Final answer:
A qualified speech-language therapist is typically required to hold a Master's degree in speech-language pathology. For a psychology professor at a 4-year college, a doctoral degree in psychology is usually needed, although a Master's degree can lead to certain careers in psychology and related fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
The qualifications for a qualified speech-language therapist typically involve a Bachelor's degree in speech pathology or a related field, followed by a Master's degree in speech-language pathology. While a Doctorate in linguistics or a Diploma in communication therapy might be relevant, the standard qualification is a Master's degree in speech-language pathology, which is necessary to obtain licensure or certification in most regions.
In parallel, if someone wanted to become a psychology professor at a 4-year college, they would likely need a more advanced degree in psychology. Earning a doctoral degree in psychology is usually required for college-level teaching positions, although a master's degree may be sufficient for some community college teaching roles or non-tenure-track positions. Doctoral studies in psychology can take between 5-6 years of graduate study.
Those holding a master's degree in psychology have opportunities in various career areas. They can provide psychotherapy, pursue careers as school psychologists, work in sport psychology, or act as consultants in industrial settings. Moreover, undergraduate coursework in psychology is also beneficial for related careers such as psychiatric social work or psychiatric nursing, emphasizing the versatility of psychology degrees at various levels.