3 Compelling Reasons to Pursue a Graduate Degree in Psychology

Earning a master’s degree can help you unlock a wide range of opportunities to which you would not necessarily be able to attain without one. This includes a graduate degree in psychology.

So, what are some of the big reasons to pursue a master’s in psychology? Let’s consider a handful of them to see if this graduate degree option might be able to benefit you.

1. It offers several areas of specialization.

Many graduate degree programs in psychology offer a number of specializations. This allows students to choose a specific area of the large field of psychology on which they would like to focus. For instance, Saint Leo University’s Master of Science in psychology offers the following tracks:

• General Psychology: This track prepares students with a broad approach to advanced skills and practices in psychology.
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology: For students looking to apply the study of human behavior to the workplace, corporations, organizations, government agencies, the military, and academia, the industrial/organizational specialization is a great option.
• Health Psychology: This track offers students the opportunity to develop and apply information about the biological, psychological, motivational, emotional, and sociocultural factors that affect human health and illness and health behaviors.
• Teaching of Psychology: For those with a passion for teaching psychology at the undergraduate level, this specialization will help you achieve this career goal. You will learn both specific content knowledge and instructional strategies for many areas of psychology, along with education and training to prepare you for the teaching field.

2. It can unlock new career opportunities.

While a bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to many rewarding career opportunities, a master’s degree can help you qualify for even more professional roles. Health and forensic psychology are two examples of career tracks in which at least a graduate degree in psychology is typically required.

Other positions of note you may be able to pursue with a master’s in psychology include:

• Data analyst
• Market and survey researcher
• Project manager
• Statistical consultant
• Human resources executive

3. It opens the door to doctoral studies.

Most doctorate degree programs require students to have a graduate degree in order for admission. Therefore, by earning a graduate degree in psychology, you can set yourself up for the opportunity to pursue a terminal degree in the future.

There are two common examples of psychology-related doctoral degrees. These include:

• The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): As with most Ph.D. programs, a Ph.D. in psychology is focused on research and academia. However, it can prepare graduates for roles in clinical settings as well.  
• The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.): This doctoral program is more focused on giving students the practical skills to work in a wide range of clinical settings.

Consider the Saint Leo Psychology Graduate Degree Program

If you’re thinking about the pursuit of a graduate degree in psychology, check out the Saint Leo psychology master’s program. This fully online curriculum provides students with a comprehensive, global understanding of human behavior and focuses on a wide range of psychological theories and practices.

You can request more information about this graduate program here. If you’re ready to get started and take your psychology career to the next level, you can also apply today. We look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals.