In the next 10 years, the demand for psychologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Since there are more individuals and students who are affected by family violence, crime, alcohol, drug abuse, there is a growing trend of student seeking school psychologists for counseling. Because of this demand, the career opportunities in this field are growing. Beginning your profession as a school psychologist is a great way to jump-start your career. Interested and determined students that are in pursuit of this career path are ensured of a bright future ahead of them.

Education Requirement

Depending on which US state you are in, the minimum requirement to be a qualified school psychologist varies. Most states accept a master degree in psychology or counseling while states like Hawaii and Maine require a minimum of doctorate degree to be qualified. Other states like Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania accept a bachelor’s degree in psychology. To ensure that you are qualified and accepted in most states, it is better to go for a master in psychology or counseling degree.

Earning the psychology degree can be done through various educational channels. You may choose to attend a campus-based university or enroll in one of the online psychology degree programs offered by your university. Online psychology degree has advantages over traditional campus-based degree program in terms of flexibility and convenience of learning. This type of learning channel is perfect for working individuals who are interested to further their career in psychology and become a certified school psychologist. The online course will not interrupt your current working schedule and at the same time maintain your current life style.

Nature of Work

The main responsibility of the school psychologists include the following: consulting with teachers regarding classroom behavior problems, administering standardized tests and developing special programs for the intellectually and emotionally challenged students. Also, a school psychologist isn’t limited to just one school, most of the time psychologists would have to divide their time between several schools in one geographic area. If therapy is needed, the psychologist will have to refer the child or individual to a mental health facility in the community for treatment.

Other responsibilities include teaching lessons on parenting skills, substance abuse and various topics important to healthy schools. School psychologists may also need to research on the effectiveness of the school’s academic programs and behavior management procedures.

Career Advancement

If you’re already a practicing school psychologist with a master degree, further your education to the doctorate level. This will increase your competitiveness and competency in your field. This will help move your career patch to a management level position. While your experience will help you move to a higher level in your career, you may also choose to switch to another related field in psychology; you may be a consultant to several large organizations where psychology expertise is needed.

Summary

The high demand for school psychologists has made the profession one of the important positions in schools and learning institutions. This has created many career opportunities for those who are interested in this field. Securing a master degree in psychology or counseling can ensure you that you will be able to start your career as a school psychologist.

The Argosy University, founded in 2001, unified Hawaiis’ finest and medical universities – the American School of Professional Psychology, University of Sarasota and the Medical Institute of Minnesota – into one institution. The merging of these medical and business schools brings a great opportunity for incoming students, who truly know their vocation and, at the same time, explore the possibilities of their future.

The university has four colleges. They are the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and College of Health Sciences. Across the United States, there are nineteen locations that serve Argosy students. These campuses are found in various islands in Hawaii, Atlanta-Georgia, Chicago-Illinois, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles-California, Nashville-Tennessee, Orange County-California, Phoenix-Arizona, Salt Lake City-Utah, San Francisco-California, San Diego-California, Sarasota-Florida, Schaumburg, Seattle, Tampa-Florida, Inland Empire, Twin Cities and Washington, D. C. The university also offers online courses for interested students, who wants to study in Argosy but is limited geographically.

For students at Argosy University – Hawaii, they can pursue degrees in Psychology, Counselor Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Education, Business, Criminal Justice, and Liberal Arts. In addition, the university also offers various programs that open up different educational opportunities for university students. University students can pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree or other professional certification through the university’s courses and internships.

Recently, the Argosy University – Hawaii announced a new program, the Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision program. The program is open for students who are seeking graduate level degrees in this field. Students eyeing this program should prepare to enter the world of academics, research and clinical studies in Counselor Education.

The main Argosy campus of Hawaii is located on the island of Oahu. The university also has satellite campuses on Hilo and Maui islands. University services are, however, limited in satellite locations.

Currently, the majority of the student body of Argosy University – Hawaii consists of students who are pursuing graduate level degrees. Included in this population are a large number of professionals who seek to further their education and career in the corporate world.