, and organizational psychology. They typically work directly with patients in private practice, on staff at hospitals and clinics, and in community mental health centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common Psy.D. courses include psychopharmacology, psychological testing, and evidence-based research. Coursework is put into practice with supervised internships to build clinical skills. Depending on their program and concentration area, students may complete comprehensive exams or research projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ed.D. programs focus on preparing graduates for educational leadership roles, including administrative positions in K-12 schools and higher education and staff development and training management roles in the private sector.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While Ph.D. students specializing in educational psychology conduct research in the field, Ed.D. degree-seekers learn to apply the research in classrooms and workplaces. The Ed.D. curriculum emphasizes administrative-level problem-solving and program implementation through courses like data-driven decision-making and advanced human learning and motivational development. Graduation typically requires dissertations and comprehensive exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Graduate School[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is grad school worth it for psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most mental health careers require at least a master’s degree and psychology licensure requires a doctoral degree. Graduate school can also lead to higher pay, making it worth the time and effort. For example, the average annual salary for those with a master of science in psychology is $64,000, but Psy.D. salaries average $92,000 annually.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it better to get a Ph.D. or a master’s in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctoral program may be the best choice if you want to become licensed, practice clinical psychology independently, teach or conduct research at the higher education level, or pursue administrative roles in academia or the private sector. For other roles and fields, such as counseling, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology, a master’s degree will suffice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you skip the master’s degree and get a Ph.D. in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, many doctoral programs admit students with bachelor’s degrees — some in any field of study. Others require psychology, sociology, or social sciences degrees. Doctoral program admission typically requires a minimum undergraduate GPA and the completion of bachelor’s degree prerequisites.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it difficult to get into grad school for psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate programs in psychology can be highly competitive, with well-known private and state universities typically imposing more stringent admission requirements. You may find that it is easier to get accepted to a master’s or Psy.D. program if you have a lower undergraduate GPA. Ph.D. admission tends to be the most stringent, with higher GPA thresholds, prior research experience, and research interests that align with those of a faculty member.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How to pick a master’s in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing a psychology master’s program involves several factors, including whether you meet the admission requirements, whether the program offers your specialization area, total costs, financial aid resources, and program format.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Page last reviewed on May 15, 2024[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]