Psychology - General Graduate Programs

Psychology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

When identifying which psychology master’s program you’d like to attend, the American Psychological Association (APA) recommends asking yourself the following questions:

• What would your fellow students be like? What students does the program typically admit, in terms of test scores and academic background? Are they highly competitive or do they take a more balanced approach to academics?
• What percentage of admitted students graduate and how long does it take to reach graduation?
• What are the goals of the program? Do the objectives match your career goals and your capabilities as a graduate student?
• If you are interested in an academic or research career, you may want to look at the level graduates have for obtaining postdoctoral research fellowships, academic appointments, or applied research positions in an outside facility within the first five years after graduation.
• If you’d prefer a psychology graduate program that emphasizes professional practice, you will want to find out the rate of graduate licensure, as well as where they practice post-graduation.

Most psychology graduate programs prepare students to think critically and analytically rather than train them for a specific job or position. Depending upon the program that you choose, you may need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology. Some programs require a GRE or MAT while some may not. However, admission into any psychology graduate program may be difficult, as the number of applicants usually exceeds the number of open seats in a semester.

A master’s degree in psychology typically takes two to three years to complete. To obtain a doctorate in psychology, add on another three to four years. It’s important to note that the APA does not accredit master’s degree programs in psychology, only doctoral-level psychology programs and the institutions offering those programs.

If you’re interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology, you will have to choose between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. The Ph.D. is the oldest and most widely regarded of the doctoral level degrees and is generally considered a research degree. Students in a Ph.D. program can generally expect to enter a research or academic-based professional field, possibly with a hospital or drug company.

First awarded in the late 1970’s, the Psy.D. has been increasing in popularity among universities and graduate students alike. Similar to the M.D. awarded to doctors, a Psy.D. signifies that the student has placed an emphasis on preparing for professional practice rather than extensive research training. According to the APA, about 75 percent of graduate students in psychology earn their Ph.D.

Psychology Career Paths

Once you have obtained your graduate degree in psychology, you are capable of working in many industries from elementary, middle and high schools to mental health outpatient facilities and high-risk youth centers or at a private practice.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Psychology Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the psychology field should expect a 12 percent increase in jobs by 2018. Those holding doctoral degrees will be at a significant advantage, while those with master’s degrees can expect competition in the job market.

Based on the Occupational Employment Statistics Survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean income for a psychologist was approximately $72,540 in May of 2010. Pay levels vary with the industry of employment and the number of years a psychologist has been practicing.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.