Psychology Degree Online

• Professionals in the field of psychology study human behavior and the reasons behind why people do what they do.
• Psychologists are usually required to have a PhD to practice.
• Some of the sub-specialties in the field of psychology include health psychology, child psychology, and counseling psychology.

What is the field of psychology?

Psychology is the field of science that studies human behavior � basically, why people do what they do. Psychologists today can work in settings such as university laboratories, hospitals, counseling centers, and even large companies. The different settings account for the different types of psychologists, such as clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, health psychologists, and industrial psychologists. All psychologists, no matter what their specialization, have the same mission: to improve people�s lives by analyzing behaviors.

What kinds of degrees are there in the field of psychology?

A psychology student can come out of school with many different levels of degrees, depending on how long they want to stay in school. The first degree earned is a Bachelor of Arts in psychology (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science in psychology (B.S.). These degrees take between four to five years to complete. The B.A. and B.S. differ only in the number of science courses required; a Bachelor of Science in psychology requires more science coursework than the Bachelor of Arts degree. The next step on the road of psychology is a master�s degree. This is usually another year or two of work after a bachelor�s degree. Students can choose to enter a terminal master�s program, one that offers only a master�s degree, or enroll in a program that allows a student to earn a master�s degree in conjunction with a PhD. These extended programs last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on a student�s ability and specialization. A master�s or PhD. degree allows a psychology student to specialize in a particular piece of the psychology field, such as child psychology, health psychology or sports psychology. Usually students with a master�s or PhD will work in a research facility at a university or go into practicing as a counseling psychologist. A PsyD. degree is another psychology degree that is specifically designed for those who only want to be a practicing doctor of psychology. A person with a PsyD can open their own practice, or work within a mental health institution, but they aren't qualified to work in the research field.

What career opportunities are available for someone with a degree in psychology?

There are is a broad array of psychology careers in hospitals, universities, and private practices. The fields that are likely to have the best opportunities are school psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Health psychology is also becoming a popular field because a psychologist's emphasis on the �whole person� has shown to be helpful in treating disease. The American Psychological Association claims that psychology is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree. Many psychologists find work in university research facilities, hospitals, businesses or private counseling centers.

How much money can someone make in the field of psychology?

To say the average salary within the entire field of psychology is not giving respect to each separate specialty within psychology. The field could include college professors, counselors, business leaders, psychologists, and many, many other professions. In the specified field of psychology, however, an average counselor makes between $40,000 and $64,000 dollars a year, and a psychologist can make anywhere between $64,600 and $85,200 a year. These salary estimates are very limited because there are so many different paths to follow with a psychology background.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Psychology?

§ University of Phoenix - Human Services : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private University in the U.S. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Services get a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of working in the fields of counseling, social work, and psychology. Students in this line of study take 60 credits in courses ranging from human behavior, to managing and financing human services program. Most students can complete their degree within two to three years.

§ Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity.

§ Ellis College - Undergraduate : With more than 20 accredited degree programs designed to fit the needs of working adults, Ellis College is a premium choice for the career-minded individual. A division of the New York Institute of Technology, Ellis offers online bachelor degrees in popular fields of study such as business, finance, marketing, technology, information systems and more.

§ California Coast University : Established in 1973, California Coast University has enabled working adults without the time or access to a physical school with the opportunity to complete degree training programs that can open new career doors. Flexible distance-learning classes ensure that students will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Business Administration, Management, Psychology, and Health Care Administration in as much or as little time as they have available.

§ Capella University : Capella University is an accredited online university designed to provide a quality education that fits the life of busy professionals like you. With a strong learner community built around motivated adult learners, real world faculty and a staff dedicated to your success, Capella helps you make an immediate impact on your life and career.

§ Argosy University (Education & Psych) : Argosy University (Education & Psych), with 18 campus locations throughout U.S., offers Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D. and postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Curriculum Instruction, Education, Forensic Psychology, Marriage & Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling and School Psychology.

§ University of Maryland University College : Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility.

§ Liberty University : With thirty online degrees offered, Liberty University Distance Learning Program is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective.

§ ICS Canada : ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning.

§ Upper Iowa University : Upper Iowa University serves over 6500 students around the world. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Upper Iowa University offers Bachelor Degrees as well as Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration Degrees through the schools nationally regarded Online Program.