associates, bacherlors, masters?
what the 1st degree where you can start being a psychologist?
2007-04-26 03:38:16 · 5 answers · asked by k 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The American Psychological Association and all US states specify that "psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school." In most states, you cannot call yourself a psychologist until you have a doctorate and are licensed. I will have my doctorate in November and it will be illegal for me to call myself a psychologist.
In some states, you can be a "school psychologist" with a Master's degree, but you are limited to only practicing school psychology and working with that population.
You can work in psychology-related jobs with an associate's, bachelor's, or master's, but you can't be a psychologist unless you have a doctorate and are licensed.
2007-04-27 02:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by psychgrad 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm interested to know how the poster above practices psychology with a Bachelor's - I have never heard of this.
School psychologists need an MA.
Licensed psychologists need a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
It is possible to work as a "Psychological Assistant" under supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. Usually, these are M.A. level.
It should be noted that some states have rules about when someone can legally call themself a "psychologist." In CA, you cannot call yourself a "psychologist" or advertise as such until you have your doctorate (I am not sure about the rule for school psychologists, however). You cannot present yourself as a "Licensed Psychologist" until you have passed the licensing exam.
2007-04-26 04:40:37 · answer #2 · answered by thedrisin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the state of Pennsylvania, you need a Ph. D. or a Psy. D. to be a licensed psychologist. http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/LIB/bpoa/20/10/psybd-act.pdf
You can work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist if you have a lower-level degree.
Also, the requirements to be a school psycholgist are more lenient. A master's degree is required.
Note that the professions of counselor, clinical social worker, and psychothereapist were not discussed in this answer.
2007-04-26 04:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by Mark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say you can be a licensed clinical social worker with a Masters i.e. therapist. However if you want to be a psychologist you need a PhD
2007-04-26 03:46:51 · answer #4 · answered by ewtaylor2001 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Incorrect- you need a bachelor's degree to practice psychology.
I have a bachelor's degree, and I practice psychology.
2007-04-26 04:00:25 · answer #5 · answered by lilmissmiss 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