Neuropsychology is the practice of
identifying, diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain. Becoming a
neuropsychologist requires completing undergraduate and graduate degrees
in psychology prior to pursuing residencies or certificate programs
explicitly dealing with neuropsychology. Most coursework can be
completed online; however, residencies must be attended in person. The
following article outlines these steps from bachelor's to doctoral
degree, with supplementary information.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Program Overview
Undergraduate degree programs in psychology may result in a Bachelor
of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). B.S. programs are designed
for students who want to incorporate psychology concepts into a
non-related field, such as business. B.A. programs are tailored to
students who want to pursue a career in psychology or related fields of
social science, including neuropsychology. These programs instill skills
in writing, research, critical thinking, problem solving and analysis
in the pursuit of understanding behavioral patterns and cognitive
functions in people and populations.
The length of a bachelor's degree program in psychology ranges from
120-125 semester-hours and can be completed in about four years if the
student is enrolled full-time. These programs are widely available
entirely online, as well as in a hybrid format. Courses are often
structured so that students can complete the material at their own pace.
Online learning platforms like the Blackboard allow students to access
lesson plans, assignments, coursework, quizzes, exams and grades.
Students need to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet
connection, an updated operating system and an approved Web-browser.
Some courses are delivered via streaming and downloaded multimedia, so
the computer needs to have a media player with speakers.
List of Common Bachelor's Degree Programs in Psychology Online Courses
Most bachelor-level curricula have general education requirements in
subjects that include English, mathematics, natural sciences and the
humanities. These are paired with electives to complement the major
field of study courses.
Fundamental Concepts in Psychology Course
Primary areas of focus in this course include the definitions of and
influences on cognizance, sensory perception, behavioral patterns,
emotion, stress, motives and consciousness. Students then learn to
define the disorders associated with each.
Abnormal Psychology Course
This class looks at the causes, symptoms and treatment and
maintenance of mental and behavioral disorders. It touches upon such
categories as substance abuse, anxiety, psychophysiological,
personality, organic, sexual and psychoses disorders. Legal and ethical
issues surrounding these disorders are also emphasized.
Cognition Course
This course analyzes behavior, cognition, emotions and brain function
as they pertain to brain structure. It also emphasizes REM sleep,
memory, electrical brain activity and the neurological aspects of
behavior.
Online Master of Science in Psychology Degree Program Overview
Those who have completed an undergraduate degree in psychology are
eligible to enroll in a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology program.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field may need to
satisfy additional prerequisites to enroll. Through research, analysis
and real-world practice, these programs teach students advanced concepts
in psychology and therapy.
M.S. in Psychology programs can range from 53-65 semester-hours and
can be completed in 2-4 years. This variance is based on the curriculum
path; for example, students may complete a thesis or a cumulative
examination at the end of their program. They may also choose between
online and blended-hybrid formats.
List of Common Master of Science in Psychology Degree Program Courses
In addition to classes completed online, psychology students at the
master's degree level may be required to participate in 1-2 weeklong
residency sessions in therapy practices; prospective students may wish
to seek out programs that offer or accept experience in neuropsychology
environments at this stage.
Current Issues in Psychology Course
Students examine current topics and contemporary issues in
psychological practice. Advanced concepts include learning, memory,
cognition, motivation, stress, personality theories, behavioral
disorders, social psychology and biological-related issues.
Biopsychology Course
This course focuses on the study of the central and peripheral
nervous systems. It focuses on the influence that endocrinology,
neurobiology and physiology have on
human behavior. Further topics include neurotransmitters, neural conduction, sensory systems, attention, memory and language.
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology Course
Concepts in this course include the scientific method, internal
validity, external validity, ethics, experimental psychology and the
evaluation of research findings. Students use these in the study of
quantitative and qualitative research methods, the design of hypotheses
and the analysis of data.
Career Outlook for Graduates
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of May
2008, the employment rate for all psychologists is expected to rise by
12% between 2008 and 2018. Those with a master's degree may only be able
to assist in the field of neuropsychology, as most master-level
psychologists work in the field of industrial-organizational behavior,
according to the BLS (
www.bls.gov). These individuals may wish to pursue a doctorate to become neuropsychologists
Overview of an Online Doctoral Degree Program in Psychology
Doctoral-level programs may result in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). Programs often offer
specialized concentrations that allow students to focus their research
on one psychology-related fields, including neuropsychology. They are
typically designed to produce graduates who develop ethical clinical
psychological practices that provide treatment and care to a variety of
patients. Applicants must have completed a master's degree program in
psychology.
The length of doctoral degree programs in psychology vary
considerably, and can range from 3-5 years. While coursework can often
be completed entirely online, students generally need to attend weekend
residencies at campus locations. This results in a hybrid program
format. Online course material is both synchronous and asynchronous, so
students sometime have the flexibility of completing material at their
own pace. Many programs include a practicum period, where students gain
clinical field experience under the tutelage of professors.
List of Common Doctoral Degree Programs in Psychology Courses
Most programs culminate with the completion of a dissertation paper
that the student must defend before a faculty panel. Because these
papers may focus on an approved topic of the student's choosing, this is
one way for those interested in neuropsychology to begin specializing.
History of Psychology Practice Course
This course provides a survey of theories, research methods, schools
of thought and terminology used throughout the history of psychology.
Topics include Gestalt, Structuralism, Functionalism, Associationism,
Psychodynamics and Existentialism. Lessons address the evolution of
modern psychological theories and practices.
Psychometrics in Psychology Course
Students learn various practices with instruments used to measure
psychological traits. These include intellect, aptitude, personality,
interest and social capacity. They also learn to measure results by
applying the fundamentals of statistical inference.
Psychopathology and Treatment Course
This 2-semester course focuses on psychopathological disorders in
adults. Students learn to assess, diagnose and develop treatment options
for hypothetical patients. They pay particular attention to symptom
reduction and management of behavioral disorders.
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in psychology are qualified to
pursue residencies and, ultimately, work as clinical
neuropsychologists. Neuropsychologists must satisfy all certification
and licensing requirements for the state in which they wish to practice.
Payscale.com currently reports that the annual salary for this occupation ranges between $69,525 and $100,300.
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in psychology engage in
intensive research in brain-behavior relationships and professional
practices in neuropsychology. These programs are two years in length,
and they are offered through accredited institutions that prepare
participants to sit for the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
exam.
While especially rare, certificate programs in clinical
neuropsychology are available online for post-doctoral practicing
psychologists. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be
eligible to sit for the certification exam administered by the American
Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. Applicants must have completed a
master's or a doctoral degree program in psychology or a related field.
Programs are about 24 semester-hours in length, and all courses can be
completed entirely online in about two years. Six hours of coursework
involve students working at area clinical facilities approved by the
financial institution.
No comments:
Post a Comment