Careers in Psychology
Sponsored by: PSI CHI
Faculty Presenters:
Cindy Sifonis, Faculty Sponsor for PSI CHI
Mary Lewis, Chief Academic Advisor, Psychology
Revised 10/18/08
Table of Contents
1. What Psychology Is
3
2. Understanding the Role of Education in a Psychology Career
5
3. What Can I do with a Psychology Major
6
4. Occupations of Interest to Psychology Majors
8
5. Masters and Doctoral Level Careers in Psychology and Related Fields
10
6. Careers in Counseling and Psychotherapy
14
7. Job skills possessed by Psychology Majors
18
8. Locating and Obtaining a Job
20
9. Making Satisfying Career Decisions
21
10. Time Line for Preparing for Employment
22
11. Occupational Outlook: Psychology
23
2
1. What Psychology Is
Why people do the things they do is an age-old question. However, psychology—the science concerned with
behavior, both human and nonhuman animals—is only about 125 years old. Despite its youth, it is a broad
discipline, essentially spanning subject matter from biology to sociology. Biology studies the structures and
functions of living organisms. Sociology examines how groups function in society. Psychologists study the
intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the
environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation,
experimentation, and analysis. But psychologists also need to be creative in the way they apply scientific findings.
Psychologists are frequently innovators, evolving new approaches from established knowledge to meet changing
needs of people and societies. They develop theories and test them through their research. As this research
yields new information, these findings become part of the body of knowledge that practitioners call on in their work
with clients and patients. Psychology is a tremendously varied field. Psychologists conduct both basic and applied
research, serve as consultants to communities and organizations, diagnose and treat people, and teach future
psychologists and other types of students. They test intelligence and personality. Many psychologists work as
health care providers. They assess behavioral and mental function and well-being, stepping in to help where
appropriate. They study how human beings relate to each other and also to machines, and they work to improve
these relationships. And with America undergoing large changes in its population makeup, psychologists bring
important knowledge and skills to understanding diverse cultures.
Many psychologists work independently. They also team up with other professionals—for example, other
scientists, physicians, lawyers, school personnel, computer experts, engineers, policymakers, and managers—to
contribute to every area of society. Thus we find them in laboratories, hospitals, courtrooms, schools and
universities, community health centers, prisons, and corporate offices.
Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning, and also treat patients with mental and
emotional problems. They also concentrate on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental
functioning of healthy human beings. For example, they work with business executives, performers, and athletes
to reduce stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection and collaborate with educators
on school reform. Immediately following a disaster, such as a plane crash or bombing, psychologists help victims
and bystanders recover from the trauma, or shock, of the event. They team with law enforcement and public
health officials to analyze the causes of such events and prevent their occurrence. Involved in all aspects of our
fast-paced world, psychologists must keep up with what's happening all around us. When you're a psychologist,
your education never ends.
According to economists at the Department of Labor, opportunities for people with graduate degrees in
psychology are expected to grow between 10% and 20% by 2010.
Opportunities for work in psychology are expanding in number and scope, especially for those with graduate
degrees, while an undergraduate degree remains excellent preparation for continued graduate work in psychology
or for another field, such as business, medicine, or computer science. The move toward preventing illness, rather
than merely diagnosing and treating it, requires people to learn how to make healthy behavior a routine part of
living. Indeed, many of the problems facing society today are problems of behavior, for example, drug addiction,
poor personal relationships, violence at home and in the street, and the harm we do to our environment.
Psychologists contribute solutions to problems through careful collection of data, analysis of data, and
development of intervention strategies—in other words, by applying scientific principles, the hallmark of
psychology.
3
In addition, an aging America is leading to more research and practice in adapting our homes and workplaces for
older people. The promises of the electronic revolution demand more user-friendly technologies and training.
More two-career families in the workplace calls for employers to accommodate the needs of families.
Psychologists are helping employers to make the changes that are needed. The diversity of America today calls
for psychologists to develop and refine therapies to meet the unique needs of different ethnic groups.
Furthermore, research advances in learning and memory, and the integration of physical and mental health care,
make psychology more exciting than ever.
Most psychologists say they love their work. They cite the variety of daily tasks and the flexibility of their
schedules. They are thrilled by the exciting changes taking place in the field, from adapting technology to humans
to working as part of primary health care teams. They are working hard to provide answers to research questions
in diverse areas such as prevention, perception, and learning. Educators strive to train the next generations using
new technology and knowledge.
The study of psychology is good preparation for many other professions. Many employers are interested in the
skills that psychology majors bring to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and their experience with
statistics and experimental design.
Source: http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html
4
2. Understanding the Role of Education in a Psychology Career
Bachelor’s Degree
Most undergraduate programs require a blend of science and liberal arts courses for a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The
courses usually include introductory psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics. Other courses can be in learning,
personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, physiological or comparative psychology,
history and systems, and tests and measurement. Typically, you will be ready to take electives in psychology by the time
you are a junior. This is a good time to make graduate school plans so you can make wise choices about future courses and
extracurricular activities during the last 2 years of college. Know, however, that as long as you’ve taken the basic electives in
psychology, you don’t always need to have a bachelor’s in psychology to get into a graduate program in the field.
Psychology majors, whether they have gone on to careers in psychology (the majority do not) or other fields, cite
courses in the principles of human behavior as especially important to life after college. The additional insight gained from
these courses helps them, whether they are functioning as parents at home, managers on the job, or professionals in other
fields. Many bachelor’s degree holders credit their college psychology courses with teaching them how people, including
themselves, learn. “I use information on learning theory every time I conduct a training session for my employees,” says a
manager in a consumer products company. Above all, it is the rigorous training in the scientific method—the need to do
thorough, objective research, analyze data logically, and put forth the findings with clarity—that stands psychology majors in
good stead as they pursue their future careers.
Graduate School
Most graduate departments make entrance decisions on a variety of factors, including test scores, GPA, course selection,
recommendations, and practical experience. Most departments also require that you take a standard aptitude test, usually
the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Although programs vary in the weight they attach to test scores, successful
applicants typically score well above 500 on both the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE. Determine if your GRE
scores will qualify you for consideration by the institution to which you would like to apply. Competition is high.
Master’s Degree
Undergraduate course requirements for a terminal master’s degree are relatively few: usually, a background in introductory
or general psychology, experimental psychology with a laboratory course, and statistics. The university usually takes the
undergraduate grade point average (GPA) into account, too.
A recent survey of 26 psychology master’s programs shows that the most commonly required courses once you
are in the master’s program are those with industrial/organizational content, statistics, and research design. Course work at
the master’s level often also includes study in ethics, assessment, program evaluation, and personality related topics. A
master’s degree in psychology as well as courses in the natural sciences or mathematics, is increasingly valued by doctoral
programs in psychology. Doctoral program also decides which credits earned at the master’s level will transfer. Sometimes,
students need to repeat some course work. Some institutions will not accept a master’s degree from any school other than
their own. For these reasons, it is important to ask questions about these and other issues early in the application process.
Doctoral Degree
Each graduate program determines its own entrance requirements. Some doctoral programs require applicants to have a
master’s degree in psychology. More commonly, students can enter the doctoral programs with a bachelor’s degree and
work directly on a doctoral degree.
Earning a doctoral degree typically requires at least 4 years, with the median time to degree being closer to 7 years
of study after the bachelor’s degree. Early in the graduate program, you will probably take course work in the core areas of
psychology. You will work with a professor to learn how to do research; you’ll also study how psychological research is
applied to life situations. Once you have completed all the course work, you must pass a comprehensive exam and write
and defend a dissertation or other scholarly product. If you want to be a professional psychologist in clinical, counseling,
school, or other health service areas of psychology, you will also have to complete a 1-year internship as part of your
doctoral study in these areas of practice. Some universities and professional schools offer a PsyD degree in lieu of the
traditional research doctoral degree PhD or EdD degree. In choosing applicants, these programs may look for candidates
who already have clinical experience or other work experience in applied psychology.
Source: http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html#gettingready
5
3. What Can I do with a Psychology Major
(Note: The following article was originally written by Psychology faculty at Louisiana State University and now appears in many
departments’ offerings of career advice for undergraduate students).
Let us begin with some important facts. The undergraduate major in psychology is a liberal arts degree, not a professional
degree. It does not make you a psychologist or a professional counselor. These occupations require specific training at the
graduate level and are regulated by state law. If such occupations interest you, be prepared to continue your education in
graduate school. Because of this, the goal of LSU's Psychology Department is to prepare you. Prepare you for what, you
ask? Well, a Psychology major can prepare you for... Graduate School, Medical School, Law Schools, or a Job.
Graduate School
Many of our majors choose to go to Graduate School. This involves from one to seven years of school after the
undergraduate Bachelor's degree, and may involve getting an M.A. (Master of Arts), M.S.W. (Master of Social Work), M.B.A.
(Master of Business Administration), Ed.S. (Educational Specialist), Ed.D. (Doctor of Education), Psy.D. (Doctor of
Psychology), or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology). Most who go to graduate school with a Psychology major get
an MA in Family and Child Counseling, an M.S.W., a Psy.D., or a Ph.D. in Clinical or some other specialty in Psychology.
Because most jobs in Psychology and related fields require graduate training, our main goal as a department is to prepare
students for graduate school.
A graduate education in psychology prepares individuals for a remarkable range of employment opportunities. According to
Wise (1987), psychologists are employed in the five following major roles, but it is important to realize that many
psychologists perform in more than one of these roles (e.g., the college teacher who counsels students, performs research,
consults with other teachers to improve their testing procedures, and acts as the chair of the department). The career paths
that psychologists take are dependent upon their levels of education and their areas of interest.





