According to the Drexel University website, the bachelor's degree is designed the help students gain an understanding of the broad study of psychology, which covers the study of the brain and behavior. After completion of a bachelor's degree, many students develop a specialization and go on to complete a master's degree. According to the Prescott College website, students in the master's program have the opportunity to design a unique educational experience and can specialize in several types of counseling psychology. Specializations within the Counseling Psychology program include adventure-based psychotherapy, counseling psychology, expressive art therapy, equine-assisted mental health and somatic psychology. Doctorate degrees take education one step further and typically focus on research, according to the Capella University website. Many doctorate candidates enter the field of academia upon graduation.
Online programs are designed to offer the same types of courses a student would find on campus, according to Drexel University. The courses are taught and overseen by the university's full-time faculty, allowing students to receive the same quality of education on and off campus. Some counseling psychology topics include human sexuality, grief counseling, mental health counseling, child and adolescent counseling, family counseling and addictive behaviors, according to the Capella University website.
Like most degree programs, the time frame required to complete coursework varies depending on a candidate's educational background, how quickly they complete their coursework and the program's guidelines. Typically, it takes a student four years to complete a bachelor's degree program, one to two years to complete a master's degree program. The doctoral program at Capella University requires students to complete 120 credits of coursework, which may take several years.
There are many benefits to completing an online program. Often, the programs are designed with a more flexible schedule, allowing students to complete their work in a manner that fits their daily lives. Students are able to work from anywhere with computer access and an Internet connection. Additionally, students are encouraged to form relationships with other students enrolled in the program, allowing them to work together. Many programs encourage students to seek internships and research opportunities outside of their prescribed coursework. Real world, hands-on experience helps supplement online education and provide students with marketable research opportunities.
Capella University's website warns that completion of an online counseling psychology program may not allow students to obtain licensure as a counselor. Students interested in becoming a licensed counselor should contact the counseling licensing board in their respective state.