The educational and training requirements for becoming a psychologist are demanding, but the process is professionally rewarding and personally satisfying.The doctoral degree is the standard academic credential for both practice and research.The doctoral degree requires four to nine years of preparation after the bachelor’s.Most future psychologists major in psychology as undergraduates, but degrees in related fields are also acceptable and are encouraged by many graduate and professional schools.
In 2002, 67% of Ph.D.’s in psychology were awarded to women and about 19% were minorities.About half of the new doctoral recipients intended to work primarily as professional service providers, typically in direct health care.
There are many subfields of psychology.Members of the largest applied group, clinical psychologists, independently diagnose and treat the full range of emotional and behavioral disorders.Traditionally, most clinical psychologists obtain the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, but the Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) awarded by professional schools is becoming increasingly common.Other areas of applied psychology include organizational business consulting psychology, medical psychology, health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and many others.
A psychologist in an applied specialty must obtain a license to practice.The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists www.LSBEP.org has the authority to administer the licensing law in this state.See [insert link to Psychologists’ Credentials].
Psychologists are often involved in teaching and research.Experimental psychologists conduct research into such areas as conditioning and learning, brain-behavior relationships, psychopharmacology, and cognitive processes.Developmental psychologists explore human psychological growth, the influence of family processes, intelligence, and aging.Social psychologists focus on how interpersonal experience, society, and personality traits interact to influence attitudes and behavior.
The master’s degree in psychology provides fewer direct career opportunities than the doctorate.However, individuals with master’s degrees acquire knowledge, insight, and critical thinking skills that are applicable in a variety of occupations.In most states, an individual with a master’s degree may become a certified school psychologist.In Louisiana certification is granted by the state Department of Education based on legally established criteria.It should be noted that school psychologists who hold an acceptable doctoral degree may be licensed for independent practice by the state psychology board.
