Masters in Psychology

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Psychology?

Those completing a master’s in psychology may obtain the skills necessary to work in various positions. This type of program may provide education in biopsychology, cognitive and development, social and applied psychology, among other topics. Students also typically study ethical standards in evaluations and the treatment process. At the core, the work they do in school is often learning how to scientifically interpret and use data and assessment information to format treatment plans. Some may also gain skills that help improve research in the field.

The coursework may be based on the type of outcome the student hopes to achieve, such as which type of program focus they wish to take or where they wish to work. Most often, coursework focuses on cognitive processes, social psychology, and therapies of personality, among other areas.

Take a closer look at some of the areas of study a student taking a master’s in psychology may take.

Top 25 Schools Graduating Students with a Masters in Psychology

The following are the top 25 schools in the U.S. based on graduating student numbers for the 2019-2020 school year according to NCES.

Courses May Include

Research Methods

This course often covers various and common methods used in psychological research. Students may learn to gather and analyze data. Students usually acquire techniques and apply them to issues in psychology.

Social Psychology

This course often focuses on current and contemporary issues in psychology. Research of people’s interactions with the environment and technology is typically covered. Theories regarding the conformity, obedience, identity, and attitudes may be covered as well. Evaluations of the usefulness and relevance of social psychology may also be another topic in the course.

Cognitive Processes

In this course, students may investigate different topics relating to memory, language, and decision making and how it relates to cognitive psychology. The usefulness and relevance of cognitive psychology may also be covered as a part of this course. How to use cognitive psychology when dealing with real world problems may also be a topic.

Measurement and Assessment

The use of and application of psychometric techniques is often a major portion of this course. Studying techniques of measurement and strategies used in administering psychological tests. Ethical issues and how they apply to testing, assessing, and interpreting these tests.

Theories of Personality

This course often covers, research, theories, and various approaches in regards to personal psychology. The use of Freud and other historical practices are typically analyzed and used. Looking at how the past and present types of analysis and theories work together to determine the course of where the field is going.

Ethical Practice in Psychology

This course often covers the ethics of psychology. Topics may include respect, experimentation, and resolving ethical dilemmas. Professional conduct standards and psychology ethical behavior may also be topics to be covered.

Find Funding

The cost of earning a degree like this depends on many factors including the current rates charged by the school. However, many students may utilize one or more funding options to cover those costs. NCES reports that the average college student in the 2020 to 2021 school year spent $19,749 on their master’s degree program. Costs differ by school, location, program options, courses taken, and other factors.

Paying for this type of education may be possible by using a number of different funding sources. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Many students may choose to look into each of these options to exhaust all possibilities to meet their needs.

Scholarships

One way to cover the cost of a master’s degree in psychology is to apply for and win scholarships. These are funds given to students without the requirement to repay them. Available scholarships for psychology majors may be available from multiple organizations, including schools, local programs, and national organizations. Consider any of them.

Is a marriage therapist a good career?

One career choice that may be available to those with a master’s in psychology is a marriage and family therapist. These professionals may diagnose and treat the emotional and mental health needs of people within a marriage or family unit. They may provide services to individuals or couples. This may include diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

To do this type of job, a person must have core skills, including active listening skills, social perceptiveness, and problem solving. They may also need to be able to communicate well to provide individuals with information and instructions on managing their conditions. Often times, they may also need to have good judgment and decision-making skills to ensure the best or most appropriate treatment is applied in that situation.

Work activities as a marriage therapist may include documenting and recording information including gathering data from conversations and sessions. They may also have to analyze information and evaluate results to develop a way to solve a problem. Many times, they may assist in caring for others including enabling people to get help for emotional support, personal care needs, and medical attention. They may establish and work to maintain relationships with clients to create better outcomes.

Those working as a marriage therapist typically need to have extensive skills and knowledge in the area. This typically requires a master’s degree, though some may also require Ph.D. work, based on what the employer desires. Limited on the job training may be provided in that many occupations could require an employee to already have the necessary knowledge and skill to complete the necessary tasks. Some positions may require experience in the field or previous training as well.

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Median Salary for Marriage Therapist

The annual median salary for those working as a marriage therapist in 2023 was the following in each state based on BLS data.

Is a behavioral counselor a good career?

A behavioral counselor is a professional that offers counsel and advice to people who are facing one or more conditions such as eating disorders, gambling disorders, drug or alcohol use, or other types of conditions. They may work with individuals, families, or groups to provide these services. Some may also provide prevention-based care.

The work of a behavioral counselor often includes completing and maintaining accurate client histories and records including all services provided. They may counsel people on overcoming dependencies as well as making changes to their habits or lifestyle. Many may assess those with drug dependency and provide support in the addiction recovery process. They may treat payments in facilities and offices and may following patients for some time after providing treatments as needed. They may work as a part of a chemical dependency program.

To do their job, these professionals typically need to be good, active listeners, have good speaking and communication skills, and have an understanding of critical thinking and social perceptiveness.

Work activities may include writing reports and evaluations, counseling clients one-on-one or in groups, providing substance abuse treatment, and monitoring clients for progress. They may also administer drug screenings and tests.

Those who wish to work as a behavioral counselor typically need to have completed graduate school, which may include a master’s degree, though some employers prefer a Ph.D. Extensive skill and experience are noted as valuable to have here. That may include having 5 or more years in the field. Employers may provide some on-the-job training, but many may require individuals to have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the work. This may come from other training programs, other positions, or work-related experience.

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Median Salary for Behavioral Counselor

The 2023 median annual salary for those working as a behavioral counselor in the U.S. is the following based on location and BLS data.