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Master’s in Psychology in Alabama

Find Programs for Master’s in Psychology Degrees in Alabama

There are some fields in which graduate study is a prerequisite of employment. For many psychology careers, you simply need a Master’s degree to get your foot in the door. Whether or not you have studied psychology at the undergraduate level, a Master’s degree in psychology could help you reach your career goals in Alabama.

Master’s programs in psychology can give you the knowledge and experience you need to make a difference in this state. It is an especially important field of study right now, when Alabama is attempting to restructure the fields of mental health services and prison reform. In fact, Alabama legislators recently decided that the new state budget must fully fund mental health changes (Alabama Media Group, 2015). Implementing these changes may require the expertise and staffing of those with advanced degrees in psychology.

If you are looking for a degree that allows you to make a difference in society, explore many different career paths, and delve into one of the fastest growing areas of study in social services, learn more about Master’s psychology programs in Alabama.

What Can You Expect from Psychology Master’s Programs in Alabama?

The type of educational experience you get at a graduate-level psychology program in Alabama depends a lot on which field of study you decide to focus on. A Master’s degree in general psychology is a popular option, but many students choose instead to focus on one particular psychological specialty, as this may prepare you for high-level positions in each specialty.

Master’s degree programs in psychology may focus on organizational psychology, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, school counseling, research psychology, and numerous other fields. However, you can typically expect these programs to require approximately two years of study.

Unlike undergraduate psychology programs, which tend to offer a broad education in the field of psychology, Master’s degree psychology programs explore different theories, techniques, and research findings at an advanced level. Your curriculum may delve into different areas in advanced classes like Foundations of Pathopsychology, Physiological Basis of Behavior, Psychoanalytic Theory, Psychology of Social Behavior, and Advanced Forensic Psychology.

Alamaba Student Giving Thumbs Up While Studying For Her Psychology Masters

This field of study tends to require some laboratory or research time, so you should anticipate spending some of your time in the community or in a research setting.

There may be scholarship and grant opportunities open to you, depending on how you plan on using your graduate degree. If you want to go into clinical work, you may be able to offset the shortage of mental health workers in Alabama. The Alabama Office of Primary Care and Rural Health funds scholarships for those who agree to work in a rural Alabama setting after graduation.

Working With Your Master’s Degree in Psychology in Alabama

It is important to recognize that your career options after graduation may be determined by the specialty, internship, and course selections you make as a graduate student. Many graduate-level psychology careers require licensure, which often requires a specific field of study.

Many graduates decide to go into the field of mental health counseling, a field which expects to see a 24% increase in demand by 2022 (O*Net, 2015). The average salary in this field is $42,700 per year (O*Net, 2015).

Another path to consider is rehabilitation counseling, a field that pays an average of $34,900 per year in Alabama (O*Net, 2015). Job openings in this specialty may increase by 21% through 2022 (O*Net, 2015).

Are you ready to use your ambition and empathy to make a difference? Take the first step now by contacting Master’s degree programs in psychology in Alabama.