Psychology

- Developmental Psychology
  
  Child Psychiatry, Gerontology, Geropsychology...
- Psychology and Human Behavior
  
  Behavioral Sciences, General, Biopsychology, Clinical Psychology, General...
- School Psychology
  
  Educational Psychology...

Individuals who wish to study the mind scientifically and explore such topics as emotions, gender, emotional development and human behavior may focus their studies on the field of psychology. Below you can learn more about careers in psychology and the educational requirements to begin working.

Inside Psychology

Similar to other social experts and technicians, psychologists devise hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Some psychologists own their own practices and others may be employed in applied settings, such as business, industry, government or nonprofit groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists was expected to increase 11% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). During the same time, employment growth for industrial-organizational psychologists was predicted to grow 26%, and for other types of psychologists, it was anticipated to increase 14%.

Many different types of psychologists exist, such as developmental psychologists, clinical psychologists and child psychologists. Depending on the desired specialty, a psychologist's salary may vary. Some other areas of occupation in psychology include family, environmental, experimental, counseling or forensic psychology. Individuals can become psychologists because they're interested in helping others through mentally trying experiences or situations.

The BLS states that a doctoral degree is needed to work as a counseling psychologist or an independent licensed clinical psychologist in almost all cases. An industrial or organizational psychologist may find work holding only a master's degree in the field. The federal government only requires a bachelor's degree to work as an entry-level psychologist. The American Psychological Association states that aspiring psychologists must meet their states' requirements to obtain licensure and practice (ww.apa.org). In May 2010, the BLS reported that clinical, counseling and school psychologists earned a median salary of $66,810. Industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median salary of $87,330, while all other psychologists earned a median annual income of $89,900.

Learn More About Psychology

Many career options exist within the psychology field. Whether your passion is assisting families, mental-health patients or even animals, different opportunities are available in psychology. Get started in a new career with Education-Portal.com.

Degree Options

Though a psychologist most commonly needs to possess a graduate degree, programs are available at every level. Undergraduate programs might be used as preparation for higher degree levels or for entry-level work as aides and assistants.

Career Options

Graduates can choose to specialize in one area of psychology, such as education or health. Alternatively, you can become a general psychologist.

Distance Learning Options

Distance-learning degree programs may be available as fully or partially online. Aspiring psychologists can begin with their associate degree and move on to earn their Ph.D.