Sunday, April 10, 2011

What You Can Do With a Psychology Masters Degree

There are many professions and careers where a Bachelor or Associates level degree is all that is required to obtain just the job that you want. However, with some fields, especially in mental health disciplines, obtaining a post-graduate degree is essential. A Psychology Masters degree is one such degree that will allow you much more flexibility and freedom in pursuing a specialized type of career, one that continues to provide you with advancement opportunities into the future.

A Psychology Masters Degree is not at all like an undergraduate level degree. These degree programs go well beyond the basics and allow students in the program to focus in on areas of specialization. Students may choose to work in the forensic field which combines both psychology and the law or they may also work in organizations, counseling centers, treatment facilities, schools, hospitals and anywhere else that mental health services, evaluations, assessment and treatment programs may be required. Many people with a Master of Psychology degree also work as program coordinators and developers for specific groups or organizations. These may include social services, child protective services, law enforcement, victims' assistance programs or other court based types of intervention services.

The goal of any type of Psychology Masters program is to provide those people that already have some experience in the field with the technical and theoretical information and knowledge they need to advance. Graduates will have the confidence and knowledge to step into a variety of different areas of specialization in the workforce. The courses will include specific training on how to conduct interviews, how to build rapport and how to listen and question correctly to obtain the maximum amount of relevant information. Classes on crisis intervention and management of victims of trauma will also form a key element in the training program. The law, current information on the effective methods of treatment as well as normal and abnormal human development and behavior all form the core elements of the classes.

Taking a Psychology Masters degree doesn't mean that you have to give up your life or your day job to go back to school. There are several accredited schools that offer an online or online blended type of program to accommodate working professionals. You can still do your job and work on courses in the evening from literally anywhere you have internet connectivity. Since the course will be flexible you may be able to graduate on an accelerated timeframe or you may choose to take fewer courses over a longer period to match your particular needs. In addition, many students will find they are eligible for financial aid to complete the course of study, making this even more attractive as a career advancement option.

Working with a Psychology Masters degree in any number of specializations is preparation for a fast paced, ever changing type of career. You may find options to work with the court systems in juvenile court or family courts, or you may find yourself drawn to the criminal justice system. With a master's level degree it is much more likely you can advance into management level positions within these types of systems and organization since you have the educational background, training and skills to do the job. You may also find that research and education within this important field is your area of interest. With this advanced level degree you would be eligible for many types of research and training careers, especially if you enjoy working on the front lines and gaining a lot of practical knowledge in the field.

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