Working in psychology involves actively listening and having a strong desire to assist others. Professionals in this field must possess knowledge of scientific principles, human development, behavior, and neurobiology. In various situations, a career in psychology involves applying theories and research to practical situations.
Typically, pursuing a career in psychology requires some form of higher education. Many entry-level positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. This guide explores the advantages of obtaining an online psychology degree, discussing costs and typical courses. Continue reading to discover why studying psychology online can be beneficial.
What can I do with a bachelor’s in psychology?
People who study psychology online often become therapists or counselors. Other people enter related fields as human resources managers or social workers.
Does a psychology major pay well?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information for various job positions. According to the data from the BLS, rehabilitation counselors have a median annual income of $37,530, while marriage and family therapists earn a median of $51,340 per year.
How long does it take to get a psychology degree?
Associate degrees typically require around two years of study to complete, while bachelor’s degrees usually take four years. Master’s degrees generally take approximately two years to finish, and a doctorate in psychology can take between 4 to 7 years to complete. These time frames refer to the duration for full-time students.
Why Get a Degree in Psychology?
Individuals who choose to study psychology online can enter a stable job market with a wide range of career opportunities. According to the projections by the BLS, there is a 23% anticipated increase in the demand for counselors between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the average growth rate. Additionally, psychologists can expect an 8% potential job growth during the same period. These professionals earn a median salary of $82,180, which is approximately twice the median salary of all occupations.
Opting for a psychology major offers flexibility and convenience. Many educational institutions provide online psychology degree programs. These flexible programs enable busy students to pursue their career aspirations. Moreover, online programs often have lower costs compared to in-person programs. Students who choose to study psychology online can save on commuting expenses and living costs.
How Much Does a Psychology Degree Cost?
The cost of obtaining a psychology degree can vary. While the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) does not provide specific information on online tuition costs, it does provide data on in-state tuition. Many schools offer similar tuition rates for in-state students and those studying psychology online. According to the NCES, in the 2019-2020 academic year, undergraduate students at in-state schools spent an average of $9,350 on tuition.
When planning for college expenses, students should also consider living costs. It can be challenging for students to hold a job while pursuing a fast-paced program. Fortunately, students can utilize federal and state grants as well as loans to cover living expenses.
Additional Online Student Fees
Besides tuition, an online psychology degree requires student fees. Virtual students often avoid paying student activity and campus maintenance fees. However, they typically pay a fee for online classroom management software.
A college budget should also include textbook costs. Purchasing used textbooks or choosing digital versions saves money. In addition, some businesses allow learners to rent books.
Students who study psychology online should factor in the cost of campus visits. Some online psychology degrees require participants to visit campus once per year or for certain classes with an applied aspect, like an internship or practicum. After completing a bachelor’s degree, professionals should still budget money for education if they plan to pursue advanced degrees in psychology. However, certain employers may cover some educational fees.
How Much Do Psychology Majors Make?
Online psychology degree-holders’ salaries vary. Position type impacts pay. School counselors earn a $58,120 median annual salary, while psychologists earn higher salaries. Psychologists need a doctorate to practice in most research, clinical, or counseling roles.
Experience also impacts pay. According to October 2021 PayScale data, psychologists with under one year of experience earn an average salary of $68,160. Psychology professionals with over 20 years of experience earn an average of $92,720.
Courses in Psychology
Psychology majors qualify for many scholarships. Professional associations, private foundations, and colleges all offer scholarships to support psychology students.
Online learners must typically meet scholarship requirements if they attend an accredited college or university. In addition to the following scholarships, psychology majors can research opportunities based on their career goals or state.
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Psychology and Human Development
The class covers human development from a biological, social, cognitive, and emotional perspective. Learners discover typical and atypical development from infancy to adulthood. The class might also cover neuroanatomies, such as the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system. Upon completion, students understand how development influences cognitive and emotional abilities throughout the lifespan.
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Psychology Theories
A theory class covers the discoveries and philosophies that guide modern practice. Learners discuss theories by early researchers like Sigmund Freud. Students learn about therapy practices that developed as a result of these theories. The course also helps learners identify gaps in industry knowledge.
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Research in the Psychology Field”
The class teaches students how to conduct ethical and accurate research. Learners discover the protocol for developing and testing psychological theories. Class discussions encourage participants to evaluate the quality of past studies. This class also often requires a research project. Students sometimes submit their class findings for publication.
How to Become a Psychologist
To become a psychologist, learners must earn a doctorate in psychology and licensure within their state or jurisdiction. Once students have completed a doctorate and acquired the required amount of clinical hours, students may apply for a psychology license.
Licensure requirements vary by state. Most states require psychology professionals to complete 1-2 years of supervised experience through an internship or residency. Some states require a postdoctoral fellowship.
Once people earn their credentials, they must complete continuing education hours to maintain their license. Professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) offer continuing education classes.
Many psychologists work for a clinic, but some open private practices. According to the BLS, 27% of psychologists are self-employed.
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