Ph.D. clinical psychology programs prepare students for careers in psychopathology and psychotherapy research. For this reason, Ph.D. programs tend to emphasize research methodology, including experimental methods and statistical data analysis. Ph.D. students conduct original research under guidance of faculty advisors and write up their results in doctoral dissertations. In addition to research and coursework, doctoral students must also present their results at academic conferences, publish papers in academic journals and complete clinical practica.

Prospective students do not need to hold undergraduate degrees in psychology specifically; however, they must demonstrate that they possess sufficient knowledge of psychology and statistics to succeed in their graduate careers. Relevant undergraduate research experience, though not strictly required, is crucial for admission to a top-ranked Ph.D. program.

Coursework for clinical psychology doctoral programs typically include both descriptive courses and methodology courses. Students gain up-to-date knowledge of specialized topics by taking graduate seminars. Typical courses include:

Graduates of associate degree programs in psychology can pursue entry-level careers in social services, education or mental health services, where they will be supervised by social workers, psychologists, counselors or teachers. The following list includes common career opportunities for individuals who hold associate degrees in psychology.

Those who hold bachelor's degrees in psychology can pursue career options in public relations, human resources, education, research, social services and related fields. Common career options include:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (www.bls.gov), as of May 2015, the median annual salary was $39,980 for substance abuse and behavior disorder counselors, $43,190 for mental health counselors and $53,660 for school and career counselors. From 2014 to 2024, the BLS expects 8% employment growth for school and career counselors, 22% growth for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, and 19% growth for mental health counselors.

Projections data released by the BLS indicate that employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists was expected to increase 20% between 2014 and 2024. The median annual salary of clinical psychologists was $70,580 as of May 2015.

Graduates of Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology can also work as professors at colleges or universities. According to the BLS, employment of professors is expected to increase 13% from 2014 to 2024. The median annual salary of postsecondary psychology teachers was $70,260 as of May 2015.

Licensure requirements for licensed professional counselors vary by state; however, all states require applicants to hold master's or doctoral degrees from accredited institutions. Applicants must also pass one or more licensing exams, such as the National Counselor Exam.

There are four levels of educational options available for those interested in human behavior: associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and Ph.D. With each elevation in schooling level brings more involvement in the field, including research, clinical practica, and presentations.

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Human Behavior Degrees and Majors - Study.com