Best Types of Psychology Degrees [2024 Guide]

Best Online Psychology Degrees

While many psychology students enroll in general psychology programs, most choose specializations to focus their learning on certain areas of the field. Undergraduates can become familiar with different psychology subfields through elective courses and projects.

Master's and doctoral psychology degree students generally know which areas interest them and choose programs that align with their preferences. Most states require a graduate degree for licensure in some specialties, such as clinical and counseling psychology.

The following section explores several psych degree concentration areas, along with their education and licensure requirements.

Addictions and Recovery Psychology

Addictions and recovery psychology focuses on substance use and chemical dependency. These counselors help individuals recover from dependency with psychotherapy and behavioral counseling. A practitioner in this area must earn a master's degree in counseling and may become a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC). Some states only require an associate or bachelor's degree for lower-tier CADC credentials.

Substance abuse counselor schools typically integrate counseling, psychology, and social work classes. Students participate in clinical experiences, and coursework covers clinical assessment, diagnostic processes, and group facilitation.

Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychology employs psychotherapy to help patients overcome phobias and compulsions, along with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. The most common technique used by behavioral psychologists is cognitive behavioral therapy.

Practitioners in this specialty hold licenses as psychologists or professional counselors and earn master's or doctoral degrees, depending on state requirements. Degree programs offer courses in assessment and diagnosis, intervention and prevention, psychological ideologies, and research design. The curriculum also includes clinical practicum and/or internship experiences.

Child and Adolescent Psychology

Child psychology studies the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors affecting children from infancy through adolescence.

Child psychologists can find employment as counselors, therapists, advisors, and researchers. While similar positions may require a minimum of a master's degree, these specialists must hold Ph.D. or Psy.D. degrees to obtain state licensure and practice in clinical settings.

Clinical Psychology

A degree in clinical psychology focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders through evidence-based interventions.To practice as a clinical psychologist, you must have a state license and a doctoral degree. Clinical psychology is one of the most popular specializations, with 34% of the psychology doctoral degrees awarded in the subfield in 2021.

Graduate programs offer tracks that develop skills in working with different populations, such as elderly adults, children, and families. Students can also focus on particular disorders, including depression, substance dependence, and trauma.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology offers insights for understanding the changes and challenges experienced across the lifespan. Specialists in this field treat developmental disorders related to specific stages of life, from childhood to old age.

Although developmental psychologists often need a doctorate and state licensure to provide patient services, bachelor's or master's degree holders may find employment in social work and counseling fields.

Educational Psychology

Licensed educational psychologists apply their training to improve learning outcomes for various student groups. These professionals often work with children or adults with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.

Employers prefer that candidates hold doctorates in this field, especially for careers as professors and researchers. However, depending on licensing requirements, graduates with bachelor's or master's degrees may work as behavioral analysts, guidance counselors, or special education assistants.

Family Counseling

Family counseling focuses on family members with communication issues and conflicts. Practitioners use psychotherapy to help parents, guardians, children, and partners build stronger connections, manage stress, and cope with grief, mental illness, and addiction.

Family counselors hold licenses as psychologists or professional counselors, which require a master's or doctoral degree, depending on the state. These professionals can pursue certification from organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Graduate-level family counseling programs emphasize assessment and case management; counseling techniques and interventions; history and development of marriage, couple, and family counseling; and theories and models of family systems and dynamics. Clinical components allow students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world contexts.

Forensic Psychology

The criminal justice and legal systems increasingly rely on forensic psychology. Psychologists trained in forensics may provide mental health assessments in trials, prisons, and rehabilitation facilities, offer expert testimony in civil and criminal cases, and assist in criminal investigations.

Most forensic psychology positions require at least a master's degree, in addition to state licensure and professional certifications.

General Counseling Psychology

From 2004-2021, 32% of psychology master's graduates specialized in counseling psychology. A master's degree-holder can become a counselor but must earn a doctoral degree and a license to practice under the title of "psychologist." Master's psychology degree graduates can work in human resources, organizational development, and mental health or addiction counseling.

Counseling psychologists help clients with everyday issues, including handling adversity, managing interpersonal conflicts, and improving their coping skills. They also offer educational and career development advice.

Generally, master's programs in counseling psychology and Ph.D. degrees emphasize research, while master's-level and Psy-D. counseling psychology programs prepare graduates for practice.

General Psychology

General psychology typically refers to the study of psychology at the bachelor's level. A bachelor's psych degree can lead to careers in non-clinical counseling or social services. Degree holders can also pursue graduate study to become licensed in counseling, social work, or psychology.

Undergraduate psychology degree seekers learn counseling strategies, analysis of individuals, research skills, and human behavior and development. The curriculum also includes general education courses in sciences, math, and humanities. Psychology degree bachelor's programs may feature practicums or internships.

Graduates of psych degrees pursue positions as addiction counselors, employment counselors, human resource specialists, and social and community services managers.

Health Psychology

This field explores the psychological, social, and biological factors that can affect mental and physical health. Graduates enter fields as varied as pain management, behavior assessment, and community and public health.

A health psychologist should hold a doctorate and a state-issued clinical license. An undergraduate degree, while offering fewer career options, may lead to employment as a mental health counselor or rehabilitation specialist.

Organizational Psychology

As one of the fastest-growing fields in the discipline, industrial/organizational psychology applies psychological theories and techniques in work environments to improve employee performance, satisfaction, and safety.

Although some bachelor's degree-holders may enter the field in training and facilitating positions, most industrial psychologists have earned advanced degrees to conduct research, testing, and assessments.

Industrial-organizational psychologists often serve in consulting roles to address issues like leadership development, team-building, and workplace diversity.

Social Psychology

This branch of psychology examines how human thoughts, beliefs, and behavior are shaped by applied or imagined interactions with others. Social psychologists explore prejudice and implicit bias, interpersonal conflict, bullying, and group dynamics.

They apply their knowledge in industry, government, social services, and educational settings. Most careers in social psychology require a doctorate with an emphasis on research and assessment.

Sports Psychology

Sports psychology develops applications that help athletes overcome mental challenges to achieve their full potential. Sports psychologists administer skills assessment and counseling to their clients or research the psychological factors that affect performance.

While most clinical and counseling positions require a doctorate, graduates with bachelor's and master's degrees can pursue careers as recreational therapists, athletic trainers, and performance consultants.