How to Become a Psychologist

Steps to Getting Undergraduate and Graduate Psychology Degrees

Sep 2, 2009

Working with people is a popular reason to become a psychologist. These steps to getting a psychology degree include information about undergrad and grad level studies.

Learning how to become a psychologist involves researching different types of psychology. In fact, learning about the different psychology jobs and careers is the first step to getting a degree. In many states and provinces, certified psychologists have an undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.Sc.) and two graduate degrees (M.A. or M.Sc., and a PhD).

These steps to getting a psychology degree cover all the bases, from researching types of psychology jobs to considering different ways to work with people.

Research Different Types of Psychology Jobs

Psychologists work in prisons, hospitals, colleges, or private offices. Psychologists can work with certain types of people, such as children, employees in big companies, survivors of abuse.

Psychologists can focus on research and teaching, and explore artificial intelligence or experiment with animal behavior. The first step to getting a psychology degree is to learn about the different types of psychologists.

Some colleges or universities specialize in forensic psychology, while others focus on child behavior or artificial intelligence. Research the websites and academic calendars of colleges to find the most suitable programs and classes. Finding the right college, university, or even a technical school is an important second step to getting a psychology degree.

The right college or university depends on the psychology student’s interests, lifestyle, and past academic experience. Picking the right school may also depend on the cost of courses, books, and dorm living. Applying to college or university often requires gathering and completing a wide variety of information, so it’s important to start the application process as early as possible!

Remember the Importance of Graduate Degrees in Psychology

All certified psychologists – whether forensic, clinical, social or industrial-organizational – require at least one graduate level degree to practice. This requirement differs in different different states and provinces, but most require graduate level study.

Some psychology students take a year or two off after getting an undergraduate degree, and go to graduate school after working with people for a few years. The road to becoming a psychologist can differ, depending upon the student.

Consider Different Ways to Work With People

An important step in learning about becoming a psychologist involves the realization that there are different ways of working with people that don’t necessarily entail getting a psychology degree! Undergraduate and graduate level studies aren’t for everyone, and there are other ways to work with people.

Art therapists, for instance, don’t have psychology degrees. Neither do music therapists, social workers, or family counselors.

Working with people as a psychologist is a highly satisfying career. It does take time and effort to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, but the rewards are worth it!

The copyright of the article How to Become a Psychologist in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish How to Become a Psychologist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.