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Psychology is a huge field, with some big dividing lines between the major areas of practice, as well as dozens of specialties further divided into dozens more sub-specialties. Every one of them is significant enough to support a specialized career in psychology.
Psychology programs range from 2-year associate degrees to doctoral programs. Clinical practice requires a doctorate and state licensure, while applied psychology roles often need only a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Choose based on your career goals: direct patient care requires advanced credentials, while research, consulting, or organizational work offers flexibility with lower requirements. Salaries range from $43,000 for entry roles to $139,000+ for specialized fields like industrial-organizational psychology.
Psychology is a vast field with significant career opportunities across clinical practice, counseling, research, and applied settings. Choosing the right psychology program depends on your career goals, desired specialization, and whether you plan to work directly with patients or in research and organizational roles.
The path you take will determine everything from your educational investment to your licensing requirements and career trajectory. This guide breaks down the major program types, degree levels, specializations, and accreditation requirements to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Understanding Psychology Program Types
The biggest dividing line in professional psychology separates applied practice fields (clinical and counseling psychology) from general psychological work. This distinction affects your entire career path, from degree requirements to licensing and salary expectations.
Applied Practice Psychology: Clinical and Counseling
Both clinical and counseling psychologists work directly with patients, providing therapeutic interventions and psychological support. This patient-facing work requires:
- Advanced degrees (typically master’s or doctoral level)
- State licensure and ongoing continuing education
- Supervised clinical hours (usually 2,000-4,000 hours)
- Passing scores on licensing examinations
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 120,000 bachelor’s degrees in psychology were granted in 2020, compared to 29,000 master’s degrees and just over 6,200 doctoral degrees. This gap shows that while many people study psychology, far fewer pursue the advanced credentials needed for clinical practice.
General and Applied Psychology: Research and Organizational Work
General psychologists apply psychological principles without direct patient contact. They might work in:
- Industrial-organizational psychology, evaluating company structures and management practices
- Research settings, conducting studies on human behavior and cognition
- Marketing and advertising, applying social psychology to consumer behavior
- Educational institutions, developing learning programs and assessments
Because they don’t provide direct patient care, general psychologists typically don’t need state licensure. This often means they can enter their careers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees rather than pursuing doctoral education.
Clinical Psychology vs. Counseling Psychology: The Critical Choice
Understanding the difference between clinical psychology and counseling psychology is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your education. While both involve helping people with mental health challenges, they differ in training emphasis and typical practice settings. However, it’s important to note that many states use the same psychology license for both clinical and counseling psychologists, and the education and training requirements substantially overlap. The distinction is often more about program philosophy and focus than rigid differences in credentials or scope of practice.
Clinical Psychology: Severe Mental Illness and Complex Cases
Clinical psychology programs prepare you to treat severe psychopathological conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Training emphasizes:
- Psychoanalytic, behavioral, and cognitive therapeutic approaches
- Diagnostic assessment using DSM-5-TR criteria
- Psychopharmacology and medication management collaboration
- Hospital and intensive treatment settings
Licensing requirement: All clinical psychologists must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and be licensed by the state. This involves passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), completing supervised hours, and meeting state-specific requirements through your state’s psychology licensing board.
Counseling Psychology: Daily Life Challenges and Integrated Wellness
Counseling psychologists work with people facing challenges in daily functioning, including stress, relationship issues, career transitions, and mild to moderate mental health concerns. They practice using:
- Humanistic and person-centered approaches
- Brief intervention techniques
- Family systems therapy
- Community-based treatment models
Counseling psychologists often specialize in areas such as marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, or school counseling. While some hold psychology doctorates and practice as licensed psychologists, many work under related licenses, including:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
These licenses typically require a master’s degree in the relevant field rather than a doctorate, making them more accessible entry points into mental health practice.
Psychology Degree Levels and Career Outcomes
Your degree level determines your career options, earning potential, and whether you’ll need state licensure.
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Two-year associate degrees serve primarily as transfer pathways to bachelor’s programs. They provide foundational knowledge in psychological principles and research methods while fulfilling general education requirements. These programs are best suited for students who want to test their interest in psychology before committing to a four-year program or who need an affordable entry point into higher education.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens doors to a variety of non-clinical careers and is an essential prerequisite for graduate study. With this degree, you can work in human resources, social services, research support, or business roles where understanding human behavior provides an advantage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology bachelor’s degree holders work in diverse fields, including business, healthcare, education, and social services. The critical thinking and research skills developed during undergraduate study transfer well to many career paths.
