Psychology is one of the top undergraduate majors in the United States, second only to business.  If you are interested in this field, pursue a well-rounded high school education including courses in English and other languages, math, sciences, and social sciences.  You’ll want to polish your computer skills, and if your school offers courses in statistics or psychology itself, take those for a head start.  Volunteer work in the community can also often be helpful in building the “people skills” you need to succeed in the profession.

At the undergraduate level, psychology is a liberal arts program, involving the opportunity to explore many subjects.  Undergraduate admissions requirements for psychology are the same as for other majors.  Four-year programs may award either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  Two-year associate degrees in the field are also available.

Undergraduate degrees in psychology provide students with a basic introduction to the principles of psychology and opportunity to take more advanced classes in one or a few subfields, as well as some research experience.  Those who plan to continue their psychology studies at the graduate level will want to get involved in faculty research, an independent study project, and/or a fieldwork course to strengthen their application.

Graduate Study

Only about 25 percent of those completing undergraduate study continue to graduate school.  The undergraduate major provides good background for entering careers in areas such as marketing, human resources, management, advertising and sales, politics, social service, and many others.  However, to actually become a psychologist, graduate study is necessary.

Applicants to psychology graduate programs typically face stiff competition, particularly at the doctoral level, in clinical areas, and among programs professionally accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).  Only about 10 percent of applicants are admitted to APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology.

The APA accredits over 850 doctoral programs in school, counseling, and clinical psychology (as well as programs combining these areas) from among the approximately 1,900 psychology graduate programs in the United States.  Such accreditation is an indication of quality and may be required for licensure in some jurisdictions, but note that the APA does not accredit at the undergraduate or master’s level or in some specialized disciplines outside school, clinical, and counseling psychology.

Some master’s degrees are terminal, focused on building professional skills in such areas as industrial/organizational psychology.  Others are designed to lead directly into doctoral study.  Students can also apply to some doctoral programs directly from the undergraduate level.

Master’s degree programs in psychology typically take about two years to complete.  Students deepen their knowledge of the field, and may specialize in subfields.  The most commonly required courses relate to industrial/organizational content, statistics, and research design.  Course work at the master’s level often also includes study in ethics, assessment, program evaluation, and personality-related topics.  Typically, programs require practical experience in an applied setting and a thesis.

In most U.S. states, a master’s degree alone is not sufficient to practice as a licensed psychologist.  Individuals with master’s level training may be licensed as “counselors” (a similar occupation), practice psychology under the direction of a licensed psychologist, or enter many psychology-related positions.  Many other positions, however, do require a doctoral degree.

At the doctoral level, students may prepare to teach at the college and university level, conduct independent research, or run their own counseling practice. Most doctoral students earn a Ph.D. degree, which consists of coursework, a qualifying exam, and a dissertation based on original research.

Students interested in clinical or counseling psychology may choose to pursue a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D. or D.) instead of a Ph.D.  The Psy.D. and D. both place more emphasis on practice and less emphasis on research than traditional Ph.D. programs.  Psychologists with these degrees usually work in a clinical setting or private practice.  Some programs that focus on psychology in educational settings (counseling students, developing assessment tests, etc.) may award the Ed.D.

To enter a U.S. graduate psychology program, some universities require an undergraduate major in psychology.  Others require only coursework in basic psychology with courses in the biological, physical, and social sciences; statistics; and mathematics.

Factors reviewed in the application process typically include GRE general test scores, TOEFL scores (for international students), research and work experience, relevant extracurricular/public service activities, letters of recommendation, interviews, and/or statement of purpose.  Some programs may have additional/substitute requirements such as the GRE Subject Test in psychology and/or the Miller Analogies Test.  According to the APA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and research experience are the most important criteria for admission into a U.S. doctoral program.

Regardless of the degree earned, clinical or counseling psychology students are usually required to complete at least a one-year internship before they are eligible to practice psychology in the United States.  These postdoctoral internships are also accredited by the APA.