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Though the number of people pursuing psychology degrees have increased, a decline in college enrollment numbers is causing concern. This trend has raised questions within academic circles and among prospective students about the future of psychology. This article explores these trends—and the effect they may have on the field. We also look at why promoting psychology to younger generations matters and what the future of psychology holds.

Psychology degree program trends 

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports between 2012 and 2021, trends showed increases in the number of psychology degrees awarded at all degree levels. The report reveals: 

  • bachelor's degrees increased by 16% 
  • master's degrees increased by 17% 
  • doctoral degrees increased by 14% 

 

However, the APA also revealed that in 2023, higher education enrollment was lower than pre-pandemic levels. Anticipated future drops in higher education enrollment may result in fewer students pursuing psychology degrees. 

As higher education enrollment has declined, GRE requirements have dropped. APA reveals the percentage of psychology graduate programs requiring GRE scores decreased substantially between 2020 and 2022 and continued to decrease in the 2022–23 academic year. What do these trends suggest? Some experts feel that graduate programs have reduced their emphasis on standardized test scores to help increase enrollment numbers. 

The decrease in psychology degree program enrollments is a multifaceted issue. However, to understand why numbers have dropped, it's essential to tackle the reasons behind the decline.

Causes behind program decline 

The “Great Enrollment Cliff” 

The financial recession in 2008 rocked the U.S. economy, and with this, birth rates plummeted. Today, higher education is feeling the impact, especially psychology programs. Experts are calling this phenomenon the “Great Enrollment Cliff.” How will the declining birth rate affect colleges and universities? 

The Hechinger Report reveals college enrollment may fall by 15% by 2029. Currently, schools are experiencing fewer students, resulting in canceled classes and less funding. Addressing the “great enrollment cliff” is essential to ensuring institutional longevity, and psychology programs are no exception.

Financial Bottlenecks 

Higher education costs and student debt have skyrocketed, leading many students to reconsider their academic choices based on potential return on investment. For example, for students aiming for a master’s degree, the average costs are $59,060 for public universities and $87,950 for private institutions. 

Advanced degrees can be financially burdensome. As a result, pursuing a career in a field that requires advanced degrees may be less attractive. Instead, students are trending toward professions that promise higher pay or are entering fields with better cost benefits, such as those requiring less schooling. 

Career Burnout 

APA reports that a survey found that from 2021 through 2023, early and midcareer psychologists consistently reported higher stress levels than senior career psychologists. The survey also revealed earlier career psychologists were more likely to report feeling burned out than psychologists in later stages of their career. High stress levels may cause psychologists to switch fields, retire early, or lead less productive careers.

Trends and impacts on psychology 

How could the drop in psychology program enrollment affect the field? APA reports it could harm the quality of education and training, psychological research, and patient care. One report predicts this shortage of mental health counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists will continue well into 2036. 

In addition, the gap between the need for mental health providers and access is wider among marginalized populations, including those in rural areas. One report shows that less than half of U.S. counties lack a single psychiatrist. This gap will only continue to grow if the decline in psychology program enrollment continues. Pursuing research careers among mental health professionals has also lowered due to several obstacles, including inadequate training and financial constraints, according to one report. With a drop-off in enrollment, this decrease will only continue.

Why promoting psychology to younger generations matters 

Despite all the challenges in the field, psychologists are still hopeful. Mental health professionals and higher education faculty are finding innovative ways to show the utility of a degree in psychology. Below, the APA highlights these measures. 

  • Introducing psychology programs with a broader appeal and integrating them into different courses such as management, social work, and marketing. 
  • Calling attention to how psychologists contribute to pressing societal issues, such as studying ways to reduce racism and other forms of bias in different settings.
  • Emphasizing the valuable skills taught in degree programs. APA's Skillful Psychology Student Guide describes abilities such as analytical thinking and leadership that can prepare students to succeed in various occupations. 
  • Strengthening pathways into the field for students at community colleges, those looking for a career switch, and nontraditional students (midcareer professionals). 
  • Giving credit for nontraditional learning experiences (work or internships) and offering flexible options for studying. 
  • Advocating for financial reform in higher education, including student loan forgiveness and graduate student unions. 

Benefits of diversity in psychology 

With all the ways professionals and college faculty attract new students to the field, diversifying the psychology pipeline to be representative of the population is of utmost importance. For example, the APA reported that half of Asian Americans do not get treatment for mental health issues due to a language barrier, and only a little over 2% of those earning a doctorate in psychology identify as Asian. A diverse population of providers may help encourage individuals who had otherwise not pursued mental health services to seek the assistance they need. 

Attracting different cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds to psychology will also open the door to more diversified courses and training, creating more multiculturally competent psychologists. 

