| You can earn a graduate degree, Master's and | | | | your capability to do justice to the course in their |
| doctoral, in Psychology either through a regular grad | | | | customary recommendation letters. Before applying, |
| school/university or through an online college. | | | | you can also try taking short-term certificate courses |
| Before applying you should do thorough homework | | | | in psychology to prove your interest. |
| about the schools, their curriculum, reputation, teaching | | | | Grad schools are very selective in filtering the |
| approach (some schools are research-oriented | | | | applications, since psychology is a niche area. The |
| whereas some schools emphasize coursework and | | | | admission rate is less than 5% in some leading schools. |
| practical training), financial aid, and career opportunities | | | | You should apply to at least 4-5 schools of first choice, |
| after completing the course. "Graduate Study In | | | | and another 4-5 schools of second choice. You should |
| Psychology", an annual publication of the American | | | | also finalize funding sources before admissions. |
| Psychological Association, is a mine of information on | | | | Student aid websites provide the necessary |
| schools, courses and career prospects in psychology | | | | information about funding; many universities, too, help |
| in America. Almost all reputable schools contribute to | | | | through fellowships and assistantships. |
| this book. | | | | A Master's degree takes around two years and a |
| To enroll for a graduate program you should have a | | | | doctoral degree 4 to 6 years to complete. Students |
| bachelor's degree with a high GPA from an accredited | | | | who want more clinical training and are not very |
| college. You also need to get an excellent GRE score | | | | interested in research can go for a PsyD, "Doctor of |
| and prescribed number (generally three) of | | | | Psychology," instead of a traditional Ph.D. But it is an |
| recommendation letters from your undergraduate | | | | expensive program and admission is much tougher. |
| instructors. Any research/work experience in | | | | Psychology offers a wide range of career openings. |
| psychology would be an added advantage. | | | | The American Psychology Society, American |
| Many schools require the applicant to write a | | | | Psychological Association and various other |
| comprehensive Statement of Purpose (SoP) justifying | | | | organizations list the latest job openings. |
| his/her candidature, career aspirations, why s/he wants | | | | Research, teaching, clinical/criminal psychology, social |
| to study from that school and why s/he chose a | | | | counseling, organizational behavior, employee training |
| particular program. | | | | and development, industrial relations, change |
| Though a bachelor's degree in psychology is very | | | | management, leadership development, quality of work, |
| helpful, it is not compulsory. If you can convincingly | | | | organizational development etc. are some of the major |
| demonstrate your interest and your ability to succeed | | | | work areas. One can be a full-time employee or a |
| in the area, admission should not be very difficult. You | | | | consultant. |
| can ask your undergraduate professors to vouch for | | | | |