Teaching: Psychologists teach in two- and four-year colleges, and universities.
Research: Psychologists are employed by universities, government agencies, the military, and businesses to
conduct basic and applied studies of human behavior.
Providing services: Psychologists work with people of all ages and backgrounds who are coping with every
imaginable kind of problem, by assessing their needs and providing appropriate treatment.
Administration: Psychologists work as managers in hospitals, mental health clinics, nonprofit organizations,
government agencies, schools, universities, and businesses.
Consulting: Psychologists with expertise in a variety of areas are hired by organizations to provide consultative
services on subject or problem in the consultant is an expert. These services can include designing a marketing
survey and organizing outpatient mental health services.
With a few exceptions, preparation for these careers requires education beyond the undergraduate level, or a significant
amount of relevant experience. It is also important to realize that it is illegal in California (and many other states) for people
to use the term "psychologist" to describe themselves if they have not been licensed by the State. This licensure process
requires a doctoral degree, a period of supervised practice, and successfully passing a test.
Medical School
Psychology and (more frequently) Psychobiology are popular majors for students preparing for medical school.
Students considering Psychiatry (requiring an M.D. degree) often choose to major in Psychology or Psychobiology, and
many pre-med students who want a better understanding of how people work choose the Psychobiology or Psychology
majors.
A popular choice for premed students is the Psychobiology major; because this major has a number of Biology and
Chemistry classes as part of the major, there is a significant overlap between the Psychobiology major and pre-medicine
requirements for most medical schools.
6
Law School
Students bound for Law School often choose Psychology as a major that provides a broad exposure to human
motivation. For those interested in business law, the Industrial/Personnel emphasis is a good match; for those interested in
criminal law, the Personality/Clinical emphasis introduces students to interviewing skills and abnormal psychology (many
criminals have mental disorders). Both the Criminal Justice and Industrial/Organizational minors would be very applicable to
this field.
Getting a Job
While some occupations in psychology require graduate training, there are many interesting and rewarding career
opportunities available to individuals with a bachelors degree in psychology. A simple response to the question, "What job
can I get with a major in psychology?" might be, "just about anything that involves working with people." But that really
doesn't help very much, because almost all jobs work with people to a certain extent.
A better question might be, "What jobs to Psychology majors get after graduation? A report from the National Science
Foundation (1986) on employed bachelors-level graduates in psychology revealed were they were employed in five major
areas one year after graduation (see percentages at right). The work that these graduates performed in these various areas
included a broad range of areas, skills, and responsibilities. The graph at left shows the kind of work bachelors-level
graduates in psychology do (one year after graduation).
These data clearly demonstrate that students who graduate with a psychology major are versatile individuals capable of
gaining and maintaining meaningful employment in many different career areas.
Portions of this and linked pages were adapted with permission of Herbert Friedman, College of William and Mary.
Source: http://www.lasierra.edu/departments/psychology/careers/canido.html
7
4. Occupations of Interest to Psychology Majors
from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles
by Drew C. Appleby - Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Source: http://www.psynt.iupui.edu/Assets/Undergraduate/ApplyingForJobs/OccupationsDOT.pdf
The following is a list of 124 occupations that psychology majors can pursue. The descriptions of these occupations appear
in the Information Technology Associates online version of the U.S. Department of Labor's Dictionary of Occupational Titles
(DOT; 2003a). Occupations requiring a graduate degree are marked with an asterick (*). I created this list of occupations
from the following five sources:
1. Students enrolled in my Orientation to a Major in Psychology class who must identify an occupation in which they
have an interest.
2. A list of the occupations that IUPUI psychology alumni report they have entered
3. Marky Lloyd's Careers in Psychology website (www.psychwww.com/careers).
4. The UNC Wilmington Career Services website (www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/psychology.html).
5. A nonexhaustive examination of the DOT, during which I searched for occupations not identified by the first four
sources.
The DOT provides descriptions of more than 40,000 occupations that identify the tasks people in these occupations must
perform. This makes the DOT a very valuable source of information for undergraduate psychology majors because they can
use it to discover the skills they must develop in order to gain employment in the occupations they wish to enter. This
knowledge can help them identify the opportunities their schools offer to develop these skills (e.g., classes, internships,
service learning, and extracurricular activities) and can also provide them with the motivation to take advantage of these
opportunities because of their increased awareness of the importance of these skills for their future success. The following is
the description of school psychologist taken verbatim from the DOT. Notice how each sentence begins with a verb, thus
identifying the skills school psychologists must possess to perform their job (e.g., evaluates needs, advises teachers, refers
individuals to community agencies, counsels pupils, plans special placement, serves as a consultant, carries out research,
and conducts diagnostic studies).
School Psychologist: Evaluates needs of average, gifted, handicapped, and disturbed children within educational system
or school, and plans and carries out programs to enable children to attain maximum achievement and adjustment: Conducts
diagnostic studies to identify child's needs, limitations, and potentials, observing child in classroom and at play, studying
school records, consulting with parents and school personnel, and administering and interpreting diagnostic findings. Plans
special placement or other treatment programs. Counsels pupils individually and in groups, using psychodrama, play
therapy, personal interviews, and other psychological methods to assist pupils to achieve personal, social, and emotional
adjustment. Carries out research to aid in introduction of programs in schools to meet current psychological, educational,
and sociological needs of children. Advises teachers and other school personnel on methods to enhance school and
classroom atmosphere to provide motivating educational environment. Refers individuals to community agencies to secure
medical, vocational, or social services for child or family. Participates in planning of remedial classes and testing programs
designed to meet needs of students. Serves as consultant to school board, superintendent, administrative committees, and
parent-teacher groups in matters involving psychological services within educational system or school. (U.S. Department of
Labor. 2003b)
Undergraduate psychology majors interested in becoming school psychologists should read this description carefully.
Their next step should be to seek out opportunities to develop the skills identified in this description so they will be perceived
as possessing the "right stuff" when they apply to school psychology graduate programs.
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Occupations for Psychology Majors
1. Academic Counselor*
2. Activities Director
3. Admissions Evaluator
4. Advertising Sales Representative
5. Alumni Director
6. Animal Trainer
7. Applied Statistician
8. Art Therapist*
9. Benefits Manager
10. Career Information Specialist
11. Caseworker
12. Chief Psychologist*
13. Child Development Specialist
14. Child Psychologist*
15. Child Welfare/Placement Caseworker
16. Claims Supervisor
17. Clinical Psychologist*
18. Coach
19. College/University Professor*
20. Community Organization Worker
21. Community Worker
22. Comparative Psychologist*
23. Computer Programmer
24. Conservation Officer
25. Correctional Treatment Specialist
26. Corrections Officer
27. Counseling Psychologist*
28. Criminal Investigator (FBI and other)
29. Customer Service Representative Supervisor
30. Data Base Administrator
31. Data Base Design Analyst
32. Delinquency Prevention Social Worker
33. Department Manager
34. Developmental Psychologist*
35. Dietician
36. Educational Psychologist*
37. Elementary School Teacher
38. Employee Health Maintenance Program
Specialist
39. Employee Relations Specialist
40. Employment Counselor
41. Employment Interviewer
42. Engineering Psychologist*
43. Experimental Psychologist*
44. Family Counselor/Caseworker*
45. Financial Aid Counselor
46. Fund Raiser I
47. Fund Raiser II
48. Group Worker
49. Guidance Counselor*
50. Health Care Facility Administrator
51. High School Teacher
52. Human Resource Advisor
53. Industrial/Organizational Psychologist 54.
Information Specialist
55. Job Analyst
56. Labor Relations Manager
57. Lawyer*
58. Loan Officer
59. Management Analyst
60. Market Research Analyst
61. Marriage and Family Counselor*
62. Medical Social Worker*63. Mental
Retardation Aide
64. Military Psychologist*
65. Minister, Priest, Rabbi, Chaplain, etc.*
66. Music Therapist*
67. Neurologist*
68. Neuropathologist*
69. Neurosurgeon*
70. News Writer
71. Nurse
72. Occupational Analyst
73. Occupational Therapist*
74. Optometrist*
75. Patient Resources and Reimbursement
Agent
76. Pediatrician*
77. Penologist*
78. Personnel Psychologist*
79. Personnel Recruiter
80. Pharmacologist*
81. Physiatrist*
82. Physical Therapist*
83. Physician*
84. Police Officer
85. Polygraph Examiner
86. Preschool Teacher
87. Probation/Parole Officer 88.
Psychiatric Aide/Attendant
89. Psychiatric Social Worker*
90. Psychiatric Technician
91. Psychiatrist*
92. Psychological Anthropologist*
93. Psychological Stress Evaluator
94. Psychometrist*
95. Public Health Director
96. Public Relations Representative
97. Purchasing Agent
98. Real Estate Agent
99. Recreation Leader
100. Recreation Supervisor
101. Recreational Therapist
102. Research Assistant
103. Retail Salesperson
104. School Psychologist*
105. School Social Worker*
106. Social Group Worker
107. Social Psychologist*
108. Social Services Aide
109. Speech Pathologist*
110. Substance Abuse Counselor
111. Systems Analyst
112. Teacher for the Emotionally
Impaired
113. Teacher for the Hearing Impaired
114. Teacher for the Learning Disabled
115. Teacher for the Mentally Impaired
116. Teacher for the Visually Impaired
117. Technical Writer
118. Therapist for the Blind*
119. Veterans Contact Representative
120. Veterinarian*
121. Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor*
122. Vocational Training Teacher
123. Volunteer Coordinator
124. Writer
*occupations requiring a graduate degree
References
U.S. Department of Labor. (2003a). Dictionary of occupational titles (4th ed.). Retrieved April 26, 2006, from
http://www.occupationalinfo.org
U.S. Department of Labor. (2003b). Psychologist, school. Retrieved from Dictionary of occupational titles (4th ed.), April 26,
2006, from http://www.occupationalinfo.org/04/045107034.html
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5. Master's- and Doctoral-Level Careers in Psychology and Related Areas
This section describes a number of psychology and psychology-related career options that require graduate degrees. If you want to help
people with problems (do "counseling"), you are not limited to the field of psychology. You should definitely consider careers in education
and social work.
Teaching and Research. If you're interested in teaching undergraduate, master's-level, or doctoral-level students, you will
probably work in a university setting, where you will probably also do research. If you are not interested in teaching and want
to focus on research, you can work for government agencies (for example, the Centers for Disease Control) or for private
research organizations. To work as a psychologist in these settings, you typically will need a Ph.D. in psychology--not in
another field such as education or social work.You might be able to get a teaching job at a two-year school with a master's
degree in psychology; however, the job market is glutted, and Ph.D.'s are taking many of these jobs. For more information
about the various subfields in psychology, see "Areas of Specialization in Psychology" and vist the division information page
of the American Psychological Association.

