By using academic theory and scientific research, psychology attempts to understand the human condition through the analysis of human behavior. Students that earn an online degree in Psychology learn both the classical and fundamental schools of thought in concerns to psychology. Because the subject matter is so diverse, psychologists can normally find employment opportunities in a range of settings, making it one of the most popular degree programs both online and offline.
Types of Psychology Degrees
There are several different types of online Psychology degree programs available. While some degrees in Psychology are basic and cover general knowledge, it’s also possible to get a degree in a specialized area as well. In addition, there are also master’s programs, associate programs, and bachelor degree programs available to choose from.
Some of the specialized areas of Psychology include: Forensic Psychology, Behavioral Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Educational Psychology.
Students generally start with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This takes around 4-5 years to complete and will cover general knowledge such as how the human mind reacts to intellectual, emotional, and physical stimuli.
A master’s degree is normally required for employment in upper management positions. If you seek a position in a school or as a supervisor in the field then a master’s degree is more beneficial than a bachelor’s degree. To teach Psychology, you normally need a doctorate degree. Master’s degrees online take around 2 years to complete.
You can gain your master’s degree in Psychology online. It typically requires you to choose a specialty area and then take coursework pertaining to concentration. For example, you may choose education, child psychology, human services psychology, business counseling, or forensic psychology.
Requirements
To obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology you need to have either a high school diploma or GED. You might also have to take a standardized test such as the ACT or SAT, depending on the school that you are enrolling in. For a master’s degree, you should have a degree in a related field.
There are many courses that are offered in the bachelor’s degree program. Some of these might include: Introduction to Counseling, Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology.
In a master’s degree program you will delve deeper into your studies and learn more critical thinking and cognitive skills. Typical coursework might include: Ethical and Professional Issues, Group Therapy and Counseling, and Clinical Assessment.
In an online master’s program, or in a PhD program, you will almost certainly be required to complete some type of internship or relevant work experience that won’t take place online.
When getting your degree, you might find classes that consist of the following subject matters: Pharmacology, Physical Therapy, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, and Biology.
Employment Opportunities
An online Psychology degree can be a very beneficial degree to have. Psychologists are found in almost every field. Graduates could potentially find employment opportunities in schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. Even small companies and large organizations sometimes use psychologists to perform job screenings. Psychologists with an advanced degree can find employment as social workers, counselors, teachers, and intervention specialists.