Psychologists are mental health professionals who study how people and animals relate to one another within their environment. Psychologists observe, interpret, and record interactions to understand and predict behavior. Psychologists apply theories, principles, and procedures to increase understanding between individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and cultures. Psychologists focus on an individual’s behavior, thought processes, emotions, and response to determine the beliefs and feelings that influence action though a combination of: psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, personality testing, biofeedback, hypnosis, laboratory experimentation, intelligence testing, interviews, clinical studies, surveys, and/or observation. Psychologists may provide training, conduct research, develop organization systems, and advocate on behalf of patients or groups of individuals. Psychologists also treat patients while examining emotional, intellectual, and societal impact. Psychologists may specialize in certain aspects of psychology while working in various settings including: hospitals, clinics, schools, non-profit organizations, private corporations, rehabilitation centers, private practices, counseling centers, community centers, and governmental agencies.

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Preparation to become a psychologist begins with specific personal attributes. People with aspirations to become psychologists must be non-judgmental, insightful, and willing to listen. Future psychologists must be people oriented, must possess strong communication skills, and good leadership skills. Additionally, future psychologists must be studious, committed maintaining professional requirements, and adhere to a strict ethical code of conduct.

Students can prepare for a future profession as a psychologist while still in high school. Students who take courses in psychology, biology, English, and computer science may have an advantage for acceptance in future educational programs. Students who volunteer or work at mental health facilities may also bolster chances of getting accepted into college programs.

A two year associates degree program in psychology provides a solid educational foundation for entry level jobs or to pursue advanced degrees. Typically, associates degree programs in psychology offer students the general principles and methodologies needed to better understand the workings of human emotions and thinking processes. First year courses in English, public speaking, communications, psychological principles, mathematics, and general psychology allow students to advance to specialized courses during their second year. Second year students take courses in: developmental psychology, brain and behavior, psychology of learning and memory, social psychology, cognitive psychology, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities. Graduates from a two year associates degree program in psychology earn a greater understanding human mind operations and the ability to recognize mental illness. Graduates can either seek employment or advance to higher degree programs.

A bachelor degree program in psychology allows students an expanded study of human behavior and emotions. Students enrolled in a four year degree program majoring in psychology participate in general courses in math, communications, statistics, biology, and developmental psychology. Students in four year psychology programs then advance to courses in cognitive psychology, learning and memory development, counseling methods, legal and ethical issues, interpersonal skills, social analysis, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, human behavior, and group work in theory and practice. Students who successfully complete a bachelor degree program may find employment as case workers or in other sales, management, or customer service professions. Graduates from a bachelor degree program in psychology may also advance to masters or doctoral degree programs.

A master degree program in psychology allows students to many opportunities to further career, personal, or educational goals. A master degree in psychology allows students to specialize training to prepare as private practitioners, independent consultants, clinical organizations, school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, or as counselors. A graduate degree program in psychology consists of intensive studies of courses like: family intervention, lifespan theories, psychopharmacology, counseling and communication, ethnic counseling, career counseling, individual therapy, ethics and laws, child and adolescent therapy, psychological assessment, family therapy, diagnosis and treatment psychopathology, and group therapy. Students who complete course studies go on to write a masters thesis based upon research followed by an internship program or counseling clinic practicum. Upon completion of course and internship requirements, most graduates must also meet certification requirements as determined by state and facility regulations before embarking on careers as psychology assistants, counselors, or case workers. Successfully attaining a masters degree allows students to advance to doctoral degree programs as well.

A doctoral degree in psychology allows students to become experts in the field of psychology. A doctoral degree program in psychology consists practical and theoretical studies. Courses in psychology, human development, theories of personality, social psychology, cognitive psychology, quantitative research, combined with specialized courses depending upon educational goals, allow students to advance to internship. Students who successfully complete course work must also publish a dissertation and complete licensing requirements as determined by state and facility regulations. Psychologists who work in private or group practices and offer patient care must meet state determined certification and licensing requirements. Requirements vary by field of specialization but regulations limit certification processes to areas candidates have training and experience with. Many states require candidates to pass oral, written, and essay examinations administered through state licensing boards. Many states also require candidates to continue education for licensing renewal purposes. A doctoral degree in psychology allows candidates to work as lead experts, researchers, or professors.