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: Developmental psychologists study how we develop intellectually, socially,
and emotionally over the lifespan. Some focus on just one period of life (e.g., childhood or adolescence).
Developmental psychologists usually do research and teach in academic settings, but many act as consultants to
day care centers, schools, or social service agencies.

EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: This area includes a diverse group of psychologists who do research in the
most basic areas of psychology (e.g., learning, memory, cognition, perception, motivation, and language). Their
research may be conducted with animals instead of humans. Most of these psychologists work in academic
settings.

HUMAN FACTORS PSYCHOLOGY: Human Factors researchers study the human/machine interface. They may
help make appliances such as cameras user-friendly, or they may do studies of safety-related issues in the design
of machinary, airplane controls and instrument layouts, or they may do basic research on human perceptual and
motor abilities as they relate to the operation of machines, computers, and other mechanical devices.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Physiological psychologists study the physiological correlates of behavior.
They study both very basic processes (e.g., how brain cells function) and more readily observable phenomena
(e.g., behavioral changes as a function of drug use or the biological/genetic roots of psychiatric disorders). Most are
employed in academic settings.
Applied Work. Psychologists in selected subfields have the option not only of teaching (sharing knowledge) and research
(generating knowledge) but also of working in settings in which they apply their knowledge. These subfields include clinical
psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and
sports psychology (see below) School psychology is also one of these applied areas, but I'll discuss it under the heading of
"Education" because school psychologists are trained in departments of education, not psychology.

