The expansion of the Post-9\/11 GI Bill has made it possible for tens of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to enter the classroom and build new careers.\u00a0To meet this burgeoning need, universities, colleges and technical schools are creating new educational opportunities for specially geared toward veterans in the fields of science, technology, education and business\u00a0\u2014 and the same is true for psychology.
The Sturm program combines military- and veteran-focused clinical and classroom training for graduate students in psychology. In addition to training future psychologists in military culture, evidence-based treatments for PTSD, and the impact of operational environments on psychological functioning, an off-campus clinic provides trainees the opportunity to gain real world clinical experience working with service members, veterans and dependents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other programs are out there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adler University in Chicago has a master\u2019s degree dedicated entirely to military psychology.\u00a0The program consists of 10 courses and is offered entirely online.\u00a0Faculty are primarily made up of former active-duty military psychologists.\u00a0Adler also has a military psychology track within its doctoral program in clinical psychology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
William James College in Massachusetts offers an emphasis in military and veteran psychology within its psychology department.\u00a0Students studying clinical, counseling, organizational or school psychology are eligible to take courses that focus on military families, trauma and addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Although they may not offer formal specialty tracks within their programs, at least a dozen other universities and colleges offer courses in military psychology or opportunities to gain important clinical experience working with veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These programs are not open just to veterans.\u00a0However, I hope veterans consider applying to these programs.\u00a0I\u2019m a strong believer that the men and women who have worn the uniform are well suited for careers in psychology.\u00a0In general, veterans think analytically, excel in identifying and solving problems, and possess the desire to help those who are most vulnerable.\u00a0These are all key skills and attributes that effective psychologists need to possess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m grateful that our universities and colleges have recognized the importance of teaching future psychologists how to effectively work with and care for our nation\u2019s veterans.\u00a0These programs will pay dividends for veterans, educational institutions and society for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n