Overall, job prospects in the area of psychology are predicted to grow 12 percent by 2018, which is the average rate for all fields. Schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics and private companies are expected to be the locations with the most need for psychology-trained personnel. The greatest growth, however, will occur for jobs that require a doctoral degree such as a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.

According to the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) Freshman Survey conducted in 2008, psychology was the second most popular college major in the country, comprising about 5 percent of all undergraduate majors. A further 5 percent of these graduates went on to work in psychology-related fields, while the remainder chose other options.

Below are some of the careers that individuals with a psychology major could pursue.

1. Counselor

Counselors help individuals and families with their problems, including emotional and substance abuse problems. The majority of counselors work in health care or social service settings, though some work for government organizations. Most counseling jobs require you to be a licensed psychologist. In most states this means you will need a master’s degree. The current average salary of a counselor is about $43,000.

2. School Psychologist

School psychologists work in a K-12 setting, assisting students with problems that may occur in school or at home, including academic, emotional and social issues. They usually meet privately with children or teenagers but also often coordinate with their families. Education requirements for school psychologists vary from state to state. The current average salary of a school psychologist is about $70,000.

3. Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers also typically work in a K-12 setting. They teach children and teenagers with special needs. While not directly related to psychology, the teaching profession allows individuals to help those with certain emotional or academic issues. Requirements for special education teachers vary from state to state, but all states require at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification in the area of special education. The current average pay for a special education teacher is about $53,000.

4. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system to evaluate claims made in court. For example, they may consult on child custody disputes or assess the competency of a defendant to stand trial. Most forensic psychologists work for the government, but many also have their own private practices. Most jurisdictions require a master’s or a doctoral degree to become a forensic psychologist. The current average salary for a forensic psychologist is about $60,000.

5. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists diagnose mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in individuals. They then provide a treatment plan for the diagnosed individuals and help them cope. Clinical psychologists generally work in private practices, but they can work in other environments as well. States most often require that you have a doctoral degree to become a clinical psychologist. The current average salary for a clinical psychologist is about $81,000.

6. Career Counselor

Career counselors specifically help individuals looking for the right career for their skills and interests. They administer personality tests, counsel people on their career choices and assist with resumes and interviews. Most career counselors work in a K-12 school setting, but others work at 2- and 4-year colleges. Usually states prefer that career counselors have a master’s degree. The current average salary for a career counselor is about $53,000.

7. Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians care for individuals with mental or emotional disorders. They work with medical staff to ensure the well-being of people in rehabilitation centers or psychiatric hospitals by assisting with personal hygiene and administering medication. The current average salary for a psychiatric technician is about $30,000.

8. Research Psychologist

Research psychologists, or experimental psychologists, generally work in labs conducting studies rather than working directly with people. They seek to find insights into different psychological fields in order to improve treatment and the understanding of psychological issues. Research psychologists have different levels of education, but often they have at least a master’s degree. The current average salary for a research psychologist is about $84,000.

9. Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists deal specifically with athletes in order to increase their motivation, help them cope with injuries and set and achieve goals. They can work for universities and hospitals, but many have their own private practice. Most sports psychologists eventually receive their master’s or doctoral degree. The current average salary for a sports psychologist is about $55,000.

10. Human Resources Manager

Individuals working in the field of human resources help recruit and train employees, as well as deal with interpersonal issues that may come up between employees. While human resources jobs are not specifically psychology-related, the interpersonal skills psychology majors learn are particularly helpful in this career path. Individuals working in human resources typically work for businesses, but are also found in government and nonprofit positions. Entry-level human resource jobs require a bachelor’s degree. The current average salary for individuals in human resource jobs is about $53,000.

11. Marketing Personnel

Individuals working in the field of marketing research consumer behavior and how people are affected by advertising. Psychology majors can bring much to the table in these positions as they have extensively studied human behavior. Individuals in these jobs almost always work for businesses, and have at least a bachelor’s degree. The current average salary for individuals in marketing/advertising is about $60,000.

12. Business Manager

Individuals working in business/management careers perform a wide variety of tasks, usually for private companies. Psychology majors have a skill set including interpersonal skills as well as writing and research skills that are useful for these careers. Often people in these jobs go on to receive graduate degrees in business, such as an MBA. Because jobs in business vary so widely, it is difficult to determine an average salary; however, a business manager’s average salary is about $65,000.

The careers listed above are only the beginning. Many people believe that a degree in psychology will limit their career prospects; however, the truth is quite the opposite. A degree in psychology allows individuals a great deal of flexibility in the career they will eventually choose. Psychology majors go on to work for businesses, government and nonprofits. They have a choice of jobs that have varying educational and skill requirements and that focus on different specialties. They can work with adults, children and even alone. With demand for people with psychology degrees rising, qualified individuals will have their pick from a number of options.

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Parapsychology is a remarkably broad discipline, and it is difficult to study when the area itself deals with the unknown potential of the human mind. At this time, there is no definitive way to prove phenomena like telepathy or telekinesis, and observation by no means provides unambiguous proof. Here, we will examine 10 of the most prominent branches of parapsychology. The very nature of so-called psi phenomena is such that they cover the unknown, and it is only by critical dissection that we can get to the truth.

10. Remote Viewing, Mind Projection and Clairvoyance

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Remote viewing is the alleged ability to perceive an image or item that is obscured from the viewer’s sight. However, due to lack of positive, verifiable evidence, the concept has been somewhat discarded by the scientific community owing to a lack of evidence to back it up. At one time, the US government was even involved in research into remote viewing as part of the Stargate Project, an attempt to find military and domestic use for parapsychological abilities. The project was abandoned in 1995, as an independent review noted that it was “unclear” whether remote viewing’s existence had been demonstrated.

Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research program sought to pick up where Stargate left off in 1995, also conducting experiments into remote viewing until its closure in 2007. University of Maryland physicist Robert L. Park was critical of the project, saying, “It’s been an embarrassment to science, and I think an embarrassment for Princeton.”

9. Telepathy and Mind Reading

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Telepathy, like remote viewing, is dependent on the mind and its potential powers – yet it focuses on the ability to send and receive ideas or thoughts, rather than “seeing” distant objects and places. Ganzfeld experiments seek to make the mind more receptive to this purported phenomenon by depriving the senses (such as sight and hearing) while the subject “sends” information to a chosen recipient. Although proponents say evidence of telepathy has been shown, critics maintain that random chance, ineffective soundproofing and assumptions drawn from results skew the outcome of studies.

That said, the electrical effects of the mind can be interpreted through machinery. Research in 2012 monitored the electromagnetic signals from the brain that were produced when patients were being spoken to. A computer could then interpret these patterns into phrases, with the scientists believing that even unspoken thoughts could one day be “read” through this method.

8. Precognition: Seeing the Future

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Alleged instances of precognition have been recorded throughout history. Tales of seers, diviners and prophets who could apparently see into the future are featured in Greek myths, the Bible, and the stories and accounts of societies around the world. Some of the most famous examples include the foreshadowing by the three witches in Macbeth and, outside of fiction, the prophecies of Nostradamus. The Society for Psychical Research has recorded cases of purported premonitions of future events since the 19th century, and it still attempts to do so today.

On the other hand, British psychologist David Marks has asserted that any “correct” predictions of events can be explained through probability theory – that is, that a linked premonition and the episode’s eventual occurrence is more likely to happen the longer we observe such matters. Seemingly successful precognitions, Marks argues, are also more likely to be remembered than the ones that fail.