Clinical Psychology. Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with psychological problems. They may act as
therapists for people who are experiencing normal psychological crises (e.g., grief) or for individuals suffering from
chronic psychiatric disorders. Some clinical psychologists are generalists who work with a wide variety of
populations, while others work with specific groups such as children, the elderly, or those with specific disorders
(e.g., eating disorders). They are trained in universities or professional schools of psychology (for information about
professional schools, see information about PsyD degrees in the section "Graduate School Options for Psychology
Majors"). Clinical psychologists work in academic settings, hospitals, community health centers, or private practice.
For more information about clinical psychology, visit the division information page of the American Psychological
Association and locate Division 12 (Clinical Psychology).

Counseling Psychology. Counseling psychologists do many of the same things that clinical psycholgists do.
However, counseling psychologists tend to focus more on persons with adjustment problems rather than on
persons suffering from severe psychological disorders. They may be trained in psychology departments or in
education departments. Counseling psychologists are employed in academic settings, college counseling centers,
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community mental health centers, and private practice. For more information about counseling psychology, visit the
division information page of the American Psychological Association and locate Division 17 (Counseling
Psychology).

Forensic Psychology. The title "forensic psychologist" can mean quite a number of things. Some forensic
psychologists do clinical work in corrections settings; some work as consultants to trial lawyers; some serve as
expert witnesses in jury trials; some formulate public policy on psychology and the law. Some forensic
psychologists have PhDs in clinical psychology; others have both PhDs in clinical psychology and JDs in law.
(There are several graduate programs in the country where you can earn the two degrees at the same time.) For
more information about forensic psychology, visit the subpage on psychology and the law and the division
information page of the American Psychological Association and locate Division 41 (American Psychology-Law
Association).

Health Psychology. Health psychologists are concerned with psychology's contributions to the promotion and
maintenance of good health and the prevention and treatment of illness. They may design and conduct programs to
help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, manage stress, and stay physically fit. They are employed in hospitals,
medical schools, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies, academic settings, and private practice. . For more
imformation about health psychology, visit the home page of Division 38 (Health Psychology) and the division
information page of the American Psychological Association and locate Division 38.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I/O psychologists (as they are usually called) are concerned with the
relationships between people and their work environments. They may develop new ways to increase workplace
productivity or be involved in personnel selection. They are employed in business, government agencies, and
academic settings. For more information about i/o psychology, visit the home page of the Society for Industrial and
Organizational Psychology and the division information page of the American Psychological Association and locate
Division 14 (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology).

Sports Psychology. Sports psychologists are concerned with the psychological factors that improve athletic
performance. They also look at the effects of exercise and physical activity on psychological adjustment and health.
Sports psychologists typically work in academic settings and/or as consultants for sports teams. For more
information, visit the home page of Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) and the division information page
of the American Psycholgical Association and locate Division 47.
Many jobs are available for those with master's degrees in some of these subfields--e.g., clinical psychology and i/o
psychology. Nonetheless, if you want to utilize a broad range of skills, you will need a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD)
to work in any of these fields except school psychology (which typically requires a special degree between a master's and a
doctoral degree). If you want to work independently (as a consultant or in your own private practice), you will also need to be
licensed by the state in which you work.
To learn more about the various subfields and what psychologists in these subfields do, read the 37-page pamphlet
published by the American Psychological Association (APA), Psychology/careers for the 21st century: Scientific problem
solvers (see "Books on Careers for Psychology Majors"). You can obtain a copy of the pamphlet by call the APA Order
Department: 1-800-374-2721. If you live in the Washington, DC (where the APA offices are located), call (202) 336-5510.
For additional information about psychologists, read the description in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Education
The field of education offers a number of counseling-related career options at the master's and doctoral level. If you're like
most people, you probably assume that careers in the field of education require one to work in a school setting. While it is
true that most individuals with education degrees (in fields such as school counseling, school psychology, and educational
psychology--see below) work in school settings, individuals with education degrees in agency counseling or community
counseling do not. Thus, if you want to "do counseling," do not want to work in a school setting, and do not want to get a
degree in psychology, you should definitely consider this career/degree option.
Agency/Community Counseling. Graduate programs in agency or community counseling train you to do
counseling in human service agencies in the local community--for example, in community mental health centers.
11
They may also train you to administer a limited number of psychological tests (vocational interest tests, for
example). The work is similar to that done by a person with a master's or doctoral degree in clinical or counseling
psychology: psychotherapy and, perhaps, limited psychological testing. Be sure you understand, however, that a
degree from a program in agency counseling will not permit you to work in a public school setting should you want
to shift settings at some point. (Here's an example of why it's important to be informed about the strengths and
limitations of various degrees before you choose one!)
If you do want to work in a school setting, consider these career options (all of which require at least a master's degree):

Educational Psychology. Educational psychologists attempt to understand the basic aspects of human learning
and to develop materials and strategies for enhancing the learning process. For example, an educational
psychologist might study reading and then develop a new technique for teaching reading. Educational
psychologists are typically trained in departments of education (vs. departments of psychology) and employed in
colleges and universities. You can find additional information about Educational Psychology by visiting the division
information page of the American Psychological Association (look for Division 15 (Educational Psychology).

School Counseling. School counselors work with children who are troubled, helping such children function more
effectively with their peers and teachers, deal with family problems, etc. They work at the elementary, middle, and
high school levels. You can find more information about this area in the Occupational Outlook Handbook under
"counselors" (school counseling is discussed there).

