Do you like to study the human mind and human behavior? Then consider an online education in Psychology. A Ph.D., in psychology can open the doors to many wonderful and rewarding career opportunities for you.

We know how tough it is to earn a Ph.D., on campus especially for busy professionals however distance learning makes it easy to attend classes from the convenience and comfort of your home while you pursue your educational goals.

What does a psychologist do?

Psychologists formulate hypotheses and collect information to test their validity. They research, gather information through controlled laboratory experiments or by administering personality, intelligence test, performance and aptitude, observe among others.

What can I do with a PhD in Psychology?

A PhD in Psychology can be applied to a wide range of endeavors, including human services, education, law, health, research, teaching and sports. Most Psychologists specialize in different areas such as:

Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychologists normally work as a group practice, independently, in counseling, clinics or hospitals. They help medical and surgical patients in dealing with injuries and illnesses as well as mentally and emotionally distress patients adjust to life.

Counseling Psychologists: Counseling psychologists uses interviewing and testing techniques to help clients use various techniques on how to deal with problems faced in different stages of life.

Social Psychologists: Social psychologists study group behavior, attitudes and perception. They examine how people interact with each other and with social setting.

School Psychologist: School psychologist typically work with students in early childhood through secondary school. They work with parents, teachers and school personnel to develop an environment that is safe, healthy and supportive for all students.

Developmental Psychologists: Developmental psychologists specialize in the study of cognitive, physiological and social developmental that takes place throughout life as well as the effects of developmental disabilities.

Experimental or Research Psychologists: Experimental or research psychologist study the behavior in humans and animals. They typically work in universities and private research centers and in nonprofit and governmental organizations.

What is the employment outlook for someone with a PhD, in Psychology?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists held about 166,000 jobs in 2006. Faster-than-average employment growth is expected for psychologists. Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Master’s degree holders in fields other than industrial-organizational psychology will face keen competition. Opportunities will be limited for bachelor’s degree holders.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Psychologists with extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science may have a competitive edge over applicants without such background.

What should I expect to earn with an Online PhD Degree in Psychology?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of wage and salary clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006 were around $59,440. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,300 and $77,750. The lowest 10 percent earned less than about $35,280, and the highest 10 percent earned around $102,730.

With that in mind, I’d say that a PhD in Psychology is an excellent career choice – What do you think?