Addiction counselors come from all different backgrounds with all different qualifications. At the Odyssey Center, we see students straight out of high school and those seeking their Ph.D. As you continue your journey, you may find that a degree, specifically one is psychology, would be helpful.
As you begin your search on where you will receive your psychology degree, it is important to consider all the versatile degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
This is an undergraduate-level degree that usually takes two years to complete. One can obtain this degree at many community colleges. Most entry-level psychology professions require a bachelor’s degree at the very minimum, so this is an affordable way to get a start on your education before transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Again, this is an undergraduate-level degree that typically takes four years to complete. Many universities allow students to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Although there is a much wider range and higher paying job opportunities for those with a graduate degree, a bachelor’s degree is solid for entry-level career options and a great foundation for graduate studies.
MASTER’S DEGREE
Here is where we move onto a graduate-level degree that often takes between two and three years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Again, there is an option between a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in psychology. After obtaining a master’s level education your job options are vast.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. in Psychology, or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, is a doctoral-level degree that can take five to seven years of graduate study to complete. This is a more research-oriented path that includes both theoretical and applied training. There are a variety of specialty areas to choose from. If you are interested in working in psychotherapy or possibly opening a private practice, you would want to earn a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. If your interest lies in teaching or research, you would choose a Ph.D. in social, developmental, industrial-organizational or experimental psychology.
DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY
The Psy.D. is a doctoral-level professional degree. This is an alternative to the Ph.D. program. Focusing on the professional practice of psychology, a person can choose the path of clinical or counseling. This degree takes approximately four to seven years to complete. Both the Psy.D. and Ph.D. require students to complete a supervised practicum and internship in a clinical setting.
After you have decided the level of education and specified area you are wanting to obtain, it is important to evaluate the quality of education you will receive. Here are some of the top psychology programs in the U.S.:
DUKE UNIVERSITY
As an undergraduate psychology major at Duke University, students are a part of a popular, yet challenging, program. Students have the option to focus on a variety of concentrations within the psychology field. Duke shows as a good value for your money. Students fresh out of college can expect to receive an average earning of $43,000.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LOS ANGELES
The undergraduate psychology program at The University of California focuses on the study of human and animal behavior. This allows students to get a better understanding on normal and abnormal reactions and tendencies. UCLA offers a variety of classes to further understand memory, cognition, personality and other specialized fields. The average earning of a UCLA graduate fresh out of college is $45,000.
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
With a long history of providing students with a quality education, Vanderbilt University stands as a high contender for this list. Social science programs are the largest at Vanderbilt, with psychology being among the most popular. A psychology major here would focus on analyzing and solving social and psychological problems using theories and critical thinking skills they acquire in the classroom. Vanderbilt graduates find jobs earning a mid-career salary of $86,000.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford University has a strong psychology program. This university makes this list due its rigorous research oriented program. The psychology classes are paired with undergraduate research, introductory seminars and study abroad programs. This dynamic education sets graduates who enter the workforce right out of college to receive a starting salary of $53,000.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – BERKELEY
UC- Berkeley’s psychology program is considered to be one of the best in the country. This program focuses on increasing methodological and analytical thinking. The average starting salary of a UC-Berkeley graduate is $45,000.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Students enrolled in Rutgers’s psychology program will focus primarily on understanding the connection between the way we think and our behavior. Classes to study this idea include behavioral and systems neuroscience, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology and social psychology. A graduate from Rutgers will earn an average starting salary of $38,000.
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO – DENVER
CU Denver offers a variety of major options within the psychology program. Focusing primarily on clinical health psychology and behavioral neuroscience. A unique feature to this program is the relationship with the Anschutz Medical Campus. This trait helps broaden students’ research and educational opportunities. An average starting salary of a psychology graduate at CU Denver is approximately $43,000.
It is important to consider all your options for your starting education to start yourself off for success. Once you have achieved your bachelor’s degree you are prepared to take our CAC courses to further your knowledge and increase your qualifications in your specified psychology area.