Career Paths for Psychology Majors

Career Paths for Psychology MajorsCareer Paths for Psychology MajorsWhy do people think and behave as we do? If you would like to know the answer, consider majoring in psychology. Individuals who study this discipline learn about the human mind and behavior. Areas of specialization include social, experimental, clinical, developmental, and industrial and organizational psychology. While undergraduate majors typically survey all of these areas through their coursework, those pursuing advanced degrees usually specialize in one. Students can earn associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees in psychology. Many associate degree programs assume that graduates are going to continue their studies in four-year programs and eventually earn a bachelors degree. There are few careers for those who dont go beyond an associate degree. A bachelors degree provides more options, but if you want to work in human services, for example as a psychologist, you will need at least a masters degree, but more likely a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A Ph.D. is more research-oriented than a PsyD. Many who earn this degree go on to careers in academia. A PsyD emphasizes applied work and leads to careers in therapy. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Introduction to PsychologyChild PsychologyAdolescent PsychologyStatistical Methods in PsychologyPsychological Research and DesignHuman SexualityDrugs and AddictionDeath and DyingLearning TheoryCognitionSocial PsychologyHistory of PsychologyAbnormal PsychologyPsychological TestingPsychology of WomenCross-Cultural PsychologyPersonalityMotivation and EmotionGerontological PsychologyBiological PsychologyHealth Psychology Masters Degree Courses (MA or MS) Personality, Psychopathology DiagnosesPsychology of Groups, Families, and CouplesNeuropsychologyTheories of Cognitive-Behavioral TherapyForensic PsychologyInterpersonal Skills and Group TherapyTechnique s of Counseling and PsychotherapyNeuropsychological AssessmentProfessional Issues and EthicsPersonality AssessmentSensory and Motor Systems Ph.D. Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration) Data Analysis in Psychological ResearchQualitative Research MethodsResearch DesignEthicsTeaching of PsychologyPsychopharmacologyPsychology and Criminal LawAnxiety DisordersTreatment of Substance Abuse PsyD Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration) StatisticsCognitive AssessmentAdvanced Adult PsychopathologyCognitive TherapyLifespan DevelopmentSocial Psychology and BehaviorAdministration of Psychological ServicesAdvanced Group TherapyContemporary Psychoanalytic Theories Career Options With Your Degree (some options, specifically those that involve working in a clinical setting, are contingent upon state licensing requirements) Bachelors Degree Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Instructor, Family Support Specialist, Mental Health Case Manager, Rehabilitation Specia list, Mental Health Technician, Social Media Community Leader, Marketing Manager, Sales Associate, Market Research Analyst, Data Mining AnalystMasters Degree Staff Psychotherapist, Behavioral Health Specialist, School Psychologist, Program Therapist, Psychometrist, Mental Health Intake Coordinator, Research AssociateDoctoral Degree Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, School Counselor, Professor? *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in psychology It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in psychology only. It does notlage include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings Psychology majors are qualified for jobs that call for their knowledge of human behavior, thought, and emotion. This includes jobs in health and human services, education, marketing, research, and academia. They typically work in offices, community centers, schools, and hospitals. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major High schoolstudents who want to study psychology in college should take classes in English (including writing), math, and the social and physical sciences. What Else You Need to Know Many universities that have doctoral programs do not offer terminal masters degrees. Students earn a masters degree on the way to earning a Ph.D. or PsyD.Many states in the US require anyone who wants to work as a practicing clinical or counseling psychology to have a doctoral degree in psychology from a program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Others require only a masters degree.Students who are enrolled in many advanced degree programs, particularly those that lead to clinical careers, receive practical training in the form of internships. Students typically spend at least four years, but as many as eight, in a doctoral program.Doctoral candidates must write a dissertat ion. Professional Organizations and Other Resources Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)Association for Psychological Science (APS)