FAQs About Psychology Degree Programs
When you are just starting your journey into higher education, the range of degrees is a source of frustration. If you have any interest in the human mind and behavior, then a psychology degree program might be perfect for you. If you already have an undergraduate degree and a license in counseling but have a deep interest in psychology, then an advanced degree in psychology can help you reach your professional goals.
What Psychology Degree Options Do I Have?
Undergraduates typically pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology. The BA focuses on the mind and behavior using a wide range of interdisciplinary work. The BS takes a more scientific or technical approach, focusing on psychological research. A BS in Psychology degree may relate to clinical fields such as neuroscience or cognitive psychology.
Advanced degrees in psychology include master's degrees and doctorate degrees. A master's degree in psychology will let you narrow your focus and help you specialize in your career as a working professional. Doctoral psychology degrees allow you to build your expertise and work closely to the academic world through original research. You do not necessarily need an advanced degree in psychology to find the career for you, but advanced degrees can help you earn higher salaries and work in various environments. If you plan to go into counseling or therapy, you will need an advanced degree and fieldwork hours.
What Will I Learn During a Psychology Degree Program?
Although a BA and BS in Psychology degree program, will focus on different aspects of psychology, you will gain foundational skills in both degrees through courses focusing on give different fields in psychology such as child development, adult development, aging, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience and abnormal psychology. You will also learn to read and interpret psychological research, as well as conduct some of your own.
In an advanced psychology degree program, your coursework will focus on specific areas of study. You will learn advanced research methods and work to complete your own research during your degree program.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Psychology Degree?
Completing any degree program depends on several factors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics 1 in 2020, 44 percent of first-time bachelor's degree recipients in 2015-2016 completed their degree program in four years or less. If you attend part-time, it will take you longer to earn your degree. However, there are options to take many of your psychology degree classes online which may help you balance responsibilities in work, family and school.
However, there are options to take many of your psychology degree classes online which may help you balance responsibilities in work, family and school.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2 in 2015, it takes two years on average for part-time employed students to earn a master's degree. Doctoral degrees may take anywhere from two to seven years or more years depending on your research and how much time you commit to the program and the scope of your research.
Whether it be a Bachelor Science or a PhD in psychology, Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of programs to prepare learners for academic success. To learn more about the undergraduate psychology programs offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, visit our website or click on the Request Information button on this page.
Retrieved From:
https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=569
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
