Psychology is a fascinating field that explores the foundational elements of what makes us human. The field has facilitated many significant leaps forward in human existence, leading to individuals learning how to get more out of their lives and finding peace and happiness in ways that were previously not understood.
This guide explores the profession in detail, revealing the fundamental principles and disciplines in the field and showing interested candidates how they may begin a successful career in this wonderful field.
We explore the steps involved in the process, the licensure and certification requirements, and the potential salary ranges fresh psychologists can expect to earn in the country.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is a discipline concerned with exploring the cognitive, emotional, and social processes that define human behavior. It does this by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals view themselves and relate to one another.
Along with interpersonal relationships, the field also explores how people respond to and function in their respective environments.
Even though the field of psychology is very exploratory, seeking to learn by observation, it is also proactive. It is proactive because it doesn’t just sit on its observations but tends to leverage the results and findings to help humans improve not only themselves and their behaviors but also their environments and community as a whole.
How to Become a Psychologist
Individuals nationwide looking to start a successful career in psychology may consider the steps below.
Step 1: Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
Generally, becoming a psychologist involves earning at least a master’s degree. However, before reaching this level, candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Of course, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in General Psychology is the most popular option. Still, several other options exist, including degrees in education and social science fields.
In fact, it is even possible to start a psychology career by earning an associate degree at a community college, transferring to a bachelor’s degree program, and then working up to a master’s degree.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may also take on entry-level roles in psychology-related fields, including case management or human services.
Step 2: Earning a Master’s Degree and PhD
In some states, having a master’s degree is enough to receive a professional license as a psychologist in specific disciplines. For instance, most school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, family and marriage therapists, and mental health counselors only need a master’s degree.
However, in other states, nothing less than a doctorate will suffice.
Candidates must leverage their bachelor’s degree to secure admission into a postgraduate program and earn a master’s degree. From there, they may go on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree before applying for a state license. Compare PhD Vs. PsyD here.
Step 3: Completing Supervised Training
Psychology students must also receive supervised experience after completing academic training through a college program before they can qualify for licensure.
Usually, most states mandate an internship or post-doctoral training for this aspect of the journey.
This step is important for candidates to meet the licensure requirements and gain the confidence needed to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
The specific duration of supervised experience training needed to start a psychology career will depend on the specific state.
Step 4: Licensure and Certification
Each state has its own licensure and certification process for prospective psychologists. Usually, however, candidates must submit an official application and pass one or two professional examinations before they can be licensed.
In the section below, we look deeper into prospective psychologists’ licensure/certification considerations.
Psychologist Licensure & Certification Requirements
As mentioned above, in several states nationwide, individuals working as psychologists are expected to receive a license before doing so. Particularly, those working independently are expected to receive a license before they can start working professionally.
Even though these licensure requirements vary from state to state, most of the steps above are usually expected of prospective psychologists in all states. Of course, licensure requirements can also vary by state and specialty.
For instance, while clinical and counseling psychologists are expected to receive a license in every state, some school psychologists may not need a general license but certification from the state board of education.
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards offers professional examinations that candidates in certain states must pass before receiving their license. Lastly, continuing education and certification may be optional or required by employers.
The American Board of Professional Psychology has credentials in various psychology disciplines that candidates may consider.
Psychologist Salary & Career Outlook
A psychologist in the United States may expect to earn an annual average salary of around $92,740. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed this figure as the median annual wage for the profession as of 2023.
Of course, the median wage only reflects the midpoint number, but professionals can go above or below it. For instance, those among the lowest 10% earned an annual average salary of $52,430 in 2023, while those among the highest-paid in the top 10% took home an annual average salary of $151,880.
These figures can vary based on specialty and industry. Concerning specialty, psychologists in industrial organizations take home an annual average salary of $147,420; clinical and counseling psychologists take home an annual average salary of $96,100; and school psychologists take home an annual average salary of $84,940.
In terms of industries, government workers earn an annual average salary of $115,40; hospital psychologists take home an annual average salary of $102,660, while ambulatory healthcare services earn an annual average salary of $98,380.
Job Outlook
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for psychologists in America is promising. Employment in the field is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032.
This figure is higher than the average for other occupations.
About 12,800 openings will emerge yearly due to the need to replace retiring workers and increase awareness among the population.
