Psychology encompasses more than just behavioral analysis; it is also concerned with studying mental functions. Professionals in this field regard it as a science, a philosophy, and even an art form. The primary objective of psychology is to understand, predict, and modify mental and behavioral processes.
Psychology students are good all-rounders. Their analytical skills and inquisitive nature make them suited to dealing with both complex and simple issues. Some of their typical characteristics are that they are socially adept and have no problem interacting with others.
In this guide, you’ll uncover the wide range of career options available to psychology graduates and discover the potential value of obtaining a psychology degree.
How to Pursue a Degree in Psychology?
Students should be aware of the different subfields and specializations within psychology when deciding to major in this broad field. Among these subfields of psychology are statistics, organization/corporate, clinical, neurological, educational, social, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental psychology.
A psychology degree is one of the most popular bachelor’s degrees conferred, preparing students to succeed in a variety of careers. Several psychology graduates go on to earn a master of science in applied psychology. In contrast, others pursue careers in fields such as business or education after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Here are a few career options a psychology graduate can pursue:
Clinical Psychologists
A clinical psychologist assesses and treats problems related to mental, emotional, and behavioral health. The spectrum of these conditions ranges in severity from short-term difficulties, such as teenage conflicts, to more severe chronic illnesses, such as schizophrenia. These psychologists sometimes specialize in treating specific disorders, such as phobias and clinical depression. Others target specific demographic groups, such as young people, families, or couples; minorities of different ethnicities, LGBTQ; or older individuals. Moreover, they consult with physicians regarding physical problems caused by psychological factors.
Community Psychologists
As a community psychologist, you work with individuals, groups, organizations, and larger social systems to enhance their ability to meet the needs of their members. They provide people with access to resources and assist them in collaborating with others to improve the quality of their lives and communities.
A community psychologist does not simply assist individuals with adverse circumstances (such as trauma or poverty) but helps them empower themselves to improve their lives, mitigate problems, and build stronger communities. A few examples of community psychology interventions are supporting hurricane victims, collaborating with neighborhoods to prevent crime, partnering with schools to prevent bullying, and improving health policies.
Using a combination of research and practice, community psychologists work to develop and implement positive social change in communities, promote social justice, and use research to help develop effective social initiatives.
Social Worker
The role of a social worker is to assist people experiencing difficult times in their lives. This can include young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people who have been abused or neglected.
The objective of a social worker is to protect these individuals from harm and to provide them with support to help them improve their situation. A social worker may work in a school, in a home, in a hospital, or at another public agency.
Industrial/Organizational Psychologists
In industrial/organizational psychology (I/O), techniques and principles of psychology are applied to the workplace to increase productivity, health, and quality of life at the workplace. Most serve as human resources specialists, assisting with employee recruitment, training, and development. Employers may use them in their hiring and promotion processes to conduct tests and other valid selection procedures. In addition, some individuals work as management consultants, specializing in areas such as quality management, organizational transformation, and strategic planning.
Forensic Psychologists
A forensic psychologist works at the interface between criminal justice and psychology. To be a credible witness, a forensic psychologist must be familiar with the standards of American justice. Courts designate forensic psychologists as expert witnesses and assign them to evaluate whether a defendant is competent to stand trial.
A forensic psychologist can use psychological testing and questioning to determine whether a person is sane or mentally ill. Forensic psychologists are also required to provide legal interpretations of their psychological findings. They recommend treatment, evaluate the defendant’s risk for misbehavior, determine the witness’s credibility, and recommend how long the defendant should serve in prison.
A forensic psychologist typically works in conjunction with police officers, state attorneys, and public defenders.
School Counselors
If you are interested in teaching or working in an educational setting, you can choose from the areas of school psychology, counseling, and educational psychology. The fundamental purpose of these positions is to promote and maintain the mental health of both employees and students of the school.
Counselors at schools are trained to work with troubled children and those who suffer from problems at home and school. Moreover, they will also help parents address their child’s concerns in a comfortable way.
Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists study how physical activity affects athletes’ well-being and performance on a psychological level. Sports teams often employ psychologists working in this field as consultants at an academic level. A sports psychologist works closely with trainers to develop rehabilitation and team-building programs. Furthermore, athletes going through a career transition can also get counseling from these professionals.
Wrapping Up
There is one thing psychologists have in common, and that is the fact that they are interested in both the minds and behaviors of humans. Psychology draws on an ever-expanding body of scientific information to explain how people think, act, and feels, which psychologist apply to their field of work.
In psychology, one focuses on understanding the mind and behavior of individuals.
If you major in psychology, you will be able to explore many different career paths rather than being limited to one or two. Some of those promising career paths are mentioned above.
