Online clinical psychology degrees prepare those with a talent and a passion for diagnosing and treating dysfunctional behaviors for their careers. To earn an online clinical psychology degree, you must demonstrate proficiency with the study of psychological principles and the application of proven treatment methods to fight behavioral, emotional, or mental disorders.
The clinical psychologist works with both individuals and groups, who have struggled with problems such as schizophrenia, substance abuse, or family trauma, to find a viable path to recovery and assimilation back into society. The online path allows a student to pursue available degrees at an independent pace through rigorous coursework, field study and residency.
While there is no uniform plan for educational training and licensure, with each state determining its own path, acquiring an online clinical psychology degree is a critical first step in the career of a professional.
Online Clinical Psychology Degree Plans
The most common forms of online degrees include:
- Masters degree
- Doctorate program
- Specialty certification
Before pursuing a master’s degree or higher, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. This degree plan may incorporate online coursework, but most candidates complete their undergraduate work on campus.
As requirements grow more research intensive and field-based at the higher level, the postgraduate student stands to benefit from an online structure, thus the popularity of the web for obtaining advanced degrees.
Most future clinical psychologists choose the Master of Science (MS) degree when moving toward a specialization. With a MS in psychology, the student will grow in his background knowledge and application for psychological theory.
He will apply basic scientific methods to field studies, and he will work within psychological science principles. The MS in psychology path prepares one for a doctorate program and the online learning model allows access to world class faculty.
A doctorate program may also be attained online. These are generally identified by the call letters PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). The two fields are interchangeable and generally governed by a thesis or dissertation, which may take a year or more to complete.
In addition to extended coursework and independent research, the PhD or PsyD candidate will also have to log field experience in a professionally supervised clinical setting. The amount of time is up to the state where attending, but many adhere to a two-year or 3,000-hour requirement.
Online specialty certifications are also available to help guide the professional into a specific path of expertise within the clinical setting. The clinical psychologist must work with a number of different maladies within their profession, and it is not uncommon to specialize in a common area such as chemical dependency or child welfare.
For those still trying to find their niche, online specialty certifications offer golden opportunities for growth and professional development.
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