Can I Become a Psychiatrist with a Psychology Degree?

Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the United States, and for good reason. With a growing focus on mental health and wellness, more students are asking how to become a psychologist with a psychology degree. The career appeals to those who want to understand human behavior, provide counseling, or contribute to research that helps people live healthier lives.

While earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a strong first step, it’s not the final one. Licensed psychologists must complete graduate education, supervised clinical training, and state certification before they can practice independently. 

The process can take years, but it leads to meaningful careers in counseling, research, education, and organizational settings. In this article, we’ll break down the degrees you need, the step-by-step path to becoming a psychologist, career options, and common questions students often ask.

What Degree Do You Need To Become a Psychologist?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides the foundation you need, but it won’t qualify you to practice as a psychologist. Most professionals in the field complete either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). 

Both degrees prepare you for licensure, but they focus on different career paths. A PhD is research-focused and often leads to roles in academia or advanced psychological studies. A PsyD emphasizes clinical practice, preparing students for therapy and counseling careers.

Some students pursue a master’s degree in psychology before moving on to a doctorate. While a master’s degree alone rarely qualifies you to become a licensed psychologist, it may be sufficient for certain roles like counseling, research coordination, or applied behavior analysis. Choosing between a PhD, PsyD, or master’s program depends on your long-term career goals and whether you want to work primarily with patients, in research, or within organizations.

How To Become a Psychologist With a Psychology Degree

Becoming a psychologist requires years of preparation. Below are the main steps you’ll follow after completing high school.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

During your undergraduate years, you’ll study subjects like abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, and statistics. Many programs also include lab work and electives in areas like social psychology or neuroscience. 

A bachelor’s degree prepares you with critical thinking and research skills while introducing you to different subfields. While you cannot practice as a psychologist with this degree alone, it’s essential preparation for graduate school and related entry-level roles.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience

Experience is just as important as coursework. You can volunteer at crisis hotlines, intern at mental health clinics, or assist faculty members in psychology research labs. 

Some students work as residential counselors, psychiatric aides, or case managers after graduation. These experiences not only strengthen your graduate school applications but also help you decide which branch of psychology best fits your interests.

Step 3: Pursue a Graduate Degree

Graduate school is required to advance. A master’s program usually takes two to three years and may prepare you for limited counseling or research roles, depending on state laws. 

A PhD program can take four to seven years and focuses on advanced research, data analysis, and teaching. A PsyD program typically takes about four years and is designed for those who want to work directly with patients in clinical settings. Admission is competitive and often requires GRE scores, a strong GPA, and research experience.

Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

Graduate training includes supervised practicums and internships where you’ll work directly with patients under the guidance of licensed professionals. Practicums focus on building skills, while internships provide more intensive hands-on experience. 

Most states require between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of supervised practice before you can apply for licensure. This stage ensures you gain real-world competence before practicing independently.

Step 5: Obtain Licensure and Certification

After completing your degree and supervised hours, you must pass a state licensing exam. Most states require the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which tests knowledge of ethics, assessment, and clinical practices. 

Some states also require jurisprudence exams on local laws. Once licensed, psychologists must complete continuing education to maintain their credentials. Many also pursue board certification in specialties like clinical psychology or school psychology to demonstrate advanced expertise.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Psychologist?

The journey from freshman year to full licensure can take eight to 12 years. A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years, a master’s adds two to three, and doctoral study can take an additional four to seven depending on the program. 

Residency, supervised hours, and dissertation research can extend the timeline. While this may seem long, it’s comparable to other professions like medicine or law, and it leads to a highly respected and impactful career.

How Much Do Psychologists Make?

Psychologists earn competitive salaries, though pay varies by specialty, employer, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median salary of $96,100 per year. 

Industrial-organizational psychologists often earn more, with salaries that can exceed $160,000 annually. Psychologists in private practice or government roles may also have higher earnings, while nonprofit or academic roles tend to pay less. Your earning potential increases with advanced training, experience, and specialization.

Types of Psychology Careers You Can Pursue

A psychology degree opens many doors, but the exact path you take depends on your interests and education level.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy and psychological assessments. They often work in hospitals, private practices, or community health centers. A doctoral degree and state licensure are required.

Counseling Psychologist

Counseling psychologists focus on helping people with everyday challenges like stress, relationships, or career changes. They use therapy to support overall well-being rather than treating severe mental illness. Most need a doctoral degree, though some roles may be available with a master’s.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

I/O psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace. They may design employee training, study productivity, or improve hiring practices. These roles typically require a master’s degree at minimum, though a PhD can open more advanced opportunities.

School Psychologist

School psychologists support students’ mental health and learning needs. They provide assessments, counseling, and interventions in K-12 settings. Most states require a specialist-level degree (EdS) or a doctoral degree along with state certification.

Research Psychologist

Research psychologists study human behavior through experiments and long-term studies. They often work in universities, government agencies, or think tanks. A PhD is typically required for these positions, especially for leading research projects.

FAQs About Becoming a Psychologist

Many students considering psychology have questions about the timeline, requirements, and what life in the field is really like. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.

Is Psychology a Hard Career Path?

Psychology is a demanding path because of the years of education and supervised training required. Graduate programs are competitive, and licensing involves rigorous exams. 

However, students passionate about mental health often find the challenge worthwhile. Helping people improve their lives or advancing research that shapes the future of care can make the effort deeply rewarding.

Can I Become a Psychologist With Just a Bachelor’s Degree?

You cannot become a licensed psychologist with only a bachelor’s degree. However, you can work in related roles such as case management, research assistance, or human resources. 

Many graduates also use their degree as a stepping stone to master’s or doctoral study. If you know you want to practice psychology, plan early for graduate school.

What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists and psychiatrists both work in mental health, but their training differs. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete medical school and can prescribe medication. Psychologists earn doctoral degrees in psychology and provide therapy, counseling, and psychological testing but generally cannot prescribe medication in most states.

Do All Psychologists Need a PhD?

Most psychologists hold either a PhD or PsyD, especially for clinical practice and research. However, some states allow limited practice with a master’s degree in psychology, often in counseling or applied behavior analysis. You should research the licensing requirements in your state before choosing your degree path.

Is Becoming a Psychologist Worth It?

For students committed to mental health, becoming a psychologist can be a highly rewarding career. You’ll need to weigh the years of education and costs against long-term benefits like steady employment, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Explore Psychology Degrees

You can start your journey by exploring accredited psychology degree programs that fit your career goals. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, research, or counseling, Learn.org can help you find programs that prepare you for the next step.