Graduate Training Required

This section describes three different models of training, depending on the realms of activity involved in each. Under each model are examples of careers, works, settings, and usual activities. Training for such areas may also prepare you for careers in education and social work.

Psychology

The Research Scientist

If you're interested in research and teaching, this is the model for you. The major activities involved in this orientation are research, teaching, and writing. If you want to teach undergraduate, master's-level, or doctoral-level students, you will probably work in a university setting, where you will probably also do research. If you are not interested in teaching and want to focus on research, you can work for the government agencies (for example, the Centers for Disease Control) or for private research organizations. To work as a psychologist in these settings, you typically will need a Ph.D. in psychology--not in another field such as education or social work.

The Scientist-Practitioner

Psychologists in selected subfields have the options not only to teaching (sharing knowledge) and research (generating knowledge), but also of working in settings in which they apply their knowledge. These subfields include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and sports psychology. Training under this model focuses not only on research methods, but also on application. A career of this type would vary in tasks from counseling, to research, to instructing or supervising others in similar tasks. Many jobs are available with a Master's degree. If you are intrigued and interested in this model due to its flexibility and variety, then a doctoral degree is most likely necessary for you to enhance your options and independence. These programs are usually based in research and practice, yet involve more internships and applied activities than would some Research Scientists programs.

The Professional

The professional works in applied settings, such as clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practice doing counseling and/or working with certain populations. There are several different educational paths one may take for such a career. Traditionally a Ph.D. was required, but now Psy.D. and Ed.D. programs offer different options to you depending on what you want to do. The focus will be on specific applications and experience rather than research and methodology. A Master's Degree might be enough for some careers, but for certification and/or private, independent practice, a doctoral degree is needed.

Education

The field of education offers a number of counseling-related career options at the master's and doctoral level. If you're like most people, you probably assume that careers in the field of education require one to work in a school setting. Not so! Did you know that many graduate programs in education offer programs in agency counseling or community counseling? These programs train you to do counseling in human service agencies outside the school setting (for example, in community mental health centers). They may also train you to administer selective psychological tests (vocational interest tests, for example). The work is similar to that done by a person with a master's or doctoral degree in clinical of counseling psychology--psychotherapy and, perhaps, some psychological testing. be sure you understand, however that a degree from a program in agency counseling will not permit you to work in some positions at some public school setting should you want to shift settings at some point. (Here's an example of why it's important to be informed about the strengths and limitations of various degrees before you choose one!)

If you want to work in a school setting, consider these career options (all of which require at least a master's degree): school counseling (in elementary, middle or high school), school psychology, educational psychology. (Note that graduate training in school psychology and educational psychology may be offered in education departments, not psychology departments. Also, note that if you plan to work in some positions in a public school setting, you must have a degree in the field of education.)

Social Work

Another career option to consider is social work. As is true with other disciplines, there are a variety of subfields in social work. Social workers who practice psychotherapy are usually called either clinical social workers or psychiatric social workers. Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat psychological problems. Note that they typically do not do psychological testing, so you should consider careers in psychology or education if this is of interest to you. Psychiatric social workers provide services to individuals, families, and small groups. They work in mental health centers, counseling centers, sheltered workshops, hospitals, and schools. They may also have their own private practice--even with only a master's degree. This is because clinical social workers are eligible for licensing in all 50 states with only a master's degree. To obtain more information about social work, contact the National Association of Social Workers.