7. Psychokinesis and Telekinesis

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Simply put, this is the alleged ability of some people to move objects with their minds. In this photograph, from 1892, a table was ostensibly being levitated, while a researcher (on the right) checked that there was no cheating. James Randi, a notable skeptic and magician, is just one person who has demonstrated the very ordinary methods by which individuals can make objects appear to move without physical contact. Indeed, The James Randi Educational Foundation offers a $1 million prize for demonstrable proof of telekinesis and other parapsychological phenomena – a prize that has yet to be claimed.

While many scientists believe that telekinesis would go against the basic laws of physics, and is therefore by definition impossible, some have postulated that quantum physics may offer an explanation. That said, in 1987, a broad review by the United States National Academy of Sciences looked at 13 decades of research and found that there was no basis for a belief in psychokinesis.

6. Near-Death Experiences

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Those who claim to have had near-death experiences commonly report phenomena such as seeing themselves out of their own body, moving through what seems to be a tunnel, or heading towards a bright light – as in Hieronymus Bosch’s painting Ascent of the Blessed, seen here. Since those who have died cannot report back, claims like these are naturally trickier to confirm or deny. Some research suggests, however, that such experiences are in fact the result of a coping mechanism adopted by the brain, where additional endorphins are released. If this is the case, then it is less a matter of faith than biochemistry.

5. Reincarnation and Past Lives

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Certain cultures and faiths have long held various beliefs in reincarnation and past existences, and these continue today as tenets of contemporary Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and even have some Islamic, Jewish and Christian followers. The concept of reincarnation was explored in the early 1900s by psychologist William James, pictured, at a time when such theories started to be researched. Skeptics suggest that past lives can be attributed to false memory syndrome or selective thinking. And with modern science unable to capture the process of reincarnation itself, conclusive answers are again difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain.

4. Apparitions

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Ghosts have been talked of and recorded for a very long period of time, immortalized in cultural texts ranging from Hamlet to spooky campfire stories; however, often these specters are proved to be false or hoaxes. Even the BBC aired a “documentary” that convinced many viewers of the truth of apparitions; it was, in fact, entirely staged.

In 2012, eBay banned the sale of paranormal items in an effort to protect its users, forfeiting millions of dollars in potential revenue. Sometimes, people claim to have captured the essence of a spirit on film – as in the “Brown Lady” photo from the 1930s, above – but these apparitions can usually be explained by camera flashes or double exposures, among other factors.

3. Direct Mental Interaction with Living Systems

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The branch of parapsychology known as direct mental interaction with living systems, or the less unwieldy acronym DMILS, investigates whether simply looking intently at a person can substantially affect their nervous system by making them feel agitated or calm. After analyzing parapsychologists’ experiments, in 2004 psychology researchers concluded that there might be something to the notion of distant intentions and DMILS having some kind of effect, but that there was a lack of theory behind the phenomenon.

A related technique was famously referenced in the book and movie The Men Who Stare at Goats, a still from which is pictured here. The story tracked the US Army’s research into killing goats by simply staring intently at the animals. Another psychological strategy featured in the story included the torture of Iraqi detainees by playing Barney & Friends on a loop.

2. Auras and their Reading

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The notion of the aura can be found throughout history; taking the form of the halo in religious art, or the bands of color found on the Buddhist flag – symbolizing the aura said to have surrounded Buddha upon him reaching Enlightenment. In more recent times, the various hues apparent in auras have been designated different qualities. Orange auras occur when the subject is excited, whereas calmer personalities have a blue aura. And according to some, the auras can be cleansed using quartz crystals.

Kirlian photography purports to capture auras on film, which, if verifiable, could be the strongest proof for their existence. However, scientific investigation has found that everything from the humidity of a room to perspiration may substantially skew test outcomes.

1. The Global Consciousness Project

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The Global Consciousness Project (GCP) theorizes that when a world-changing event occurs, the thoughts of people around the globe can influence random number generators to produce more coherent, less arbitrary data. Originating out of similar experiments undertaken by Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research, it aims to chart the emotional outburst of the global population when something truly epic happens, such as the September 11 attacks in New York City. Critics, however, say that spikes found in the GCP’s analysis of data during that event does not prove a causal link. An article by The New York Times, published in 2003, asserted instead that “the stock market seems a more reliable gauge of the national – if not the global – emotional resonance.”

10. Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University is an accredited institution offering a bachelor’s level online psychology degree program. Tuition costs for online students are $650 per credit. U.S. News and World Report ranks Robert Morris University as among the top 100 schools to obtain a psychology degree online. Among some of the school’s unique features include virtual learning environments that focus on particular relevant skills and knowledge required in this field. RMU offers a wide range of online resources to help the student with research, writing and other areas of study.

9. Kaplan University

Kaplan University is a well-known alternative educational institution that offers students with the opportunity of earning a child psychology degree online. The school offers not only bachelor’s level programs, but also master’s degrees in psychology. U.S. News and World Report does not rank Kaplan University, but the school rates well on many websites that allow current and past students to submit ratings. Kaplan has an arrangement with the University of Alabama in which the latter provides additional online library resources. The University of Alabama ranks 22nd in student services and technology for online programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Tuition at Kaplan University is $371 per credit hour for the online bachelor’s in psychology degree.

8. Capella University

An accredited online university, Capella offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in psychology. The school charges from $290 to $350 in tuition per credit depending on the course. U.S. News and World Report does not rank Capella among national universities, but it does rank #246 for high school counselor rankings. The school offers unique smartphone and mobile device apps that allow students to access course materials from any location with mobile Internet or Wi-Fi connections. The online interface is excellent and students can opt in to receive financial aid alerts on their smartphone or tablet.

7. Drexel University

Drexel University ranks 83rd in the U.S. News and World Report national university rankings. The school offers online bachelor’s degree programs in psychology and ranks 146th for its psychology program and 125th for its clinical psychology program. The university charges $650 tuition per credit for students working toward a bachelor’s of psychology degree. One of the school’s special features is a a 24/7 live tech support hotline in which students can access their online instructors. The school focuses on training students for real-life situations and on training that prepares them to compete in today’s job market.

6. Penn State University

Penn State is a nationally recognized traditional university that also offers excellent online degree programs in psychology. The school currently allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through their online programs. Students will pay $495 per credit tuition for the online psychology degree program. The school has excellent instructors and a vaunted reputation. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 46th among national universities and 29th for its psychology program. The school ranks first for its online admissions selectivity program and faculty credentials and training.

5. Arizona State University

U.S. News and World Report ranks Arizona State University 2nd among up and coming schools. The university charges $425 per credit or a yearly tuition of $10,200 for its online psychology degree program. The school ranks first for online student services and technology, which includes a 24/7 live support hotline. U.S. News and World Report ranks Arizona State University 37th for online faculty credentials and training. The psychology program ranks 51st nationwide.

4. Walden University

Walden University is a well-regarded online school offering both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in psychology. The school charges $465 per credit as tuition for the online psychology program. Walden ranks 14th for online education database, according to U.S. News and World Report. Walden University offers a online bachelor’s program with 10 areas of specialization and a master’s degree in psychology with 12 areas of concentration. Students have access to a 24-hour hotline in which they can expect quick responses from instructors. Founded in 1970, Walden University specializes in providing excellent student resources including the MobileLearn application that lets students download audio recordings and podcasts for playback on mobile devices and MP3 players. Students can also download course materials to their laptop or desktop computer.

3. Post University

Established in 1890, Post University continues to offer students with excellent educational opportunities. The Online Accelerated Degree Program is a great feature available that allows students to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree with great convenience in terms of scheduling. The interactive courses feature professional instructors with good reputations in their fields of expertise. Post University charges students $525 per credit hour in tuition. The school allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from other accredited schools. Students can also avail of online tutoring that is included in the tuition fee.

