Study Psychology in USA - 112 institutions

Studying psychology in the USA offers good career prospects: the American Psychological Association identifies about 50 areas where students can be engaged. Graduates of the departments of psychology choose for their implementation a variety of professions - psychiatrist, psychotherapist, human resources officer, social worker, PR specialist, marketer, teacher and more.

The entire system of higher education in America consists of 3 levels:

• Associate Psychologist Degree 

Students receive such qualifications in colleges where they study for 2 years. At this stage, vocational courses are not provided - the emphasis is on the formation of general knowledge from the chosen field and the general educational base. The qualification of a junior specialist allows students to try themselves as a volunteer, assistant psychologist or assistant in hospitals and various centers. The acquired knowledge gives the future specialist the skills of effective communication, understanding and assessment of key areas of human knowledge, the environment and even his colleagues.

• Bachelor's degree in psychology 

US students receive this qualification in colleges that provide higher education, institutes or universities. The term of study is 4 years. Actually, a Bachelor's degree is represented by two types: a bachelor of arts focused on the humanities, and a bachelor of science is a study of mathematics and science. Regardless of the type of academic program, the first two courses demonstrate diversity of the chosen profession. The course includes disciplines in the chosen specialty and related ones (for example, research methods or statistics).

In the third year of study, a period of immersion in a specific direction of psychology begins - this may be the work of a teacher, various types of psychology (social, physiological, comparative and not only). After receiving a Bachelor's degree, a graduate of a college or university can start working: to be a social worker, to assist in various laboratories, to become a full-time employee of rehabilitation centers or mental health clinics. Even there is an opportunity to already work with people, however, under the guidance of a mentor - for independent practice, skills at this stage are still not enough.

• Master's and Doctor of Science in Psychology.

In America, a number of professions are available only if education is not lower than a Master's degree - these are specialties of a narrow focus, requiring in-depth analysis (counseling, clinical, forensic, industrial and organizational psychology). Here, young people receive preparation in a narrow profile, but cover a wide range of knowledge. A Master's degree in the United States can be obtained either at a university or at a vocational school.

The first focuses on the research side, the second on the practical side of the profession. Choosing the first option, it is best for students to get into doctoral studies, since the degree of a doctor is of key importance for teaching, writing scientific articles and conducting research. Thus, to obtain the official title of professional psychologist in the United States, you must either undergo doctoral studies or an annual internship in a specific area of psychology associated with doctoral research.

The selection of candidates for the psychological departments of American universities is more rigorous than in other areas: the higher the educational level, the stronger the requirements, regardless of whether a local student or a foreign one. In all this situation there is a small bonus: the basic criteria and documents for admission are the same for most universities, which simplifies the process a little.

The list of documents for obtaining a psychological education in America :

• Online application on the university website
• Certificate of complete secondary education (for Bachelor's degree) / Bachelor's degree (for Master's degree)
• Report card + list of completed disciplines
• GPA (Grade Grade Average) / GRE 
• English proficiency certificate: TOEFL or IELTS
• Level Testing (Undergraduate) ACT or SAT
• Motivation letter
• Reccommendation letters from teachers from the previous place of study
• Experience in the chosen specialization.

As for the cost of studying psychology in America, the ranking of the chosen university has a great influence. For example, studies at the most respected and prestigious universities in the country - Harvard, Stanford, Berkeley - will range from 40,000-60,000 $ a year. More budget options are available in higher schools, which are lower in rating - from 30,000-40,000 $ a year. The average price indicator for American colleges is 25,000-35,000 $ a year.