Completing an online psychology degree program sets the stage for a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for psychologists is projected to grow 19% between 2014 and 2024, although demand will vary within specialized occupations. The field of psychology is fairly diverse, offering both counseling and research opportunities. Individuals who enjoy working independently, advising patients, and collaborating with physicians, social workers, or other care providers will be most successful in this field.Some licensed psychologists choose to open their own private practice, a path requiring basic business and marketing skills to excel. There is an increasing demand for clinical and counseling psychologists, and graduates with advanced certifications can pursue specialized fields such as child psychology or industrial-organizational psychology.Advances in technology and online learning platforms have made it possible for professionals to complete their psychology degree online, providing the opportunity to learn at their own pace from the comfort of their home or office. Many online psychology degrees from accredited schools provide ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field through clinical training, and students with family obligations or work responsibilities often opt to complete psychology degrees online simply because it suits their lifestyle.
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Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Family Care Center
Online Psychology Degree Overview
Psychology Degrees at a Glance
While it is possible for aspiring psychology professionals to complete an associate or bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree is required to pursue certification and licensure in this field. Doctorates are becoming more common as well, and the time invested in pursuing this degree will pay off considerably long-term. A master's degree requires at least a six-year commitment to post-high school education, and a doctorate necessitates at least another four years beyond that.
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $10,121 | 17.6% | 2 years | $28,900 | $43,100 | 9% |
| Bachelor's | $17,882 | 9.96% | 4 years | $37,600 | $61,800 | 6.1% |
| Master's | $17,972 | 8.21% | 2+ years | $42,200 | $69,600 | 3.7% |
Many accredited schools now offer the option to complete an online psychology degree at both the bachelor's and master's levels, which gives students scheduling flexibility. Those with a master's degree can expect to earn an average of $4,600 more than those with a bachelor's degree. Any additional training or certifications in the field will increase salary potential even further.
Online Psychology Degrees
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Psychologist | $58,090 | 20% | 43880 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $73,066 | 20% | 155300 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $61,489 | 20% | 6630 |
| Industrial-Occupational Psychologist | $75,339 | 19% | 2000 |
| Counseling Psychologist | $56,185 | 19% | 13970 |
Online Psychology Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Duane France
Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Family Care CenterDuane France is a post-master's pre-licensure National Certified Counselor currently providing mental health treatment and advisory services to the Colorado 4th Judicial District Veterans Trauma Court.He is on the staff of a private counseling agency that contracts with the judicial system, working exclusively with veterans who deal with mental health concerns including adjustment, trauma spectrum disorders, and substance use disorders.
Online Psychology Professional Requirements
Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Psychology professionals applying for any type of position, including internships and opportunities for practicum experience, will need to pass a background check to verify their identity and check for any records of criminal activity. Fingerprinting may be required when working for federal or state government agencies.
Supervised Professional Experience (SPE)
A Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) is required for licensure by state law. The state's Board of Psychology defines the SPE requirements for various specializations, but in most cases, at least one year is required.
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (the EPPP)
Administered by The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the EPPP licensing and certification exam must be taken after completing a doctoral degree and completing supervised postdoc hours. The exam consists of 225 multiple choice questions and test-takers must answer 70% of the questions correctly to receive a passing score of 500.
Maintaining Certification
American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) certification maintenance requirements are as follows:
- Those certified before January 1, 2015 maintain certification by completing their Specialty Board approved MOC grid and narrative, or by waiving the requirement.
- Those certified after January 1, 2015 must demonstrate Maintenance of Certification every 10 years to maintain ABPP board certified status
State Board requirements for maintaining certification are as follows:
- Continuing education (CE) requirement vary by state
- Courses taken must be approved by the licensing board
- Some states require psychologists to complete professional development hours in order to renew their license.