2. Franklin University

Franklin University charges on $375 per credit hour for its online psychology degree program. A private, non-profit educational institute, Franklin University first opened in 1902 and it has earned a reputation for catering to adult students. The school offers students with the option of taking accelerated courses and they can choose to complete a class in as little as three weeks. Alternatively, courses can extend up to 15 weeks in length. Franklin University allows transfer of credits from other accredited schools and more than 90 percent of its students have transferred credits. The school operates on the trimester system.

1. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree in addition to master’s and doctoral programs. The university specializes in online education and it has earned a deserved reputation for accommodating adult, working students. The psychology programs undergo continuous updating to ensure that the curriculum matches the latest developments in the field. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school at 34th for online bachelor’s faculty credentials and training. In terms of student engagement and assessment, it ranks 5th overall. The University of Phoenix works with corporations to create programs that will meet the demands of the current and future workforce. The online bachelor’s program in psychology costs $585 per credit in tuition together with a $95 electronic materials fee per course. The school features a 24-hour live technical support service and a live online chat service. Students can also request help through email. The University of Phoenix is very helpful in assisting students with financial aid and in helping veterans or active duty military who utilize military educational benefits. Class scheduling is highly flexible and the school offers a wide range of mobile learning apps. Class size averages at 15 students.

10. Sherwin B. Nuland – A Discussion of Electroshock Therapy

Electroshock therapy has long been controversial, but Sherwin B. Nuland uses his TED Talk to discuss how it worked miracles for him after a particularly challenging divorce. With ECT treatment, Nuland was able to make what he describes as a “remarkable” recovery from depression.

9. Oliver Sacks – What Hallucination Says About Our Mind

Oliver Sacks is easily one of the foremost experts in neuroscience, and his TED Talk about hallucinations is a fascinating new way to think about the human mind. Sacks delivers a presentation that puts hallucination in a new light, especially when it’s due to a number of different medical conditions. In this TED Talk, he argues that hallucination reveals the minds inner workings, its most prioritized thoughts, and its most intimate desires. Hallucination, then, is almost a way for people to get to know themselves better than they otherwise could.

8. Philip Zimbardo – How Ordinary People Become Monsters… or Heroes

Anyone familiar with Zimbardo’s work knows that this psychology professional can talk a bit at length about both monsters and heroes. In this TED Talk, Zimbardo discusses what causes people to rise to the best of times, or succumb to the worst of times, very quickly.

7. Nancy Etcoff – The Surprising Science of Happiness

Happiness is often described in emotional terms, but Etcoff declares that this emotion is actually chemically driven. Stress, elation, and other emotions, all produce a chemical that can control whether or not people are happy, sad, stressed, or just too busy to have any emotions at all.

6. Henry Markram – A Brain in a Supercomputer

If there’s one thing psychology professionals and neuroscientists can agree on, it’s that the human brain is endlessly complex and is the biggest asset of human evolution and success. It’s easy to see, then, why putting a human brain into a computer might be the key to major advances in our technological world and the amount of new discoveries that can be made about humans and everything else in the universe. The power of a human brain can easily transform how a computer operates, and Henry Markram makes the case in his TED Talk that this would create faster, better, more powerful supercomputers that can propel the human race dramatically forward.

5. Helen Fisher – The Science of Love, and the Future of Women

It might be hard to believe, but the human brain wasn’t originally designed for feelings like love and attachment to a mate. Indeed, there was a time when the brain’s primary function was merely to procreate and move on. Helen Fisher describes the evolution of the brain that came to allow things like love and attachment, and relates them to the treatment of women society in the past, the present, and in the future. For those who are fascinated by the development of human emotions over time, this is a fascinating way to discover a more primal side to the human experience.

4. Vilayanur Ramachandran – 3 Clues to Understanding Your Brain

One of the foremost scholars on the human brain, Vilayanur Ramachandran delivers a TED Talk that discusses something very basic, but also very advanced: What it means to be human. Most people associate being human with high-functioning things that range from the use of computers to the ability to adapt to virtually any environment. Vilayanur Ramachandran, though, makes a case that being human is far more basic. It’s why people don’t stop being human, or acting human, when their brain has been damaged or disabled. Being human is a base characteristic, he argues, in this fascinating discussion.

3. Temple Grandin – The World Needs All Kinds of Minds

We’ve all heard that humans and animals are inherently connected, but undeniably different. It’s something that most people have come to accept. Temple Grandin takes a slightly different approach in her talk about autism, the human mind, and what it tells us about animals. Grandin believes that there are major lessons to be learned about how animals and humans are connected through the development of their minds and thought processes, and what happens when those things can’t be used as efficiently as they would be in high-functioning individuals.

2. Dan Ariely – Why We Think It’s OK to Cheat and Steal (Sometimes)

Dan Ariely is the great mind behind the book “Practically Irrational,” which might explain the basis of his TED Talk about cheating and stealing. Ariely actually went “undercover” as a cheater to understand the psychology behind things like the Enron scandal. What he found is that humans actually have a threshold for cheating, allowing them to do it just a little bit without feeling bad. No one wants to cross the threshold into guilt, though, and this tends to regular behavior in most well adjusted adults.

1. Daniel Goleman – Why Aren’t We All Good Samaritans?

While people have a built-in threshold for finding cheating or stealing acceptable, others have a built-in desire to do something good in the world. We call those people good Samaritans. Unfortunately, however, this behavior is not universal. In his TED Talk, Daniel Goleman discusses why everyone can’t be a good Samaritan. He argues that many people are able to “turn off” their feelings of compassion toward those who are suffering, removing the compelling urge to help those in need.

Great Ideas from Today’s Leading Professionals

The ten talks presented here are among the most innovative ways of characterizing the human mind, the behavior of people worldwide, and the evolution of the human race. There is perhaps nothing more fascinating than learning the origins, evolutions, and destinies, of the human race itself.

Earning a masters of psychology online can be daunting. This is why students have to exert the same level of effort as those who attend on-campus programs. Choosing a good school is the first step to reaching one’s goals and officially becoming a master’s in psychology degree holder. Graduates with these degrees may work in schools and other educational settings.

Ranking the Top 10 Best Online Masters in Psychology Programs

The following are the top ten schools known for their high quality of online psychology graduate education. They are the best options for students who want to work and study at the same time.

10. Northcentral University

Program Overview: Northcentral University does not require residency for masters in psychology students. The areas of specialization offered include general psychology, health psychology and industrial-organizational psychology.

Tuition Cost: The university charges students $675 base per credit or $2,025 per three-credit course.

Unique Features: The pricing offered at Northcentral University is all-inclusive. The school provides a number of online resources for students. It also has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and 100 percent doctoral faculty.

9. University of Phoenix

Program Overview: The University of Phoenix offers a master’s of science in psychology that focuses on general psychology. Students learn about human behavior, emotions and through processes.

Tuition Cost: University of Phoenix students pay $740 per credit along with a $115 electronic materials fee per course and a $115 one-time application fee. The total program cost ranges from $19,285 to $29,425.

Unique Features: Students at University of Phoenix can be sure of completing the degree on time. The school also offers round the clock support for all online students.

8. University of the Rockies

Program Overview: The University of the Rockies has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. It offers master’s and Ph.D. programs in social and behavioral science.

Tuition Cost: The university charges $726 per credit hour for its master’s of psychology students. The program requires 39 units to complete.

