Careers in Psychology

General Info

Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes to understand, explain, and help people change their behavior or thought processes. Since psychology deals with all aspects of behavior, psychologists apply their knowledge and techniques to a wide range of endeavors including human services, management, education, law, and sports. The science of psychology is a 120-year-old discipline. As scientists, psychologists use scientific methods, careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. However, since psychologists deal with less concrete matters, they also need to be creative in the way they apply scientific findings.

Psychologists are employed as teachers, researchers, clinicians, administrators, and consultants. Teaching psychologists can find themselves employed in universities, four-year or two-year colleges, or in high schools. In research, psychologists are hired by universities, government agencies, the military and businesses to conduct basic and applied studies of human or animal behavior. Clinicians work with people of all ages and backgrounds by assessing needs and providing appropriate treatment. The administrative aspect of psychology is useful in managing hospitals, mental health clinics, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, universities, and businesses. Psychology consultants use their expertise in a variety of areas. Organizations may hire consultants to solve a problem in their specialized area. Some areas include designing a marketing survey, organizing outpatient mental health services for adolescents, or working with teachers to facilitate children's learning and mental health.

Psychologists are a diversified group, employing themselves in a wide variety of roles. Similarly, psychologists may combine teaching and research, or research and counseling. Because of the flexibility and diversity within psychology, psychologists can be found working in nearly every field.


Other Resources:
Appleby,D.C. (2015) An Online Career-Exploration Resource for Psychology Majors: Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology (OTRP)