Earn a psychology degree
Learn what makes us tick with a psychology degree
If you’re fascinated by how the human mind works, consider a career in psychology. The word “psychology” literally means “study of the soul.” A career in psychology can include counseling, social work, marriage therapy or clinical work.
To get started in your psychology career, you’ll need a degree. Online psychology degrees are affordable and offer you the ability to learn on your own time. We’ll walk you through the different types of psychology degrees, from the basic associate degree to the Ph.D.
It’s possible to obtain an Associate of Arts degree in psychology. This will give you an overview of the field and introduce you to the basic theories and practices of psychology. However, most careers in the field require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, whether an online psychology degree or a traditional degree. A bachelor’s degree alone won’t let you become a practicing clinical psychologist. People with a bachelor’s degree in psychology often work in human services; jobs include case worker, social worker and career counselor.
There are two types of bachelor’s degrees in psychology: a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.). The two degree programs cover similar topics, but the B.A. is aimed primarily at liberal arts students and includes less math, science and clinical study. The B.S. is a better foundation for advanced study in psychology.
Many people get their master’s degree in psychology without intending to become psychologists. The Master of Science in Psychology is popular among human resources professionals, educators, marketers and managers of all kinds. Having this degree helps them understand human behavior and develop strategies to deal with the people they work with. That’s not a bad skill to have. With a master’s degree in psychology, you can also become a school counselor, social worker, industrial-organizational psychologist or even a sports psychologist.
Getting your doctorate degree will allow you to work as a clinical psychologist, diagnosing and treating mental health problems. The traditional Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree (Ph.D.) focuses on research and science, while the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree centers on clinical and practitioner work. You may choose to work with kids, teens or adults, in private practice or in a hospital setting.
Ready to start getting inside people’s heads? Begin your study of psychology and register for an online degree program today.