Unique Features: The university offers many areas of concentration in psychology. These cover real-world applications like criminal justice, education, business, organization, sports and mental health.

7. Sacred Heart University

Program Overview: The 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges recognized Sacred Heart University as among the top 30 master’s level colleges in the North. In addition, it has accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Areas of specialization include industrial-organizational psychology, community psychology and a general track.

Tuition Cost: Students pay $725 per credit hour.

Unique Features: The MS psychology programs at SHU have 100 percent online curriculum. Professors are all licensed psychologists.

6. Grand Canyon University

Program Overview: Grand Canyon University offers the master’s of science in psychology with concentrations in industrial and organizational psychology. There are nine courses to take in order to complete the program.

Tuition Cost: The masters in psychology program at Grand Canyon requires 36 credits to complete at $495 per credit.

Unique Features: The university offers its students a number of financial grants.

4. Kaplan University

Program Overview: Kaplan University has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and a National Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its master’s of science in psychology online program is designed to provide students with a rich and exciting academic experience.

Tuition Cost: Students at Kaplan pay $368 for each credit. The program required 65 credits to complete. This means students have to pay a total of $23,920.00.

Unique Features: People who choose to study at Kaplan have three areas of specializations to choose from. This includes general psychology, applied behavioral analysis and addictions. Students have options to either complete the program with a thesis or pass a comprehensive exam.

3. California Southern University

Program Overview: The master of science in psychology online program at California Southern University offers a comprehensive foundation for its students. This is a great option for students who are already working in mental health facilities. The program takes two years to complete.

Tuition Cost: California Southern University offers attractively low tuition costs at $330 per credit. Students need to complete 43 units. This means they have to pay $14,190 total for the degree.

Unique Features: California Southern University’s MS in psychology programs prepare students for the California licensure exam for clinical psychologists. Meanwhile, out-of-state students may also take advantage of the transition programs from the MS to CalSouthern’s doctoral program.

2. Capella University

Program Overview: Capella University holds accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission. It is also a member of the North Central Association of Colleges. The university offers 14 areas of specialization for those who want to enroll in its masters of psychology program. There are no residency requirements at Capella.

Tuition Costs: Master’s of psychology tuition at Capella costs $430 per credit. Students have to complete 70 credit hours.

Unique Features: The biggest benefit of enrolling at Capella University is the chance to qualify for tuition grants of up to $6,000. In addition, the university offers the following areas of concentration for master’s in psychology students.

• Addiction Counseling
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evaluation Research and Measurement
• General Career Counseling
• General Psychology
• Leadership Coaching Psychology
• Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• School Psychology
• Sport Psychology
• Studies in Human Behavior

1. Walden University

Program Overview: Walden University holds accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission. It is also a member of The North Central American Association. The university has over 40 years of experience in providing quality education for students with over 55,000 alumni. Their online master’s of psychology program is among the most sough-after for students who are looking for a wide selection of specialties.

Tuition Cost: For the school year 2012-2013, master’s of psychology students have to pay $445 per quarter credit hour and $10 for the technology fee per quarter. They have to complete 56 total quarter credit hours for the degree.

Unique Features: The most attractive feature that Walden University offers master’s of psychology students is its online learning flexibility. Students can use the MobileLearn that allows them to choose where, when and how they want to learn. This feature is exclusive for Walden online students. The university also offers 14 areas of specialization, a wide range, unlike many other online master’s in psychology programs that have limited areas of specialization. Thus, a Walden University education is an excellent choice for people who want unique, rewarding careers.

These associates degree programs are offered at different community colleges and universities throughout the country. These schools have their own particular features, tuition fees and course outlines. The following are the top 10 associates degree programs offered at universities and colleges. The rankings are based on their program overviews and tuition fees.

10. Delaware Community College

Program Summary

Delaware Community College provides different associate programs in several fields of study. The program includes 62 to 66 credits in four semesters. The degree is good for those who want to proceed to bachelor’s degree programs in psychology.

Unique Features

Delaware Community College offers quality education through their online and distance learning courses. They provide online degree programs for students from outside the state. They also offer these courses for international students.

9. Brescia University

Program Summary

Brescia University offers associate degree programs in psychology, social work, theology and integrated studies. Program courses focus on equipping students who want to work in social services. Students can enroll in online or residential programs depending on their needs.

Unique Features

The university provides online associate degree programs for working students. The program is flexible to each student’s needs. They also offer student financial aid and scholarships.

8. Rasmussen College

Program Summary

Rasmussen College offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in psychology. Their associate degree program in psychology provides quality education and training.

Unique Features

Rasmussen College is located in a number of states around the country. The school also offers online degree courses for students who want to complete their college education. The school offers flexible loan and student aid programs.

7. Delta College

Program Summary

Delta College offers online associate and bachelor’s degrees for students. The college equips students with the basic and advance knowledge needed for a higher degree in psychology.

Unique Features

The university offers a number of student loans and financial aid options. They also offer additional tuition assistance such as a 50 percent discount for senior citizens. Those who need financial aid can easily check the website and apply for it.

6. College of the Siskiyous

Program Summary

College of the Siskiyous offers a number of degrees and courses. They also offer courses for associate in psychology degrees through online and distance learning programs. The program prepares students for a baccalaureate degree in psychology.

Unique Features

College of the Siskiyous offers quality education with a number of courses.

5. Austin Community College

Program Summary

Austin Community College offers a two year associate degree in psychology to prepare students for a higher education. The school provides classes on basic and advanced subjects in psychology. The school also has accreditation and offers continuing education.

Unique Features

Students have the advantage of obtaining the degree online by completing four semesters with a total of 62 credit hours.

4. Cuesta College

Program Summary

Cuesta College offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs in psychology. The courses are is geared towards educating and training students who want to proceed to higher education. It is also for those who plan to work in institutions as psychological technicians.

Unique Features

Cuesta College was originally established to provide education for high school students. It now has over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate learners including associate degree in psychology students. The college offers unique financial aid options including tuition fee refunds.

3. Allan Hancock College

Program Summary

Allan Hancock College offers associate degrees in psychology that can lead to a bachelor’s degree. The program covers essential information such as methods, concepts and techniques in psychology. The courses help students learn about the different developmental stages of human psychological growth.

Unique Features

A program called START identifies each student’s mental capabilities to identify a suitable degree program for them. It assesses their skills in different subjects including math and comprehension.

2. Drury University

Program Overview

Drury University provides quality education for students who want an associate degree in psychology. They educate students on basic principles and practices in particular fields of psychology. This program utilizes training and classes that prepare people for bachelor’s degree programs and work in psychological facilities.

Unique Features

The university provides excellent training and education along with quality boarding options. The school offers affordable rates for students who want to stay near the institution. The boarding fees already include meals for each student.

1. Liberty University

Program Summary

Liberty University offers both bachelor’s and associate degrees in psychology. The university also offers courses for master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family counseling. As the largest Christian university in the world, Liberty University often gets high rankings among online degree providers.

Unique Features

The university offers quality education with their online and residential degree programs. It provides excellent Christian-based education with top notch professors. They make sure that each student is closely mentored by having low student to professor ratios.

What Makes a Program the Best

There is no one aspect of a degree program that makes it better than another. Instead, a combination of factors are used to decide which programs are worthy of ranking highest. Reputation and rank as well as the unique attributes of each program are considered.

The program ranks used here are from the Princeton Review’s Gourman Report. University ranks are also included where available but may be different than program ranks. Tuition costs are considered but it is important for people to be aware that the sticker price at many schools is often not what students actually end up paying.

