Certificate in Psychology Programs
(found programs from 286 schools)

One of the fastest growing trends in higher education is the graduate certificate program. Certificates in psychology are among the most popular. These highly flexible programs allow you to continue your education and earn extra credentials to specialize in your career. You would be hard-pressed to name even one field for which a solid understanding of people's motivations and behaviors wouldn't be an asset.

What are the benefits of earning a graduate certificate in psychology?

Earning a certificate in psychology from a college or university can help you in several ways:

1) If you are in the process of earning a bachelor's degree in business or another field, adding a certificate in psychology can help you stand out from the rest of the pack.

2) If you are applying for a master's program in psychology, getting a certificate can show your commitment to the field and enhance your application.

3) If you're already in the workforce, adding a certificate in a specialized area of psychology can help you adapt to a variety of positions. Employers are impressed by people who invest in keeping their education current.

4) If you are already employed in the psychology field, earning a certificate in a specialization can help you update your knowledge.

5) Earning a certificate in psychology opens new opportunities to network with professors and other students.

While these benefits make earning a certificate in psychology attractive, what makes certificates particularly prized is that they deliver these benefits in less time and at a lower cost than earning a higher degree. Most certificate programs can be completed in a few months of part time effort. Because they only focus on core knowledge, many peripheral liberal arts classes are not needed.

What are psychology certificate programs like?

Take the certificate of psychology program at Columbia (http://ce.columbia.edu/Postbaccalaureate-Studies/Psychology-Certificate-Program), for example. It is a general program designed specifically for college graduates without a background in psychology. It is also often taken by grad students with backgrounds in education, management, public health and social work. The course plan is similar to that pursued by Columbia bachelor's in psychology students.

On the other side of the spectrum are very specialized certificate programs like the one offered by George Mason University, Aviation Psychology Graduate Certificate (http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=17&poid=6831&returnto=1301). Professionals in the field of aviation can use this program to help them design better airplanes and better train and manage pilots. Aviation psychology deals with fear of flying, the fear of airsickness, the need to perform under severe pressure, and even post-accident counseling. Students study pilot cognition. They examine how pilots interact with equipment during adverse weather conditions. These insights are critical to designing equipment and procedures.

More common areas of specialization include conflict management, sports psychology, eating disorders, substance abuse, school counseling and more.

Though certificates are far less expensive than degrees, they still cost money. Many employers will reimburse some or all of your tuition. Many schools even offer financial incentives and financial aid.

Just because you are not earning a degree doesn't mean you are in less challenging classes. Most universities put certificate candidates in the same classes as bachelor's and master's degree candidates. The coursework is just as challenging. Many certificate programs are designed for working adults and you are expected to bring a professional attitude to class.

Show me all the Certificate in Psychology programs in:

In addition to the campus based programs, there are numerous online programs available for many of the common Psychology degree types (Associate, Bachelors, Masters, PhD) and specialties. Please feel free to use the links on the left-hand side of this page to explore some of the online degree programs available. Thanks for visiting!