Rural psychology programs are administered through two different departments at most colleges and universities, depending on their academic philosophy. They are usually coordinated by the science department, while a number of schools operate their rural psychology programs through the social science department. Programs in rural psychology teach students how to apply the concepts of psychology they learn to serve rural communities.
Students can earn an accredited degree in this field at nearly all levels of the educational system. Degrees in rural psychology are available at the Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate levels. The Associate's degree generally requires a two-year commitment while the Bachelor's degree takes four years or two years on top of completing an Associate's degree. In order to earn a Master's degree, one must possess a Bachelor's degree, and the program takes around two years to complete. A Doctorate degree in rural psychology usually takes three years to finish and is the highest degree possible to attain.
The curriculum for this degree can vary depending on the classes a student decides to take. Many of the core courses in the curriculum, however, are the same throughout different colleges and universities. Some of them include:
The rural psychology degree is available through different educational methods. The degree is available through online and offline curriculums, both of which have advantages. The online program is created mainly for the students who desire scheduling flexibility, whether it is due to a job, family, or a combination of the two. Attaining the rural psychology degree can also be done offline. The offline degree offers a more traditional college experience that allows for a higher level of interaction with professors and other students.
A rural psychology degree grants students the education to form many skills that will benefit them in their careers and personal lives. Focusing on your curriculum and learning as much as possible leads to the creation of skills like these:
Rural psychology degree graduates can find employment in a number of different positions. The degree paves the way for students to work in the field of psychology in rural communities. One profession available is a counselor, and the employment growth rate for this position is expected to be 18 percent from 2008-2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A counselor's median annual salary ranges from $29,410 to $65,360 depending on what area of counseling is pursued. A Master's degree or Doctorate degree allows a student to become a psychologist and earn a median annual salary of $87,330.