Community psychology is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic branches of psychology today. The discipline focuses on how people affect and are affected by their environments. More than other types of psychology, community psychology is focused on the big picture. Since community psychology focuses on the social system at large, those with a degree in the field have access to a broad range of career options.
But what degrees or licenses do you need to pursue a career in community psychology? The educational trajectory of someone who wishes to become a community psychologist is outlined here.
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree
Like any psychology professional, community psychologists must start with their bachelor’s degree. Many psychology programs may be suitable to prepare you for the next step toward becoming a community psychologist, but some programs are more focused than others.
Receiving a bachelor’s specifically tailored to community psychology can provide students with a strong foundation in the field, yet very few colleges offer such a degree. Pacific Oaks College offers in-person and online programs specifically for community psychology to help students develop their skills and graduate with a firm understanding of the discipline.
Whether or not a student pursues a master’s or doctoral education afterward, a bachelor’s degree in community psychology can prepare them for a career in education, government, or community development. It can also empower students to become social workers, digital marketers, counselors, and more.
Step 2: Graduate-level Degree
While a degree in community psychology certainly provides access to an array of related careers, those looking to become a community psychologist are encouraged to further their education by enrolling in a graduate-level degree program.
It’s most common for community psychologists to pursue their Doctorate. However, pPrior to earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D., students may or may notsometimes choose to receive earn a master’s degree in community psychology. A master’s degree qualifies individuals to pursue careers in research and public policy but doesn’t qualify them to be a clinical community psychologist.
Doctoral programs for community psychology generally include internships and include research that provides students with field experience. Through this experience, students can confidently enter a career as a clinical community psychologist, where they will be able to provide mental health services directly.
Step 3: Licensure
To practice as a clinical community psychologist with a doctorate degree, state licensure is required. If you pursue a career in a related field, licensure may not be required. In addition, licensure is not usually required to conduct research as a community psychologist.
While some licensed psychologists seek board certification through the American Association of Professional Psychology (ABPP), it is important to know that the ABPP does not offer certification in community psychology. Clinical community psychologists must receive a doctorate that has been APA approved. Studying at an accredited universityaccredited university can help ensure graduates are well prepared to pass state licensure exams.
Step 4: Careers
Once students have completed their education and earned the license they need, they are ready to start their professional career. To learn more about which possible avenues community psychologists could pursue, continue reading our Voices post 5 Community Psychology Career Paths You Can Explore.
Learn more about Community Psychology
Following these steps, you can feel confident when pursuing a career in community psychology. For more information on this dynamic career path, or to learn more about Pacific Oaks’ degree in community psychology, visit our program page. You can also fill out the information below to request more information.
