17.3 What Can I Do with a Master’s in Psychology?

Doctor of Psychology David Brantley III celebrates with his daughter after receiving a doctor of psychology degree (PsyD) from Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Unlike PhD programs, which are highly research focused, PsyD programs focus more on the clinical side of things—that is, the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions.

AP Photo/Mike Derer

Students who decide to pursue a graduate degree sometimes start with a master’s-level program, terminating with a degree that will allow them to follow a variety of career paths in psychology. A master’s degree in psychology is flexible and can prepare you to work in areas outside the field of psychology, including government, health care, business, marketing, and education. Many master’s-level psychologists devote their careers to research, working under PhD-level researchers at universities and other institutions. Finally, there are those who become therapists. Typically, this means earning a master’s degree, with an emphasis on counseling and securing a state license to practice.

TABLE b.2 provides some general information about the types of degrees and training required of various mental health professions. In most states, master’s-level clinicians must obtain a license to practice and share details about their education, training, and licensing status with their clients. One can also earn a master’s degree in nonclinical specialties such as industrial/organizational psychology, engineering psychology, and leadership psychology. Some of these applied fields offer lucrative careers in business and industry. Many students earning a master’s degree in psychology go on to complete their doctorate degrees. But for those who decide to earn a master’s degree, there are still plenty of job opportunities.