What is Psychology?
If you are looking for a psychology degree program in South Carolina, you have plenty of choices. There are numerous colleges and universities that offer degree programs in psychology. After graduation, you can choose from a variety of specializations in psychology including counseling, clinical, industrial-organizational, experimental, and developmental. Each of these specializations has different job opportunities, and the type of specialization you choose will depend on your goals. Many colleges offer online programs for a psychology degree, as well. And psychology degrees require the usual general education courses (mathematics, English composition, etc.) and will include common courses such as intro psychology, intro to statistics, abnormal psychology, and research design.
Choosing the right program is important. You want to find a school that offers a curriculum that matches your interests and goals. You also want to find a school that has a good reputation and provides excellent educational opportunities. One of the best ways to find the right program is to do your research online. There are many websites that provide information about different colleges and universities. You can also read reviews from students who have attended these schools.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s important to visit the schools and talk with the admissions counselors.
Featured Online Programs
Online Psychology Education in South Carolina
A psychologist is a professional who helps people deal with and understand their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. They can help people with mental health issues, relationship problems, or any other personal issues. Psychologists have many different specialties such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, and sports psychology. They may work in hospitals, schools, prisons, or private practice.
Other psychology professionals might work in research rather than as counselors. They may work for think tanks, universities, or other learning institutions. When considering what a psychology professional is, one might think of someone who has completed years of schooling and clinical experience, such as a psychologist. However, psychology professionals can work as school counselors, therapists, and social workers. Psychology professionals often have a deep understanding of human behavior and use this knowledge to help people live healthier lives.
Find Your Online Psychology Program
Online Associates (AS)
There are many different reasons to pursue an associate degree in psychology. Perhaps you are unsure about whether or not you want to study psychology at a higher undergraduate or graduate level. Maybe you want to gain a basic understanding of psychological concepts and theories before committing to a longer program. An associate degree in psychology can also be helpful if you plan to work as a psychology assistant, psychology technician, or in another entry-level position in the mental health field.
An associate degree in psychology typically takes two years to complete and covers topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and more. At this level, you are unlikely be required to complete an internship or practicum experience. This type of program can provide a strong foundation for those who decide to continue their studies in psychology or related fields.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor's degree in psychology can provide students with a strong foundation for a career in the field. They will be prepared for research positions, low-level teaching positions, and more. Or, if you decide that a psychology career isn’t for you, you could choose to go into another field where your knowledge of human behavior will help you succeed. The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in psychology typically includes coursework in general psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, human development. and statistics.
At this level, students will have less opportunity to specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as forensic psychology or developmental psychology, though you will be able to take courses and gain a specialization in counseling or social work if you choose. A bachelor's degree in psychology can prepare graduates for careers as psychologists, counselors, social workers, and researchers.
Online Masters (MS)
An online master's degree in psychology can open many doors for you in your career. It can provide you with the opportunity to learn more about human behavior and how to better understand and help people who are struggling, it can lead to a career in research or teaching, and it can allow you to earn licensure if you choose to work as a counselor.
There are many different levels of degrees in psychology, but if you want to make sure that you are getting the best education and training available, then you should consider earning your Master’s in psychology. This advanced degree will give you the opportunity to learn about a variety of psychological theories, research methods, and treatment options, as well as digging further into a specialization of your choice. You can specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as counseling or forensic psychology, and you can specialize within larger fields. For example, those who are interested in counseling can specialize in family and marriage counseling, addiction counseling, and more. Earning your Master’s degree in psychology can open up many doors for your career and allow you to help people in a variety of ways.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
To earn a PhD in psychology, you'll need to choose a doctoral program. PhDs in psychology can take four to five years to complete, or more if you choose to study part-time. In most cases, you'll need to take clinical practicums and internships and complete a dissertation and defend it in front of a panel.
PhD in psychology degree programs focus more on research and theory than lower-level degrees, and there are fewer of them, making them more competitive than most master’s or undergraduate programs. While most programs offer an in-depth focus on research, PhDs are also the preferred choice for students interested in clinical psychology practice, research, and tenured teaching positions with colleges and universities. As you can see, a PhD in psychology degree can open up a variety of career paths for you.
A PhD in psychology is a graduate degree that prepares students for careers in academia, research, and administration. The degree emphasizes research and scholarly activities. PhD students will be well-equipped to serve as university professors, researchers, consultants, program directors, and researchers. They will also meet the educational requirements for the state licensing board for any level of licensure if your focus is on counseling.
Find Online Psychology Schools
Online Certifications
There are many different types of psychology certifications available to professionals in the field. Just some of them include the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification, the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification, and the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. The CCMHC is a certification offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors and is designed for those who work with clients with mental health disorders. The NCC is offered by the National Counseling Association, and is designed for those who work in general counseling settings. The LPC is a certification offered by the American Counseling Association and is designed for those who want to practice counseling independently.
A certificate in psychology can help you to further your education and become a better practitioner. It can help you improve your understanding of a specific topic or help you stand out from the crowd. Of course, you should always decide your goals before diving into a certification program.
Become a Psychologist in South Carolina
A psychology professional is someone who has completed their undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology and has also gained licensure. The process to becoming a psychologist professional is long, but it is worth it in the end.
