Degree and License Acronyms
The worlds of education and psychology are filled with acronyms, which can feel overwhelming at times. Please refer to the list of common degree and license abbreviations provided below to help you navigate this terminology as you learn more about your options to pursue graduate school for a career in psychology.
Note: These are common abbreviations, but specific degree titles and acronyms may vary depending on the institution and field of study.
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA: Bachelor of Arts
- BS: Bachelor of Science
- BSW: Bachelor of Social Work
Master’s Degrees
- MA: Master of Arts
- MS: Master of Science
- MEd: Master of Education
- MSW: Master of Social Work
- MFT: Master of Family Therapy
- EdS: Education Specialist (post-master’s degree)
Doctoral Degrees
- PhD: Doctor of Philosophy
- PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
- DSW: Doctor of Social Work
- MD: Doctor of Medicine
- DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Licenses
- LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (used in 24 US states, including WI)
- LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (used in 7 states, including IL)
- LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (used in 7 states, including NY)
- LPCC: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (used in 6 states, including CA)
- LCMHC: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (used in NH, RI, UT, and VT)
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- LP: Licensed Psychologist (not a widely used acronym)