If you’ve been looking for a career that combines elements of science with social work, a job in the field of psychology may be the perfect fit. We humans are a unique lot in that we are able to contemplate our existence and examine our behaviors in a way that other species are not. The vast majority of jobs in the psychology field require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Getting either of these degrees requires both time and money. If you are working adult, the thought of returning to school can be a little intimidating, no matter how passionate you are about your future career. However, with the increasing in the number of programs offering online psychology courses, getting a degree and seeking employment is much easier now than it has ever been before.
Before you choose a program, it is important that you clarify exactly what it is that you are working towards. The discipline of psychology is a wide-ranging field with a large body of knowledge. Practitioners must be familiar with the latest theories and research in their specialty area. Many jobs in the field of psychology require specific licensure or a graduate degree. Admission to both on and offline graduate programs is competitive, and for this reason, it is important to be sure that you are taking the courses that will fulfill the requirements for advanced studies. This often involves a bit of research on the front end.
Of course, there are always some jobs available to those with only entry-level psychology training. If you’re planning on pursuing a career directly after completing an online bachelor’s degree, research the types of jobs that will be available to you. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, is an excellent resource. The handbook includes job descriptions, salary information and outlook for various occupations. Knowing what type of job you are interested in will help you to narrow the field of online colleges to those that are aligned with your career goals.
Online psychology programs are available from numerous universities and colleges. There are so many different programs that it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you. First and foremost, it’s vital that you do your research when choosing a psychology degree program, and look for a school that not only has the programs you want, but also has a good reputation in the field. Online “diploma mills” have become a big problem over the past decade, and low-quality programs abound.
One of the best ways to assure that you are dealing with a legitimate, quality degree program is to check out the university or college’s accreditation status. Regional and national accrediting agencies assure that educational institutions meet specific quality standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved agencies that should be regularly checked.
While it’s never easy to break into a new a career, getting your psychology degree online can get you started you on the road to a high-paying job that will allow you to use your interests and skills to help others. An online psychology degree can open doors to many exciting jobs in fields as diverse as child psychology, forensics, family counseling, behavioral analysis, and research. Online schools offer flexibility and quality education for individuals who are interested in the diverse field of psychology--and the best part is, nearly all requirements can be fulfilled from the comfort of home.
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