• with recommendations for elective courses to prepare for those programs •
A master's degree opens the door to a variety of lucrative professional opportunities. Masters degrees may be earned on-line or in a traditional classroom setting, and they typically take 18 months to 3 years, depending on the program and your pace.
A doctoral degree provides additional training, which in some fields can lead to a greater variety of opportunities. However, in other fields, such as social work, the doctoral degree is a tool to achieve not more but different career paths. While a few students may enter a doctoral program directly out of undergrad, many students earn a masters’ degree first. Still some programs award a masters degree in the first years of the doctoral program, without additional courses or time. Most doctoral programs take 4 to 7 years.
Finally, psychology majors are not limited to the degrees listed here. Most graduate programs do not require a particular bachelor’s degree. Psychology is a good degree for many programs because it provides insight into human behavior, which is a foundation for most career areas.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Counseling
Graduate degrees in counseling psychology often focuses on typical life stresses and more serious issues that may arise from family, work, educational, or social situations, with an end goal of resolving crises, alleviating distress, and improving a patient’s general mental wellbeing. Students will choose between several specialty areas when applying to a masters or doctoral program in counseling. A masters or doctoral program in counseling should prepare students to pursue a license to practice therapy.
Common Degree Programs:
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling *
Masters in School Counseling *
Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling *
Masters in Marital and Family Counseling *
PhD in Counseling Psychology *
PhD in Counselor Education *
(* May lead to licensure)
Suggested UoM electives: PSYC 3102 (Psychopathology); PSYC 4102 (Child Psychopathology); PSYC 4507 (Internship); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention); COUN 4783 (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling); COUN 4901 (Princ/Tech/Rehab Counseling); COUN 4913 (Medical/Psyc Aspect/Rehab); COUN 4901 (Principles and Techniques of Rehab Counseling); COUN 4921 (Vocational Dev/Occupation Info); SOCI 3422 (Racial/Ethnic Minorities); SOCI 4442 (Sociology of Poverty); SOCI 4541 (Sociology of Aging); HLSC 3500 (Health Habits/Personal Wellness); HLSC 4100 (Health and Aging); HLSC 4300 (Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs); COMM 4341 (Interpersonal Communication); COMM 4375 (Intercultural Communication); COMM 4342 (Small Group Communication); COMM 4373 (Interracial Communication); COMM 4375 (Intercultural Communication); SOCI 3501 (Sociology of Deviant Behavior); EDPR 2111 (Development Across Lifespan)
Additional suggestions for those seeking a PhD: PSYC 4302 (Research Methodology); PSYC 4504 (Directed Research) or PSYC 4506 (Directed Research In Behavioral Neuroscience); PSYC 4994 (Thesis) or PSYC 4996 (Honors Thesis) or PSYC 4997 (Thesis In Behavioral Neuroscience) or PSYC 4995 (Honors Thesis In Behavioral Neuroscience) or PSYC 4998 (Thesis in Cognitive Science) or PSYC 4999 (Honors Thesis In Cognitive Science).
Psychology
Most masters degrees in Psychology do not train students for a career as a therapist and will not lead to a license. Graduates with a master’s degree in general psychology may work in a wide variety of sectors, such as research, business, a school system, law enforcement, public health agencies, or tech companies. Some states allow those with a master’s degree in psych (that incorporates specific courses) to become psychological examiners, whose primary job is to perform psychological testing. Some choose a master’s in psychology as a stepping stone toward a Ph.D. program in psychology.
A doctorate in psychology is the highest level of graduate degree in the field. As a result, there are lots of career options to choose from, including in research, clinical settings, business, and teaching.
Common Degree Programs:
• Masters in General Psychology
• Masters in School Psychology **
• EdS in School Psychology *
• PhD in School Psychology *
• PhD in Clinical Psychology *
• PhD in Experimental Psychology
• PsD in Psychology *
(* May lead to licensure)
(** Licensing differs by state)
Suggested UoM Electives:
How you wish to use your graduate degree in psychology will determine good electives for you.
To pursue work in a clinical setting, choose electives listed above under Counseling as well as research options, listed next.
Those interested in research may consider PSYC 4302 (Research Methodology); PSYC 4504 (Directed Research) or PSYC 4506 (Directed Research In Behavioral Neuroscience); PSYC 4994 (Thesis) or PSYC 4996 (Honors Thesis) or PSYC 4997 (Thesis In Behavioral Neuroscience) or PSYC 4995 (Honors Thesis In Behavioral Neuroscience) or PSYC 4998 (Thesis in Cognitive Science) or PSYC 4999 (Honors Thesis In Cognitive Science).
