Social Psychology Degree Overview
Social psychologists investigate human social behavior, including the relationship between individual behavior and group dynamics. A social psychology degree prepares graduates for careers in industries like research, academia, and business. This page explores social psychology degree and career opportunities.
What is Social Psychology?
Social psychology studies how individuals respond to their social environment. The field investigates group dynamics and their role in shaping individual actions and choices. Social psychology also examines social challenges such as implicit bias, intolerance, and bullying. Social psychology relies on research methods to understand social dynamics.
How to Become a Social Psychologist
Becoming a social psychologist requires several years of educational and professional experience. Prospective social psychologists typically need a doctorate, supervised internship experience, and a state license to practice. They can also pursue board certification to highlight their skills. This section covers the qualifications for social psychology jobs.
Degrees
Social psychologists who practice psychology typically need a doctorate, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., and a state license. Some social psychology opportunities, including roles in business or research, may only require a master’s degree.Internships
Social psychology students often complete an internship to build professional experience. During the internship, students conduct research under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The American Psychology Association (APA) requires an internship for accredited social psychology doctorate programs.Licensure
Some social psychologists need a state license, depending on their position. Psychologists who work with patients generally must complete the licensure process in the state where they practice. Requirements vary by state, but candidates often need to hold a doctorate in psychology, pass a licensing examination, and complete a supervised postdoctoral fellowship. Psychology professors, researchers, and social psychologists who do not treat patients may not need a license.Certification
After earning a license, practicing psychologists can pursue board certification to showcase their skills. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) grants board certification in 15 specialties. While it does not offer social psychology certification, ABPP does offer certificates in clinical psychology, organizational and business psychology, and behavioral psychology, which can help social psychologists pursue specialized careers. Candidates for certification must meet educational and experience requirements, complete a credential review, and pass an oral examination.
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Social Psychology vs. General Psychology
While social psychologists and general psychologists have some similarities, the two fields possess distinct differences. The following sections cover the commonalities and differences between social and general psychology.
COMMONALITIES
Social psychology and general psychology share several commonalities. For example, at the undergraduate level, prospective social psychologists generally major in psychology, since many bachelor’s programs do not offer a specialized social psychology degree. Learners study general psychology concepts, including human behavior, abnormal psychology, and research methods.
Master’s programs in general psychology and social psychology also share many of the same core courses, but prospective social psychologists often pursue specialized electives in their field. Graduate programs in both fields typically require an internship.
At the professional level, both general psychologists and social psychologists may work in academia or research. Both fields also require a state license to practice as a psychologist, though many social psychologists work in research rather than clinical practice.
DIFFERENCES
Social psychology differs from general psychology in several ways. Social psychology programs typically emphasize research more than general psychology programs, so students often take additional coursework on topics such as statistics and experimental methods. Although both specialties require an internship, social psychology students often pursue a research-based internship working under the supervision of a faculty member rather than a clinical internship working with patients.
Social and general psychologists often pursue different career paths. While general psychologists typically act as health service professionals and directly treat patients, social psychologists usually focus more on broad social research in their professional career. Many social psychologists work in academia, where they teach and conduct studies. Others pursue research careers outside of academia or act as consultants or analysts in the private sector.
What can You Do With a Social Psychology Degree?
Social psychologists research group dynamics to understand the impact of groups on individuals, as well as how individuals shape groups. They may work as researchers and professors, applying their training to understand social perceptions, the role of social environments on behavior, and group dynamics. Most social psychologists hold a doctorate, but some employers hire candidates with a master’s degree.
In addition to researcher and professor, social psychology jobs include roles such as consultant, manager, strategist, and analyst. In these roles, social psychology graduates apply the research, analytical, and interpersonal skills gained during their degree to perform tasks such as analyzing business operations to suggest improvements or assessing programs for efficacy.
Social Psychology Degree Programs
Online Social Psychology Programs
Online social psychology degrees often give students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace, which particularly appeals to students with work and family obligations. During an online psychology program, students complete coursework through a distance learning platform and meet internship requirements at approved sites near their home. The accessible format allows graduate students to earn their degree from top social psychology programs without relocating.
When Selecting a Program
Check Accreditation Status
To obtain licensure, students typically must hold an accredited psychology degree, and many employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree. Accreditation also expands educational opportunities, as most accredited schools do not accept non-accredited degrees or credits. APA accreditation is the highest standard for psychology programs.
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Research Graduation Requirements
Each program sets its own graduation requirements. Prospective students should make sure that they can meet the requirements of each prospective program. Learners should also ensure that program components align with their state’s licensure requirements if they intend to practice clinical psychology.