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Master’s programs represent the professional degree for several counseling fields. These typically two-year programs include:
- Specialized coursework in your chosen concentration
- Supervised practicum or internship experiences (600-1,000 hours typical)
- Capstone projects or thesis requirements
- Training aligned with state licensing requirements
For licensure in marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or clinical social work, a master’s degree is the standard requirement. Make sure any program you consider holds appropriate specialty accreditation (discussed in the next section).
Doctoral Degrees in Psychology
Doctoral programs prepare you for the highest level of independent practice and research. You’ll choose between:
- PhD in Psychology: Research-focused, includes dissertation, prepares you for academic and research careers alongside clinical practice
- PsyD (Doctor of Psychology): Practice-focused, emphasizes clinical training, may require a scholarly project instead of a dissertation
Both degrees qualify you for psychology licensure in all 50 states. Your choice depends on whether you want to focus on research and teaching (PhD) or primarily on clinical practice (PsyD).
Specialty Accreditation Requirements
Beyond standard regional accreditation, psychology programs need specialty accreditation from professional organizations to ensure graduates can meet licensing requirements. These accrediting bodies set standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and clinical training.
| Field | Accrediting Body | Degree Levels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | American Psychological Association (APA) | Doctoral only | apa.org/ed/accreditation |
| Psychology & Counseling | Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) | Master’s and above | mpcacaccreditation.org |
| Counseling | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) | Master’s and above | cacrep.org |
| Marriage & Family Therapy | Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) | Master’s and above | coamfte.org |
| Social Work | Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) | Bachelor’s and Master’s | cswe.org |
Important: Specialty accreditation requirements vary by the specific license you’re pursuing and your state’s regulations. Not all programs need every type of specialty accreditation—the required accreditation depends on your career goals. For example, if you plan to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, you’ll need a CACREP-accredited program in most (but not all) states. Suppose pursuing psychology licensure, APA, or MPCAC accreditation matters. If you’re aiming for social work licensure, CSWE accreditation is required. Before enrolling, always verify the specific accreditation requirements for your intended license in your target state by contacting that state’s licensing board directly.
Psychology Specializations by Category
As you advance through degree levels, you’ll choose specializations that define your career focus. These concentrations can be grouped into four main categories:
Specializations Focused on Mental Health Issues
Addiction Counseling
Addiction counseling programs prepare you to work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. You’ll study the neurological basis of addiction, the impact of family systems, and evidence-based treatment approaches, including motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Available through: Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor: $59,190 median annual ($39,090-$98,210 range)
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
Note: Salaries vary significantly by specialization, geographic location, experience level, and work setting. These figures represent national medians, and your actual compensation may differ based on local market conditions.
Rehabilitation Psychology
Rehabilitation psychology focuses on helping individuals recover from trauma, illness, or disability. Programs emphasize career development, vocational assessment, clinical intervention techniques, and the medical aspects of disability. This field combines psychological treatment with practical support for returning to work and daily life.
Available through: Counseling and Social Work programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Rehabilitation Counselor: $42,960 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Training and Development Specialist: $64,340 median annual
Note: Salaries vary significantly by specialization, geographic location, experience level, and work setting.
Specializations Focused on Different Populations
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Working with children requires specialized training in developmental psychology, child assessment techniques, family systems theory, and age-appropriate interventions. Programs prepare you to address issues ranging from behavioral concerns to severe mental health conditions in young people.
Available through: Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapy programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- School Psychologist: $84,940 median annual
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $63,780 median ayearly($42,610-$111,610 range)
- School and Career Counselor: $63,140 median annual
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology examines learning processes across the lifespan. You’ll study testing and measurement, human development, memory and cognition, and how to optimize learning environments. This concentration applies equally to research and practice settings.
Available through: Psychology and Counseling programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- School Psychologist: $84,940 median annual
- School and Career Counselor: $63,140 median annual
Gerontological Psychology
Geropsychology specializes in the unique needs of older adults. Training covers developmental changes in aging, neuroanatomy of cognitive decline, psychopharmacology considerations, and the interaction between physical health and mental wellness in later life.
