Master’s in Psychology in Alaska
Find Programs for Master’s in Psychology Degrees in Alaska
As the human mind is one of the most complex and multifaceted aspects of modern medicine, it should come as no surprise that many psychology careers require practitioners to have, at minimum, a Master’s degree. In Alaska, this has proven difficult for some of the more remote areas of the state. Although mental health care needs are as great in these remote areas as they are in more urban areas, residents have less access to psychiatric services.
While Alaska combats this problem by opening new community care centers throughout the state, the need for care providers and mental health experts remains high (Peninsula Clarion, 2015). Since Alaska has a sizable Native Alaskan population, much of the state could benefit from mental health practitioners with cultural sensitivity and experience working with minority populations.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree and some prior coursework in psychology, Master’s psychology programs may be the next step in your education. Learn more about this degree and contact Master’s programs in psychology in Alaska for more information.
What Can You Expect from Psychology Master’s Programs in Alaska?
One of the most important things to keep in mind as you learn about traditional and online Master’s psychology programs is that there isn’t just one type of psychology graduate degree. In fact, the field of psychology covers so many different areas of expertise and specialized studies that there are many degree options to consider.
While a Master’s degree in general psychology may cover the broadest amount of topics, you may also want to learn about graduate degrees in counseling psychology, psychological research, neuropsychology, abnormal psychology, and organizational psychology.
In general, psychology programs at this level require approximately two years of full-time study. During this time, you should earn at least 30 credits in classroom, research, and practical experience courses. The courses you are required to take are heavily dependent on which specialty you choose.
For example, you may choose to study organizational psychology, in which you learn how psychology is applicable to business and how to use psychology for better staff morale, improved job performance, and employee communication. Courses that may be required in a degree program like this one include Organizational Behavior, Personnel Psychology, Psychopathology in Community Settings, Program Development and Evaluation, and Job Analysis & Competency Modeling.
There are scholarships and grants available for different specialties in psychology. If you want to work as a school counselor, you may apply for funding through the Alaska School Counselor Association.
Working With Your Master’s Degree in Psychology in Alaska
Before you even select a school, you may want to learn more about graduate-level psychology careers in Alaska, since your degree choice may have a significant influence on the job opportunities you enjoy.
One popular option is clinical counseling. By the year 2022, O*Net predicts a 13% increase in job openings in this field (2015). The average salary in this career is $66,400 per year (O*Net, 2015).
Another area of opportunity is rehabilitation counseling. Demand for rehabilitation counselors may swell 20% through 2022, and O*Net reports a median income of $55,000 per year for Alaska rehabilitation counselors (O*Net, 2015).
If you want to improve the lives of Alaska residents, a Master’s degree in psychology may help you reach that goal. Request information from Alaska Master’s in psychology programs now.
