School Psychology Programs are centered on studying human behavior. Psychology is the study of why people do the things they do. Understanding the reasoning behind people’s actions, thoughts and emotions is the focus of all psychology research. The differing licensing options in the field of psychology will depend greatly upon one’s goals and planned use of the license.
Psychologists apply their studies in career opportunities that include human services in a variety of settings such as hospitals, prisons, counseling centers, and businesses or, as in many cases, they may set up private practices. Applications of psychology are utilized in a number of areas that affect one’s health as well as their daily lives and include such treatments for mental health issues, performance enhancement, and self-help initiatives.
School psychology programs and academic course work will concentrate on a number of different areas:
- Normal human growth and development.
- Abnormal human behavior.
- Appraisal or assessment techniques.
- Counseling theories.
- Counseling methods and techniques for individual therapy.
- Counseling methods and techniques for group sessions.
- Research and applying research
- Lifestyle development.
- Career development.
- Social development.
- Family dynamics.
- Professional orientations.
Academic programs will require practicum, or work placement and successful completion course credits must appear on transcripts. Practicum courses, in each specialized field of study, are designed to give students supervised practical application of a previously or concurrently studied theory.
Degrees Earned in School Psychology Programs
The doctorate degrees earned in the field of psychotherapy or behavioral sciences are distinctively different. The fields of study break down into two categories, psychiatry and psychology. Psychology is often confused with psychiatry as they both interact with patients regarding mental health or behavioral issues.
Psychiatrist ~ A psychiatrist is a physician who has earned his doctorate specializing in the field of mental illness. As a licensed medical doctor, an M.D., a psychiatrist can treat the body and the mind as well as prescribe medications.
Psychologist ~ A psychologist has earned his doctorate as a doctor of psychology. He is not an M.D. and for the most part cannot prescribe medication to his patients although some states are currently reviewing procedures that would allow some medications to be prescribed by psychologists.
It is the study of psychology that we break up the level of classifications even further, for you here. Within the field of psychology there are a number of specialized differences that school psychology programs will offer depending upon the level of course studies chosen.
PhD Psychologist ~ A PhD psychologist is a doctor of psychology, a doctorate degree that focuses primarily on research. Graduates with PhD are trained to be creators of research as well application practices.
PsyD Psychologist ~ A PsyD psychologist is also a doctor of psychology, a doctorate degree, centering on applying research but not creating research. Studies are meant to prepare their graduates as practicing psychologists.
Licensed Professional Counselor ~ A licensed professional counselor (LPC), also recognized as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), is the degree reached by one who has earned a master’s level degree in the field of psychology. Research assistants, guidance or school counselors have earned this level degree.
Psychiatric Nursing ~ A psychiatric nurse holds a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. They are able to assess patients, diagnose disorders, provide some psychotherapy as well as prescribe some medications.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology ~ A graduate of school psychology programs with a four year bachelor’s degree are recognized as career counselors, case managers or rehabilitation specialists.
School Psychology Sub-field Programs
Psychology is a widespread field that encompasses a number of specialized subfields. Often called the science of the mind, psychology refers not only to the research that is involved but also to utilizing that research through real world application processes. The diverse field of school psychology programs will include course studies in research and application for specialized degrees in the following areas:
Abnormal Psychology focuses on the abnormal behavior and the history of psychopathology, the study of mental illness.
Biological Psychology or biopsychology intensely focuses on how biological factors influence the mind and behavior. Heavy emphasis is put on neurosciences with possible links to brain injury or abnormalities.
Clinical psychology focuses strictly on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders that may include procedures for prevention as well. One of the larger sub-fields of psychology, school psychology programs offer specialty field courses that include child or adult mental health, emotional issues, substance abuse, and geriatrics.
Cognitive Psychology is the study of the thought processes and cognitive patterns that influence us. Memory, perception, attention, language and decision making as well as problem solving skills are covered in this field.
Comparative Psychology concern itself with the research of animal behavior and how an in-depth understanding may relate to humans.
Developmental Psychology looks at human growth and development over an entire lifespan and may focus on the growth of morality and social identities and other issues that define us.
Forensic Psychology concentrates on the science of psychological research applied in the legal and criminal justice system. School psychology programs in the field of forensics include criminal investigation techniques.
Industrial Psychology provides study on work place behavior in order to enhance work place performance as well as productivity. Employee suitability and selection is also a focus of this sub-field.
Personality Psychology studies the different theories explaining the different aspects of personality and their development by examining the patterns of thoughts and feelings that produce behavior characterized by individual preferences and personality traits.
School Psychology programs specialize in producing practitioners who work within the education system helping children with emotional, social, and academic issues.
Social Psychology utilizes scientific methods to observe and study the influence, perception and interaction of social issues, delving into group behavior, non-verbal communication and behavioral traits, conformity, aggression, and prejudice.
Psychology programs are offered online through many of the top colleges and universities. Check your favorite school for program options and availability. Many of the course requirements may include state certifications that require specific procedural course work. Be sure to check your state’s requirements. Online graduate programs work with teachers and administrators, maximizing the effectiveness of the school psychology programs.
