Gender in professions
The Psychologist:
Women earning doctoral degrees in psychology outnumber men three to one. The gender disparity in psychology is part of a larger academic trend: Women are increasingly outnumbering men throughout higher education, including doctoral programs. According to a September report from the Council of Graduate Schools, women earned more doctoral degrees than men for the first time in 2009. But the gender imbalance is especially pronounced in psychology. In developmental and child psychology, for example, female PhD recipients outnumber men by more than five to one.
Stagnant salaries may be keeping men out of the field today. Perhaps men in their traditional roles as breadwinners may not be viewing psychology as a viable career. They see what entry-level salaries are, and they see how difficult it is to find a job. The average psychology starting salary is $61,168, according to 2009 data from APA's Doctorate Employment Survey.
Meanwhile, many women are drawn to the flexibility that a career in psychology can provide. Women deal with more of the home and family issues. Psychologists have the flexibility of scheduling their clients and seeing people on their time.
Women are also drawn to psychology because they perceive themselves as more empathic than men do. Concern for others is an important factor in deciding whether to be a psychologist, and women rate themselves as more empathic.
When it comes to schooling individuals can work in the psychology field with different degree levels, but those who wish to practice independently need advanced schooling. In every state psychologists need a master's or doctorate to become licensed or certified, which is a requirement to work as a psychologist.
At the doctoral level, students may choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program, depending on personal interests. They may consider Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA),
Women earning doctoral degrees in psychology outnumber men three to one. The gender disparity in psychology is part of a larger academic trend: Women are increasingly outnumbering men throughout higher education, including doctoral programs. According to a September report from the Council of Graduate Schools, women earned more doctoral degrees than men for the first time in 2009. But the gender imbalance is especially pronounced in psychology. In developmental and child psychology, for example, female PhD recipients outnumber men by more than five to one.
Stagnant salaries may be keeping men out of the field today. Perhaps men in their traditional roles as breadwinners may not be viewing psychology as a viable career. They see what entry-level salaries are, and they see how difficult it is to find a job. The average psychology starting salary is $61,168, according to 2009 data from APA's Doctorate Employment Survey.
Meanwhile, many women are drawn to the flexibility that a career in psychology can provide. Women deal with more of the home and family issues. Psychologists have the flexibility of scheduling their clients and seeing people on their time.
Women are also drawn to psychology because they perceive themselves as more empathic than men do. Concern for others is an important factor in deciding whether to be a psychologist, and women rate themselves as more empathic.
When it comes to schooling individuals can work in the psychology field with different degree levels, but those who wish to practice independently need advanced schooling. In every state psychologists need a master's or doctorate to become licensed or certified, which is a requirement to work as a psychologist.
At the doctoral level, students may choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program, depending on personal interests. They may consider Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA),