Get Matched With Psychology Programs
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. It is a broad field that includes many different subfields such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology.
There are many different types of colleges and universities in Wisconsin that offer psychology degree programs. Some schools offer associate or bachelor's degrees in psychology, while others offer master's degrees or doctorates.
Choosing the right college or university for your needs is an important decision. You will want to consider things like the school's location, size, reputation, and cost of tuition. You will also want to make sure that the school offers the type of program you are interested in. Once you have found a few schools that meet your needs, you can read more about each school's program by visiting their websites or contacting their admissions offices.
Compare Popular Online Psychology Programs
Online Psychology Education in Wisconsin
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychologists strive to understand how people think, feel, and behave. And they can use their knowledge to help people improve their cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
Psychologists can work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, private practices, and research laboratories. They often work with other professionals to provide psychological services. Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology, however, some states allow psychologists with a master's degree to practice independently.
Psychologists can specialize in many different areas of psychology. Some common specialties include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and forensic psychology. Your chosen specialty will greatly affect your day-to-day work. Those in organizational psychology will likely work in corporations. Those in counseling will see clients or patients and help them deal with their emotional or behavioral issues. And the others will perform other, various tasks depending on the role they hold, their expertise, experience, and where they work.
Find Your Online Psychology Program
Online Associate Degree in Psychology (AS)
An associate degree in psychology can provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of psychological science. This two-year degree can lead to careers in a variety of settings, though you are unlikely to be able to hold a psychology-focused role without more education. Students who complete an associate degree in psychology often go on to pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
An associate degree in psychology provides students with an introduction to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Coursework typically includes classes on topics such as human development, research methods, and abnormal psychology. Students can also gain practical experience through internships or volunteering opportunities.
Online Bachelors Degree in Psychology (BS)
A bachelor's degree in psychology can open up a wider range of career opportunities. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you can work in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, businesses, and government agencies, though you will still not be able to work in one-on-one counseling situations. Instead, you can work as a psychiatric technician or aid, or you can find work in another field that requires a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor's degree in psychology will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to more deeply understand human behavior and mental processes. You will learn about the different theories of psychology and how to apply them to real-world situations and you can also gain practical experience through internships and field placements.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in psychology, there are many different types of programs available at colleges and universities across the country. In addition to traditional undergraduate programs, there are also accelerated programs that may allow you to earn your degree in as little as three years.
Online Masters Degree in Psychology (MS or MA)
A master's degree in psychology can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a full career in the field of psychology. Students who earn a master's degree in psychology can work as counselors, therapists, and psychologists in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and government agencies.
Most students who earn a master's degree in psychology complete a two-year program that includes coursework in research methods, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. Students also complete a practicum or internship that allows them to gain hands-on experience working with clients, as is required for licensure. Some programs also offer concentrations that allow students to specialize their studies in an area of interest, such as child psychology or forensic psychology.
Online PhD Degree in Psychology (PhD)
Psychologists with a PhD in psychology have many career options available to them. Many choose to work in academia, researching and teaching at the collegiate level. Others use their skills in private practice, working with clients to help them overcome challenges in their lives. Still others work in businesses or government organizations, using their knowledge of human behavior to improve workplace productivity or design public policy as consultants.
No matter what field they choose to work in, those with a PhD in psychology have the training and expertise necessary to make a real difference in the lives of others. If you are interested in continuing to help people and want to make a positive impact on the world around you, earning a PhD in psychology may be the right choice for you.
Find Online Psychology Schools
Online Psychology Certifications
There are many certifications that a person can earn in psychology. Some of these are required in order to work in certain settings, while others may be optional or even preferred by employers. The most common certification is the Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), which is required to work as a psychologist in most states. Other popular certifications include the Certified Counselor (CC), Certified School Psychologist (CSP), and Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Most psychology certifications require the completion of an accredited master's or doctoral degree program, along with passing a national examination. Some states also have their own examinations that must be passed before becoming licensed. In addition to academic requirements, most certification boards also require candidates to have completed a certain number of hours of supervised experience working with clients before they can be certified.
Become a Psychologist in Wisconsin
A psychology degree can open the door to many exciting careers. If you're interested in becoming a psychologist, here are a few steps you can take to become a psychology professional.
