The levels of psychology degrees are Associate’s Degree in Psychology, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Psychology, Ph.D. in Psychology, Psy.D. in Psychology.
An Associate’s Degree in Psychology is a two-year degree that can be pursued at colleges or universities and can be a good start for those interested in the field of mental health care. Graduates find employment in an array of beginning or supporting roles in the social and human services and mental health fields.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (BA/BS) is an undergraduate degree conferred upon a student who has met all the graduation prerequisites at a degree-granting college or university. Typically, a BA in Psychology takes 4 years to earn. Graduates may take positions in social and community services, human resources, and rehabilitation services or pursue employment in non-psychological fields such as business, criminal justice, and education.
A Master’s Degree in Psychology is a graduate-level degree that involves two to three years of study after completing the undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. This degree provides the minimal educational qualification for counseling, administrative, and research positions in a variety of settings, including social and community services, education, and mental healthcare. Master degree-holders often continue their studies in doctoral programs usually to prepare for positions as licensed clinical psychologists or researchers.
All states require professional psychologists to hold a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.
The Doctor of Psychology Degree (Psy.D.) prepares students to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A Psy.D. focuses more on clinical practice and less on research. As a result, this degree requires fewer research and statistics courses and thus takes less time.
Ph.D. Psychology programs typically have a strong focus on research, and they’re ideal for those not only interested in clinical practice but also in academia and research. A Ph.D. in Psychology degree can open up a multitude of career paths—from teaching to patient care to forensic psychology.