Most all psychologist need a graduate degree and a license in order to practice in the United States. Before they can enroll in a graduate program in psychology at an accredited institution, they must first complete a bachelor's degree program. Several types of undergraduate programs can prepare aspiring psychologists for graduate study, including bachelor's degree programs in psychology and counseling. A bachelor's degree in psychology can also prepare students to work as assistants to psychologists in mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers and similar organizations.
A master's degree in psychology can be enough schooling to earn a job in certain branches of the field, such as industrial-organizational psychology. Students who are interested in working as a psychologist in that specialized field should enroll in a master's degree program that focuses specifically on the subject and that includes both didactic and practical courses. Most master's degree programs in psychology also require students to complete some type of thesis project that furthers research in the field. They can also pave the way for further study within a doctoral program.
Most individuals need to earn a doctoral degree in the field of psychology before they can gain licensure and find employment as a clinical, teaching or research psychologists. The typical Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology degree program takes five years to complete, and incorporates core courses in research methodology as well as a required dissertation. Many schools require that students first complete an undergraduate degree program in psychology in order to gain acceptance into a doctoral program. While core courses might cover neuroscience, developmental psychology and cognition, most students are also asked to pick elective courses that focus on their particular interest in the field.
Some types of psychologists also need a specialist degree in order to gain licensure in their particular field. For example, many states require aspiring school psychologists to earn a specialist degree in that subject. Such programs might consist of two years of graduate study, or one year of study plus one year of supervised, hands-on experience in a school setting.