-
Step 1: Get a bachelor's degree in psychology:
A four-year degree from an accredited institution is required to pursue most career paths in psychology. During your undergraduate studies, you'll take classes in various areas of psychology including abnormal psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology.
-
Step 2: Pursue a master's or doctoral degree in psychology:
A master's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, such as working as a counselor or social worker. However, if you're interested in conducting research or teaching at the collegiate level, you'll need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology.
-
Step 3: Complete an internship or practicum experience
Most internship is completed during the last year of your graduate work. This experience gives you a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience and make connections with professionals in the field. It may also count toward the required supervised work time that you need in order to become licensed.
Search Programs Offering Psychology Majors
-
Step 4: Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a test that many states require licensure applicants to take. The EPPP measures knowledge of psychology and ethical standards for the practice of psychology. The examination is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to a master’s in clinical psychology, counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, research, or teaching but it will not, by itself, allow you to gain most forms of psychology-focused licensure. However, a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides students with a strong foundation in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes and allow you to continue your education at the graduate level. Graduates can pursue further education and eventually careers in clinical psychology, counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, research, or teaching.
Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates
- Social Work Assistant:
A social work assistant provides support to the professional social worker in the delivery of social work services. The assistant works with clients and families to assess needs, develop service plans, and implement interventions. This position also provides administrative support to the social work office, including maintaining confidentiality of client records.
Necessary Requirements:
- Associate’s degree in Social Work or related field
- One year of experience working in social services
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for social workers in the US in 2021 was $50,390
- The mean annual wage for child, family, and school social workers in Wisconsin is $59,850. Healthcare social workers earn $59,000 and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $51,070
- Human Resource Specialist:
A human resource specialist is responsible for performing a variety of human resource functions. These include recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and training. They may also be responsible for maintaining employee records and processing payroll.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field
- 2-5 years of experience in human resources
- Knowledge of employment law
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for human resources specialists in the US in 2021 was $62,290
- The mean annual wage for human resources specialists in Wisconsin is $63,790
- Victim Advocate:
A victim advocate is responsible for providing support and advocacy services to victims of crime. This may include crisis intervention, information and referrals, emotional support, and court advocacy. They will work closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other community partners to ensure that victims receive the services they need.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
- Previous experience working with victims of crime preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for social and human service assistants in the US in 2021 was $37,610
- The mean annual wage for social and human service assistants in Wisconsin is $44,290
- School Counselor:
A school counselor is responsible for providing guidance and support to students in order to help them cope with academic, personal, and social problems. Counselors also work with parents and teachers to develop strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- State certification as a school counselor
- Experience working with children and adolescents
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 Wisconsin is $56,770
- Substance Abuse/Addictions Counselor:
A substance abuse or addictions counselor is responsible for providing counseling and support to individuals with substance abuse addictions. This may include individual and group counseling, as well as support in making positive lifestyle changes. They will also work to develop treatment plans and provide referrals to other resources as needed.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field
- Licensed or certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor
- Experience working with individuals with substance abuse addictions
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 Wisconsin is $52,010
- Counselor in Private Practice:
A counselor in private practice is responsible for providing counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They will work with clients to help them address personal issues, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. This counselor will need to be able to build trust and rapport with clients, maintain confidentiality, and provide support and guidance.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensed to practice counseling in the state in which they work
- 2-5 years of experience working as a counselor
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for marriage and family therapists in the US in 2021 was $59,660. Rehabilitation counselors earn $44,740 and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn $53,490
- The mean annual wage for marriage and family therapists in Wisconsin is $60,190. Rehabilitation counselors earn $38,590 and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn $52,010
- Residential Counselor:
A residential counselor is responsible for providing support to the residents of the group home. This includes providing supervision, developing and implementing treatment plans, and teaching skills for daily living.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities
- Valid driver’s license
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in the US in 2021 was $38,560 and residential advisors earned $31,220
- The mean annual wage for rehabilitation counselors in Wisconsin is $38,590 and residential advisors earned $33,240
- Group Counselor:
A group counselor will provide counseling and support to groups of clients with similar issues. They will facilitate group discussion, provide guidance and advice, and help clients develop coping and problem-solving skills.
Necessary Requirements:
- A master's degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensed as a counselor in the state where practicing
- Experience conducting group counseling sessions
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 Wisconsin is $52,010