Certificate in Psychology

Psychology is a field that focuses on the study of human mind and its functions. A variety of academic programs are available in this field.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists typically need a master’s, doctoral or a specialist degree in psychology. In addition to degree programs, certificates and diplomas courses are also offered in psychology.

1. Types of Psychology Certificates
2. Undergraduate Certificates in Psychology
3. Graduate Certificates in Psychology
4. Professional Diplomas in Psychology
5. Career Options

Featured Programs

In addition to the certificate programs, professional diplomas in psychology are also available to build on students’ knowledge and enable them to earn additional credentials. Some of these programs enable students to specialize in a particular area within psychology while others are useful for professional development in the field. In addition to classroom based learning, certificates and diplomas may also provide students with opportunities for clinical learning.

Other than traditional schools, some online schools also offer certificates and diplomas in psychology. The online route can be suitable for psychologists who wish to study further and improve their career prospects. Since the online certificate courses allow students to study remotely and at timings that suit their individual routine, working professionals can enroll in them, without making major changes to their daily routine.

Types of Psychology Certificates

There are a number of certificates and diplomas that students can enroll in such as:

• Experimental Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Engineering Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Biopsychology
• Professional diploma in psychology

Undergraduate Certificates in Psychology

Undergraduate certificate programs are available for students pursuing their bachelor's degree. These programs can be suitable for students who wish to study psychology, but not as their major. Students can typically complete these programs in one to two years.  In addition to classroom based learning, students in these courses will cover research elements as well. Some of the topics they may study are:

• Psychology statistics
• Social psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Perception and sensation

Graduate Certificates in Psychology

In addition to undergraduate options, psychology certificates are also offered at the graduate level. These programs are designed for students who are enrolled in the master’s or PhD programs in psychology and allow students to pick an area of specialty such as, organizational, clinical or social psychology. Enrolling in graduate certificates may allow students to take state licensure exams; they may improve career opportunities for students who wish to get into the field of research or teaching. 

Coursework in the graduate certificate courses include classroom instruction as well as an internship or assistantship. Some programs may also require students to complete a dissertation. Coursework may include instruction in a variety of topics such as:

• Psychological assessment
• Psychopharmacology
• Behavioral research
• Clinical therapy
• Human development

Professional Diplomas in Psychology

Students can also enroll in the professional diplomas offered in the field of psychology. These programs are sometimes an extension of a master's degree in psychology. Students may pursue a diploma in a particular area within the field such as school psychology or general psychology. They get a chance to engage in coursework as well as practical placements. Just like certificate programs, these courses are designed to promote an integration of knowledge and skill development. Generally, to enroll in these programs candidates need to hold a bachelor’s degree while some programs require students to hold a graduate degree.

Career Options

Earning degrees, certificates and diplomas in psychology prepares students to apply for positions such as psychologist, career and school counselors and social workers. Some psychologists work independently while others work as part of a healthcare team. Clinical and counseling psychologists in private practice have their own offices while research psychologists work in colleges and universities, and private research organizations. Career and school counselors generally work in elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools. Some are also employed by healthcare and social assistance sectors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for psychologists is expected to grow by 12%, which is faster than the average for all other occupations between 2012 and 2022. Career opportunities for school and career counselor as well as social workers are also likely to increase during the same time.