Some of the best psychology programs in the country by rank confer a Bachelors of Arts rather than a Bachelors of Science. Stanford University, for example, which has ranked #1 in the field for the last 50 years, has only a B.A. option at the undergraduate level. While the merits of a B.A. versus a B.S. continue to be debated it is probably fair to say that school rank should be considered more important.

10. Columbia University

Columbia University provides a well-respected B.A. program in psychology. Laboratory research is available for all qualified students. The honors program in the department consists of a research project done under the supervision of a faculty member in an appropriate area.

Tuition at Columbia is $22,514 per semester. Columbia University was ranked #4 in the country for 2012 by U.S. News.

9. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a fairly typical bachelors of psychology degree program. However, students in the program have access to faculty working at some of the best research centers in the country. The University of Chicago boasts six interdisciplinary research departments in addition to the department of psychology.

Tuition is $43,581 per year at the University of Chicago. The university provides grants to cover any federal loans offered to families making less than $75,000 per year. The University of Chicago co-ranked #4 with Columbia for the 2012 year of U.S. News national university rankings.

8. University of Illinois– Urbana-Champaign

The B.S. in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a high degree of autonomy for students interested in customizing their education. Nearly 1/3 of the credit hours required for the degree can be from electives and other departments. Students use this freedom to tailor their degree in order to prepare themselves for a specific job field or simply to pursue their own interests.

Tuition is based on residency. Tuition for undergraduate residents is $14,960 per year. Tuition for non-residents is $29,102 per year. U.S. News ranked the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign #46 for the 2012 year.

7. Harvard University

World-famous Harvard University ranks 7th on the list of top undergraduate psychology degrees. There are three concentrations including two which are honors-eligible. A minor in psychology as a secondary field is also available.

Tuition at Harvard is $37,576 per year. U.S. News ranked Harvard University #1 in the country for the 2012 academic year.

6. University of California– Berkeley

The bachelors degree in psychology at UC Berkeley is a capped major, meaning that students must complete certain prerequisite courses with an acceptable GPA in order to gain admission. The degree has several areas of specialization and encourages research experience. Four psychology societies offer opportunities for undergraduate majors.

Tuition at UC Berkeley is based on residency status. Resident students pay $7493 their first semester and $7328 each subsequent semester. Non-resident students pay $18,932 their first semester and $18,767 each subsequent semester. UC Berkeley ranks #21 nationally on the U.S. News 2012 listing.

5. University of Minnesota– Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota offers a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology as well as a minor through the department of Psychology. They also offer a B.A. and B.S. in Child Psychology and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education through their Department of Child Psychology. The B.S. at the University of Michigan focuses heavily on scientific study and requires a research component.

Tuition at the University of Minnesota is based on residency status. Resident tuition is $6030 per semester and non-resident tuition is $8655 per term. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Manitoba (Canada) residents qualify for a lower reciprocity tuition rate than other non-resident students. The University of Minnesota overall ranked #68 on the 2012 U.S. News listing.

4. University of Michigan– Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor ranks fourth for undergraduate psychology degree programs in the U.S. They have three undergraduate student societies for psychology majors including the honor society Psi Chi, the Undergraduate Psychology Society which publishes student papers in a journal and the Michigan Association of Psychology Scholars which provides mentorship in various areas of interest. There are three formal concentrations but students can study at least 10 different areas of interest within the degree.

Tuition at University of Michigan is based on department, residency and whether upper- or lower-division courses are taken. Residents pay approximately $6400 per semester for lower-division courses and $7225 per semester for upper-division courses. Non-residents pay $19,464 and $20,838 per semester respectively. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor ranks #29 on the 2012 U.S. News listing.

3. University of Pennsylvania

UPenn offers a nationally-ranked psychology program with a research requirement. All students are required to complete a research or independent study course with a research focus and many students do both. The Undergraduate Psychology Society offers a chance for students to publish papers and participate in activities related to the field as well.

Tuition at UPenn is $43,738 per academic year. Like Yale, Penn prides itself on not expecting students to take out loans. UPenn ranks #8 on the 2012 U.S. News list.

2. Yale University

Yale University ranks second in the country for undergraduate psychology programs. They offer both a B.S. which requires empirical research and a B.A. which does not. Unlike in some programs, most undergraduates at Yale participate in research. This may be through the labs at Yale during the school year or at another school or research facility during the summer. Yale has a chapter of the undergraduate psychology honors society Psi Chi that is active on campus and chooses students during their junior year based on academic distinction.

Yale tuition is $42,300 per year. The majority of Yale students receive financial aid and Yale does not require their students to take out loans. Yale ranked #3 in U.S. News national universities.

1. Stanford University

Stanford University has maintained their elite status as the best of the best in the field of psychology for over 50 years. Professors and students here perform groundbreaking research in a wide variety of psychological fields. There is a chapter of Psi Chi, the undergraduate psychology honors society, at Stanford. In holding with with the University’s elite reputation, standards for entry into the society are higher at Stanford than elsewhere.

Stanford ranks number 1 for several reasons. National rank is the first reason and the unique opportunity for psychology students to work and gain research experience during the summer is another. Available only to Stanford students, the Psych-Summer Program involves performing research with one of the university’s professors for 8-10 weeks. Students are paid a stipend and gain valuable experience at the same time.

Stanford tuition is $13,350 per quarter for undergraduates as of the 2012-2013 school year. There are three quarters in the academic year. Overall, U.S. News ranked Stanford the #6 university in the country for the 2012 year.

1. PAR Assessment Toolkit

Psychology, as a field, is characterized by a number of standard tests and assessments in order to successfully and accurately diagnose patients with a wide range of disorders. In the years prior to smartphone proliferation, professionals in the field had to maintain things like their own documentation of a normal bell curve, their own set of assessments, a stop watch, and a calculator to turn patient results into statistically relevant information. That is now an outdated practice.

The PAR Assessment Toolkit is an innovative new application that combines a normal curve, an age calculator, a statistical analysis component, and even a stopwatch, to enhance patient assessments on the job. Best of all, this highly effective application is free and available for both iPhone and iPad users.

2. Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-IV-TR

American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., or APPI, has long been the leading authority on the diagnosis and definition of psychological disorders and other conditions. Its popular DSM manual is an important component of virtually every undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level course, and it remains the industry standard for virtually every professional with the broader psychology field. For far too long, the DSM has been available only as a very large, very clunky book full of fine print and various disorders. Now, the APPI has digitized the entire book, from start to finish, and made it available for both iPhone and iPad.

The digital version of this essential tool has extended description and criteria for each disorder and condition, and is intricately categorized and organized for easy use on the job. Psychology professionals who are tired of paging through page after page of the traditional DSM will find this app well worth its up-front cost.

3. Substance Abuse & Addiction Assessments

Addiction counseling is easily one of the fastest growing fields within psychology, and this unique application actually allows psychologists to assess their patients electronically. Available for both iPhone and iPad, this application presents assessment questions in a digital format, and patients can mark a “yes” or “no” button for each question. At the conclusion, the responses are tallied by the application and a preliminary diagnosis is given to both doctor and patient for further treatment and analysis.

4. STAT ICD-9 LITE

Most psychology professionals have nightmarish memories of learning the field’s most important diagnostic codes when dealing with patients. Test and test drilled these codes and hammered them home, with psychology students determined to know every last one. The STAT-ICD-9 LITE app, though, makes this practice outdated. The application has virtually every diagnostic code that psychology professionals and others could ever need, and it presents them in an easy-to-understand way on both iPhones and iPads.

