SITE SEARCH
Breaking News
Online Degree Rankings
Best Buy Online Degrees
Best Buy Online Degrees
An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
Best Student Satisfaction
Best Student Satisfaction
Enrolled in an online degree program? Alumni of an online college? Visit your college or degree program in our directory and "grade" – rate and rank – its performance. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life ratings of thousands of online college programs.
 
Best Public Perception
Best Public Perception
Not all online colleges rate the same in the eyes of the public or potential employers. How does the public rate your online degree? Do they rank it high – or rate it low? Help rate and rank all the choices. Your opinion will help others "get educated" about the real-life reputation of thousands of online colleges.
 
Newsletter
Most Popular Articles
Career Center
CAREER CENTER HOME
 
Psychology & Human Services
Psychologist
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 15 percent through 2016, which is faster than average. Employment will grow because of increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, consulting firms and private companies.
Job prospects should be best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology.
In fact, many states reserve the term “psychologist” for individuals who have earned doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees and who have passed state-specific licensing exams post-degree.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, psychologists earned an average salary of $59,000. The middle 50 percent earned $45,000 to $78,000. The highest 10 percent earned more than $103,000. Industrial-organizational psychologists (those who worked in business/corporate settings) earned an average of $84,000.
What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional or social aspects of human behavior.
Psychologists in health service fields provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools or private settings. Psychologists employed in applied settings, such as business, industry, government or nonprofit organizations, provide training, conduct research, design organizational systems and act as advocates for psychology.
Psychologists apply their knowledge to a wide range of endeavors, including health and human services, management, education, law and sports. They usually specialize in one of a number of different areas: clinical psychology, counseling, school psychology, developmental psychology, research psychology or industrial-organizational psychology.
Education & Degree Path
You’re most likely to find a job if you have a doctoral degree from a leading university in a high-demand applied specialty, such as counseling or health. For the widest acceptance and career possibilities your graduate school should be accredited by the APA (American Psychological Association).
Specialists who hold doctoral degrees in school psychology will realize some of the best career opportunities and salaries. A master’s degree in psychology is often needed to qualify you to work in industrial-organizational psychology or as a professional licensed counselor.
Licensing: Psychologists in independent unsupervised practice providing direct patient care must meet licensing requirements in all states. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position. Clinical and counseling psychologists usually must hold a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in psychology. They also must complete an approved clinical internship which includes one to two years of supervised professional experience. All states require psychologists to pass an examination. Psychologists must also be able to pass criminal background checks.
Entering the Field: Opportunities will be limited for those who hold bachelor’s degrees or less in psychology. Many future psychologists work as supervised counselors in group homes, corrections, prisons, rehab or health centers as they continue their studies to complete a master’s and then a doctorate.
For the most part, the further you progress in your studies, the better your employment opportunities are. There is one exception: In the federal government, candidates having at least 24 semester hours in psychology and one course in statistics may qualify for entry-level positions. However, competition for these jobs is keen.
Career Changers: Because of the high educational barriers to this field, career changers generally must pursue the same educational path as entry-level workers. If you already hold a bachelor's in any area your best course of study will be to work as a counselor while you continue with graduate school.

Find online degrees for Psychology and Human Services now. >>

Career Links



Source of salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in psychology, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Psychologists, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm.
  
Ask GetEducated!
Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
Read More
Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
Read More
 
Featured Programs
Champlain College
Champlain College’s 42-credit, unique MSL program educates non-lawyer working professionals about the law. This regionally accredited program delivered by our experienced faculty of attorneys was designed to help you build a greater understanding of the law. This distinct degree will help you become an objective thinker and equip you with the tools you need to appraise and evaluate real-life legal situations. Navigate the law with confidence! Contact us at 1.866.441.0427 Ext. 3517.
Learn more
Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State College provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults. One of New Jersey’s 12 senior public institutions of higher education, the College offers associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous academic methods customized to meet their individual needs. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Thomas Edison State College offers graduate degrees in management, educational leadership, human resources management, liberal studies and nursing.
Learn more
Military Resource Center
For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

Jobs and Careers in Online and Distance Education
Online and distance schools need teachers.
The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

Sponsors
 
GETV

Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

Visit our Online MBA Career Center today

Learn more about in-demand and high-paying healthcare jobs - and online degrees that help you land them.

Visit our Healthcare & Nursing Career Center

From CSI to paralegal to forensic accountant, justice jobs are waiting for you.

Visit our Justice, Law & Legal Studies Career Center

What are the hottest careers in business and management, plus online degrees to help you succeed?

Visit our Business & Management Career Center

Move into a high-paying, fast-growing computer career by studying online.

Visit our Computers & IT Career Center today

Which are the best engineering or electronics jobs for you and how can online education help you prepare?

Visit our Engineering & Electronics Career Center

Teachers and librarians are needed for the future - prepare online for these careers.

Visit our Education & Library Science Career Center

You can learn online to be a social worker, counselor, or other human services professional.

Visit our Psychology & Human Services Career Center

Home | Articles | Media Coverage | About Us | News Releases | Privacy | Team Bios | History and Mission | Newsletter | Contact Us | Advertising Opportunities