If you’re considering a career in psychology, you may be deciding between a master’s program and a doctoral program. A doctorate degree allows you greater freedom and more options than a master’s, but it takes longer and requires a larger commitment.

1. www.helpingpsychology.com Psychology Graduate Degree: Master's or Doctorate

2. www.helpingpsychology.com If you’re considering a career in psychology, you may be deciding between a master’s program and a doctoral program. A doctorate degree allows you greater freedom and more options than a master’s, but it takes longer and requires a larger commitment.

3. www.helpingpsychology.com You’ll have to balance your professional goals with how much time, money, and energy you’re willing to invest in training.

4. www.helpingpsychology.com Doctorate Degree Completing a doctorate can take anywhere from 3-7 years with a supervised internship lasting from 1-2 years. With a Ph. D. or a PsyD, you’ll be eligible for a state license to practice psychology. The test, Examination For Professional Practice in Psychology(EPPP), varies by state. http://www.apu.edu/bas/graduatepsychology/psyd/images/home_photoyut.jpg

5. www.helpingpsychology.com After passing the EPPP and completing your postdoctoral work, you’ll be recognized as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. You can test, assess, diagnose, and practice psychotherapy with patients in a private practice or in psychiatric, general, and military hospitals, and even community mental health centers.

6. www.helpingpsychology.com Master’s Degree Full-time students can complete a master’s program within 2-3 years. After graduation you can work in the health care field, but only under the supervision of a professional.

7. www.helpingpsychology.com Common job settings include community mental health centers, hospitals, and treatment facilities. You can work outside of health care in government or private organizations, but you cannot be recognized as a psychologist without a Ph. D.

8. www.helpingpsychology.com Half of the states in the US also give those with a master’s degree the option to take the EEEP and be recognized under titles such as licensed psychological practitioner (LPP), psychological associate, or psychological examiner. http://psychologistsonline.info/images/psychologist/psychologist_385x261.jpg

9. www.helpingpsychology.com If you’re not sure whether you want to pursue a doctorate or even work in the field, a master’s degree will allow you to gain experience while deciding whether you want to be a psychologist bad enough to go for the doctorate. For students who under-performed as psychology undergraduates, a scientifically-oriented master’s degree provides the opportunity to show a higher caliber of research and academic potential.

10. www.helpingpsychology.com Most doctoral programs prefer that their students be trained according to their individual training models, and may require you to repeat your coursework and even your thesis. http://helpingpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/iStock_000003410735Small.jpg

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