Bachelor's of Arts degree programs in psychology focus on a liberal arts education. These programs explore cultural influences on psychology, mental and behavioral improvement strategies for personal development, and effective communication skills with patients. Undergraduate students who want to complete these programs are typically required to take an introduction to psychology course, which equips them with the basics to further their studies in the field. Students in the bachelor's of arts programs also are generally required to take a history of psychology class that emphasizes the significant figures, events and developments that have influenced the field of psychology throughout human history. Other required courses include social, developmental, cognitive and physiological personality psychology.
Bachelor's of Science degree programs in psychology emphasize applying critical-thinking skills, skeptic inquiries and scientific methods to help solve problems associated with mental and behavioral processes. The program also provides a comprehensive understanding of major concepts, theoretical perspectives and effective research techniques related to psychology. Undergraduate students in most bachelor's of science degree programs are required to take a human development course that covers human psychology from infancy to senility. Other courses students usually must successfully complete to graduate include elementary psychology, environmental stress, social cognition, principles of behavior analysis, comparative psychology, loss and trauma, and psychopharmacology. Students who graduate from bachelor's of science in psychology programs are prepared to provide psychological care for patients, research medicine, prescribe pharmaceuticals as psychiatrists, or perform administrative work for various psychology clinics.
Graduate degree programs in psychology provide students with the advanced level of knowledge and the essential skills needed to obtain more prestigious positions in the field. Graduates of master's programs can work in leadership positions for clinics, conduct medical research for government institutions, treat patients in private offices or teach in higher education classrooms.
There are several different types of graduate psychology programs, with the specific courses for each program depending on the particular emphasis of the program. Different specialties and courses offered by master's programs include experimental, social, biopsychological, developmental, clinical, cognitive, counseling, school and organizational psychology. Some graduate programs may specialize in more specific areas of psychology and offer classes such as psychology and law, sports psychology or behavioral medicine. Graduate students in most programs are also required to gain practical experience through internships working with psychology professionals in the field.
Because of the large number of applicants and the small number of students accepted into most programs, gaining acceptance can be very competitive. A strong GPA and solid grades in psychology classes increase your chances. Students trying to get into a program with a particular specialty, such as cognitive or social psychology, also typically need to demonstrate high scores for courses related to that area. Furthermore, to gain admission students usually must submit complete transcript and academic records, multiple letters of recommendations and a personal statement describing their background, personality, relevant experience and reasons for wanting to take the program.