Careers in Psychology

Dr. Bragdon demonstrates behavior modification principles with his dog, Coomba.

Psychology majors learn marketable, job-related skills, such as critical thinking, valuable interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of human behavior and an understanding of research procedures and how best to answer psychology-related questions. Oftentimes, students graduating with a degree in psychology pursue careers in business, government, education and health-related organizations.

Psychology has many areas of specialization, such as: social psychology, personality psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, school psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, forensic psychology, cross-cultural psychology, health psychology, and biopsychology. Some specific careers that are well-suited for students studying psychology include: Social worker, behavioral specialist, substance abuse mentor, teacher, special education specialist, guidance or academic counselor, criminal investigator, animal trainer, corrections officer, occupational therapist, retail/sales marketing personnel and public relations worker.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006), employment of psychologists is expected  to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014 because of increased demand for psychological services in school, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health care centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms and private companies.

In particular, the demand for occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, due to an expected increase in need for therapeutic services as the baby-boom generation enters middle age and later, senior adulthood. Employment for occupational therapists in hospitals is expected to remain high and growth is expected in school systems.

For more information about careers in psychology, please check out these websites:

Marky Llyod's Careers in Psychology Page

Linda Walsh's Pursuing Careers in Psychology Page

 

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