Major Spotlight: Psychology

Are you interested in the motivations behind people's behavior? Psychology might be the perfect fit as a major. Psychology is the study of the workings of the human mind from both factual and theoretical points of view.

Because psychology is founded on research, undergraduates will begin with a variety of core courses covering research methods, experimental psychology, and statistics, as well as introductory psych courses. After establishing a base in the field, students typically take courses from a range of concentrations like developmental psychology (which addresses the lifespan of childhood, adolescence, maturity, and old age), or experimental psychology (including sense perception, learning, and biological psychology). Students will earn either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. A Bachelor of Science requires more math and science courses while a Bachelor of Arts will require humanities courses and perhaps a foreign language.

Some psychology programs are lecture-based, while others are research- and lab-based. In a lab-based program, students may run experiments on animals and humans using advanced equipment. Other research includes analyzing beliefs and attitudes through surveys, designing control groups, and observing social situations.

Programs also vary in the presentation of the curriculum. While some concentrate on scientific research or psychology as a liberal art, others have a pre-professional focus, emphasize the practical application of research, or offer internships in organizational or mental health services.

“A major in psychology can lead to a variety of job opportunities in a myriad of fields.”

A major in psychology can lead to a variety of job opportunities in a myriad of fields. Human resources is an excellent field for those who enjoy problem-solving. These departments are responsible for interviewing and hiring candidates, training new members, and dealing with interpersonal conflicts within a company.

Students who enjoy sales and advertising can find jobs in this market using psychological skills to analyze, interpret, and use consumer habits and tendencies. Advertising and sales departments are also a part of a wide variety of organizations, including the nonprofit sector.

Students who want to work with families, children, or in education may become social workers, counselors, or teachers. Becoming a teacher will require an additional degree in education. A social worker's job is to help clients, often families or individuals, handle problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers can also diagnose mental health or behavioral issues and help clients deal with them. Students may choose to study social work in addition to psychology to help prepare for this career. Clinical social work often requires a masters degree.

Students who are interested in aiding criminal offenders can become parole officers. Parole officers monitor offenders to ensure they comply with the terms of their parole, help them get into programs for issues such as anger management or substance abuse, and deal with relapses of behavior. The job requires good communication skills. Parole officers also work with the families of offenders and social workers or psychologists on the case.

If students want to work directly with people to help them fight mental disorders or improve personal relations, they may become psychiatrists or psychologists. Psychiatrists assist patients using talk therapy and medication. They must have a medical degree, a specialty in psychiatry, and be licensed as a medical doctor and psychiatrist in their area. Psychologists use talk therapy and have either a PhD or a PsyD. Like psychiatrists, they must be licensed to work in their area.

 

Possible Career Paths for Psychology Majors:

  • Advertising / Marketing / Media Personnel

  • Business executive/ Entrepreneur

  • Clinical Psychologist

  • Cognitive Psychologist

  • Criminal Investigator

  • Developmental Psychologist

  • Educational Psychologist

  • Environmental Psychologist

  • Evolutionary Psychologist

  • Experimental Psychologist

  • Forensic Psychologist

  • Human Resource Personnel

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

  • Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Neuropsychologist

  • Politician

  • Psychiatric Technician

  • Psychiatrist

  • Psychometrist/Clinician

  • Rehabilitation Psychologist

  • School Counselor

  • Social Psychologist

  • Sports Psychologist

  • Substance Abuse Counselor

  • Teacher

  • Writer

Sarah DohlComment