A doctorate is a degree that is awarded at the end of an academic track and signifies that a person has undertaken the most rigorous specialization available in a chosen field. Those who possess a doctorate degree in psychology are regarded as experts in their areas of study by both the general public and by the world of academia.
Earning a doctorate degree in psychology requires a few years of original research. The typical doctorate student writes a lengthy thesis on a topic of their choosing. Research contained in the dissertation is generally expected to be relatively advanced, and those who desire to make a tangible contribution to the field of psychology usually have the opportunity to do so while earning a doctorate degree.
Merits of Getting a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
Earning a doctorate in Counseling Psychology can expand one’s professional opportunities. Psychologists with doctorate degrees can choose to specialize in different types of counseling, including marriage and family counseling, educational counseling, guidance and career counseling, rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling and substance abuse counseling.
A doctorate degree in psychology enables students to apply principles of psychology, mental health and development to help clients achieve affective, behavioral, cognitive or systemic change that can improve their lives. Counseling can be a rewarding career that may be pursued in a variety of different professional settings.
Many people who successfully earn a doctorate degree become university or college professors or get engaged in research work geared towards the development of new treatment methods. Landing a coveted tenure position at a university can be an arduous and competitive process. However, there has been a consistently high demand for qualified part-time university or college faculty.
