Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field
Complete prerequisite coursework (as required by your target program)
Choose a psychology career path (clinical, counseling, school, research, industrial-organizational, etc.)
Apply to an accredited graduate program (master’s or doctoral, depending on the career)
Complete graduate coursework and supervised clinical/research training
Complete required practicum/internship hours (if applicable)
Earn the required graduate degree (for many roles: PsyD or PhD; for some: MA/MS)
Fulfill supervised experience requirements for licensure (hours and settings vary by jurisdiction)
Pass the required licensing exam(s) (jurisdiction-specific)
Apply for state/provincial licensure (or local equivalent)
Maintain licensure through continuing education and renewals
Consider board certification or specialty credentials (optional, jurisdiction-dependent)
Build experience through supervised work, postdoctoral training (if required), research, or specialized roles