Careers in Psychology Bachelor’s Degree More the 70,000 psych majors graduate each year Only 42% go on to graduate school Graduate with ability to work well with others, a desire and willingness to learn new skills, ability to adapt to situations, and good critical thinking and problem solving skills

Top 10 occupations that employ people with BS in Ψ Top and mid level managers, execs, admin Sales Social workers Other management occupations Personnel, training and labor relations Administrative (record clerks, telephone operators Insurance, securities, real estate, business services Other marketing and sales RNs, pharmacists, therapists, physicians assistants Accountants, auditors, other financial specialists

Postgraduate Degrees Jobs expected to increase 21-35% through 2012 due to need in variety of settings Doctorates work mainly in universities and colleges Those with masters primarily work in other ed settings and non-profits

Master’s Degrees At least 2 years full time study in specific subfield May work in university setting doing research or in clinical settings Health, government, industry or education fields as well

Doctoral Degrees 5-6 years of graduate study in a specific subfield Clinical psych is most popular specialty Largest growth areas have been for-profit and self-employment sectors (health service providers, I/O psych, ed psych 1/3 of doctoral are in academic settings

Psych Subfields Clinical psych – promote psychological health in individuals and groups, and organizations Some specialize in specific disorders May work in private practice, mental health services, schools, universities, industries, legal systems, medical systems, counseling centers, govt agencies, and military services

Cognitive Psychologists Primarily do research to add to psych’s store of knowledge Study thought processes and focus on perception, language, attention, problem solving, memory, judgment and decision making, forgetting, and intelligence Professor, industrial consultant or human factors specialist

Community Psychologist Deal with broad problems of mental health in community settings Focus on prevention, promotion of positive mental health, and crisis intervention with special attention to problems of underserved and minorities Work setting in federal, state, and local dept of mental health, corrections and welfare

Counseling psychologists Help people adjust to life transitions and make life-style changes Similar to clinical psych but deal with adjustment problems and not disorders May work in academic settings, community mental health centers, business or private practice

Developmental psychologists Conduct research in age-related behavioral changes and apply their scientific knowledge to educational, child care, policy and related settings Educational institutions, day-care center, youth group program, and senior center

Educational psychologist Study the relationship between learning and our physical and social environments Might work in university (psych dept or school of education)

Experimental or Research Psychologists Diverse group of scientists who investigate a variety of basic behavioral processes involving humans and/or other animals Areas include motivation, thought, attention, learning, memory, perception and language Most likely work in academics or research institutions, business, industry affiliate or govt agencies

Health Psychologists Researchers and practitioners concerned with psych’s contribution to promoting health and preventing disease

Human Factors Psychologist Explore how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use. Conduct research on how people work best with machines. Most work in industry, some are employed by government (Def Dept)

Forensic Psychologists Apply psychological concepts to legal issues Most are clinical psychologists Work in university settings, law school, research organizations, community mental health agency, law enforcement agency, court, or correctional settings

Industrial/Organizational Psychologist Study relationship between people and their working environments May develop new ways to increase worker productivity, improve personnel selection, or promote job satisfaction May work in business, industry, govt, or university. May also be self-employed as a consultant

Neuropsychologist Investigates the relationship between the neurological processes and behavior Might assess, diagnose, and treat disorders such as strokes or Alzheimer’s Clinical work in neurology, neurosurgery or psych unit in hospital Others work in research in academic settings

Personality Psychologist Study similarities and differences among people. Use tests and interviews Determine personality traits such as introversion and extroversion.

Psychometric and Quantitative Psychologists Study methods and techniques used to acquire psychological knowledge Work on neurocognitive or personality tests Work on design, analysis and interpretation of tests

Rehabilitation Psychologists Researchers and practitioners who work with people who have lost optimal functioning after an accident, illness or other event Work in rehab institutions or hospitals, med schools, universities, state or federal vocational rehab agencies, or private practice

School Psychologists Involved in assessment and intervention for children in educational settings Diagnose and treat cognitive, social, and emotional problems that would negatively influence academic success

Social Psychologist Interested in interactions with others Study how our beliefs, feeling and behaviors are affected by and influence other people Look at concepts like attitudes, aggression, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, group behavior and leadership

Sports Psychologist Interested in how participation in sports and other physical activities can enhance personal development and well-being throughout the life span Help athletes reach maximum performance through relaxation, visualization, and focus

Psychiatrist Doctor of medicine Completed medical school with a concentration in psychology Can prescribe medication