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A FIELD GUIDE TO CAREERS WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE

Psychology seeks to address the evolving needs of people, communities and society – and with a graduate degree in psychology you’ll be empowered to engage in ethical practice and make a tangible difference in your community.

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HOW RELEVANT IS A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE TODAY?

Let's find out.

Psychology, or the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, is an academic discipline of enormous scope. Drawing on interdisciplinary fields, psychology has roots in the scientific method as well as the natural and social sciences.

As findings in science rapidly expand, so does our understanding of human behavior — professional psychologists are responsible for implementing these new discoveries and applying revolutionary research to clinical practice.

Recent years have seen a significant rise in awareness of mental health needs in the United States, emphasizing the necessity for skilled professionals to address these growing concerns. The recognition of the importance of mental wellness in people's lives has further propelled the demand for dedicated and sensitive therapists and psychologists with innovative approaches to support an evolving population.

Millions of people worldwide rely on forward-thinking psychologists who have the in-depth knowledge to strategically meet the needs of an evolving population. Today, we need expert, mission-driven psychologists more than ever before.

How do you know if a graduate psychology degree is right for you?

There will always be a critical need for caring and driven psychologists who can take the most up-to-date findings and use them to develop novel strategies that have a positive impact on the lives of others. If you want to bridge the talent gap and exist at the forefront of clinical practice, keep reading to learn about careers in psychology.

 

CAREERS WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE

Psychologists are both creative and critical thinkers. The career opportunities available to psychologists with an advanced degree are plentiful and competitive — psychology as a profession is growing and financially rewarding. 

What can I do with a degree in Psychology?

Professionals seeking a lifelong, meaningful career in the field of psychology should strongly consider obtaining a graduate degree. Armed with a renowned degree in psychology, future psychologists can do many things with the invaluable skills needed to secure impactful, competitive careers that will leave a lasting impact on individuals and society.

Licensed, practicing psychologists can choose to pursue careers in a variety of subfields in psychology, and the career options are vast.

Master's Degree in Psychology

In order to become a licensed, practicing psychologist, obtaining a master’s degree is the minimum industry standard.

Depending on your area of interest, choosing a master’s degree program that will allow for customization and specialization is crucial. In doing so, you can prepare to make an impact working with individuals, families, and community agencies.

A master’s degree in psychology will also prepare you to work with clients in therapy as well as in related nonclinical careers such as research, higher education, leadership, administration or consulting.

Discover 5 careers that make a difference that you can get with a master’s in psychology.

Doctoral Degree in Psychology

A doctorate goes a step further. For aspiring psychologists, it leads to a proven, data-supported return on investment. 

While some master’s programs allow for specialization or degree customization, obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology gives you significantly more opportunities to focus on specialization — making you an expert with authority in the field.

A doctoral degree in psychology (specifically a PsyD) focuses on clinical practice — equipping you with the theoretical frameworks you will use in everyday psychotherapy sessions. A doctorate in psychology is also a strategic choice if you want to open your own private practice.

What is the psychology job outlook?

Job Growth

6%

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists are predicted to experience a six percent job growth increase in the next 10 years.

U.S. Average Salary

$92k

According to the BLS, psychologists can expect to earn a lucrative salary depending on their specialization, location, experience level and academic achievements.

CA Average Salary

$124k

Research from Forbes asserts that psychologists working in California - one of the top-paying states for psychologists - make an average of $124,000 per year. 

What is the difference between a PsyD and a PhD in Clinical Psychology?

While both the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are terminal degrees that will prepare future psychologists for industry success, there are differences between the two degrees that you should consider.

If you are interested in helping others through clinical practice, you should choose a PsyD that prioritizes a practitioner-scholar model. In doing so, you will develop the practical skills needed to make a meaningful contribution to the field and practice of clinical psychology.

PsyD

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Focused on clinical practice

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Often a shorter program (4-5 years)

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Areas of emphasis often available

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For future licensed, practicing psychologists

VS

PhD

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Focused on research

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Often a longer program (5-7 years)

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Fewer options for customization

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For future academics or researchers

 

THE MOUNT'S GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles offers several pathways to your career in psychology. Read through the sections below to discover which one you can use to reach your career goals and make a real, tangible difference in the lives of others.

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology is a collaborative program with a long history and tradition of preparing practitioners attuned to matters of inclusive excellence. 

The Mount’s flexible program consistently produces successful graduates that are recognized and well-respected in the community; the program is ideal for working professionals and motivated students that want to make an impact working with individuals, families, schools and community agencies.

