Psychology As a College Major Or Career Presented by: Carolyn Saitta

Considering Psychology? Did these pictures come to mind?

If you envision someone lying on a couch, while a therapist asks, “How do you feel about that?” This only represents two specialty areas of psychology – counseling and clinical psychology.

Counseling Psychologists Advise people how to deal with problems of everyday living Many work in university counseling centers, hospitals, and individual or group practices One out of four are in private practice

Clinical Psychologists Usually work in counseling centers, group practices, hospitals, or clinics Often interview patients and give diagnostic tests Provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy Design and implement behavior modification

Tell me more about psychology as a career.

Psychologists select an area to specialize Specialties Include: Clinical Psychology Experimental and Research Counseling Social Psychology Developmental Psychology School Psychology Industrial/Organizational Psychology

When PSYCHOLOGISTS work in the medical field they: Conduct research Consultants to communities and organizations Diagnose and treat people Teach future psychologists and other students Test intelligence and personality Work as health care providers Assess behavioral and mental function Work with people to improve their relationships

Many PSYCHOLOGISTS Work in Other Fields DID YOU KNOW PSYCHOLOGISTS – Are consulted in creating congressional legislation Defining the significance of bilingual education Work with business executives, performers, and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance Advise lawyers on jury selection Collaborate with educators on school reform Team with law enforcement to solve and prevent crimes

What is the job outlook for careers in Psychology?

Job Outlook Varies - Depending on Level of Education If you hold a DOCTORATE degree demand will be STRONG for those with from leading universities with specialties in counseling, health, and school psychology. Extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science will give a competitive edge over others.

With a DOCTORATE Degree in Psychology: Vast number of career opportunities with this level of education Can teach at colleges and universities and independently conduct research Acquire a state a license to practice psychology to: have a private practice work in a psychiatric unit in a hospital direct a mental health clinic or program

With a MASTER’S Degree in Psychology: Career opportunities include: Industrial-organizational psychologists School psychologists Professional jobs in state hospitals, mental health centers, research setting Teaching at a community college

With a BACHELOR’S Degree in Psychology: Limited career opportunities directly related to psychology Fewer than 25% of those with a BA in Psychology work in jobs closely related to their field of study Career opportunities can be found in: marketing research social work labor relations sales/management trainees

Best Job Opportunities School Psychologists Due to increased awareness of how student’s mental health and behavior affect school performance Due to increased testing needs to document academic intervention support services

SALARIES (based on 2002 data) Median - $57,400 Highest 10 % - $99,860 up Salaries vary dramatically depending on geographic location level of education. For Example: Psychology graduates with only a bachelor's degree earn about 9 % less than the average for all college

Should I major in psychology?

Use this 3 step process to help you envision and explore your future options: 1.Exploration - Gather information about psychology as a career and what the requirements for college. 2.Crystallization - Focus on your interests to be able to recognize the sub fields of psychology of most interest. 3.Clarification - With a good understanding of career and degree requirement. You are ready to make an informed decision about choosing psychology as a major.

What do I need to know about psychology as a college major?

Psychology One of the most popular and fastest growing majors Ranks as the 2 nd most popular undergraduate major, just under business administration Prepares students to be desirable candidates for jobs in all areas because they are skilled in communications and trained to think critically and creatively

College psychology courses require: An understanding of scientific methodology Aptitude and ability in mathematics/statistics Ability to organize ideas effectively in writing

I am still in high school, how should I prepare for a major in Psychology?

High school is a good time to start taking preliminary steps toward your future career goals and begin to create a vision of your future.

English Social Studies Mathematics/Statistics Science (biology, chemistry, physics) Advanced placement courses College preparatory classes Psychology class (if offered) Prepare by taking academic courses including:

How do I choose a college?

Your Career Goal in the field of psychology will greatly influence your decision on which college to attend will determine the level of education needed

Community College An Associates of Arts degree with a concentration in Psychology can be earned in a two year liberal arts program. With an Associate’s degree: Use it as the first step towards the higher education needed to pursuit a career in Psychology You are prepared to work in mental health and human services agencies Career choices in field of psychology limited, minimum degree is Bachelor’s

Nassau Community College is the first choice for 1 of every 4 college-bound high school graduates in Nassau County. For most student it is the start of an experience that will lead to four or more years of advanced learning. The college is centrally located in Garden City. The annual tuition is $3000.

Choosing a University Universities, such as Hofstra, offer all three degree levels in the field of psychology: Bachelor of Arts - A dual major or a minor in a related field is useful, particularly for students who wish to eventually work in business. A popular option is a dual major with Elementary Education. Masters of Arts in School Psychology or in Industrial- Organizational Psychology Ph.D. Program in Clinical and School Psychology

Is a private, coeducational university is located in Hempstead on 240 acres with 111 buildings. Hofstra is a selective institution enrolling students who demonstrate academic ability, intellectual curiosity, motivation to succeed, and to contribute to the campus community. Full-time undergraduate enrollment is about 8500 students Undergraduate tuition is approximately $10,000 per semester

Is a major in Psychology just an educational stepping stone? This is a common misconception, graduates are prepared to work in all career areas. The greatest advantage of a psychology degree is its flexibility and adaptability. Employers value their versatility. More than 40% of psychology undergraduates do go on to graduate school or other professional program. This major ranks among the highest in post- graduate study.

Get That Job!

Experience and Exposure Gain experience and exposure to other fields and the workplace while completing your degree in psychology. Through summer jobs, part-time work, and courses in the University related to your interests. This will make you a broadly trained, well- educated and marketable graduate.

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities in Non-Profit Organizations Planned Parenthood for Nassau County 540 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY (516) Education Development Center Center for Children and Technology,96 Morton St. New York, NY Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center (JCC) 300 Forest Dr, East Hills, NY (516)

Job Opportunities in Education Nassau BOCES Jobs at BOCES and Nassau county school districts Nassau Community College One Education Drive, Garden City, NY Teaching positions in Psychology Hofstra University Faculty and staff opportunities

Job Opportunities in Industry and Government Nassau County Police Department 1490 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY Employee Assistance Office needs of licensed mental health professionals to provide counseling services to Department members and their immediate families. Time Warner Corporation Opening for a Manager, People Development. Must have MA/PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (or related field) plus 5 years experience in organizational development, management/leadership development, or related disciplines. Apply Online:

Job Opportunities in Healthcare YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Counseling career opportunities qualifications to: South Nassau Community Hospital Program Director for rehabilitation and support services. Requires Masters+ and experience devising new programs and support services. Apply online:

Professional Organizations American Psychological Association 750 1st St. NE., Washington, DC National Association of School Psychologists 4340 E. West Hwy, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD Assoc. of St. and Provincial Psychology Boards P.O. Box , Montgomery, AL