Keiser University is ranked as one of the best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking is a testament to the outstanding instruction, research, and learning opportunities provided on both the F. Lauderdale and online campuses of the school.
The doctoral program in psychology at Keiser features rigorous coursework along with a variety of meaningful research and teaching activities. Following an innovative scholar-practitioner model, the program is offered at several Florida campuses, including Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Melbourne, Miami, and of course, completely online.
It’s designed for students who wish to become researchers, professors, human resources managers, or even consultants. A leadership-focused program, it consists of 60 graduate hours of credit (plus an additional 18 if you only have a bachelor’s degree upon admission). Two residencies are required during the program to help provide students with enriching mentoring and in-person networking opportunities.
More InformationWhat are the fastest-growing careers in psychology?
Earn a degree in psychology, and you’ll be equipped with the skills and credentials necessary to pursue a wide variety of careers. You will be able to address the ever-growing needs of a society that struggles socially and economically, with challenges that are reflected back in schools, relationships, and other settings.
One of the fastest-growing careers in psychology is that of the school psychologist. The field has been growing rapidly since the turn of the century. You could also pursue a career as a vocational and career counselor, which will allow you to utilize your strong “people skills” to help others find direction in their lives.
That’s not all, though. With a Ph.D. in psychology, you could also work as a clinical psychologist or an industrial-organizational psychologist. Although these careers are varied and require unique skill sets, what all psychology careers have in common is that the professions are growing steadily—and available just about anywhere in the country.
Can I complete my psychology degree entirely online?
If you’re considering a degree in psychology, you would be smart to choose one that is offered entirely online. You can earn your Ph.D. without ever setting foot on campus! There are lots of benefits to online classes. Not only can you complete assignments and watch lectures on your own time, but you’ll be able to fit the demands of earning a degree into your already hectic life.
The format of your courses will be almost identical to what you would study on-campus, too. After all, you don’t need to sit in a classroom in order to learn. You can watch and rewatch materials as many times as you’d like, learning at your own pace so you’re sure to master the material. Plus, you’ll benefit from scheduling flexibility that you simply can’t match at a brick-and-mortar school.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
When you start researching Ph.D. programs in psychology, you might be confused about the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Luckily, they’re pretty easy to differentiate.
Psychology is the broad study of human behavior, with many core threads in the discipline tied directly back to various schools of thought in philosophy. However, it’s interdisciplinary, too, often bleeding into other academic subjects like neuroscience and education.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is someone who works to correctly diagnose and treat mental health problems. While you will draw from many of the same disciplines as you would with a degree in psychology, a psychiatrist will pursue a career that is more concrete and clinically based.
Do I need work experience?
While some Ph.D. programs will require you to have a degree of experience in psychology, that’s not the case for all of them. Getting into the school of your dreams can be tough, but having a bit of work experience can only help you as you make the journey.
Even volunteer experience can help. Not only will you have a better idea of what your future work will entail, but you’ll get a greater sense of direction, too. After all, the field of psychology has many specializations available – by getting some experience, you can get a better idea of which direction you would like to take with your career.
Many programs also require letters of recommendation for admission. Often, you’ll need three letters—one of which should be from an employer or volunteer supervisor. The more work experience you have, the better equipped you will be to furnish those letters.
Does my psychology degree need to be accredited?
Yes, your psychology degree should be accredited. With thousands of accredited psychology schools in the country, there’s really no good reason not to pursue an accredited degree. After all, you are paying good money for your program—you need to make sure your degree is recognized by employers and other universities.
National or regional accreditation is important, but it can also help to verify that your school has a programmatic accreditation by a regulating body in psychology. Although there are several bodies that do this, one of the most reputable organizations is the American Psychological Association.
There are some risks in selecting a program that is not accredited. Not only will you not be able to qualify for state or federal financial aid, but you may not be able to pursue licensure as a psychologist upon graduation, either.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out the Top 35 Fastest Online College Programs and the Top 20 Fastest Online Doctoral Programs!