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International Psychology: Definition and Degrees

What is International Psychology?

International Psychology is the use of theory and the practice of psychology to provide services to individuals and groups working in international settings. Graduates are prepared to excel as leaders sensitive to cultural differences and prepared to promote social justice in an increasingly globalized world.

International Psychology Degrees at The Chicago School

At The Chicago School, International Psychology graduates are prepared to assume a broad range of leadership positions in multinational organizations or organizations with international missions. Our practitioner-scholar faculty brings their real-world experience to equip students with advanced research and program evaluation skills and a rich appreciation for the individual and group consequences of global events.

Graduates are trained to apply psychological principles in the development of policy, to assist individuals and organizations with understanding and collaborating with diverse cultural populations, and to design and evaluate the efficacy of international programs.

Degrees in International Psychology offered at The Chicago School
Ph.D. International Psychology
Online
Washington, D.C.
M.A. International Psychology
Online
Crisis-Informed Care for a Diverse, Globalized World Certificate
Online

International Psychology Career Opportunities

The Chicago School’s International Psychology programs equip graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of settings.

Public and Private Sector Employers:
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • The United Nations (UN) programs
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)
  • The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
  • Multinational organizations
  • Humanitarian aid
  • Peace Corporation
  • Red Cross
International Psychology Job Titles:
  • Behavior and mental health advisor
  • Guidance specialist
  • Research associate
  • Head of culture

International Psychology FAQs

What does an international psychologist do?

International psychologists study how cultural, global, and social factors influence human behavior and mental health worldwide. They provide interventions through practical and theoretical psychology for individuals and groups in a wide range of international settings.

What can I do with an international psychology degree?

Graduates of our international psychology program have the opportunity to become global leaders working in a variety of careers such as social workers, educational psychologists, organizational psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors.

Are the international psychology programs online?

Yes, each of The Chicago School’s International Psychology programs are online. The Ph.D. International Psychology program is also available on our Washington, D.C., campus.

Does international psychology require travel or fieldwork?

No travel or field work is required for the master’s program. However, the Ph.D. International Psychology students must attend two residency sessions at The Chicago School campuses. The three-day residencies focus on special topics in international psychology and research methodology. 

There will be opportunities for the two required field experiences to be held at an international destination selected by The Chicago School.

What is the difference between general psychology and international psychology?

General psychology focuses on individual and group behavior, while international psychology emphasizes global perspectives, cultural diversity, and cross-border mental health issues.

What are the international psychology work environments?

Graduates of our online International Psychology programs may work in a variety of settings and organizations such as:

  • Non governmental organizations
  • United Nations (U.N.) programs
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)
  • The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
  • Multinational organizations
  • Humanitarian aid groups
  • Peace Corps
  • Red Cross

viviane pecanha

Viviane Pecanha, Ph.D.

International Psychology Department Chair
When students enter the program, they are paired with faculty mentors [who] are able to help students develop their career ideals in order to enter the international psychology workforce."
Learn More About Dr. Pecanha

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