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Is a Master’s in Psychology Degree Right for Me?

Deciding to move past an undergraduate degree in psychology to a Master’s in Psychology can seem like a large commitment to some.  Pursuing any Master’s degree is a large undertaking and a Master’s in Psychology degree is no different.  Whether it is one of our featured online Master’s in Psychology degrees or some other program, pursuing a Master’s in Psychology degree can be a lot of work and is not for everyone.  At Nonprofit Colleges Online, we’ve compile a list of some things for students to consider prior to deciding to pursue a Master’s in Psychology degree.

Is a Master’s in Psychology Degree Right for Me?

A Master’s in Psychology degree is a high-level degree within the field of psychology that can prepare a students for a litany of positions within the field of psychology.  The option to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology is an often overlooked option when students look to continue their education beyond that of an undergraduate.  Most students studying in the field of psychology typically choose to pursue a PhD in Psychology.  A Master’s in Psychology degree is often times a great way for someone who is looking to further their education in the field of psychology but is not ready to commit to the long process of earning a PhD. Often times, Master’s in Psychology degrees are offered online whereas PhDs are not.

What Skills Will I Gain?

Through the study of a Master’s in Psychology, students will go beyond a generalist understanding of topics of psychology and learn how to effectively apply psychological teachings and concepts out in the field.  Students will begin down the path of learning concepts of psychotherapy and psychology in preparation for a role as a psychotherapist or psychologist.  Students can also choose to specialize in a variety of different programs including Clinical Psychology, Applied Psychology, and Experimental Psychology

What Types of Roles Are Available To Me?

A major thing to consider when deciding to pursue a Master’s in Psychology degree are the types jobs you would like to work and the goals for your career.  Often times, it is not enough for students to have only earned a Master’s in Psychology degree to practice psychotherapy.  Some states will allow it, other states will require special certification or licensing, and others will require that a PhD is earned.  So if your ultimate goal is to work in the field as a psychotherapist or clinical psychologist, it is important to note that a Master’s in Psychology degree would have to be part of a larger plan to earn a PhD as well.  However, if you are looking to work in more research-based jobs within the field of psychology, a Master’s in Psychology is typically more than enough.   Students can also apply what they have learned in fields including marketing and advertising, mental health services, healthcare, and much more.

All Things Considered

Determining whether or not a Master’s in Psychology degree is right for you required the consideration of a lot of factors.  If you’re somebody interested in continuing your education in psychology beyond an undergraduate degree, a Master’s in Psychology is a great continuing step in your education but it should be know that further education may be required if your ultimate goal is to perform psychotherapy in a clinical setting.