Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Psychology, General
• Developmental and Child Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• School Psychology
• Clinical Child Psychology
• Geropsychology
• Health/Medical Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree may be sufficient for school positions. School psychologists need an advanced degree and either certification or licensure to work. In most states, practicing psychology or using the title “psychologist” requires licensure. In all states and the District of Columbia, psychologists who practice independently must be licensed where they work.

Insider Info

Additional Information

To work as a school psychologist, you must have a minimum of an education specialist degree followed by a one-year internship. A doctoral degree will open the doors even further and will allow you to teach. School psychologists must be certified and licensed to practice in all states.

A master's degree in psychology generally takes two years of full-time studies after your undergraduate degree. A doctoral degree will take between five and seven years of graduate study.

The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral training programs in school psychology. Also, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association of School Psychologists are involved in the accreditation of advanced degree programs in school psychology.

Extra Requirements

The American Board of Professional Psychology awards specialty certification in 15 areas of psychology, such as clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. Board certification can demonstrate professional expertise in a specialty area.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.abpp.org