According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the field of psychology is the fourth most popular major for college students. There are several good reasons for the discipline’s popularity. Psychology principles are applicable within a wide variety of career paths; plus, those with a degree in psychology can use their analytical skills and research techniques in everyday situations.
If you are interested in studying psychology, there are many different types of psychology degrees to choose from. Some things you should be considering include:
- Modality: There are both in-person and online programs, so you’re able to choose the path that suits your lifestyle best. Online psychology programs have become more popular (and more prevalent!) over the last few years.
- Focus: There are many different areas of focus within the psychology field. Additionally, there are multiple concentrations and specializations to consider. The Chicago School offers multiple areas of study in psychology, ranging from clinical psychology to forensic psychology.
- Degree level: Depending on your needs and the career you’re seeking, you can choose from different degree levels like a four-year bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a more in-depth doctoral program. We discuss each of these levels in greater detail below.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in psychology is typically earned through two-year degree programs offered at community colleges. It can serve as a great starting point in one’s post-high school education and allows students to get a feel for psychology as an area of study.
There are some jobs available to individuals with an associate degree in psychology, but it’s more common for associate degree holders to transfer to another school in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology welcomes transfer students and has transfer agreements established with many community colleges.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in psychology typically takes four years to complete. There are both B.A. (bachelor of arts) psychology degrees and B.S. (bachelor of science) psychology degrees. B.A. programs typically allow students to take more electives and a B.S. program involves more math and science courses. We dive deeper into the differences between a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology here.
Whether you pursue a B.A. or a B.S. in psychology, there are a variety of career opportunities available to pursue upon graduation. This type of degree serves as a great foundation for working in fields like marketing, business, health services, and social work.
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Master’s Degree
If you’re looking to obtain some kind of psychology certification or want to work in a higher-level position, you should consider a post-graduate psychology degree. A master’s degree in psychology is one option and can take two to three years to complete.
Like the B.A. and B.S. in psychology, you can also choose between an M.A. and an M.S. degree. Any master’s level psychology degree can prepare you for management positions and some certified counselor or therapist career paths.
Ph.D.
Ever thought about becoming a licensed psychotherapist? You’ll need a doctoral-level degree to pursue that goal. A Ph.D. in Psychology is a longer-term investment in your education, but it allows you to dive deeper into the discipline, perform more research, and ultimately work with patients.
A Ph.D. in psychology can take between five and seven years to complete.
Psy.D.
The Psy.D. degree is another doctoral-level degree option. It is a newer path that was created to be a practice-based alternative to Ph.D. in Psychology programs. Psy.D. programs emphasize professional practice over research. You can learn more about the differences between Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs here.
If you’re especially interested in clinical practice, a Psy.D. might be a better fit for you. However, both a Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Psychology include supervised practicums and internships, and they both prepare students for state and national licensing exams.
Are you interested in learning more about programs at The Chicago School?
The Chicago School offers more than 30 programs in the fields of psychology and related behavioral sciences. Fill out the form below to request more information, visit our psychology programs page, or you can apply today through our application portal.