Psychology schools

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in psychology?

The main goal of a psychologist is to study the human mind and human behavior to help people with mental and emotional problems to lead healthier and more productive lives. Many psychology professionals are self-employed as private practitioners and independent consultants, which allows more flexibility in their lives. Psychologists usually treat people in private practice, hospitals or counseling centers, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. A day in a psychologist's life, meanwhile, varies depending on the specialization.

• Clinical psychologists treat people with severe psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression and help others overcome issues from divorce, the death of a loved one, drug abuse or serious injury.
• Counseling psychologists offer advice about dealing with problems involving family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
• School psychologists focus on helping kids with physical or learning disabilities, behavioral problems and superior talent.
• Industrial-organizational psychologists work with management to resolve conflicts, reorganize the workplace and improve productivity.
• Experimental or research psychologists conduct university or private research to improve the practice of psychology.
• Forensic psychologists perform child custody evaluations, provide psychotherapy to crime victims, evaluate mental competency and serve as expert witnesses in court.

Knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's life is definitely a perk in psychology careers, according to a DOL video, which also warns that the work of a psychologist could be "emotionally draining." Therefore, psychologists, like physicians, purposely maintain emotional distance from their patients in order to be able to help them achieve their goals.

Formal training required to work in a career related to psychology

A master's or doctoral degree and a license are standard requirements for most psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A doctoral degree takes about five years of full-time graduate study and includes the presentation of a dissertation based on original research. Master's degrees in psychology generally require two years of full-time study, the submission of a thesis, and sometimes even practical experience. Coursework could include:

• Quantitative Experimental Methods
• Research Design
• The Various Fields of Psychology
• The Biological, Physical and Social Sciences
• Statistics and Mathematics

School psychologists may have to pursue specialized degrees in that area, while federal government psychologists must possess at least a bachelor's degree in psychology and pertinent experience.

The typical career path of someone interested in psychology

According to the BLS, psychologists are typically emotionally stable, mature, sensible and compassionate. They also possess strong communication skills and are great with people. Patient diagnosis or research can also require psychologists to be patient, persistent and focused on details because healing human beings or pinpointing medical discoveries may take a while.

Psychology careers, meanwhile, usually lead to specialized, independent positions that require advanced psychology degrees and practical experience. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) awards specialty certifications in 13 areas including psychoanalysis, rehabilitation, forensic, school and couple and family therapy.

Most psychologists specialize in clinical psychology. And more than 40 percent are self employed--a rate five times higher than for most other professions, according to the DOL video.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in psychology

According to the BLS, between 2008 and 2018, the number of industrial-organizational psychologist positions should jump 26 percent, while clinical, counseling and school psychologist jobs should expect an 11 percent growth. The BLS estimates the number of all other psychology jobs to increase 14 percent. Job growth is due to increased demand for psychologists in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms and private companies.

Psychologists with the best job prospects would be those who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in a specific area, such as counseling and health, as well as those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology, the BLS reports. Students with a master's degree in areas other than industrial-organizational psychology, as well as a bachelor's degree in psychology could face limited opportunities. According to 2009 BLS data, the highest paid psychologists nationally are the industrial-organizational psychologists, who earned $102,570; clinical, counseling and school psychologists earned $72,310, while other psychologists earned $ $84,220.