-
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited university
If you are thinking about getting a bachelor's degree in psychology, it’s important to earn your degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation means that the school has met certain standards set by the government and other agencies. The most important reason to get a degree from an accredited school is that it will be recognized by other schools and employers. It’s also the only way to gain access to federal student financial aid and you cannot earn any sort of licensure if you attend an unaccredited school. A bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to many different careers including working with patients in a hospital or clinic, conducting research, or working for a company that provides psychological services, as well as any job outside of the realm of psychology that requires you to have a bachelor’s degree. It is also the first step towards getting a graduate degree in psychology, which is important if you want to work in a private practice or earn licensure in most counseling positions.
-
Step 2: Complete a graduate program in psychology from an accredited university
A graduate program in psychology from an accredited university can provide you with the necessary tools and training to continue working or to work at a higher level in this field. There are many different programs to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find one that fits your needs and interests. The coursework involved in a graduate program will cover a variety of topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. In addition, you will have the opportunity to specialize in an area of your choosing. Graduates of accredited programs are well-prepared for careers in both research and clinical settings.
Search Programs Offering Psychology Majors
-
Step 3: Gain experience working with patients
There are many ways to gain experience in the psychology field. Most roles will actually require some form of experience under a licensed supervisor, especially for those who wish to work as counselors. Real world experience provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in graduate school and work with people who are dealing with various psychological issues. In addition, it can help prepare psychologists for future work with patients in their own practice.
-
Step 4: Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a national examination that is used to measure the professional competency of psychologists. The EPPP is developed and maintained by the American Psychological Association (APA), and is used as a requirement for licensure in most states. The examination consists of 225 multiple-choice questions, and covers eight domains of psychology: assessment, intervention, diagnosis, research methods and statistics, ethics and professional conduct, diversity, psychopathology, and theory. The EPPP is a challenging exam, but it is also an important step in becoming a licensed psychologist. The examination covers a broad range of topics within psychology, so it is important to prepare thoroughly for the test. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the EPPP, including textbooks, study guides, practice tests, and online courses. If you wish to work in research, you will need other credentials, though the only requirement may be a master’s degree in the field.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Psychology?
A bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to a career in many different fields. The degree can prepare students for work in human services, research, marketing, and many other areas. Some specific careers that can be pursued with a degree in psychology include addictions counselor, human resources specialist, market researcher, and public relations specialist. A degree in psychology can also prepare students to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a related field.
Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates
- Mental Health Counselor:
Mental health counselors provide psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups to treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They develop treatment plans, provide crisis intervention services, and collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master's degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensure as a mental health counselor
- 2-3 years of experience working as a mental health counselor
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in South Carolina is $44,250
- Psychologist:
A psychologist will be responsible for providing psychological support and counseling services to patients. He or she will work with patients to help them overcome mental and emotional disorders. The psychologist will also conduct research on psychological topics.
Necessary Requirements:
- A master's degree in psychology
- A license to practice psychology
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for psychologists in the US in 2021 was $81,040
- The mean annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in South Carolina is $84,760
- College Counselor:
College counselors are responsible for helping students choose the right college, university, or trade school. They provide guidance on course selection, admissions, and financial aid.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field
- Experience working with young adults
- Knowledge of college admissions process
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors in the US in 2021 was $60,510
- The mean annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in South Carolina is $54,550
- Clinical Therapist:
A clinical therapist is responsible for providing direct patient care and support in an outpatient mental health setting. The therapist will work with patients to identify and treat mental health conditions using a variety of methods, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, and medication management. They will also collaborate with other members of the treatment team, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care.
Necessary Requirements:
- • Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
- • Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), or Psych
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in the US in 2021 was $99,640
- The mean annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in South Carolina is $84,760
- Residential Counselor:
A residential counselor is responsible for providing direct care and support to residents in a group home setting. This includes providing guidance and assistance with daily living activities, coordinating and leading recreational and educational activities, and promoting positive social interactions. They also work closely with the residents' families to ensure that they are receiving the necessary support and resources.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
- Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in the US in 2021 was $38,560 and substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors earned $48,520. Residential advisors earned $31,220
- The mean annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in South Carolina is $34,640 and substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors earn $44,250. Residential advisors earn $30,820
- Counselor (Private Practice):
A counselor in private practice is responsible for providing counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They work with clients to address a variety of issues such as relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and grief. Counselors also provide guidance on coping with life changes and stress management.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field<
- Licensed to practice counseling in the state where they work
- 2+ years of experience working as a counselor
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in the US in 2021 was $38,560 and substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors earned $48,520. Counselors (all others) earned $45,160
- The mean annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in South Carolina is $34,640 and substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors earn $44,250. Counselors (all others) earn $31,020
- Psychology Professor:
A professor of psychology teaches courses in psychology at the college level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Necessary Requirements:
- A doctorate in psychology
- Teaching experience
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for psychology teachers (postsecondary) in the US in 2021 was $88,390
- The mean annual wage for psychology teachers (postsecondary) in South Carolina is $76,120
- Psychology Researcher:
The role of a psychology researcher is to collect data and analyze it in order to contribute to the understanding of human behavior. This may involve conducting experiments, observing people, and keeping detailed records. Researchers may also be responsible for writing reports and articles based on their findings.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent writing skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for psychologists in the US in 2021 was $81,040 and survey researchers earned $59,740
- The mean annual wage for psychologists, all other in South Carolina is $103,530 and survey researchers earn $57,130
- Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor:
A substance abuse or addictions counselor will provide support to individuals struggling with addiction. They will work with clients to develop coping and problem-solving skills, as well as offer guidance on how to make positive changes in their lives. The counselor will also provide resources and referrals to other services as needed.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience working with clients struggling with addiction
- Knowledge of substance abuse treatment methods
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in South Carolina is $44,250
Search All Programs