When choosing an abnormal psychology course, you should consider your need for taking the course, the reputation of the school that offers the course, as well as the instructor of the course. You should also be mindful of whether it is practical for you to take a specific course, as some may be more affordable or scheduled at more convenient times than others. Finally, if possible, talk to people who have taken an abnormal psychology course and get their opinion of the course, its usefulness, and its instructor.
If you are taking the course as a part of an academic degree program, you will likely take it at the school at which you are enrolled. In fact, those studying psychology, social work, or counseling will typically be required to take an abnormal psychology course in order to get their degree. If your future plans include postgraduate work, you may have to take more than one course in abnormal psychology throughout your academic career. Talk to other students and perhaps your academic advisor about which instructors are best. Some instructors will post their course syllabus on their website so that you can review the instructor's approach to the course and decide if it will suit your needs.
On the other hand, if you are not currently enrolled in school but still want to take an abnormal psychology class, you may have more options open to you. If you have a bachelor's degree, you will typically have the option of taking an abnormal psychology course either at the graduate or undergraduate level. In either case, you will want to select a school that is properly accredited in the jurisdiction in which it operates. Ask the school about its tuition rates and course scheduling policies, as well as whether the school offers distance learning courses.
As you review the abnormal psychology course offerings available to you, consider your own reasons for wanting to pursue additional study in abnormal psychology. If, for example, you have a strong interest in personality disorders, you may wish to look for a course with that emphasis or that is taught by a professor who specializes in the study of personality disorders. On the other hand, if you are interested in other aspects of abnormal psychology, you should take care to review course descriptions, the syllabus, and the reputations of instructors in order to find a class that is a good match. In all cases, you should balance your concerns in accordance with your needs. You may find that your need for a specific subject matter emphasis outweighs logistical concerns or that you may prefer to work with a specific instructor even if you may have to spend more than you planned to take the course.
