Careers in Psychology “Part Two”

Introduction Last semester we focused on many careers. Our focus this semester will be more specific. The areas of focus will be: School Psychology, Child Advocacy, Forensic Psychology and Forensic Counseling, Counseling, and Clinical Psychology. Also, look briefly at how I decided my career in Psychology which might help you figure out your direction.

Master’s Degrees Important terms – Terminal Degrees- a degree that will lead to work in the field of specialization right after graduation, many terminal Master’s Degrees in Psychology include Licensure/Certification. – Accreditation- the program you choose should be accredited by that appropriate national organization, i.e., American Psychological Association (APA) or American Counseling Association (ACA). A side from this it means that you have a better chance of getting a job!

Master’s Degrees Terms continued – Applied Program- simply means that a program includes an internship or practical component. – Thesis- A research project required at the end of most Master’s programs. Some Pointers – Always look at what each program says you should have taken as an undergraduate. – Most Master’s Degrees require a Thesis. – For example, most require Intro., Developmental or Lifespan, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psych., and Statistics. – You don’t need to major in psychology to get any of the Master’s degrees I will discuss today

School Psychology 1. In the state of NJ, you are only required an MA in School Psychology to be certified as a School Psychologist this is usually 60 graduate credits. 2. Work in a school setting from early childhood to high school. The idea being to maximize education potential. 3. Goal is to foster learning and social development. 4. Usually the School Psychologist leads the Child Study Team and is the primarily evaluator when it comes to problem issues.

School Psychology 5. You will learn how to complete IQ tests and neurological assessments. 6. You can take some clinically oriented to classes but are not even considered a Clinical Psychologist unless you have a Ph.D., or Psy. D. 7. What is great about work in this area is the multidisciplinary approach to children. 8. If you are interested in this field it is important to make sure that the program is recognized by the NJ Department of Education.

School Psychology 9. Many universities in NJ offer M.A. programs in school psychology- Fairleigh Dickinson University(FDU), Georgian Court University, Kean University, Montclair State University, NJCU, Seton Hall University, Glassboro State, and Rowan. Rutgers only offers Ph.D. or Psy.D. in School psychology. When you get your doctorate you get a lot of training in Clinical Psych.

School Psychology Careers Considered part of School Psychology 1.Master’s of Arts in Educational Psychology- not licensed but a beginning for the doctorate in School Psychology or Education Doctorate. 2.Master’s of Arts in School Counseling- core counseling classes with a focus on education. Some schools offer this as part of their Counseling program without certification. However, you can go back to school and take a 25 graduate credit certificate preparation course that prepares you for the Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC) certification.

School Psychology 3.Counselor of Students Affairs in Higher Education- 48 credits but can add needed core courses and an internship and have a total of 60 credits. This M.A. degree is for people who would like to work in higher education-college. If you are interested in working at The Center for Academic Success this is the degree for you. You can also be licensed in this as well.

Counseling Psychology This is a Master’s degree that specializes in more of the hear and now type therapy. For example, how to find your career choice or addictions. This is also 60 graduate credits with an internship. A good program will be APA accredited and ACA accredited. Will take courses in individual and group counseling, addiction, human resources, guidance counseling, and school social work. When you complete your degree a good school will include licensure preparation.

Forensic Psychology When reviewing this area of specialization, all research indicates that this area of psychology is growing, especially from a corrections standpoint. There are two areas of specialization in Forensic Psychology: Forensic Psychology and Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Both of these areas do not include just psychology in your coursework, but include sociology and criminal justice.

Forensic Psychology 4. Forensic Psychology- This is psychology in forensic settings, i.e., jails, prisons, courts, and clinics. Students in this field learn how to work with victims and perpetrators, deal with domestic violence, or probation. Most programs include learning some form of psychological testing, learning how to do violence risk evaluations, and going to the ‘gross anatomy’ lab an watching an autopsy. This is like ‘CSI’ but not forensic science, this looking at the psychological aspects of the criminal justice system. In our area this is offered at FDU, John Jay School of Criminal Justice, and College of St. Elizabeth’s.

Forensic Psychology 5. Forensic Mental Health Counseling- In NYC can take this program and be licensed as a counselor. Training will be in counseling of inmates, people of probation, addictions, and career development. This is offered at John Jay, and is a good foundation in counseling psychology but adds criminal justice coursework. You can also become certified in addictions if you decide to follow this career path. 6. Just as an aside, if you major in forensic psychology much of it transfers to a doctorate in clinical psychology if you decide you would like additional coursework.

Clinical Psychology In most states in order to be a Clinical Psychologist you have to have a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. A Clinical Psychologist is trained not only in therapy and research but also assessment techniques that no other branch of psychology is trained in. For example, the Rorschach the infamous or famous inkblot test. On average a Clinical Psychologist takes anywhere from graduate credits and has to complete a dissertation to graduate (get to this later). Coursework include clinical interviewing and technique, assessment, psychopathology, and any specialization you may choose.

Clinical Psychology This is the area most people who major in psychology follow. This is when you want to conduct therapy, diagnostic assessment, and research. You don’t have to follow this path if you want to do therapy. You can become an LPC and do therapy as well. Also, can get insurance coverage and have your own office. If this interests you, you can get a Master’s of Arts degree in general psychology and then continue on for your doctorate. You want to pick a school that offers practical training at a hospital or clinic from the beginning of your coursework. Most employers who will look for this when hiring after. Also, the school and your internship must be APA accredited!