Psychology is a fascinating field of study with a wide variety of career options. Depending on the area of concentration studied and the particular type of psychology degree obtained, graduates can find themselves working in the private sector, government, mental health and health care or in academia. Read on to discover just a few of the most popular opportunities available.
- Forensic Psychology – Forensic psychology programs are a great way to prepare for a career in this area of applied psychology. Forensic psychologists work in the criminal justice system and in civil courts as expert witnesses, jury consultants and victim advocates. Forensic psychologists also sometimes work with law enforcement helping juvenile offenders in the areas of life skills training, anger management, conflict resolution training and substance abuse treatment.
- Social Psychology – Social psychology studies social perception, social interaction and social influence. Subcategories of this field of psychology include culture and prejudice, gender and sexuality, social cognition and drug abuse. Social psychology grads may hold positions in the areas of public health, mental health, and school psychology or market and survey research.
- Clinical psychology – Clinical psychology helps students prepare for professional practice, which a clinical psychology graduate can perform under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. Career paths open to a master’s degree holder include social science research assistant, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor and school counselor.
- Child Development – This specialization is extremely popular and delves into the mental, emotional and social development and behavior of children through adolescence. Career options include child life specialist, education administrator, child daycare director and special education teacher.
- Experimental Psychology – Areas of focus within the experimental psychology specialization include cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, human factors and social psychology. Jobs in this field include counseling psychologist, school and sport psychologist, and experimental and licensed clinical psychologist.