5. Skyscape RxDrugs

Many psychologists inevitably return to school to pair their diagnostic prowess with the ability to prescribe medications. Each of these medications has a specific dosing guideline, however, that must be remembered and referenced with the RxDrugs application for iPhone and iPad, psychiatrists can be sure they’re writing accurate prescriptions for those patients who need the support of both in-person meetings and proven medications.

6. PTSD Coach

America’s veterans have long been known to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder upon returning home from bloody battles abroad, and psychologists have been charged with helping them overcome the gruesome images and experiences they endured in battle. Now, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has created its own app, PTSD Coach, which helps psychologists specifically relate to, and diagnose, veterans who have arrived home with PTSD. Diagnostics, management techniques, and more, are featured in this app.

7. 3D Brain

One of the most grueling courses any psychologist goes through is biopsychology, a class focused primarily on the functions and regions of the brain. To keep fresh on this information and use it practically with patients, the 3D Brain app actually present a three-dimensional brain that can be dissected by function, region, and patient. It’s a really great way to interact with patients and explain their condition, as well as a great refresher for professionals.

8. Schizophrenia Psychopharmacology

Schizophrenia represents one of the most common, and one of the least understood, disorders. That said, the disorder is increasingly easy to diagnose and begin treating. That’s especially true with the Schizophrenia Psychopharmacology application, which helps psychologists diagnose the disorder, assess its severity, and treat or medicate it appropriately in each case.

9. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, Eighth Edition

For those on a more clinical path within psychology, this app is one of the best to have on an iPad or iPhone. It has more commonly been used among British students, but has recently found its way into American courses and professions. The Oxford Handbook for iPhone and iPad has all of the clinical definitions, studies, and procedures needed for a successful practice.

10. PsycExplorer

The field of psychology is always changing and evolving as new information, new studies, and new discoveries, become available. The PsycExplorer app for iPhone and iPad culls all of these stories into just one area, keeping professionals updated on the latest developments in their profession on an ongoing basis.

Plenty of Options for Psychologists

The mobile applications available for iPhone and iPad are quickly changing the way psychologists learn about, understand, diagnose, and treat disorders in their patients. These applications represent some of the best sources in the field, and some of the most authoritative voices, in a way that is easily accessible to professionals, students, and even patients. They’re an invaluable asset for a profession that is rapidly changing amid technological development and greater understanding.

Included also are Cognitive Psychology educational resources, tests and tutorials that provide a more thorough understanding of the area of study. These educational resources are designed for both students and instructors to enhance learning and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge. Social media accounts of prominent names in the field are listed to keep updated with new developments in the discipline. The resource guide is designed to be useful for those who which to learn more about the history and origins of Cognitive Psychology, as well as work and trends in applied practice.

General Resources

• Questia – Questia is a renown online research site providing references and resources for the study of Cognitive Psychology. The site presents an excellent overview of the discipline.
• Reference.com – Cognitive Psychology – Dictionary and thesaurus for the discipline of Cognitive Psychology. Terms are defined and basics are presented.
• ScholarPedia – Cognitive Psychology – This site explains the history and assumptions of the study of Cognitive Psychology. Applied Cognitive Psychology and sub-domains are also explored, along with the current state of study within the discipline.
• Science Daily – Cognitive Psychology – News, articles, video and references may be found on the Science Daily site within the Cognitive Psychology section. The site attempts to keep readers up to date with the latest news and trends in research and popular topics.
• Simply Psychology – Simply Psychology provides a primer for understanding the basics of Cognitive Psychology. The site presents a brief history of the study and explains how theories of cognitive psychology have developed over the years.
• The IQ Test – The IQ Test proposes be the most valid, scientifically-based IQ test available on the web. Based on the theories of Alfred Binet and constructed by PhDs in Cognitive Psychology, the test is self-administered and free.
• The Whole Brain Atlas – This site is hosted by Harvard Medical School and provides a comprehensive map of the human brain. The site covers mapping of the normal brain, as well as mapping of brains affected by stroke, degenerative disease, inflammatory disease, and other afflictions.

Blogs

• Ashbourne College’s Cognitive Psychology Blog – Diverse blog hosted by Ashborne College that covers a wide variety of topics in the area of Cognitive Psychology. Informative, timely and fun.
• Beck Institute Blog – Formerly, this blog was entitled Cognitive Behavior Therapy News, but has recently been renamed to the Beck Institute Blog. The blog is maintained by the staff at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and includes post on a wide variety of topics of interest in applied CBT.
• CogSci Librarian – The CogSci Librarian blog is a blog dedicated to the intersection of Cognitive Science and Library Science.
• Dr. Deb – Dr. Deborah Serani blogs about news and issues of the day. This blog is interesting, relevant and most posts are brief enough to devour in just a few minutes.
• PsyBlog – The PsyBlog is hosted in the U.K. and is primarily targeted to the general public to answer questions about psychologies studies for everyday life.
• PsyCentral – The World of Psychology – Interesting and well-written blog posts on a variety of topics, including Cognitive Psychology. Blog post authors are vast and varied, and all are professionals in different practice areas in psychology.
• Psychological Musings – Blog about the practice and theories defining Cognitive Psychology.

Associations

• American Psychological Association – The APA is the largest and most renown professional organization for those who study and research in all areas of psychology.
• American Psychological Society – Association dedicated to the study of scientific psychology.
• Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence – The association publishes a variety of journals, workshop papers and magazines. The association also hosts a series of annual conferences. The AAAI site provides a wealth of information on the topic of artificial intelligence in the library and archives.
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies – This association’s website provides information for practitioners and the general public with regards to applied topics in behavioral and cognitive therapy. The association serves mainly practitioners and those interested in applied therapy.

Cognitive Psychology Databases and Journals

• APA PsyNET – APA PsyNET is a database created and hosted by the American Psychological Association. Membership to the database is provided with a subscription to any of the APA publications or journals. In addition, the PsyNET site sells various levels of membership online. Search articles and books and then purchase the publications online. An interesting feature of the database is that PsyNET will sell single articles from journals, as well as specific chapters within books in lieu of the entire book or journal.
• Mental Help Net – Mental Help Net is a database of mental health information and wellness resources for individuals and professional cognitive practitioners. This resource is more than a database. Find blogs, videos, podcasts and essays, as well as self-assessment tools and news on the site.
• PsycLine – PsycLine is a database of online journals of psychology and the social sciences. Locate specific articles or entire journals using this comprehensive database. The database allows the user to perform refined searches from the home page to locate the resource they need.
• Psychology Dictionary and Glossary for Students – Hosted by Tuition.com in Hong Kong, this comprehensive psychology dictionary and glossary is an excellent resource for students.
• Psychological Research on the Net – Published by Hanover College, this database is updated regularly and lists current studies in cognition and behavioral psychology.

