Ethics in Psychology is extremely important, and this is why students are required to complete ethics courses when they are majoring in the field. Clinical psychologists work closely with patients in a variety of settings and developmental psychologists conduct various research to make strides in the field. No matter which type of psychology you would like to major in, and what degree level you are pursuing, there is a requirement that mandates that all students must complete ethics coursework. If you are interested in the ethics classes that are offered when earning your undergraduate or graduate psychology degree, read on and learn what you need to know.
Learning About Ethics at an Introductory Level
All students will complete an introduction to psychology course so that they can get a formal introduction to the field. While this is a course that is centered around introducing the field and giving students an academic view of the subject, ethics is covered throughout so that students are prepared to act ethically. In the introductory chapter of a Psychology 101 course, the text will will present psychology as a profession and then discuss the professional code of ethics that is created and overseen by the American Psychological Association.
In addition to introducing students to the professional code and the APA, the 101 course will introduce students to the importance of ethics in research methods. You will learn about the ethical issues that surround the research process and how APA code applies. Many different types of ethics will be discussed, however the class is not entirely focused on ethics, but rather focused on how ethical principles apply to different areas of the field.
Courses Specific to Ethics in a Psychology Program
As you complete coursework and advance your knowledge in the field, you will complete a course that is titled Ethics in Psychology. This course will go in depth to teach the ethics code and how to behave ethically as a professional. You may review case studies and lectures to make you the best mental health decision maker possible. It will also teach students the four ethical courses of action which include: confidentiality, multiple relationships, competence, and informed consent. You will learn the theories behind making ethical decisions, identify models, and learn how to apply the issues when you are working as a professional.
Continuing Education Courses
Once you graduate and you are licensed in psychology, you will be required to complete continuing education coursework to stay up-to-date in the field and advance your working knowledge as a professional. There is a variety of ethics continuing education coursework that you can complete that will help you manage risk in the real world and make more practical ethics decisions. Every time that you renew your license, you will be required to take at least one course in ethics.
When you are dealing with confidential information, you must be an ethical individual. This is why ethics are stressed while you are studying to become a licensed professional or a research professional. Be sure that you understand what courses are required and select the required coursework so that you can earn your degree and still stay up-to-date with ethics and psychology.
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