What is the difference between psychology and counseling?

Both professions serve individuals dealing with mental health and situationally driven emotional challenges. The significant difference between the two professions can be found within the educational requirements.Counselors can serve clients after completing a master’s degree. This assumes that they are registered with the state governing body postgraduation.Psychologists can serve clients after completing a doctoral degree. As with counselors, this assumes that they are registered with the state governing body postgraduation.

How is a BA in Psychology different from a BS in Psychology?

The UMass Global psychology undergraduate program offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. A BA in Psychology provides a broad-based education, offering a wider perspective on the field of psychology. At UMass Global, the electives available within the general psychology concentration reflect this versatility, covering diverse topics such as “Issues in Aging,” “Family Systems and Dynamics,” “Child Development,” and “Survey of Forensic Psychology.” This breadth of coursework allows students to explore multiple areas of psychology and apply their knowledge across various fields and careers.Bachelor of science degrees in psychology typically are more research-oriented, with lab-based courses targeted toward graduate study in psychology.

How is the child psychology emphasis different from the general psychology emphasis with this bachelor’s in psychology program?

In this UMass Global degree program, students take a strong general core of required classes. Child Psychology is one of five concentrations, which includes 12 credits (four courses) that is taken along with the core requirements to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in child psychology.While the UMass Global BA in Child Psychology won’t allow you to counsel or clinically treat children upon completion of the degree (depending on the goal, that would require at least a master’s degree and either a teaching credential or other licensing), it will provide a substantial framework of knowledge on which to build next steps in higher education and a future career.

What career options would be available with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology?

While a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify someone to become a licensed child psychologist, it provides a strong foundation for careers that involve working with children in various settings. Graduates may find opportunities in education, social services, childcare, youth programming, or nonprofit organizations.Here are a few:Childcare provider — You could use this degree to work in daycare centers, preschools, foster care agencies, or as a nanny. To work in preschools, you would likely need to obtain additional certification.Child life specialist — Although not a clinical position, there are some hospitals and other medical facilities that focus on children’s health that hire individuals to help children cope with ongoing medical procedures.Youth counselor — Here the term “counselor” does not mean to that you can provide psychological counseling, It refers to working with youth, typically adolescents, in areas such as after-school programs, camps, and other programs. Social services assistant — With this level of education, you would be working in “assistant” roles. For instance, in the social work arena, you could be a case worker assistant focusing on supporting children and families. You could also be employed as a case manager assisting families and children in navigating social services and resources.Healthcare assistant — As with social services, in the healthcare arena, you could look for positions such as rehabilitation assistant, helping therapists who work with children recovering from injuries or managing their disabilities. Depending on the state in which you live, you could also serve as a mental health technician supporting licensed professionals in hospitals, residential treatment centers, or psychiatric facilities.

What sorts of career opportunities are available with a bachelor’s in psychology with an industrial/organizational psychology emphasis?

An emphasis in I/O psychology at the bachelor’s degree enhances job prospects in today's competitive market for several compelling reasons. I/O psychology provides individuals with knowledge, skills, and abilities that organizations value, including workplace dynamics, employee assessment, organizational development, and evidence-based management practices that generic business or psychology degrees don't cover. This specialized expertise is increasingly sought after as organizations recognize that their competitive advantage often lies in optimizing how they treat their employees.In addition, I/O psychologists have practical skills that can be applied and directly transferred to workplace challenges. This includes designing valid selection systems, creating effective training programs, conducting meaningful performance evaluations, aligning career goals of individuals with the organization, and implementing organizational change initiatives. Employers value employees who can immediately apply these skills to solve real business problems.With a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis in I/O psychology, here are a few examples of jobs you can obtain with an emphasis in I/O:Human Resources SpecialistCompensation and BenefitsTraining SpecialistJob RecruiterMarket Research AnalystResearch and Data AnalystPublic Relations SpecialistTo become a practicing I/O psychologist, you’ll need a master’s degree in I/O psychology. Many people who are I/O psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology with an IO specialization. The investment in advanced education typically yields substantial returns through expanded career options, higher compensation, and greater professional autonomy in addressing complex workplace challenges.

What are the career paths you will pursue after obtaining a BA in Psychology, Preparation for Advanced Study in Psychology or Preparation for Advanced Study in Counseling and what graduate degrees will be needed?

In psychology, your options are varied. You could stay within the field, pursuing a career in research, teaching, or become a practicing psychologist. Outside the field, a psychology degree translates well into a wide assortment of career roles in the private and public sectors. Understanding human behavior is valuable in just about any field. A psychology degree, coupled with a teaching credential (earned after your degree) could also allow a person to teach psychology at the high school level. In counseling, a master’s degree is sufficient to become a practicing counselor or marriage and family therapist. After earning your degree, you must also pass your licensing exam. A master’s degree will also enable you to become a school counselor or school psychologist.At UMass Global, we can help you pursue four options: becoming a counselor or a marriage and family therapist, or becoming a school counselor or school psychologist.With their Master of Arts degree (and passage of subsequent licensing exam) marriage and family therapists and professional clinical counselors can treat patients in private practice settings and work for private, public, or nonprofit organizations. It is more common for Ph.D. students to lean into research or teaching at the college level, while the Psy.D. is more for practicing psychologists.

Behavioral Health

Recruit, Retain, and Grow Your Talent with UMass Global

Staffing shortages continue to challenge behavioral health providers across the country. As demand grows for licensed social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, organizations like yours are seeking innovative ways to attract and retain qualified employees.

At University of Massachusetts Global, we offer flexible, industry-aligned academic programs and training partnerships that help behavioral health employers build stronger, more resilient teams. From degree discounts to custom learning solutions, our partnerships are designed to support your workforce development goals—whether you're looking to fill open positions or invest in the team you already have.

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Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.

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UMass Global has been a welcoming school to veterans and adult learners. The courses offered provide exceptional learning and skillsets needed for your profession. This university is a great solution, more importantly to adult learners coming back after years of being out or being a parent, especially a single parent.

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The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.

Robert P.

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UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees at University of Massachusetts Global are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

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