If you wish to work in business, you would take electives in Management (MGMT), Marketing (MRKT), etc.
Social Work
A Master's degree or in Social Work may prepare students for a wide range of administrative, counseling, and social service positions. These include private practice therapy, government positions, private industry, non-profit agencies, and the educational system.
The DSW (Doctor of Social Work) typically prepares students for clinical practice. While those with a PhD in social work typically go into social work leadership, research, policymaking, and professorships.
Common Degrees:
• Masters in Social Work *
• DSW in Social Work *
• PhD in Social Work * (Typically pursued for leadership, research, or teaching.)
(* May lead to licensure)
Suggested Electives: PSYC 4507 (Internship); PSYC 3102 (abnormal psychology); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention); COUN 4783 (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling); Social Work (SWRK) courses.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysts (ABA) provide therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, reading, and academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job competence. This has been made popular, in part, in work with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Suggested UoM Electives: SPED 4111 (Intro Applied Behavior Analysis); SPED 4113 (Applied Behavior Intervention/Strategies); SPED 4112 (Assessment/Analysis in Applied Behavior Analysis), SPED 4114 (Practitioner Issues in ABA); SPED 2000 (Foundation/Exceptional Learner); SPED 4900 (Consultation School/Family/Community); PSYC 4507 (Internship in ABA); PSYC 3103 (Child Psychology); ECED 2360 (Development/Exceptional Child); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); SWRK 3902 (Human Behavior and the Social Environment).
Human Resources
A human resources manager generally works in the recruiting, screening, and hiring process for new employees of a company. An HR manager also helps new employees set up their payroll and explains available benefits. An HR manager may also deal with disputes or harassment claims, develop policies for employee services, handle bonuses and raises, and take care of general employee welfare.
Suggested UoM Electives: PSYC 4507 (Internship in HR); MGMT 3110 (Organization and Management); MGMT 3215 (Management of Human Resources), MGMT 3510 (Business Communications), MGMT 3812 (Managing Employee Wellness), MGMT 4420 (Organizational Behavior in Business), MGMT 4461 (Managerial Leadership), MGMT 4710 (Strategic Management); PBRL 3421 (Public Relations Writing); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interaction); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention); BMGT 3630 (Human Resource Mgmt); COMM 4373 (Interracial Communication); COMM 4410 (Conflict Resolution and Negot); COMM 4341 (Interpersonal Communication); COMM 4342 (Small Group Communication); COMM 4011 (Communication in Organizations); COMM 4375 (Intercultural Communication); COMM 4380 (Communication and Conflict); ENGL 3601 (Technical and Profess Writing); Public Administration (PADM) courses; HCL 4030 (Healthcare Human Resources).
Art Therapy
Art therapists are clinicians with master’s-level or higher degrees trained in art and therapy who use the process of self-expression and the resulting artwork to help clients understand their emotional conflicts, develop social skills, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, reduce anxiety, and restore normal function to their lives.
Suggested UoM Electives: ART Courses; PSYC 4507 (Internship with art therapist); PSYC 3102 (abnormal psychology); Child Psychology (PSYC 3103); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention).
Music Therapy
A music therapist uses music to treat mental illness, provide support for individuals with disabilities, and to promote wellness and personal growth and creativity. They work with children, adults, or the elderly to first assess a patient's mental or physical disorders and disabilities and then develop a therapeutic treatment plan. That treatment plan is then administered in groups or on an individual basis.
Music therapists must earn certification, which includes either a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, completion of a degree equivalency program in music therapy, or a master’s degree in music therapy. Music therapists typically play an instrument and sing.
Suggested UoM Electives: Music courses; PSYC 4507 (Internship with music therapist); PSYC 3102 (abnormal psychology); Child Psychology (PSYC 3103); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention).
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled people through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
Suggested UoM Courses: Consult prerequisite courses for the graduate program at the school you wish to attend. To get started, look at recommendations from our pre-health advisors.
If you still have room for additional electives, consider these: PSYC 3210 (Abnormal Psych); PSYC 4507 (Internship) in multiple OT settings.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a doctoral level degree. PTs help patients with injuries and chronic health conditions regain their range of motion, manage their pain, and improve their quality of life. For example, if you need help managing lower back pain or recovering from an ACL tear, you would go to a physical therapist. PTs play a critical role not only in treating musculoskeletal conditions, but also in educating patients about staying fit and preventing future injuries.
