Neuropsychology Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 177 schools)

Online Degrees in Neuropsychology

Online programs in neuropsychology are not easy to find. This is because neuropsychology focuses on the structure and chemicals of the nervous system. It frequently requires hands-on research such as dissection or planning and implementing a study to test a behavioral theory. Unfortunately, these tasks must often be completed on campus.

Another reason why finding online programs in neuropsychology is difficult is because almost all of the neuropsychology degrees offered are at the doctorate level, and there are fewer online doctorate-level classes than there are undergraduate or master's programs.

Being admitted to a neuropsychology program requires a high level of proficiency in psychology as well as in biology, chemistry and physics. Students are also expected to maintain a high grade point average throughout the program.

Online Programs in Neuropsychology to Consider

Fielding Graduate University: Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California, offers a two-year postdoctoral certificate program. It is not really an online program, since students are expected to attend regularly scheduled "cluster groups" located around the city. The postdoctoral certificate is only for the student who already has his or her doctorate degree in psychology, is already in practice and who wants to add neurobiology as a specialty.

The Graduate Institute: At the master's level, one of the closest thing you'll find to a neuropsychology degree is this Master of Arts program in consciousness evolution. This 36-hour degree program studies consciousness from several different perspectives, including biological and spiritual perspectives. Neuropsychology is touched upon, but is not the focus of the coursework.

Introduction to Neuropsychology Careers

Is there a particular portion of the brain where one stores memories of the lyrics of a favorite song? Are multiple parts of the brain responsible for single thoughts, or is the brain rigidly compartmentalized such that thoughts are produced in single locations? Is it possible to scientifically determine whether a person is lying by monitoring brain activity? These are some of the questions of neuropsychology.

Useful Resources

• International Neuropsychological Society
• American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
• American Board of Professional Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology Job Description

Neuropsychology is the scientific study of the connection between the brain and behavior. The brain is composed of molecules, cells and chemicals whose constitution and interaction are responsible for behaviors ranging from breathing to feeling love to thinking abstractly. Neuropsychologists seek to map the composition of the brain and determine how the elements interact to produce psychological phenomena.

Clinical neuropsychologists apply the field's principles and methods to the diagnosis and treatment of patients, assessing and treating neuropsychological functioning in patients with ailments ranging from traumatic brain injury to chemical addiction and Alzheimer's. Clinical neuropsychologists attempt to relate behavioral symptoms to specific physical changes and processes within the brain. Research or experimental neuropsychologists focus on devising hypotheses regarding brain functioning and empirically verifying them in academic and laboratory settings.

Neuropsychology Requirements

As undergraduates, future neuropsychologists tend to major in psychology, biology or neuroscience. Some have backgrounds in computer science as well, which can be helpful in studying artificial intelligence. Post their undergraduate education, they pursue training culminating in a doctor of philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.), depending on the type of neuropsychology they wish to engage in. The most competitive candidates for these degrees possess prior research experience, relevant undergraduate study and satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Neuropsychology Career Outlook

Clinical neuropsychologists must obtain governmental licensure. Since states generally do not have a specific license for neuropsychologists, practitioners are likely to seek a license in clinical psychology. In order to be licensed, degree-holders must pass an examination and demonstrate appropriate professional experience, which typically involves one to two years of supervised clinical internships. Clinical neuropsychologists normally work in hospital settings or in private practice. As of May 2010, neuropsychologists reportedly earned an average of $91,000.

Neuropsychology Trends

One of the hottest trends in neuropsychology is the use of functional imaging--basically employing MRIs to observe physical and chemical activity within the brain as various tasks are performed. Through such imaging, neuropsychologists hope to gain greater understanding of the physical processes underlying various behaviors.

Neuropsychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Neuropsychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 177 schools across the country.

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