Available through: Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapy programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $63,780 median annual
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology applies psychological science to legal and criminal justice settings. You’ll study criminal behavior, mental illness in corrections, assessment techniques for legal contexts, and how mental health intersects with the law. Graduates work in prisons, courts, law enforcement agencies, and private practice.
Available through: Psychology programs with a forensic concentration
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Psychologist: $92,740 median annual
Specializations Focused on Different Methodologies
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology concentrations provide advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. Even in counseling-oriented degree programs, clinical psychology coursework helps you develop skills in psychopathology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and supervised clinical practice.
Available through: Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapy programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $63,780 median annual
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology explores how people think, perceive, remember, and solve problems. This science-heavy concentration examines neurological function, theories of intelligence, memory systems, and mental development. It prepares you for both research and clinical applications.
Available through: Psychology programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Psychologist: $92,740 median annual
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- School Psychologist: $84,940 median annual
Behavioral Psychology
Behavioralism examines observable behaviors and how environmental stimuli shape them. This influential school of thought offers strong preparation for behavioral therapy, applied behavior analysis, and research. Many programs provide behavioral psychology as a major with its own sub-concentrations.
Available through: Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $63,780 median annual
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $139,280 median yearly (mean: $169,890)
Social Psychology
Social psychology studies how individuals influence and are influenced by others. You’ll examine cultural psychology, group dynamics, social cognition, and interpersonal relationships. This concentration has broad applications in therapy, research, business, and policy work.
Available through: Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Counseling programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $63,780 median annual
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology investigates connections between brain structure, function, and behavior. This science-intensive field combines neuroscience with psychology, preparing you to understand brain injury, neurological disease, and cognitive disorders. Concentrations may focus on clinical neuropsychology or research.
Available through: Psychology programs with a neuropsychology focus
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Psychologist: $92,740 median annual
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
Specializations Focused on Different Industries
Health Psychology
Health psychology examines how physical health affects mental wellness and vice versa. You’ll study the role of psychology in chronic illness, recovery from injury, health behavior change, and the biological effects of stress. This field offers opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health settings.
Available through: Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
- Social Worker: $61,330 median annual
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor: $59,190 median annual
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
I-O psychology applies psychological principles to workplace settings. You’ll study team dynamics, leadership, organizational culture, employee selection, and performance management. This field offers some of the highest salaries in psychology and doesn’t typically require licensure.
Available through: Psychology and Counseling programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $139,280 median annual (mean annual wage approximately $169,890)
- Training and Development Specialist: $64,340 median annual
- Rehabilitation Counselor: $42,960 median annual
Note: I-O psychology offers some of the highest salaries in the field of psychology. The mean wage is significantly higher than the median, reflecting the presence of very high earners in this field. Salaries vary by industry, company size, and geographic location.
Sports Psychology
Sports or performance psychology focuses on the mental aspects of athletic performance, team dynamics, and the benefits of exercise for mental health. While many imagine working with professional teams, sports psychologists also work in schools, community programs, and rehabilitation settings.
Available through: Psychology and Counseling programs
Career outcomes and salaries (May 2024 BLS data):
- Psychologist: $92,740 median annual
- Clinical or Counseling Psychologist: $96,100 median annual
General Psychology Curriculum
Regardless of your specialization, all psychology degree programs share typical foundational coursework that builds your understanding of the field:
Core Psychology Courses
- Foundations and History of Psychology: Trace the evolution of psychological thought from ancient philosophy through modern scientific practice, studying influential figures like Freud, Skinner, Rogers, and Beck.
- Biological Bases of Behavior: Explore how brain structure, neurological systems, and genetics influence thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Social and Cultural Psychology: Examine how society, culture, and interpersonal relationships shape individual psychology and group behavior.
- Developmental Psychology: Study human psychological development from infancy through late adulthood, understanding critical periods and lifespan changes.
- Research Methods and Statistics: Learn to design studies, collect data, analyze results, and critically evaluate psychological research.
- Assessment and Testing: Master psychological assessment tools, including intelligence tests, personality inventories, and diagnostic instruments.
- Abnormal Psychology and Psychopathology: Study mental health disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatments according to current diagnostic criteria.
- Ethics and Professional Practice: Understand legal obligations, ethical principles, and professional standards governing psychological practice.
Practical Training Components
All graduate programs include supervised practical experience:
- Practicum: Initial supervised clinical experience (typically 100-600 hours) where you apply classroom learning in real-world settings under close supervision.
