So you've decided that you want to pursue an advanced degree, but you don't know which one to aim for. Here is information about what master's degree options are available, as well as what masters degree holders can do.
How long does it typically take to receive a master's degree?Master's degree programs usually take 1-2 years after the bachelor's degree.
Will I be considered a Psychologist when I receive my master's?
When one holds a masters degree from a Psychology program, they are NOT considered a psychologist (there are
certain requirements for one to be called a "psychologist", and obtaining a master's degree doesn't meet them). However, these individuals can apply for licensure to be a therapist or counselor, such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). An addictions counselor is also an option, depending on the licensing requirements of the individual's state of practice. Typically, those who decide not to become licensed are considered "psychological associate" or "psychological assistant", working with doctoral degree holding Psychologists. The typical work of this position is limited; much of the time to testing.
What if I decide I want to enter into something that isn't Psychology?It is also possible to enter into a graduate school program that is not a psychology specialty (such as social work or education). These programs also offer master's degrees, such as the MSW (master of social work degree) and MEd/EdM (master of education degree).
What Psychology specialties will have the best job opportunities for master's degree holding individuals?
School psychology is likely to have the best job prospects, as schools are expected to increase student counseling and mental health services (for more information about the courses and anything else, click
here to go to our website about school psychology). This field in particular has different requirements than other specialties because it requires a Specialist degree (Ed.S.), with the master's being obtained through the program. The Specialist degree, however, is the standard for School Psychologists.
Also, graduates with a master’s degree in psychology may qualify for positions in industrial-organizational psychology. Master’s degree holders with several years of business and industry experience can obtain jobs in consulting and marketing research, while other master’s degree holders may find jobs in universities, government or the private sector as psychological assistants, counselors, researchers, data collectors, and analysts.
What else do I need to know about a master's degree in Psychology?While the doctoral degree is the standard for independent research or practice in psychology, the number of psychology students who pursue a terminal master’s degree has increased sixfold since 1960. Competition for positions in psychology-related jobs is keen. Just over one fifth of master’s graduates are full-time students, and about two thirds of master’s graduates are employed outside psychology. Many handle research and data collection and analysis in universities, government, and private companies. Others find jobs in health, industry, and education, the primary work settings for psychology professionals with master’s degrees. With growing recognition of the role of psychology in the community, more jobs for persons with master’s degrees in psychology may also become available in community mental health centers. Persons with master’s degrees often work under the direction of a doctoral psychologist, especially in clinical, counseling, school, and testing and measurement psychology. Some jobs in industry, for example, in organizational development and survey research, are held by both doctoral- and master’s-level graduates. But industry and government jobs in compensation, training, data analysis, and general personnel issues are often filled by those with master’s degrees in psychology.
Information from this site obtained from:
1) Lloyd, M. A. (1997, August 28). Graduate school options for psychology majors. [Online]. Available: http://www.psywww.com/careers/options.htm
2)
http://www.apa.org/students/brochure/brochurenew.pdf
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Master's degree questions answered!
**Important Notice**
When submitting questions about the master's degree in Psychology, try to be as specific as possible, so it will be easier to thoroughly answer questions on this site. It also could be very beneficial to anyone asking the questions to provide a way of contact incase further explanation is necessary. All questions will be answered, on this site, as best as possible according to the information given. Emails may also be sent to the Webmaster if so desired.
1/14/2008:
Q: "How long does receiving a master's degree take?"
A: To receive a masters degree in psychology, two years of full time graduate study and a single year of internship or a masters thesis on a research project are generally needed. A masters in school psychology takes two years of full time graduate study and a year of internship. A doctoral degree, if you were wondering, takes five to seven years of full time graduate study. This and more information on the requirements and benifits of a masters or doctorate degree can be found on the APA's website at http://www.apa.org/ed/wanttobecome.html.
10/19/06:
Q: "are there different sections in psychology field you can master?"
A: The sections, or specialities, in psychology usually have both options for graduate degrees. However, many times the master's degree may only be obtained through the doctoral program; there are lowering numbers of terminal master's degree programs. If you want to only get a master's degree, make sure that you do your research on what you want to do! This can't be stressed enough. Employers differ in what they want in a candidate, but to hold many full-time positions, you will need a doctoral degree. Many psychological occupations will require that one hold a doctoral degree, and it is very difficult for someone only holding a master's degree to gain employment (you would be competing with doctoral level Psychologists). But, in general, the specialties that only require a master's degree for full-time employment include: I/O Psychology, School Psychology, and counseling, such as Marriage and Family therapy. It is important to realize that you will NOT be able to be licensed as a Psychologist through a state board of Psychology with only a master's degree. The only licensure available would be a Psychological Associate or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)/Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The only way to have a private practice is to obtain a doctoral degree (either PhD or PsyD).
(For some more information about Psychology careers, visit http://www.apa.org/ed/wanttobecome.html)