School Psychology. The work of school psychologists, who work in the public school system, is varied. A key
aspect of the school psychologist's job is testing--mostly of children who are having difficulties in school--to try to
diagnose the problem and, sometimes, to suggest ways of dealing with the problem. School psychologists also
work closely with teachers to develop effective interventions for children in academic, emotional, and behavioral
problems. Too, some provide individual and group counseling. Most school psychologists are trained in
departments of education, but some are trained in psychology departments.You can obtain additional information
about this specialty at the home page of Division 16 (School Psychology) of the American Psychological
Association or the division information page of the American Psychological Association (look for Division 16-School
Psychology).
Note: If you plan to work in a public school setting, you must have a degree in the field of education; any kind of
degree taken in a psychology department will be useless here. (An exception to this rule would be those few
programs in school psychology that are offered in psychology departments vs. education departments.)
For information about master's (M.Ed.) and doctoral (Ed.D) degrees that will prepare you for counseling jobs, see the
section, "Graduate School Options for Psychology Majors."
Social Work
Another career option to consider if you're interested in counseling is social work. As is true with other disciplines, there are
a variety of subfields in social work. Social workers who practice psychotherapy are usually called either clinical social
workers or psychiatric social workers.
Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat psychological problems. Note that they do not do psychological
testing, so you should consider careers in psychology or education if this is of interest to you. Psychiatric social workers
provide services to individuals, families, and small groups. They work in mental health centers, counseling centers, sheltered
workshops, hospitals, and schools. They may also have their own private practice--even with only a master's degree. This is
because clinical social workers are eligible for licensing in all 50 states with only a master's degree. (See "What Are
Licenses and Certificates?" in "Graduate School Options for Psychology Majors" for more information about this.)
To obtain more information about social work, visit the Student Center at the Web site of the National Association of Social
Workers or write to:
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National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE
Suite #700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
(202) 408-8600
Art Therapy
For more information about this area and a complete list of art therapy programs approved by the American Art Therapy
Association (AATA), visit the web site of the American Art Therapy Association.
I believe that the AATA recommends that a number of courses be taken at the undergraduate level for admission to
graduate programs in art therapy. These include the following psychology courses: general, abnormal, developmental,
personality, statistics, and research methods. Recommended non-psychology courses include fine art materials, processes,
and procedures, cultural diversity courses, and --if avialable--introduction to the history of art therapy and
professional/ethical issues.
Music Therapy
To qualify as a "registered music therapist" by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), one needs a bachelor's
degree in music therapy or a master's degree in it along with making up the required undergraduare hours. For more
information about this area and a list of programs in music therapy (at the bachelor's and master's level), visit the AMTA web
site.
APA-style reference for this page:
Lloyd, M.A. (2002, November 1). Master's- and doctoral-level careers in psychology and related areas. [Online]. Available:
http://www.psychwww.com/careers/masters.htm.
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6. Careers in Counseling and Psychotherapy
If you think you are interested in clinical or counseling psychology, you first should ask yourself a few questions. For how
may years am I willing to go to graduate school? Do I want to work in a hospital, clinic, or program somewhere? Do I want to
have a private practice? Is there any particular type of client or problem I would like to work with? Am I interested in doing
research?
It's not easy answering these questions now, but trying to form a clear vision of what you would like to be doing someday will
help you make decisions about graduate school.
The mental health field is complex. There are several types of professionals with different types of training. There are many
different paths you can take to get to a career in which you "counsel" people. What follows is a description of the various
doctorate and masters level programs. But remember this: You do not necessarily have to get a Ph.D. in order to be a
counselor or psychotherapist.
MASTERS PROGRAMS (may be full or part time)
There are a variety of masters levels programs in fields related to clinical and counseling psychology. Usually these
programs train people in basic counseling skills. Some programs may have specialized areas of training such as marriage
and family counseling, drug addiction counseling, group counseling, vocational counseling, family therapy, child therapy,
divorce mediation, prison counseling, etc. When it comes time to apply for jobs, it's very advantageous to have an area of
specialization.
People with masters degrees usually work in group counseling practices, clinics, program for specific populations (drug
abusers, battered wives, chronic psychiatric patients, etc.), and employee assistance programs. In many states people with
masters degrees CANNOT have their own private practice.
A Ph.D. may enable you to make more money and may open up different doors for you, but it is not absolutely necessary to
have one. In many cases a masters degree may be ideal! In fact, with the current rise of managed care systems in the field
of mental health, insurance companies may only pay for psychotherapy provided by clinicians who are part of a group
practice. While Ph.D.'s may be in charge of the group, they may very well hire clinicians with masters degrees to do therapy
with the clients who are referred to the group. It is very possible that psychotherapists with masters degrees will be in
greater demand in the future than they have been in the past.
If you are determined to get a Ph.D., you can sometimes get a masters degree from one school and then transfer to Ph.D.
program at another school. But you might lose credits. Some Ph.D. programs also prefer to train students right from the
start.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (Ed.D. or Ph.D., usually 4 -5 years full time, longer if part time; sometimes less difficult to
get into than clinical psychology programs)
Counseling psychology programs usually emphasize training in counseling/psychotherapy methods. These programs also
include some training in research methods (stat and experimental courses), but usually are not as rigorous as in clinical
psychology programs. However, counseling programs that offer a Ph.D. rather than the traditional Ed.D. often have
intensified their research training. Similar to clinical psychology programs, counseling programs require internship
experiences and a dissertation. In many cases, the distinction between counseling and clinical psychology programs is
disappearing. A counseling program often is completely separate from the psychology department at the university.
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Some counseling programs are part time and tend to attract people who are older, working, and/or have families.
Counseling psychology programs tend to be perceived as less prestigious than Ph.D. and Psy.D. clinical psychology
programs, although these perceptions are based on bias rather than fact.
Counseling psychologists tend to work in group counseling practices, private practice, and programs for special populations
(mental retardation, drug addicted, prison settings, battered wives, etc.). Some counseling psychologists may teach at
universities - usually in graduate counseling psychology programs and less often at the undergraduate level or in psychology
departments.
Ph.D. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (5 years minimum, usually longer; full time; difficult to get into)
These programs educate students about issues related to mental health and mental health treatment. Many programs
emphasize research and will require you to take courses in statistics and experimental design. You will be expected to
conduct experimental research, which will culminate in your dissertation. A dissertation is a year long research project that
you design and conduct on your own (with help from a committee of faculty members).
Most programs are either behavioral, cognitive, biological, or psychoanalytic in their approach. Some programs mix all of the
above. A few are humanistic\existential. During the first few years in a clinical program you will get some training in
psychotherapy and psychological testing, but the most intense clinical training usually comes later during an internship. A
few Ph.D. clinical psychology programs underplay the research component and spend more time on training you to do
psychotherapy. But most programs weigh heavily on the research.
All clinical programs require you to do an internship, usually in your fifth or sixth year. During that year you work full time in
a hospital, clinic, or mental health center. The internship usually is separate from your graduate program. It may be in a
different part of the country. Usually it is up to you to apply for an internship. Yes, it's another application and interviewing
process all over again!
Clinical psychologists usually end up teaching at universities, working in hospitals and clinics, or in private practice.
PSY.D. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (4-5 years; full or part time; difficult to get into)
These programs lead to the degree "Doctor of Psychology" rather than the traditional Ph.D. ("Doctor of Philosophy"). They
were created as an alternative to Ph.D. clinical psychology programs. They are designed for people who specifically want to
