It is possible to become a psychologist without having a degree in psychology. However, if you want to become a clinical psychologist, you will need to have a degree in psychology. To become a psychologist, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree and then complete a postgraduate qualification in psychology. You can find out more information on how to become a psychologist by visiting the British Psychological Society’s website:
The first step is to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology. This will give you the basic knowledge of psychological theories and research methods that you need to pursue a career in psychology.
Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you can then do a postgraduate qualification in psychology. This will allow you to specialize in an area of psychology that interests you. Once you have completed your postgraduate qualification, you can work as a psychologist.
Here Are How to Become a Psychologist
Qualifications for How To Become a Psychologist
| Psychologist Education | Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in psychology |
|---|---|
| Licensure/Certification | Private practice, Ph.D. or Psy.D. often require state licensure |
| Experience | Practicum, internships, and volunteer work all valuable |
| Key Skills | Empathy and compassion; analytical, listening, and communication skills |
| Job Outlook (2016-2026) | 14% growth for psychologists |
| Mean Annual Salary (2018) | $109,030 (for industrial-organizational psychologists) $85,340 (for clinical, counseling and school psychologists) $95,610 for psychologists specializing in all other areas) |
What Are the Educational Requirements for Psychologists?
To become a psychologist, you will need to have a master’s or doctorate in psychology, according to bls.gov. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, but most employers prefer to hire candidates with a doctorate. To obtain a doctorate, you will need to complete an accredited program in psychology.
There are many different specialties within psychology, so choosing a program that matches your interests and goals is essential. In addition to your academic coursework, you will need to complete a clinical internship and pass an exam administered by the American Psychological Association.
Undergraduate Psychologist Training
Becoming a psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology. However, some undergraduate programs can prepare students to become psychologists. These programs usually include coursework in psychological theories and research methods and supervised clinical experience. After completing an undergraduate program, most psychologists conduct a one- to two-year internship, followed by postdoctoral training.
Graduate Psychologist Training
Master’s Degree in Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. A psychologist studies how people think, feel and behave. People interested in psychology often want to help others and understand why people do the things they do.
There are many different types of psychologists. Some psychologists work with patients who have mental health disorders. Others work with athletes to help them improve their performance or with students who need help learning. Finally, some psychologists research different topics such as human development, social interaction, or mental illness.
To become a psychologist, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After you make your bachelor’s degree, you can earn a master’s degree or a doctorate in psychology. Most states require that psychologists have a license before they can practice.
Doctoral Programs
Pursuing a doctorate in psychology can be an excellent way to become a licensed psychologist. Becoming a licensed psychologist usually requires completing a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school, completing an internship, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. A doctoral degree in psychology typically takes about four years to complete and includes coursework and research. They might consider doctoral programs recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA)
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The psychology field is expected to grow by 14 percent through 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for psychological services will come from various sources, including individuals, families, schools, businesses, and other organizations.
To become a psychologist, you will need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology. After completing your degree, you will need to complete a one-year internship and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. As of 2012, psychologists earn a median annual salary of $68,640.