Suggested UoM Courses: Consult prerequisite courses for the graduate program at the school you wish to attend. To get started, look at recommendations from our pre-health advisors.
If you still have room for additional electives, consider these: PSYC 3210 (Abnormal Psych); PSYC 4507 (Internship in a PT setting or multiple PT settings); ESMS 3410 (Kinesiology); EDPR 2111 (Development Across the Lifespan); ANTH 1200 (Cultural Anthropology); HMSE 2000 (Health/Sport Sc Terminology).
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Suggested UoM Electives: Some programs require undergraduate courses in speech and language pathology while others do not. For example, the UoM masters program in Speech and Language Pathology does not require prereqs. Instead, UoM requires that students take two introductory courses in the summer before beginning their masters. Consult the requirements for the master’s program in which you’re interested to determine if there are any undergraduate prerequisite courses you need. In addition, you may consider an internship (PSYC 4507) in speech and language pathology and SPCH 1010 (Fundamentals of Speech Comm).
Criminal Justice
A graduate degree in criminal justice can prepare one to serve as a profiler or analyst in a wide range of law enforcement agencies.
Suggested UoM Electives: Criminal Justice (CJUS) Courses and PSYC 4507 (Internship) in a criminal justice setting.
Health Sciences
A graduate degree in health sciences requires a strong understanding of medicine, but a background in psychology is usually a good starting place. Those with this master’s often go into healthcare administration, health education, or public health. A strong ability in communication, organization, and data analysis must go hand-in-hand with specialized technical knowledge.
Suggested UoM Electives: Health Sciences (HLSC) Courses; Biology (BIOL) Courses; PSYC 4507 (Internship).
Higher Education Student Services
Most professionals with this degree secure jobs in colleges and universities with jobs in such areas as academic advising, student services, admissions, resident directing, or housing at a university.
Suggested UoM Electives: PSYC 4507 (Internship in a higher education setting); PSYC 3106 (Social Psychology); COUN 4611 (Intro to Counseling); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); COUN 4781 (Crisis Intervention); SWRK 3902 (Human Behavior and the Social Environment); MGMT 3510 (Business Communications); MGMT 3110 (Organization and Management); MGMT 4420 (Organizational Behavior in Business); MGMT 4461 (Managerial Leadership); MGMT 4710 (Strategic Management).
Business (Business Administration or Management)
A master’s degree in business administration is designed to develop the leadership, communication, decision-making, and organizational skills that are required for upper-level management positions. Those with a Master’s degree in management also typically seek out managerial positions in the business world.
Suggested UoM Electives: Courses in management (MGMT); PSYC 4507 (Internship in a business setting.
Marketing
A graduate degree in marketing typically covers advanced sales and advertising strategies as well as management. Those holding a master's degree in marketing can pursue careers such as marketing manager, advertising and promotions manager, sales manager, and public relations manager. Potential employers include advertising and public relations agencies, non-profit organizations, and the marketing departments of large corporations.
Suggested UoM Electives: Courses in MKTG (Marketing); PSYC 4507 (Internship in Marketing); COUN 4621 (Human Interactions); MGMT 3510 (Business Communications); ENGL 3604 (Persuasive Writing); JRSM 1750 (Precision Language); PBRL 3400 (Survey of Public Relations); PBRL 3421 (Public Relations Writing); MGMT 3110 (Organization and Management); MGMT 4420 (Organizational Behavior in Business); MGMT 4461 (Managerial Leadership); MGMT 4710 (Strategic Management).
Public Relations
Public relations specialists often work as consultants for industry firms or in-house professionals with different companies. They build and maintain a positive public image for a company or organization by creating media -- from press releases to social media messages -- that shape public opinion of the company or organization and increase awareness of its brand. PR specialists often work long hours during crises for their clients or companies. Some with this degree opt to pursue jobs in adjacent fields such as journalism, writing, or editing.
Suggested UoM Electives: PSYC 4507 (Internship in PR); Public Relations (PBRL) courses; JRSM 1700 (Survey of Media); JRSM 1750 (Precision Language); other Journalism (JRSM or JOUR) courses; MGMT 3510 (Business Communications); Marketing (MRKT) courses; Communications (COMM) courses; Advertising (ADVR) courses; Persuasive Writing (ENGL 3604).