practice psychology and are not interested in quantitative research. There is some research training, but much more time is
spent on learning the various aspects of clinical work (individual and group psychotherapy, testing, marriage and family
counseling, etc.). Usually more internship type experiences in a wider variety of settings is required than in Ph.D. programs.
Psy.D. clinical psychologists usually work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
Psy.D. programs tend to have more students per class than Ph.D. programs as many as 30 or 40, as compared to 5 or 10 in
the Ph.D. programs. The Psy.D. degree tends to be perceived as less prestigious than the Ph.D., although this perception is
based more on bias than fact. California has an extensive Psy.D. system.
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK (MSW, 2-3 years full time, longer if part time)
Social work programs are an alternative to psychology training. "Clinical" social work programs teach students about working
in the mental health and social welfare systems. Training in counseling and psychotherapy sometimes is not as extensive as
in psychology programs, especially PsyD programs. Research usually is not emphasized. Many clinical social workers do
15
individual and group psychotherapy. Social work programs may be easy or difficult to get into depending on the reputation of
the university.
Clinical social workers work in hospitals, clinics, specialized programs, and private practice. An MSW degree tends to be
perceived as less prestigious than a doctorate degree in psychology.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (approx. 4-5 years for Ph.D. or Ed.D., 2-3 years for masters degree)
School psychologists are training to do counseling and psychological testing in a school setting. Their strength, therefore, is
their understanding of school systems and education. They may work with the children in the school or the staff. Some
school psychologists may also have a private practice. Some school psychology programs offer the Ed.D. Others, which
may place more emphasis on research training, will offer the Ph.D.
APA APPROVAL
Some counseling, school, and clinical psychology programs (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) have been approved by the American
Psychological Association. This means that the program meets the APA guidelines for "good" training. The APA book
Graduate Study in Psychology will tell you if a program is approved or not. It is much more difficult to get into these
programs. Graduating from them may open more doors for you later on. But people from non APA approved programs can
still have productive, fulfilling careers.
If a program is not approved, it could mean several things. The program may have lost its approval or has been unable to
attain it - which is a bad sign. Or the program may be in the process of applying for approval - which is a good sign since it
may be an up and coming program. Or the program may not care about applying for APA approval - which usually is a bad
sign, although there are a few excellent training facilities which aren't concerned about APA approval. Internships in clinical
and counseling psychology also will be APA approved or not. Usually APA approved internships prefer students from APA
approved graduate programs. Jobs in the mental health field sometimes require that a person had an APA approved
internship.
There are two kinds of accreditation: Institutional and Specialized. Institutional accreditation certifies that an institution has
met minimum standards of quality. It is granted by one of seven regional accrediting organizations recognized for this
purpose by the U.S. Department of Education. Membership in the APA requires that one’s doctoral degree in psychology or
equivalent be from an accredited institution. Most state licensing boards in psychology also have such a requirement,
though some require that the licensure applicant have graduated from an accredited doctoral program in psychology. The
latter is what we refer to as specialized accreditation. Specialized accreditation only applies to professional programs. It
certifies that the program meets the minimal standards of quality as defined by that profession. In the field of psychology,
specialized accreditation is granted by the APA Committee on Accreditation and applies only to doctoral programs,
internships, and postdoctoral residency programs in professional psychology. Increasingly, employers and health services
reimbursement companies require that the psychologists whom they employ or reimburse be graduates of accredited
programs in professional psychology.
For more information about accredited programs, contact the APA Education Directorate at 750 First Stree, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-4242.
PSYCHIATRY (M.D., approx. 3-4 years of training after med school; full time, very difficult to get into)
After completing medical school, a student can specialize in psychiatry during his/her residency. Training is usually
biological in its approach (e.g., drug treatment) although some programs endorse psychodynamic or behavioral therapy.
Compared to psychology programs, there is little training in research and psychological testing.
16
Psychiatrists tend to work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice. They usually work with more severely disturbed patients
(e.g., schizophrenia, major depression) although some psychiatrists prefer working with neurotic patients. In hospital
settings, psychiatrists tend to be perceived as the most prestigious of the mental health professionals.
WORKING IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY (Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
Some psychologists work in the business world doing psychological assessments, testing, interpersonal mediation, group
dynamic assessments, and workshops (on stress, depression, communication skills, etc.). These psychologists may be
employed by a specific company or may offer their services "free lance." Many of these psychologists graduate from clinical
and counseling psychological programs. Others have masters degrees. Some graduate programs specialize in
Industrial/Organizational Psychology, although there are not many of them.
WORKING WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE
Believe it or not, people do get jobs in the mental health field with a bachelors degree. Usually they work in specialized
programs - e.g., programs for chronic psychiatric patients, prison settings, drug addictions, etc. This is often difficult work
and does not pay very well. People often use such jobs to get experience and as stepping stones to other jobs. Some
employee assistance programs hire people with a B.A.
LICENSING TO PRACTICE PSYCHOLOGY (and having a "private" practice)
In order to practice psychology (and have your own practice) you must be licensed by the state. Most states require
approximately two years of supervised experience AFTER you get your Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. You must also pass a
national multiple choice exam and, in many states, present a case study to a board of psychologists. You cannot advertise
yourself as a "psychologist" or say that you offer "psychological" services unless you are licensed. These terms are
protected by law. Being licensed also enables you to receive payment from your clients' insurance companies.
The A.P.A. recognizes four major specialties in applied psychology: clinical, counseling, school, and
industrial/organizational. All professionals, regardless of their specialty, take the same state licensing exam. If they pass the
exam, all carry the same legal title in the eyes of the state: "Psychologist"
Clinical social workers also are permitted to have private practices as long as they have been licensed by the state.
In many states (but not all) people with masters degrees are not permitted to have their own private practice.
WHAT COURSES TO TAKE
What undergraduate courses should you take if you are interested in someday becoming a counselor or psychotherapist?
Courses that constitute a psychology major are essential - especially those pertaining to abnormal, social, and
developmental psychlogy. But, in a way there is NO course that is irrelevant! As a therapist you will be working with people
from all walks of life. It is very helpful to know something about their particular work, interests, and lifestyle. If you are
working with an accountant, it helps to know something about accounting. If you are working someone who is Irish, it helps
to know something about Irish history and culture. A good psychotherapist is someone who is well rounded in his or her
knowledge! People are psychological, biological, historical beings, so courses in literature, philosophy, history, sociology,
communications, art, biology, chemistry may all be relevant. Think about what ultimately you want to be doing in your career,
and choose courses that fulfill and round out those interests.
Source: http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/gradschl.html#counseling
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7. Job Skills Possessed by Psychology Majors
When people consider the question, "What am I able to do with a Bachelor's degree in psychology," they are usually thinking
about what kind of job they might get. But there is another way of looking at this question that you should consider as part of
your career planning. That is, you should seriously think about what in fact you are able to do in terms of the skills you may
have acquired while majoring in psychology" (Edwards, 1989, p. 1). These wise words are the introduction to the following
lists of skills that Edwards compiled for his students at Loyola University.
Human Services Skills: These are skills necessary for successful employment in situations where direct services are
provided to individuals who are in need of help.
* Perform institutional research and evaluation.
* Write reports and proposals clearly and objectively.
* Organize and lead groups, organizations, or committees.
* Recognize and understand behavioral and emotional disorders.
* Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.
* Respond in an unbiased and tolerant way to individual differences.
* Display fundamental counseling skills with individuals and groups.
