Psychology Career Requirements

Psychology career requirements are as varied as psychology careers. The study of the human mind and behavior leads to careers in counseling and therapy, research, teaching, court testimony, and more. Your chosen niche will determine how you prepare for a psychology career.

Counseling and Therapy
Counseling and therapy careers all require some form of graduate education, culminating in a master degree, Ph.D., or M.D.

• Psychiatrists begin their careers in medical school, turning to mental health only in the final three years, during a psychiatry residency. They offer mental health therapy and may prescribe medication.

  Clinical Psychologists spend five-to-seven years in postgraduate training, studying psychological theory and methods. After attaining their Ph.D. or Psy.D., they complete a one-year internship.

  School Psychologists complete graduate-level specialist degree, the Ed.S., which requires three years of study and a one-year internship.

  Licensed Social Workers (LSW) and Marriage, Family, and Child Counselors enter the counseling field with a two-year master degree and clinical experience.

Research and Teaching
Psychology careers in research and teaching call for a Ph.D. Unlike master degree, Psy.D., and M.D. programs, which emphasize clinical practice, Ph.D. programs focus on psychology theory and research.

Other Psychology Careers
Psychology expertise has applications in many walks of life, including the judicial system, journalism, and business. Requirements vary widely. Some psychologists transition into expert witness careers, most of which require academic or research experience. Market research typically has a lower bar to entry-even a bachelor degree in psychology can qualify you for a career in marketing.

Psychology is fundamental to any human endeavor-a degree in psychology qualifies you for an array of career paths.