According to the US Dept of Labor:
A bachelor’s degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs. Bachelor’s degree holders may work as research or administrative assistants for psychologists. Some work as technicians in related fields, such as marketing research. Many find employment in other areas, such as sales or business management.
*No, you can't be a counselor with a BA in psychology.
*No, they don't make great money.
*You have to get a doctorate at minimum to be a clinical or counseling psychologist.
*School psychologists need an educational specialist degree, and industrial-organizational psychologists need a master’s degree.
*Competition for admission to graduate psychology programs is tough.
On the other hand, if you want to be a counselor, you still need at least a Master's degree, plus 2 years of supervised experience, and often you have to pass a state exam:
For counselors based outside of schools, 48 States and the District of Columbia have some form of counselor licensure that governs their practice of counseling. Requirements typically include the completion of a master’s degree in counseling, the accumulation of 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master’s degree level, the passage of a State-recognized exam, adherence to ethical codes and standards, and the completion of annual continuing education requirements.
Counselors must be aware of educational and training requirements that are often very detailed and that vary by area and by counseling specialty. Prospective counselors should check with State and local governments, employers, and national voluntary certification organizations in order to determine which requirements apply.
As mentioned, a master’s degree is typically required to be licensed as a counselor. **A bachelor’s degree often qualifies a person to work as a counseling aide, rehabilitation aide, or social service worker.** Some States require counselors in public employment to have a master’s degree; others accept a bachelor’s degree with appropriate counseling courses. **Counselor education programs** in colleges and universities usually are found in departments of education or psychology. Fields of study include college student affairs, elementary or secondary school counseling, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, counseling psychology, career counseling, and related fields. Courses are grouped into eight core areas: Human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, relationships, group work, career development, assessment, research and program evaluation, and professional identity. In an accredited master’s degree program, 48 to 60 semester hours of graduate study, including a period of supervised clinical experience in counseling, are required.
Good luck!
Answered By: edith clarke - 1/30/2007 |