* Collect, record, and report statistical and qualitative information.
* Perform crisis intervention techniques (e.g., listening and referral).
* Perform interviews to learn about people's history, problems, and plans.
* Contribute to program or treatment planning, evaluation, and implementation.
* Demonstrate small group skills (e.g., team building and conflict management).
* Communicate effectively and sensitively in both individual and group situations.
* Obtain information about problems through library research and personal contacts.
* Critically evaluate theories and research and apply the results to solve problems.
* Analyze problems on the basis of personal experience and psychological principles.
* Understand and modify your attitudes and actions in interactions with other people.
Research Skills: These are some of the types of skills essential to jobs in which information based on basic or applied
research is provided to assist decision making.
* Construct and administer questionnaires.
* Use a variety of types of research equipment.
* Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data.
* Present verbal presentations clearly and persuasively.
* Defend ideas in a clear, objective, nondogmatic manner.
* Be familiar with a variety of research methods and designs.
* Recruit research subjects and treat them in an ethical manner.
* Select, administer, score, and interpret various psychological tests.
* Write reports clearly, concisely, objectively, and in the correctstyle.
* Use library resources to research problems and prepare literature reviews.
* Identify problems and suggest solutions on the basis of research findings.
* Create easily understood graphs, tables, and verbal descriptions of results.
* Select and compute appropriate statistical tests and interpret their results.
* Assemble, interpret, and critically analyze research findings in specific areas.
* Use computers to write reports, analyze data, and perform bibliographic searches.
* Deal effectively with financial, temporal, and personnel constraints on research.
Students should realize that they may not develop these skills if they do not take full advantage of all their undergraduate
opportunities (e.g., research and extracurricular activities). It is also equally important to obtain a broad, liberal education in
addition to these specific skills. Because job markets are shifting constantly, it is crucial to avoid overspecialization and to
strive for flexibility.
18
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
A. SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Identifying and solving problems based on research and knowledge of behavior
2. Conducting interviews
3. Performing statistical analysis and coding data
4. Designing and conducting research projects Writing proposals and reports
5. Performing job analyses
6. Using computer programs to analyze data
7. Systematically observing and recording behavior
8. Constructing tests and questionnaires
9. Administering standardized tests
10. Communication skills both orally and in written form
11. Well-developed logic and reasoning skills
12. Collect, organize, analyze and interpret data
B. KNOWLEDGE
1. Formation and change of attitudes and opinions
2. Principles and techniques of personnel selection
3. How people think, solve problems and process information
4. Structure and dynamics of small groups
5. Effects of environment on people’s feelings and actions
6. Organizational development
7. Principles of human learning and memory
8. How people perceive and sense their environment
9. Theories and research on personality and individual differences
10. Principles of human needs an motivation
11. Theories and research on organizational behavior, work and productivity
12. Theories and research on human development and stages of life
13. Symptoms, causes, and treatments of abnormal behaviors
14. Broad knowledge beyond the psychological field (including being conversant in a second language)
C. PERSONAL TRAITS
1. Ability to work with others in a team
2. Motivation to work hard
3. Positive attitude toward work and the organization
4. Organization
5. Leadership
6. Maturity
7. Flexibility
8. Intelligence
9. Problem-solving ability
10. Integrity
11. Tolerance for stress and ambiguity
12. Demonstrates positive self-esteem
13. Behaves responsibly
14. Thinks creatively and critically
15. Listens and reads carefully and accurately
According to the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills U.S. Department of Labor, respondents ranked
communication and writing skills as most important. The psychology skills they ranked in order of importance were
communications, writing, analytical skills, research and design skills, “other” skills and computer skills.
19
8. Locating and Obtaining a Job
There are five stages to successful employment: self-analysis, educational preparation, the job search, the resume and
cover letter, and the interview. You must prepare for each of these stages carefully and thoroughly if you expect to land a
satisfying and challenging job.
1. Self-Analysis: You must know who you are and what you want to do if you expect to find a job that fits your interests,
aptitudes, and abilities. Allow your academic advisor to help you during this stage. He/she is there to do more than just help
you pre-register. Taking classes which require you to engage in self-analysis (e.g., Theories of Personality and Tests &
Measurements) can also be very helpful in this area. As Socrates said: "Strive to know thyself."
2. Educational Preparation: Once you have decided the job you would like to obtain, find out what types of knowledge,
skills, and personal characteristics are required by that job and then develop them. Once again, your academic advisor can
help you with this task. He/she can help you choose classes, internship experiences, and extracurricular activities that will
prepare you for your chosen field of employment.
3. The Job Search: The Career Development Center is crucial in this stage. Visit this office in your freshman or
sophomore year, and return periodically to see what types of jobs are available in your area of employment interest, and
participate in the workshops that it sponsors (e.g., Dressing for Success and Resume Writing).
4. The Resume and Cover Letter: A potential employer will see your cover letter and resume before he/she sees you. Be
sure that they make a good first impression. Employers are constantly searching for neat, well-organized, competent
employees who have
relevant experience and who can adapt well to new situations. If your cover letter and resume do not communicate these
things about you, then you need to revise them until they do.
5. The Interview: If an employer is impressed with your cover letter and resume, he/she will invite you for an interview.
Prepare for it. Find out as much as you can about the company/agency/organization and the position for which you are
applying so that you can speak intelligently about the job during the interview. Interviewers are far more impressed by an
applicant who has done his homework and who can explain what he can do for the company than by one who expects the
interviewer to sell the job to him. Remember that you are the one who is asking for the job and that there are probably
several other equally qualified people who are applying for it. Strive to leave the interviewer wondering how his company
has been able to survive this long without you! A section of this chapter entitled "What to Expect in a Job Interview"
provides insight into this somewhat mysterious and potentially anxiety-producing situation.
Also recommended is an information interview in which you simply talk with people who are already in careers and learn
about their experiences. It is a wonderful way to determine whether or not the job or career is right for you.
Source: http://webspace.ship.edu/psych/psychcareers.html#QUESTIONS%20OFTEN%20ASKED%20BY%20CAREER-SEEKING
20
9. Making Satisfying Career Decisions: What Questions Do I Ask?
Self-Knowledge
Interests What activities do you enjoy?
What do you do in your leisure time?
Hobbies?
Aptitudes What are your personal and academic strengths?
What skills do you have?
Values What is important to you in a career?
What you believe in?
Goal Setting Where are you going?
How do you get there?
What are your aspirations?
Occupational Knowledge
Nature of work -
Place of employment Who will hire you?
What tasks are involved?
Qualifications and Advancement -
Employment outlook –
What entry level expertise is expected?
What experiences do you need?
What are the opportunities for promotion?
Earnings and Working Conditions -
What will the job market be like when I g raduate?
Job seeking skills –
What is the pay range?
What are the physical demands of the job?
How do you write a resume/cover letter?
What job interview techniques are desirable?
Educational Knowledge
What educational programs will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need?
What college majors interest you?
What vocational programs interest you?
What courses will you need to take?
What degrees and/or credentials do you need?
Decision Making Knowledge
Can you link self-knowledge with occupational information?
What kind of decision maker are you?
What styles or strategies do you use?
What are the critical points in your life where you will make career decisions?
What kind of life-long decision making skills do you need to learn?
How well do you integrate your values into your decisions?
How do you implement your decision once it is made?
Source: http://webspace.ship.edu/psych/psychcareers.html#QUESTIONS%20OFTEN%20ASKED%20BY%20CAREER-SEEKING
21
10. Time Line for Preparing for Employment
with an Undergraduate Psychology Degree
Freshman Year
•START NOW! Don’t wait until you’re a senior. (17)
•Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your career interests and options.
•Begin to consider various careers. Investigate employment opportunities with a Bachelors degree using
resources available from your advisor and the Career Services Center. Realize that some careers require
graduate training either at the entry level or for eventual advancement.
Sophomore Year
•Complete your self-assessment process. Compile a list of your interests, strengths (academic and personal).
•Continue the process of narrowing down your specific interests in the field of psychology and consider the type of
