4 Psychology Graduate Programs That Will Get You Ready to Take the Next Big Step
In the first few years after graduation, a psychology major will almost inevitably face challenges. Even in this era of an ever-increasing demand for STEM professionals, many psychology majors struggle to find their first job in the field after college.
To make things even more difficult, there are very few places that offer an undergraduate psychology degree that is sufficient to qualify a graduate as ready to start working as a licensed psychologist right away.
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This means that most people who have graduated with a psychology degree will need some kind of supplementary postgraduate education before they’re able to begin working as licensed psychologists in any capacity.
Luckily, there are numerous excellent psychology graduate programs out there, many of which provide the perfect opportunity for recent graduates to take the next big step and get ready for life as professional psychologists.
Before you start your search for psychology graduate programs, it’s important to get a better idea of what you’re looking for in a program. There are actually a few important factors to consider when you’re picking out a program of study, beyond just the name of the school and the program that it offers.
First and foremost, you’ll need to find a program that fits your career goals. While it’s true that all graduate programs in psychology are going to give you a solid foundation in the principles of psychology, they will each offer very different experiences and prepare students for different careers. Secondly, you’ll need to consider where you want to study.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a program that is located in an area where you have access to a vibrant and robust psychology community. Finally, you’ll need to find a program that fits your budget.
Psychology graduate programs can be really expensive, and getting a quality education is definitely worth the cost, but it’s important to pick a program that you can afford.
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MS in Clinical Psychology
The MS in Clinical Psychology is a two-year graduate program that is designed to prepare students to begin working as licensed clinical psychologists.
Clinical psychology is a subspecialty of applied psychology, which means that clinical psychologists apply the principles and findings of psychology to real-world situations.
Clinical psychologists can be found in hospitals, private practice, schools, public health departments, and other settings that apply psychological principles and methods.
An MS in Clinical Psychology program will train you in all of the skills and knowledge needed to sit for the clinical psychology licensing exam, as well as provide you with a solid background in the overarching principles of psychology.
If you’re interested in working with people with mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, or other mental health concerns, an MS in Clinical Psychology program will give you the tools you need to make a real difference in people’s lives.
MS in Counseling Psychology
The MS in Counseling Psychology is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to begin working as licensed counselors.
There are many different types of counselors working in all sorts of settings, and most counselors are licensed. In most jurisdictions, the only way to legally call yourself a counselor is to be licensed.
The MS in Counseling Psychology is the most common graduate psychology program that prepares students to sit for their state’s counseling licensure exam. Many counselors work in private practice, but others work in schools, hospitals, or other settings.
In most cases, counselors work with patients on a short-term basis, helping them to gain insight into their lives, make lifestyle changes, and otherwise improve their lives.
While there are some very specific differences between the training that counselors and clinical psychologists receive, an MS in Counseling Psychology will provide you with a solid foundation in psychology and prepare you to start working as a licensed counselor.
MS in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology
The MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to begin working as industrial/organizational psychologists.
Industrial/organizational psychologists have applied psychologists who apply the findings of psychology to workplace settings, helping companies to determine how best to organize their workforces and select employees to maximize productivity.
Industrial/organizational psychologists can be found in virtually any industry, and they often work in management, engineering, or computer programming
An MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program will provide you with the training that you need to begin working as an industrial/organizational psychologist.
If you’re interested in applying psychology to the business world, an industrial/organizational psychology program would be an excellent choice.
MS in Neuroscience
The MS in Neuroscience is a two-year graduate program that prepares students to begin working as neuroscience psychologists. Neuroscience psychologists apply the findings of neuroscience to real-world issues or problems.
Neuroscience psychologists can be found in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, academia, and government. An MS in Neuroscience program will provide you with the tools and training that you need to begin working as a neuroscience psychologist.
If you’re interested in applying neuroscience research to issues like mental health, addiction, or neurodegenerative diseases, an MS in Neuroscience program will get you ready to make a real difference in people’s lives.
MS in Forensic Psychology
The MS in Forensic Psychology is a two-year graduate program that is designed to prepare students to begin working as forensic psychologists. Forensic psychologists apply the findings of psychology to legal issues or problems, providing assistance in investigations, trials, and in sentencing.
Forensic psychologists can be found in courts, public prosecution offices, public defense offices, and other legal settings. An MS in Forensic Psychology program will provide you with the skills and training that you need to begin working as a forensic psychologist.
If you’re interested in applying the principles and findings of psychology to real-world legal issues, an MS in Forensic Psychology program would be an excellent choice.
MS in Combined Programs: Counseling & Forensic Counseling
If you’re interested in combining the skills and expertise of both a counselor and a forensic psychologist, it may be a good idea to look for programs that offer an MS in Counseling & Forensic Counseling.
These programs are designed to prepare students to begin working as licensed counselors, who also have the necessary skills and training to work as forensic psychologists.
If you’re interested in working in both counseling and forensics, an MS in Counseling & Forensic Counseling program would provide you with the tools and training you need to begin working as both a counselor and a forensic psychologist.
Masters in Social Psychology
The Master's in Social Psychology is a one-year graduate program designed to prepare students to work as social psychologists. Social psychologists apply the findings of psychology to the study of human society, behavior, and culture.
Social psychologists can be found in colleges and universities, think tanks, and other research institutions. A Masters in Social Psychology is the most common graduate psychology program that prepares students to sit for their state’s psychology licensure exam.
If you’re interested in applying the findings and principles of psychology to the study of human societies, cultures, and social interactions, a master's in Social Psychology would be an excellent choice.
Conclusion Psychology Graduate Programs
Graduate programs in psychology provide the necessary training, skills, and knowledge to work as a licensed psychologist in all settings and specialties. While there are many different types of graduate programs, they all provide the necessary foundations, knowledge, and skills to work in a psych-related field.
Choosing the right graduate program is important, and it’s important to choose a program that will help you reach your career goals. There are many excellent psychology graduate programs out there, and they all provide students with the training and skills necessary to begin working as licensed psychologists