The future of psychology 

Despite the current decline in enrollment, psychology remains a vital discipline. The overall occupation is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. 

Educational institutions and industry professionals are making positive strides to address these enrollment challenges and highlight the value and versatility of psychology degrees. Through these efforts, psychology students have insight into the future of the field, helping them to navigate the evolving landscape of psychology and better position themselves for success.

 

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This week’s blog was contributed by Darla DeCarlo, LMHC, PsyS, PAR’s regional manager–educational assessments. Darla is a certified school psychologist who spent more than 30 years providing professional services in a variety of settings.  

School personnel have been navigating chaotic times for almost two years, and psychological services departments have had to make some difficult decisions. Positions have been eliminated, staff has changed, and psychologists have had to juggle added tasks within their department (and/or schools) while grappling with existing duties. With all of this added responsibility comes added pressure. 

One common concern among school psychologists is finding time to train on assessment tools. Introducing an entire staff to new test options, training new staff and interns on existing instruments, 

and familiarizing staff on what’s available can be confusing and time-consuming. Incorporating the free PAR Training Portal as part of regular monthly staff meetings can provide solutions to these problems. In just 30 to 60 minutes, an entire staff can learn more about a PAR tool—from instrument overview and development to scoring and normative data. It’s a perfect way to provide needed training while preserving staff members’ valuable time to take care of district business. Staff who can’t attend can access the presentation online 24/7, ensuring staff members are on the same page when it comes to assessment training. The PAR Training Portal also includes recorded topical and author webinars, and the training courses and presentations are updated frequently. 

When psychological services departments are dedicated to improving staff knowledge to keep up with changes in school psychology, it can increase staff efficiency and build confidence. In addition, participating in trainings helps reinforce group goals, shows the staff they are valued, and improves morale. And who doesn’t want that for their staff? 

Visit partrainingportal.com to get started. 

 

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Whether you want a deeper understanding of a favorite product or want a sneak peek into a test you are considering, the interactive courses, recorded webinars, video tutorials, and supplemental materials on the PAR Training Portal give you greater insight into some of our most popular products.

The PAR Training Portal is a free, on-demand resource available 24/7. Some of our newest offerings include:

Log in today to see what’s new! Use your parinc.com username and password.

 

 

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We’re proud to announce the latest addition to the PAR Training Portal!

Our newest course, Overview of the PAR Trauma Suite, provides FREE training for some of PAR’s most in-demand trauma instruments. Course content includes the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC), Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), TSCC and TSCYC Screening Forms, the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 (TSI-2), and the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS).

Whether you are a long-time user or are considering a purchase, this course provides greater insight into each of the products. You’ll also learn when each is most appropriate for use and see examples of how they can be used for intervention.

Remember, PAR’s Training Portal is always free and includes interactive courses, videos from test authors, and supplemental materials that serve as a resource to help you to learn more about select products. To learn more about the Training Portal or register for your free account, visit the PAR Training Portal web page.

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The PAR Training Portal is a great way to learn more about select PAR instruments. Whether you want to preview a measure you are considering, gain greater insight on a favorite assessment product, or simply look for further information on how to interpret scores, the PAR Training Portal is a free, on-demand resource available 24/7 to fit your schedule.


There’s more than just interactive courses! Author videos, supplemental materials, and more are all there!


It’s built with your time in mind! Start and stop, back up, or watch just the parts that interest you. The training portal is flexible—watch as many times as you want!


We are always adding new material! If you haven’t stopped by in a while, there’s probably something new to see.


Train an individual or a whole staff! Many schools and large organizations have used the portal to train all the individuals in their group. It’s an efficient and cost-effective solution for training.

 

As part of our mission, PAR aims to provide the best support to our Customers. It is our goal to contribute not only with the best assessment tools, but with the best training on these tools as well. To learn more about the Training Portal or register for your free account, visit the PAR Training Portal web page.

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PAR’s University Partnership Program (UPP) is a way to help you save time and money through a concierge service meant just for universities. The UPP is dedicated to assisting you and your students as they pursue advanced degrees.

UPP offers eight essential elements, all focused on providing you support:

1)     Reduce time reviewing tests. The UPP can save you valuable time by providing you with the information you need to help you decide which tests best fir your syllabus.

2)     Concierge service. Our UPP specialists are dedicated specifically to the UPP program. You’ll have a single point of contact from start to finish. Consider them part of your team.

3)     Training resources. We’re happy to provide PowerPoint slides for many PAR products that can be integrated into your course objectives. We also offer free online training through the PAR Training Portal.

4)     Free products. Get three PAR test kits of your choice—at absolutely no charge. If you need more forms, we offer a 40% discount on reorders plus free uses on PARiConnect, our online assessment platform.