employment you wish. Use the results of your self-assessment and on-campus resources to identify career
options. You should focus your career choice by the end of your sophomore year so that you have time to take the
appropriate preparatory coursework.
•Finish up the majority of your general education requirements, and begin you work your way through more of
your psychology requirements (e.g. Psychology 250 and 251).
•Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your progress toward degree completion and your career plans and
options. You should discuss upper level course offerings in psychology that will best prepare you for your career.
Junior Year
•Make plans to obtain relevant experience outside the classroom before the end of your senior year (e.g.,
volunteer work, or a directed study involving independent research). Meet with your academic advisor to discuss
your progress toward degree completion and your career plans and options. Review your course selections for the
major field in psychology and your minor, if you have one.
•Contact people in the profession you are seeking to enter, and conduct some "information interviews" to learn
more about career options. Use Career Services to job shadow (17)
Senior Year
•Meet with your academic advisor during fall term to discuss your progress toward degree completion and your
career plans and options.
•Obtain a copy of your transcript from the Registrar and review it carefully for errors
•Identify three individuals (e.g., faculty members and past employers) who are willing and able to write STRONG
letters of recommendations for you.
•Use the summer months to build your job information network, prepare a polished resume, and continue to refine
your career aspirations.
(This time-line is a modification of one presented by Bill Hill at the 1994 Southeastern Conference on the
Teaching of Psychology in Marietta, Georgia.)
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11. Occupational Outlook: Psychology
Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm
Employment
Psychologists held about 166,000 jobs in 2006. Educational institutions employed about 29 percent of
psychologists in positions other than teaching, such as counseling, testing, research, and
administration. About 21 percent were employed in health care, primarily in offices of mental health
practitioners, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers.
Government agencies at the State and local levels employed psychologists in correctional facilities,
law enforcement, and other settings.
After several years of experience, some psychologists—usually those with doctoral degrees—enter
private practice or set up private research or consulting firms. About 34 percent of psychologists were
self-employed in 2006, compared with only 8 percent of all professional workers.
In addition to the previously mentioned jobs, many psychologists held faculty positions at colleges and
universities and as high school psychology teachers. (See the statements on teachers—postsecondary
and teachers—preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary elsewhere in the
Handbook.)
Job Outlook
Faster-than-average employment growth is expected for psychologists. Job prospects should be the
best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as
counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Master’s
degree holders in fields other than industrial-organizational psychology will face keen competition.
Opportunities will be limited for bachelor’s degree holders.
Employment change. Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2006 to 2016,
faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow because of increased demand for
psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance
abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies.
Employment growth will vary by specialty. Growing awareness of how students’ mental health and
behavioral problems, such as bullying, affect learning will increase demand for school psychologists to
offer student counseling and mental health services.
The rise in health care costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, alcoholism, and
obesity, has made prevention and treatment more critical. An increase in the number of employee
assistance programs, which help workers deal with personal problems, also should lead to employment
growth for clinical and counseling specialties. Clinical and counseling psychologists also will be
needed to help people deal with depression and other mental disorders, marriage and family problems,
job stress, and addiction. The growing number of elderly will increase the demand for psychologists
23
trained in geropsychology to help people deal with the mental and physical changes that occur as
individuals grow older. There also will be increased need for psychologists to work with returning
veterans.
Industrial-organizational psychologists also will be in demand to help to boost worker productivity and
retention rates in a wide range of businesses. Industrial-organizational psychologists will help
companies deal with issues such as workplace diversity and antidiscrimination policies. Companies
also will use psychologists’ expertise in survey design, analysis, and research to develop tools for
marketing evaluation and statistical analysis.
Job prospects. Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading
university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral
degree in school psychology. Psychologists with extensive training in quantitative research methods
and computer science may have a competitive edge over applicants without such background.
Master’s degree holders in fields other than industrial-organizational psychology will face keen
competition for jobs because of the limited number of positions that require only a master’s degree.
Master’s degree holders may find jobs as psychological assistants or counselors, providing mental
health services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. Still others may find jobs
involving research and data collection and analysis in universities, government, or private companies.
Opportunities directly related to psychology will be limited for bachelor’s degree holders. Some may
find jobs as assistants in rehabilitation centers or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis.
Those who meet State certification requirements may become high school psychology teachers.
Projections Data
Projections data from the National Employment Matrix
Projected Change, 2006-16
SOC Employment,
Detailed
Occupational title
employment,
Code
2006
Number Percent statistics
2016
19zipped
166,000
191,000
25,000
15 PDF
Psychologists
3030
XLS
zipped
Clinical, counseling, and 19152,000
176,000
24,000
16 PDF
3031
XLS
school psychologists
zipped
Industrial-organizational 191,900
2,400
400
21 PDF
3032
XLS
psychologists
19zipped
12,000
13,000
900
8
PDF
Psychologists, all other
3039
XLS
NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in the
Handbook introductory chapter on Occupational Information Included in the Handbook.
24
Earnings
Median annual earnings of wage and salary clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006
were $59,440. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,300 and $77,750. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $35,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,730. Median annual
earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of clinical, counseling, and school
psychologists were:
Offices of mental health practitioners
Elementary and secondary schools
Local government
Individual and family services
Outpatient care centers
$69,510
61,290
58,770
50,780
50,310
Median annual earnings of wage and salary industrial-organizational psychologists in May 2006 were
$86,420. The middle 50 percent earned between $66,310 and $115,000. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $48,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,620.
For the latest wage information:
The above wage data are from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey program, unless
otherwise noted. For the latest National, State, and local earnings data, visit the following pages:
 Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists
 Industrial-organizational psychologists
 Psychologists, all other
Related Occupations
Psychologists work with people, developing relationships and comforting them. Other occupations
with similar duties include counselors, social workers, clergy, sociologists, special education teachers,
funeral directors, market and survey researchers, recreation workers, and human resources, training,
and labor relations managers and specialists. Psychologists also sometimes diagnose and treat
problems and help patients recover. These duties are similar to those for physicians and surgeons,
radiation therapists, audiologists, dentists, optometrists, and speech-language pathologists.
25
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer:
Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an
endorsement.
For information on careers, educational requirements, financial assistance, and licensing in all fields of
psychology, contact:

American Psychological Association, Center for Psychology Workforce Analysis and Research
and Education Directorate, 750 1st St. NE., Washington, DC 20002. Internet:
http://www.apa.org/students
For information on careers, educational requirements, certification, and licensing of school
psychologists, contact:

National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Hwy., Suite 402, Bethesda, MD
20814. Internet: http://www.nasponline.org
Information about State licensing requirements is available from:

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, P.O. Box 241245, Montgomery, AL
36124. Internet: http://www.asppb.org
Information about psychology specialty certifications is available from:

American Board of Professional Psychology, Inc., 300 Drayton St., 3rd Floor, Savannah, GA
31401. Internet: http://www.abpp.org
26
Types of Employment Obtained by
Psychology Majors at Oakland Unversity
Insurance
2%
Other
15%
Psychology
Psychology
13%
Healthcare
Sales
2%
Education
Social Work
Accounts
2%
Tech./Research
Healthcare
15%
Business
3%
HR
Manager
Office
3%
Retail
Education
8%
Retail
5%
Manager
5%
Govt/Law
Office
Business
Accounts
HR
6%
Govt/Law
7%
Social Work
7%
Tech./Research
7%
Sales
Insurance
Other
27