Educational Resources

• Cogent – Cogent is a free web application that is available for cognitive mapping and modeling. The Cogent site provides the downloadable application, documentation and tutorials to train individuals to use the modeling system. The application may be utilized to generate cognitive maps and schema.
• CogWeb – CogWeb is hosted by UCLA and provides a resource for cognitive cultural studies.
• Cognitive Styles – Cognitive Styles is an educational resource containing materials about the eight defined cognitive styles. A personality test based on Myers-Briggs assessment is available within the web application.
• Encyclopedia of Psychology – The Encyclopedia offers an index of websites related to various areas of study of Psychology.
• Films for the Humanities and Sciences – Cognitive Psychology – The Films for the Humanities and Sciences service offers on-demand videos and films on DVD and via streaming media. Purchase titles via DVD and/or streaming subscription from the site. Subscriptions are active for three years. Films are often utilized as classroom teaching tools.
• Free Video Lectures – Free Video Lectures offers free videos of actual classroom lectures from various professors teaching courses in Cognitive Psychology.
• Instructional Design – Instructional Design is a site devoted to the application of cognitive learning theories into educational resources.
• InterTOP Online Cognitive Psychology Course Materials, Video and Audio Resources – InterTOP provides an online clearinghouse for teaching materials and multimedia resources in the area of Cognitive Psychology. Free articles, videos and multimedia resources are available to those who teach in areas of Cognitive Psychology.
• Learning Theories: Cognitivism – Learning Theories provides summaries and definitions of Cognitive Psychology. The site also provides a knowledge base of resources for the field.
• Mental Imagery – Mental Imagery is hosted by Stanford University Department of Philosopy. This site expands on theories of visualization, or the quasi-perceptual experience of “seeing with the mind’s eye.” Includes a wealth of resources in the bibliography.
• PsyPress: Cognitive Psychology – PsyPress is a publisher of psychology textbooks and publications. The Cognitive Psychology area lists the newest titles and provides a clearinghouse for published materials in Cognitive Psychology.
• Simons Lab – Simons Lab is the Visual Cognition Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Discover the type of research that is conducted at the lab, meet the staff members and learn more about the study of visual cognition research.
• TES Cognitive Psychology Resource Page – A network of introductory resources for students to learn more about the cognitive approach to Psychology. TES publishes TES magazine, which is available in online version from the site. TES also hosts a repository of teaching resources for instructors in the area of Cognitive Psychology.
• The Memory Exhibition – The Exploratorium hosts The Memory Exhibition which includes memory games and assessments. The site also hosts an archive of articles, online exhibits and lectures.
• The Mind Project – The Mind Project is resources for teachers and students of Cognitive Psychology. The site allows users to create an account an access resources, such as articles, teaching materials and research projects and proposals involving the mind and brain.
• MITCogNet – This site is a comprehensive resourced published by MIT that provides reference works representing the theoretical and methodological diversity of cognitive psychology.

Cognitive Psychology Societies, Conferences, and Professional Organizations

• Cognitive Neuroscience Society – This professional society is devoted to research of the human mind that investigates computational, psychological and neuroscientific bases of cognition and perception. A relatively new society founded in 1994, this organization boasts of 1000 members worldwide.
• Cognitive Psychology – Cognitive Psychology is one of the most popular peer-reviewed journals in the field of Cognitive Psychology. Research topics include the study of language processing, perception, problem solving, thinking and memory. Elsevier publishes the journal and offers subscriptions from the website.
• Cognitive Science Society – The Cognitive Science Society publishes the journal, Cognitive Science, which covers topics in various areas of Cognitive Psychology. The Society hosts an annual conference. The 2012 conference was held in Sapporo, Japan.
• Federation of Associations in Brain and Behavioral Sciences – FABBS is a coalition of professional scientific psychological societies with research interest in the mind, behavior and brain. Focus is on applied research for policy making and public consumption.
• The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists – Professional association for practitioners working in areas of Cognitive and Behavioral therapy. The site is research-based and provides education and continuing education opportunities to practicing Cognitive and Behavioral psychologists.

Patient and Parent Resources

• The Balanced Mind Foundation – The Balanced Mood Foundation is dedicated to families dealing with children affected by mood disorders. The site provides resources and peer support to individuals and families.
• PsyPORT – PsyPORT is a news feed that provides updates with regards to psychology topics in the news. The site is compiled and hosted by the American Psychological Association. Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the practical areas of Cognitive Psychology.

Social media accounts to follow

• Art Markman – @abmarkman – Cognitive Scientist – University of Texas at Austin
• Cedar Riener – @criener – Professor and Cognitive Psychologist -Randolph-Macon College
• Christopher H. Ramey – @meyourprofessor – Professor and Cognitive Psychologist at University of Kansas
• Daniel Simons – @profsimons – Cognitive Psychology professor at University of Illinois
• John Caccioppo – @J_Cacioppo – Professor, Director of Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, University of Chicago
• Michael Dawson – @mrwdawson – Psychology professor and cognitive scientist – University of Alberta
• New Psychologist – @newpsychologist – News about research in the area of Cognitive Psychology
• Rob Potter – @theaudioprof – Cognitive Science and Mass Communications professor at Indiana University
• Steven Pinker – @sapinker – Cognitive psychology professor and cognitive scientist – Harvard
• Study Blue – @studyblue – Utilizing principles of Cognitive Psychology to help students learn more effectively
• Therapy Elements – @therapyelements – Applied Cognitive Psychology in action

Other

• Choice Between Gambles Study – Online study by California State University at Fullerton. The study offers a chance to win one of three $100 prize certificates for completing the assessment.
• Illusions Gallery -The Illusions Gallery is hosted by UMass Lowell and provides a central location for perceptual illusion images that are often utilized in Cognitive Psychology courses.
]]> http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.org/cognitive-psychology-resource-guide/feed/ 0 http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.org/child-psychology-resource-guide/ http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.org/child-psychology-resource-guide/#comments Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:40:12 +0000 James http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.org/?p=82 This guide is provided as a resource for students focusing on Child Psychology and related disciplines, as well as those interested in the subject. The resource guide is divided into various broad categories, and each resource is annotated with a brief description. This resource guide also contains hyperlinks to several professional associations, databases and journals to assist with research in the area of Child Psychology.

Included also are Child Psychology educational resources and tutorials for teachers, parents, therapists and those interested in furthering their understanding of the discipline of Child Psychology. These additional resources offer a deeper understanding of the discipline. These educational resources are designed for both students and teachers to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge. Social media accounts to follow are listed in order to obtain the latest updates in the field.

General Resources

• Child Psychology Meanings and Definitions – InfoPlease provides a glossary of terms utilized in the practice of child psychology.
• Connexions Library – Child psychology subject index for Connexions publications.
• DysTalk – General informational social media site around the topic of dyslexia. The site offers a community of users, a wealth of information via blog posts and articles, as well as multimedia content, such as various lecture series and podcasts.
• National Institutes of Mental Health – Federal government’s resource for research opportunities, education and funding for projects in the area of child and adolescent mental health.
• Raising Great Kids – Resource for parents that addresses specific topics, such as discipline and punishment and 21 questions for successful parents. The site is billed as a resource for good parents who want to be better parents.