Program Options

General Counseling Psychology
Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT with ¡ENLACES!

Required Units

36

Class Size

20

Years to Complete

2

General Counseling Psychology

The two-year General Counseling Psychology program at the Mount allows students to develop core counseling skills that apply across a range of non-profit and educational settings. These students develop skills to act as change agents who will advocate for diverse and underserved populations.

Application Steps: 

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Required Units

60

Class Size

20

Years to Complete

2-3

Marriage & Family Therapy

The 60-unit MFT program at Mount Saint Mary’s University prepares students to become licensed therapists in California. With licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, graduates will be prepared to treat individuals, couples and families from many different backgrounds.

Application Steps: 

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Required Units

60

Class Size

20

Years to Complete

2-3

MFT with ¡Enlaces! Certificate

Through the 60-unit Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, there is an option to receive an ¡Enlaces! Certificate, where coursework familiarizes students with the variety of cultures in the Spanish-speaking community and the unique issues that these cultures bring. It also includes a clinical placement working with a Spanish-speaking client. Interested applicants should be conversationally proficient in Spanish and able to take courses taught bilingually.

The program is taught in-person and offers two formats - a daytime format, which takes around two years to complete and an evening format that can be completed in approximately 3 years. 

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Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology trains future practitioner-scholars who reflect the various populations of Los Angeles, the nation and globe. 
PsyD faculty integrate a critical theory and various frameworks into coursework (e.g., assessment, psychometrics, quantitative research methods, etc.) and clinical training. All students are required to complete a inclusive excellence immersion during the summer of their first year to fulfill the mission of the University and our commitment to our communities.

Our practitioner-scholar doctoral program strives to successfully train and empower the next generation of psychologists to prepare them to become leaders and agents of change in Health Service Psychology and the larger world.

Available Concentrations

Latinx Mental Health
Community Populations

Required Units

120

Class Size

10-12

Years to Complete

5

Latinx Mental Health

Students enrolled in the full-time, five-year program with Latinx Mental Health emphasis will focus their dissertation research, practicum and internships on Spanish-speaking populations. In establishing our emphasis of Latinx Mental Health, we set out to train mindful clinicians to work in Spanish-speaking mental health communities.

Application Steps: 

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Required Units

120

Class Size

10-12

Years to Complete

5

Community Populations

Students enrolled in the Diverse Populations emphasis will focus their dissertation research, practicum and internships serving clients of various  identities. Students are trained in the application of critical theories as a lens to unpack the ways society impacts the mental health of communities.

Application Steps: 

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BE UNSTOPPABLE WITH A PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE DEGREE FROM THE MOUNT

By earning a graduate degree in either counseling psychology or clinical psychology at the Mount, you will experience a tight-knit community of driven change-makers who have a common goal — to help others and leave the world a better place.

Here is what you can expect from your time at the Mount.

Intimate Class Sizes

Our graduate psychology programs guarantee small cohorts and class sizes. With low student-to-faculty ratios you’ll forge strong connections with professors while benefiting from personalized attention and mentorship, greatly enhancing your educational experience.

Options for Specialization

Recognizing that everyone’s professional journey is distinct, we offer our graduate psychology students the opportunity to select from various tracks and options. This flexibility allows you to shape your education based on your unique interests.

Expert, Experienced Faculty

The graduate psychology coursework is taught by industry experts in their respective focus areas. Our diverse faculty and student body enrich your learning experience by offering valuable cultural perspectives and worldviews.

Experiential Learning

At the Mount, we believe in the power of learning by doing. You’ll have opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge through various real-world professional experiences – including clinical internships and fieldwork – designed to provide practical insights and enhance your industry readiness.

Competitive Tuition Price

Graduate school is an investment of time, energy and money, but we proudly offer affordable tuition for our graduate students. We also offer opportunities for financial assistance, including scholarships, loans and tuition reduction programs.

Downtown L.A. Location

The Mount’s Doheny Campus, where our graduate psychology programs are offered, is centrally located to all that downtown Los Angeles has to offer, including the Crypto.com Arena, LA Live, the Historic Core, Disney Music Hall, Olvera Street, Union Station (connected by the Expo Line, only a few blocks away), Little Tokyo, Koreatown and the Theater, Jewelry, Fashion, Flower and Financial Districts.

 

CONNECT WITH US AND START YOUR SUCCESS STORY

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, we foster a culture that inspires you to reach your full potential in helping others.

We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree and a prior academic record that demonstrates their readiness and ability to successfully navigate graduate studies.