Psychology is defined as studying individual and social behaviors, emotions, and philosophies. It is inclusive of an extensive range of sub-disciplines that all share a mutual interest in how individuals and animals communicate with one another and react to the external environment. So What Is Psychology At UCLA?
The mind is characterized as highly complex, and disorders that are associated with it can be challenging to provide treatment for. Thought patterns, emotions, reflections, dreams, conceptualizations, and so on do not manifest physically, such as a skin rash. While physical signs of certain mental issues can be recognized, such as the facets associated with Parkinson’s disease, a multitude of theories of psychology are constructed on examination of human behavior.
Psychology is a broad spectrum and offers numerous opportunities. A practicing psychologist will meet with patients, execute evaluations to discover what their concerns are and what is the source of their challenges, and recommend or present treatment, such as counseling. Other roles of psychologists encompass advising health officials on social approaches, assistance in child development such as assistance in cognitive and intellectual skills, presenting workshops on stress management, working together with recruitment teams within organizations, and much more.
The psychology curricula at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) are recognized among the leading psychology programs in the nation. The department of psychology at the university is one of the biggest and most diverse of all the university’s academic departments.
For more information regarding UCLA’s psychology program, please follow the link: https://grad.ucla.edu/programs/life-sciences/psychology/
How do I become a psychologist?
If one is considering a career in psychology, one would usually need a doctoral degree in the field. After completing an undergraduate degree in any degree and a graduate degree in psychology, the individual is required to complete an internship or postdoctoral training for a year.
Post-completion of the internship or postdoctoral training, the individual can qualify for their practicing license by fulfilling the state requirements or further specialization credentials. Once licensed, the individual can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well as examination and treatment for mental ailments. However, psychologists are not medical doctors and are unable to prescribe medical treatment. Instead, psychologists work together with medical doctors who prescribe such treatments.
In summary, the following is required to become a psychologist:
- Get a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a master’s and/or doctorate in psychology.
- Complete an internship or postdoctoral program.
- Qualify for a psychology license.
Fields of psychology
Clinical psychology
This branch of psychology combines science, theory, and practice to comprehend, forecast, and revive challenges with alteration, ill-health, and discomfort.
Cognitive psychology
This branch explores internal mental practices, such as memory, learning, and language. It observes how individuals reason, identify, connect, recollect, and learn.
Developmental psychology
Development psychology is the methodical study of psychological changes that an individual may experience over their life span.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology views the structure and function of the brain in relation to conduct and psychological processes.
Occupational psychology
This encompasses evaluating and presenting recommendations about work performance in an organizational context.
Social psychology
This branch of psychology explains how emotions, conduct, and notions are impacted by the real, abstract, or indirect presence of other individuals.
For more information regarding the areas of study, please visit: https://www.psych.ucla.edu/graduate/prospective-students/preparation/
Career in psychology
The demand for psychologists is expected to increase by 8% within the next decade. Educational and social service institutions, as well as mental health centers, are facing a growing need for psychologists. Furthermore, psychologists are needed to aid individuals in managing life and career movements and provide services to the elderly and trauma patients. Educational institutions require psychologists to aid students’ mental health and present services to students with autism.
How much money does a psychologist make?
More than half of psychologists earn between $60,000 and $120,000, 20 percent earn less than $60,000, and 22.7 percent earn more than $120,000. However, those in the field of industrial/organizational psychology earned the highest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of psychology is one that is captivating. It will aid you in comprehending human behavior and mental processes and enables an individual to comprehend how we think, act, and feel. Psychology courses look at key questions such as why people behave the way they do? How do we learn to accept change? Why do we get anxious? What influences or shapes our personality? How to cope with the loss of a loved one? How to manage occupational stress effectively? If you are interested in delving into the above, you should consider studying psychology.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply?
Admissions for Fall 2022 are available at https://grad.ucla.edu/apply.
- How long does it take to practice psychology?
The program is a six-year program.
- Is there any minimum GPA or GRE score requirements?
The graduate division stipulates that you must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.