5)     Discounts for students. Graduate school takes financial dedication, and PAR can lighten the load. Graduate students using PAR products in their research can apply for a 40% discount.

6)     Research discounts for professors. Professors conducting research through their universities are eligible to receive a 40% discount on PAR products.

7)     PAR guarantee. Our guarantee isn’t just a list of services, it’s who we are. PAR guarantees your order will be shipped the same day you order it, and if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can simply return it.

8)     Best help in the business. PAR proudly offers live Customer Support. No automated menus—the phone rings and one of our UPP specialists will be on the line to help you.

For more information about joining the UPP, visit our website, e-mail upp@parinc.com, or call 1.866.727.2884.

Interested in learning more about the new Feifer Assessment of Mathematics (FAM)? Now you can enroll in a free training course on the FAM through PAR’s Training Portal. Whether you have already purchased the FAM and want to learn more about it or are looking for more information to help you make your purchase decision, this training course will give you a quick overview of the product, explain how the test was developed, and provide insight into scoring and administration. And, best of all, the Training Portal is always available, so you can get training on your schedule.

The FAM examines the underlying neurodevelopmental processes that support proficient math skills.

To access the Training Portal, use your parinc.com username and password to log in. Don’t have a free account? Register now. Training courses are also available on the Vocabulary Assessment Scales™ (VAS™), the Test of General Reasoning Ability™ (TOGRA™), the Reynolds Adaptable Intelligence Test™ (RAIT™), the Academic Achievement Battery™ (AAB™), and many more!
Interested in learning more about the new Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (RIAS-2)? Now you can enroll in a free training course on the RIAS-2 through PAR’s Training Portal. Whether you have already purchased the RIAS-2 and want to learn more about it or are looking for more information to help you make your purchase decision, this training course will give you a quick overview of the product, explain what changes were made in this edition, and provide insight into scoring and administration. And, best of all, the Training Portal is always available, so you can get training on your schedule.

The RIAS-2 can be used to assess intelligence and its major components in individuals 3 to 94 years.

To access the Training Portal, use your parinc.com username and password to log in. Don’t have a free account? Register now. Training courses are also available on the Vocabulary Assessment Scales™ (VAS™), the Test of General Reasoning Ability™ (TOGRA™), the Reynolds Adaptable Intelligence Test™ (RAIT™), the Academic Achievement Battery™ (AAB™), and more!
We are proud to announce that we have deepened the offerings available from the PAR Training Portal.  

“The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function™, 2nd Edition (BRIEF™2): An Introduction by Peter K. Isquith” is a video featuring Dr. Isquith discussing this new assessment and how it was updated during this revision. “Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales™, 2nd Ed. (RIAS™-2): An Overview with Cecil R. Reynolds” is a video featuring Dr. Reynolds discussing the RIAS-2 and what users should know about this revision. Both videos are excellent ways to learn about the key points of the product direct from the authors themselves!

Full-length, interactive training courses on both the BRIEF2 and RIAS-2 will be added to the PAR Training Portal in 2016.

Furthermore, to complement the full-length interactive training course on the Feifer Assessment of Reading™ (FAR™) currently live on the portal, we have added seven pronunciation guides. Each of the seven audio files offers the correct pronunciation for items appearing on subtests from the FAR. These audio presentations are meant to help users learn the most accurate enunciations of items and/or responses.

The PAR Training Portal offers our Customers the unique opportunity to receive training through online presentations that provide an overview of the development, scoring, sample item content, and normative and clinical data of selected assessments. To access the Training Portal, use your parinc.com username and password to log in. Don’t have a free account? Register now.

 
Interested in learning more about the Personality Assessment Inventory™ (PAI®)? A 45-minute training course on the PAI is now available through the PAR Training Portal. This free, interactive course will give you a quick overview of the product, explain what makes it unique, and provide insight into how it was developed. You will learn a bit about each of the PAI’s 22 nonoverlapping scales and how to interpret the assessment as a whole. And, best of all, the Training Portal is always available, so you can learn more on your schedule.

The PAI has been recognized as one of the most important innovations in the field of clinical assessment. An objective inventory of adult personality, the PAI assesses psychopathological syndromes and provides information relevant for clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and screening for psychopathology.

To access the Training Portal, use your parinc.com username and password to log in. Don’t have a free account? Register now.

Training courses are also available on the Vocabulary Assessment Scales™ (VAS™), the Test of General Reasoning Ability™ (TOGRA™), the Reynolds Adaptable Intelligence Test™ (RAIT™), the Academic Achievement Battery™ (AAB™), the Child and Adolescent Memory Profile™ (ChAMP™), and the Feifer Assessment of Reading™ (FAR™).

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