Blogs

• Author Dawn Blocker – Dawn Blocker originally created the blog and entitled it “Practice What I Preach.” She shares the journey of going from child therapist to parent with insights with regards to her perceptions about the discipline both before and after she became a parent.
• Child In Mind – Dr. Gold provides information to parents and practitioners about how to best facilitate the emotional development of children. The doctor utilizes a behavioral approach in her practice and addresses behavioral treatments and interventions for children.
• Child Psychology and Parenting Blog – Provides a research-based platform for discussion of topics in Child Psychology for parents and practitioners. Topics from dealing with childhood anxiety to blog posts about when to utilize medication are provided for parents.
• Cognitive Therapy for Kids – Discusses the practice of cognitive therapy for children and families. The author addresses timely topics such as stressors surrounding homework at the beginning of the school year. The blog also promotes various CBT apps for practitioners, such as the Mood Kit app.
• Columbia Child Psychologist – Conversations and reviews of current research, trends and topics. This blog takes on topics that are relevant to teens and young people, such as effects of social media on depression. The author also discusses topics surrounding the effects of trauma on children and teens.
• Diary of a Child Therapist – Advice and tips for parents from a practicing child and family therapist. The doctor offers valuable insights with regard to childhood behavior and parenting techniques.
• Dr. Tippy’s Child Development Blog – Dr. Tippy posts articles and information about ASD, DIR, autism, floor-time and relationships throughout the development of the child.
• Family Dysfunction and Mental Health – Author Dr. David Mallen discusses how family dysfunction interacts with behavior in children and teens. The doctor takes a cognitive-behavioral approach to treating dysfunction in families.
• Great Kids, Great Parents – Blog hosted and promoted by Psychology Today magazine. The author discusses development of language and learning behavior in infants and young children, as well as more diverse topics, such as adoption and emotional development of young children.
• Insights – Provides parents and the community with updates and insights with regards to holistic child therapy. The blog is provided to communicate with patients in the holistic Child and Family Development practice, with advice about how to get started with therapy, what to expect and resources for parents.
• Secrets of Baby Behavior – Blog for parents to help them understand the behavior of their infants and toddlers. The author discusses behavioral differences as well as the milestones of normal development, such as learning and the use of language.
• Teen Mental Health Blog – Author offers an opportunity for parents and teens to ask the expert about specific issues. Blog posts include topics relevant to depression and teen life, such as the effect of exercise on teen depression and the impact of starting back to school on teen depression.
• The Thoughful Parent – A down-to-earth blog about specific topics that parents deal with. An article entitled “Olympic Sport: The Parent Edition” covers strategies about how to eat while breastfeeding and the soothing art of vacuuming the home while carrying an infant in a baby carrier.

Associations

• American Art Therapy Association – Art therapy is a specialized area of Child Psychology that focuses on utilizing the arts for treatment for various psychological disorders in children. The association introduces qualified art therapists, their practices and approaches. The site also lists qualifications required for becoming an Art Therapist, as well as educational listings and resources.
• American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology – The ABCCAP is a division of the American Board of Professional Psychology. The ABCCAP site offers users a directory of member practitioners.
• American Psychological Association – The APA is the largest professional organization in the United States. The mission of the organization is to advance psychological information to benefit society at large.
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America – ADAA is the leading society in the United States devoted to education and the study of anxiety and depression in both children and adults.
• Association of Child Psychologists in Private Practice – A professional organization located in the U.K. that provides a forum for Child Psychology practitioners to interact and share professional information. The site provides a platform for discussion and information sharing for Child Psychology private practitioners.
• National Association of School Psychologists – The NASP is dedicated to providing educational and professional resources to School Psychologists. The goal of the organization is to empower School Psychologists to provide assistance to students to improve learning behavior and overall mental health.
• National School Climate Center – NSCC is committed to improving the “climate,” or learning environment, in schools to meet the needs of all students.

Databases/Journals

• Applied Behavioral Analysis Resources – Provides a wealth of free resources for parents and teachers of children with autism.
• Child Development Information – Comprehensive source for parents and practitioners that provides resources for children of all ages. The site covers a wide range of topics, from dyslexia to childhood mental illness. The site was founded in 1999 and has bee recognized by the American Psychological Association and Psychology Today magazine.
• Child Psychology Information Guide – Informational site for those interested in pursuing a career in the area of Child Psychology. The site offers interesting articles, seminal studies and more.
• Mothers United for Moral Support – A network of mothers who are matched for support and interaction. MUM also provides a database of diagnoses at http://www.netnet.net/mums/database.htm.
• The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – Clearinghouse for information for parents and practitioners with regards to children with mental, emotional and physical disabilities. The site also offers a Spanish language version.
• William Gladden Foundation – Online library of free child psychology publications.

Educational Resources

• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorders – CHADD provides information for children and adults dealing with ADHD. CHADD offers both English and Spanish language versions of the site.
• Child Psychology Teaching Tools – Resources and teaching tools by renown team of Hetherington, Parker and Locke.
• The Child Development Website – Child Development discusses and explains classic theories of child development.
• Child Psychology Resources – Provides multicultural resources for children and focuses on helping children find their path in America, the land of diversity.
• EarlyChildhood.com – Educational resources for teachers, practitioners and parents that provides information related to infants through age 8.
• Educate Autism – Resources for parents and teachers who instruct autistic children. The site offers educational materials, tips and techniques for teaching autistic children.
• Effective Child Therapy – Focuses on evidence-based therapy for adolescents and children. Separate sections are provided for parents, therapists and educators.
• Information about Autism – News, resources and general information about autism, Asperger’s syndrome, PDD and ASD.

Societies, Conferences, Professional Organizations

• APA Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology – APA is the leading professional association for psychologists. The Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology is the entity organized around the practice of Child Psychology.
• Conference Alerts – Worldwide listing of professional psychology conferences.
• International Conference on Educational and Child Psychology – 2012 meetings will be held in Italy during the month of November. Visit the site for more information.
• Research Raven – Listing of professional and academic child psychology conferences and meetings.

Patient/Parent Resources

• Baby Center – Comprehensive resource for parents of babies or expectant parents. Resources including a Baby Name Finder, parents’ forum, ovulation calender and more.
• Child Behavior Guide – Comprehensive resource for parents and practitioners with information related to dealing with challenging child behavior, applied behavior analysis, behavior disorders and developmental disabilities.
• David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages – Resources dealing with the effects of childhood trauma on behavior and the effect of trauma on brain development.
• Empowering Parents – Child behavior help for parents dealing with difficult parenting issues. Topics such as stealing, disrespect, anxiety and more are addressed with a plethora of resources.
• My Kid Can – Resources for parents of children in early childhood and daycare programs. The site also lists resources for those interested in pursuing careers in early childhood education.
• Parenting Child Development – Child psychology resources for parents and practitioners. Site provides information such as how to focus on the needs of the child for therapeutic purposes.
• Parent Wonder – Offering parents practical advice for raising children.
• School Psychology Organization – Resource for teachers, parents and school psychologists for better serving students in educational institutions.
• Stanford University: Children and Sleepwalking – A parent’s guide to dealing with a child’s sleepwalking behavior. The site contains definitions and recommended treatments.
• Virginia Academy of School Psychologists – Association provides webinars and presentations for parents, teachers and practitioners.

Twitter Accounts to Follow

• APA Help Center (@APAHelpCenter) – Twitter account for the American Psychological Association’s Help Center.
• Child-Psych.org (@ChildPsychology) – The official Twitter account of Child-Psych.org. The organization provides information to child psychologists, parents and other interested parties.
• Child Psychology (@ChildPsychology) – Twitter account maintained by Dr. Nestor Lopez-Duran offers non-partisan research in the area of child psychology.
• Dr. David Ballard (@DrDavidBallard) – Dr. Ballard is the marketing director for the American Psychological Association practice. He regularly tweets interesting posts and articles.
• The Chicago School – (@GradPsychology) – The official Twitter account for one of the most renown graduate schools offering advanced degrees in the specialties of Child Psychology.
• Psychology Today Magazine (@PsychToday) – Follow the popular Psychology Today publication on Twitter.
• Psych Central Online Magazine (@PsychCentral) – Online magazine for practicing psychologists in all areas.
• Psychological Press (@PsyPress) – The Psychological Press is a publisher of psychology textbooks. Those who teach in the areas of child psychology may want to follow this account.

Other Resources

• Alpha Nutrition – This resource deals with the effect of nutrition on behavioral and learning problems in children.
• KidPsych – Kids games offered online that are designed to develop the mind. Two age categories are provided: Games for Kids ages 1 through 5, and ages 6 though 9.
• Psychology Humor: Geary’s Humor – One liners, jokes and humor related to the practice of Psychology.
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