Graduate Study In Psychology
Information Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Rider University Graduate School and Careers in Psychology
Psychology: Scientific Problem Solvers, Careers for the 21st Century
Graduate Study in Psychology (2004), American Psychological Association
The information on this page discusses graduate education in clinical psychology and its academic subspecialties. If you are interested in counseling psychology, see the page called Graduate Study in Counseling. For a discussion of the differences between psychology, counseling, and social work, see Defining Each Field and Frequently Asked Questions.
Degrees
M.A./M.S.
A master's degree in psychology usually takes two years to earn and requires a written thesis and semester-long internship. Licensure varies by state, but in Texas, a person with a master's degree in psychology can become licensed as a psychological associate or a licensed specialist in school psychology (see licensing section). A psychological associate can work in a private practice or other setting under the supervision of a psychologist. Those with a master's degree can also teach in a community college.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. program in clinical psychology typically takes about five to six years to complete and includes experimental research, a dissertation, and a year of internship. The internship is a year of full-time work in a psychological setting and usually requires a separate application and a move to a new location. After the internship, those who earn a Ph.D. can become licensed as a psychologist (see licensing section) and work in clinics, hospitals, private practices, community agencies, corporations, or schools. Psychologists can also teach in universities and colleges.
Psy.D.
This degree was created as an alternative to traditional Ph.D. psychology programs for those who desire more training in applied clinical skills and less emphasis on research methods. This kind of program leads to a "Doctor of Psychology" degree rather than the typical Ph.D. degree ("Doctor of Philosophy"). Usually the programs require between three and five years to complete and require a year of internships. Professionals with a Psy.D. degree can earn licensure as a psychologist (see licensing section) and work in a private practice. Others work in clinics, hospitals, community agencies, corporations, or schools.
Academic Specialties
The following definitions of academic specialties within psychology are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook:
"Clinical Psychologists - who constitute the largest specialty - most often work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. They help mentally and emotionally disturbed clients adjust to life and may help medical and surgical patients deal with illnesses or injuries. Some clinical psychologists work in physical rehabilitation settings, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or illness, stroke, arthritis, and neurological conditions. Others help people deal with times of personal crisis, such as divorce or the death of a loved one.
Clinical psychologists often interview patients and give diagnostic tests. They may provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy, and design and implement behavior modification programs. Some clinical psychologists collaborate with physicians and other specialists to develop and implement treatment and intervention programs for patients. Other clinical psychologists work in universities and medical schools, where they train graduate students in the delivery of mental health and behavioral medicine services. Some administer community mental health programs.
Areas of specialization within clinical psychology include health psychology, neuropsychology, and geropsychology. Health psychologists promote good health through health maintenance counseling programs designed to help people achieve goals, such as to stop smoking or lose weight. Neuropsychologists study the relation between the brain and behavior. They often work in stroke and head injury programs. Geropsychologists deal with the special problems faced by the elderly. The emergence and growth of these specialties reflects the increasing participation of psychologists in providing direct services to special patient populations.
Counseling psychologists use various techniques, including interviewing and testing, to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living, such as relationships, career, grief, or substance abuse. They work in settings such as university counseling centers, hospitals, and individual or group practices." This branch of psychology can be confusing because it overlaps with counseling. Much of what counseling psychologists do in their careers is similar to what clinical psychologists do; however, counseling psychologists focus on helping people deal with common developmental problems rather than on helping individuals with more severe mental health issues or illnesses.
School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students’ learning and behavior problems. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and school personnel to improve classroom management strategies or parenting skills, counter substance abuse, work with students with disabilities or gifted and talented students, and improve teaching and learning strategies. They may evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management procedures, and other services provided in the school setting.
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of worklife. They also are involved in research on management and marketing problems. They conduct applicant screening, training and development, counseling, and organizational development and analysis. An industrial psychologist might work with management to reorganize the work setting to improve productivity or quality of life in the workplace. They frequently act as consultants, brought in by management in order to solve a particular problem.
Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout life. Some specialize in behavior during infancy, childhood, and adolescence, or changes that occur during maturity or old age. They also may study developmental disabilities and their effects. Increasingly, research is developing ways to help elderly people remain independent as long as possible.
Social psychologists examine people’s interactions with others and with the social environment. They work in organizational consultation, marketing research, systems design, or other applied psychology fields. Prominent areas of study include group behavior, leadership, attitudes, and perception.
Experimental or research psychologists work in university and private research centers and in business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. They study behavior processes using human beings and animals, such as rats, monkeys, and pigeons. Prominent areas of study in experimental research include motivation, thought, attention, learning and memory, sensory and perceptual processes, effects of substance abuse, and genetic and neurological factors affecting behavior."
Curriculum
Most Ph.D. programs require one to three years of coursework including statistics and experimental design with satisfactory grades. Students must then pass an oral competency exam and propose a dissertation topic. The next few years are spent on conducting independent experimental research and writing a dissertation. Some clinical psychology programs also require a year-long internship that includes training in psychotherapy. Psy.D. programs emphasize clinical therapy skills, de-emphasize research, and also require an internship. Most Psy.D. programs include a dissertation but may allow a departure from the traditional experimental research format. For example, some Psy.D. programs allow students to conduct a program evaluation or public policy analysis.
Factors to Consider When Researching Schools
- What is the program's theoretical orientation (cognitive/behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic, eclectic)?
- Can you take courses outside the psychology department?
- What kinds of special programs are available (internships, projects with local agencies)
- What teaching methods are used (lecture, experiential)?
- Does the teaching philosophy lean more toward theory or application?
- Quality of faculty (research interests, areas of expertise)
- Class profile (age, diversity, etc.)
- Class size
- Career and job search services
- Location
- Relationships with non-academic employers
- Cooperative vs. competitive environment
- Financial aid
- Is the program approved by the American Psychological Association (their site has a list of accredited programs)?
Entrance Requirements
Most programs require a bachelor's degree, GRE test scores, a personal statement describing your career goals and research interests, and letters of recommendation. Specific course prerequisites will vary by school. As an example, the UT Department of Psychology requires "adequate preparation in psychology. [This] normally includes at least 12 hours of upper-division psychology, a course in statistics, a course in experimental methodology, and research experience." Some programs will allow you to take prerequisite courses after you are admitted.
Professional Licensure
M.A./M.S. Level
In many states, a person with a master's degree in psychology can earn licensure as a "psychological associate" and work in a private practice or other setting under the supervision of a psychologist.
Ph.D. Level
To work in a private practice or other setting and advertise yourself as a "psychologist" or one who provides "psychological services", you must first obtain a professional license from your state board of psychology. Most states require that applicants complete two years of supervised experience after the Ph.D., pass a national exam, and sometimes present a case study to the licensing board. Professional licensing is required by law and allows psychologists to receive payment from clients' insurance providers. For an example of licensing requirements, visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists web site.
Helpful Links
American Psychological Association - Considering a Career in Psychology
Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
University of Texas Department of Psychology Graduate Program