- Internship: More advanced placement (1,000-2,000 hours typical for master’s programs) where you work with greater independence while still receiving supervision.
- Doctoral Internship: Full-time, year-long placement required for doctoral students (typically 2,000 hours) that serves as the final preparation for independent practice.
Research and Capstone Requirements
Graduate programs culminate in scholarly work demonstrating your mastery:
- Master’s Thesis: Original research project with literature review, methodology, data collection, analysis, and findings presentation.
- Capstone Project: Applied project addressing a practical problem in your field, often used in practice-oriented programs.
- Doctoral Dissertation: Substantial original research contributing new knowledge to the field, required for PhD programs and some PsyD programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a PhD and PsyD in psychology?
Both degrees qualify you for psychology licensure, but they emphasize different skills. A PhD focuses on research, includes a dissertation, and prepares you for academic careers alongside clinical practice. A PsyD emphasizes clinical training, may require a scholarly project instead of a dissertation, and prepares you primarily for practice rather than research or teaching.
Do I need a doctorate to be a psychologist?
Yes, if you want to be a licensed psychologist. All 50 states require a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) for licensure in psychology. However, you can work in mental health with a master’s degree by becoming a licensed counselor, a marriage and family therapist, or a clinical social worker.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist?
Typically 8-12 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 4-7 years for a doctoral program, and 1-2 years of supervised post-doctoral work. You can begin practicing sooner with a master’s degree in counseling (approximately 6-7 years total, including a bachelor’s, a master’s, and the required supervised hours for licensure). However, the actual timeline varies significantly by state requirements for supervised experience and examination scheduling.
Can I practice therapy with a master’s degree in psychology?
It depends on your specific program, state requirements, and the type of license you pursue. Master’s degrees in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work typically lead to licenses (LPC/LMHC, LMFT, or LCSW) that allow independent practice. However, a master’s in general psychology may not meet licensing requirements unless it includes the specific clinical training and program accreditation required by your state’s licensing board. Some states also allow master’s-level psychologists to practice under supervision. Always verify your state’s specific requirements before enrolling in a program.
What’s the difference between CACREP, COAMFTE, and CSWE accreditation?
These are specialty accrediting bodies for different mental health professions. CACREP accredits counseling programs, COAMFTE accredits marriage and family therapy programs, and CSWE accredits social work programs. Each sets standards specific to their profession. Whether you need a program with specialty accreditation depends on your career goals and state licensing requirements—not all programs require every type of accreditation, and requirements vary significantly by state and license type. Always verify the accreditation requirements for your specific license in your state before enrolling.
Do I need to attend an in-person psychology program, or can I study online?
Many master’s programs offer hybrid or online options with in-person requirements for practica and intensives. Doctoral programs increasingly offer some online coursework, but clinical training always requires in-person components. For information about distance education options, visit our online psychology degrees page.
How much do psychologists and counselors earn?
Salaries vary significantly by credential, specialization, work setting, experience, and geographic location. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, median annual wages include: substance abuse and mental health counselors ($59,190), marriage and family therapists ($63,780), social workers ($61,330), clinical and counseling psychologists ($96,100), and industrial-organizational psychologists ($139,280 median, with a mean of around $169,890). Entry-level or support roles may start at $40,000- $45,000, while experienced professionals in high-demand specializations or high-cost-of-living areas can earn significantly more. State-specific salary data shows substantial variation—always research current compensation data for your specific specialization and target location.
Key Takeaways
- The most significant decision in psychology education is choosing between clinical practice (requiring a doctorate and licensure) and applied psychology (often achievable with a bachelor’s or master’s degree). Note that in many states, clinical and counseling psychology share the same license and have substantial overlap in training.
- Master’s degrees in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work provide pathways to licensed practice, typically taking 6-7 years total, including a bachelor’s degree and supervised hours. However, the actual timelines vary by state requirements.
- Specialty accreditation requirements (CACREP, COAMFTE, CSWE, or APA) depend on your specific license and state—verify requirements for your intended credential in your target jurisdiction before enrolling.
- Salaries vary widely by specialization, experience, and location. May 2024 BLS data show median salaries ranging from approximately $43,000 for entry-level roles to $139,280 for industrial-organizational psychology, with mean I-O psychology wages at roughly $169,890.
- All graduate programs include substantial supervised practical experience.—plan for practicum, internship, and post-graduate supervised hours as part of your education timeline.
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
