Explore your path in the field of psychology

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Your journey in the field of psychology starts with a strong desire to understand the way people think and feel, and how to help them thrive.

Put that passion into practice by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a degree that can help you develop basic skills and knowledge in the field.

Going further, you can explore master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology with a focus that fits your specific interest.

Here are some more considerations for the path you could take as you think about pursuing a career in the field of psychology.

Understand the basics with a bachelor’s

There are many facets to psychological study and research, a variety of theories and methodologies, and a rich history underlying all aspects of the field today. You can begin learning about what psychology is – and how psychologists practice – when you start a bachelor's in psychology program.

As you learn more in a bachelor’s program, you can develop an understanding of your own particular focus. This can help guide you as you seek further education and find your path in psychology.

Discover master’s- and doctoral-level studies in psychology

After completing a bachelor’s, you may decide to continue learning with an advanced degree.

A path to a role in psychology, social work or a related helping profession may require earning an advanced degree, such as a master’s and doctorate.

If you pursue this option, you will likely need to participate in practicums or internships. These are typically in-person experiences where you will work on real-world problems or learn from active professionals to discover what it’s like to work as a psychologist or counselor.

Completing an advanced degree in psychology, especially at the doctoral level, will require developing a research project, thesis or dissertation. The program you choose, and the area you wish to focus on, will determine the kind of final project you’ll work on as you near the end of your program.

What varieties of psychological study are there?

There are many advanced areas of psychology. One is developmental psychology, which studies the life stages of human development from infancy to old age.

Another area, industrial/organizational (IO) psychology, is a branch that focuses on applying psychology concepts to the workplace. Master’s and doctoral programs are available if you’re interested in studying IO psychology.

Clinical psychology is yet another specialty within the field of psychology. When earning a degree in clinical psychology, you will experience the real-world application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods and ethical principles. Learn more about earning a master’s or doctorate in clinical psychology.

Explore all the degrees and certificates Capella offers for studying psychology.

Find the academic program that fits your goals

Capella University offers a wide range of degrees and certificates that can help you build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills associated with human behavior and motivations.

Explore your options and find the psychology program that can help you pursue your goals.

Capella University psychology degrees are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, endorsement, other professional credential or salary advancement.

Multiple factors besides educational background contribute to whether a person receives a job. Capella does not guarantee its learners will receive a job offer, promotion, or other career advancement