How to Become a Military Psychologist

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)

Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)

University of Southern California : Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling (No GRE required)

Capella University : Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )

Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Pepperdine University : Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees (GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. LPC/MFT emphases available.)

NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)

Purdue University Global : Master of Science in Human Services (100% Online, Multiple Start Dates)

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What Is Military Psychology?

Military psychology focuses on active members of the military and veterans who’ve returned to civilian life. Military psychologists may also treat family members of veterans since the psychological strain of service can significantly affect veterans’ loved ones. Additionally, psychologists can provide family members with support tools for veterans who may be suffering from trauma or depression.

Every branch of the U.S. military has its own group of designated psychologists, such as Army psychologists, Navy psychologists, and Air Force psychologists.

What Does a Military Psychologist Do?

Duties and specifics may vary based on what branch of military psychology you work in. No matter which service branch you choose, however, your duties may entail any of the following:

Assessing new recruits, ensuring that they’re mentally fit for service and helping pair them with the right jobs or posts

Guiding and counseling deployed soldiers through the challenges of service

Helping soldiers readjust to civilian life

Counseling military couples and families through various challenges

Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be common among veterans

Referring patients to psychiatrists or to inpatient care, as needed

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School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Syracuse University Master of Social Work CSWE accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required	Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited [email protected] is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More
University of Southern California Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Prepares you for school counseling credential	✔ Live, online classes No GRE requirement	Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More
Capella University Master's and PhD in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required	Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More
Fordham University Master of Social Work Accredited by the CSWE.	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree	Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More
Northwestern University Online MA in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Pepperdine University Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees LPC/MFT emphases available.	✔ Online No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required.	Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More
NYU Steinhardt Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness MPCAC Accredited	✔ Online GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required	As few as 21 months to complete Learn More
Purdue University Global Master of Science in Human Services HLC Accredited	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree Required	Advance into leadership positions managing organizational policies, staff, funding, intervention programs, and more. Choose a concentration in family/community services or organizational/social services. Prepare to sit for industry credential exams. Learn More

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Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Those wondering how to become military psychologists should know that there are specific educational requirements for practicing psychology. In addition to earning undergraduate and master’s-level degrees — typically in fields related to mental health — military psychologists must also earn PhDs. This can be in general or clinical psychology or in counseling. Students should enroll in programs that the American Psychological Association (APA) has accredited.

Though it’s not required, you can pursue your psychology degree from a military school. There are some potential advantages to doing so. First, in exchange for your service, the military may cover the cost of your tuition. Additionally, earning a psychology degree from a military school can provide training that’s more focused on issues impacting service members, military families, and veterans.

Following the completion of a PhD, a one-year clinical internship is required in one of the branches of the military. Becoming a military psychologist also requires a valid license or certification to practice psychology, which can be obtained by passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and meeting other related requirements. The specific requirements for licensure can vary depending on the state.

You can also choose from the following: enlisting as an active member of the military, doubling as a practicing psychologist, or serving in a civilian role.

Military Career Resources

According to Psychology Today, the military provides numerous financial resources for those who wish to pursue careers in military psychology. A few examples are as follows:

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) allows you to pursue your education without the requirement to pay tuition. However, you’ll be required to complete seven years of active service after completing your training.

The military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial aid to those who are attending civilian programs but who wish to one day join the military.

The Army’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides grant money to aspiring military psychology professionals who’ve been accepted into civilian internships.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also offers many career resources for veterans, including online networking and job training opportunities. These resources may be valuable to those seeking work in the counseling profession, whether in the military or in post-military life.

These are just a few examples of resources to consider as you contemplate how to become a military psychologist.

Key Skills in Military Psychology

A primary goal of advanced education is honing the skills required for success in military psychology. A few examples of essential military psychology skills are as follows:

Active listening. Psychologists must be prepared to fully listen to what their patients are saying and to extend empathy and compassion.
Familiarity with PTSD. Military psychology professionals should also have specific familiarity addressing mental health conditions that are common to service members, especially trauma and depression.
Communication. Psychologists should be able to convey the details of a diagnosis or a treatment plan in a clear, understandable way.
Critical thinking. Military psychology professionals may need to piece together details to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.
Collaboration. Success in this field often depends on the ability to cooperate with other clinical professionals.

Master of Social Work Program at Syracuse University

Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Program at University of Southern California

University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling ( Accredited)

Master's and PhD in Counseling Program at Capella University

Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Fordham University

Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees Program at Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees ( Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness Program at NYU Steinhardt

NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)

Master of Science in Human Services Program at Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global - Master of Science in Human Services (HLC Accredited)

Discover the Path to Becoming a Military Psychologist

If you’re passionate about military life and also long for a chance to serve people in their hour of need, a career in military psychology may be just the thing. There are many ways to become a military psychologist and make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Explore some of the available resources, and find out which educational path is right for you.

Sources:

American Board of Professional Psychology
American Psychological Association
BetterHelp, “What Is a Military Psychologist and How to Become One”
Mayo Clinic, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Military.com, “How to Recognize PTSD in Your Spouse”
Psychology Today, “Becoming an Active Duty Military Psychologist”
U.S. Air Force, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Army, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Employment Toolkit
U.S. Navy, Clinical Psychologist

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