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.
Similar to other social experts and technicians, psychologists devise hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Some psychologists own their own practices, while others may be employed in applied settings, such as business, industry, government or nonprofit groups.
Many different types of psychologists exist, such as developmental psychologists, clinical psychologists and child psychologists. Some other areas in psychology include family, environmental, experimental, sports, counseling and forensic psychology.
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 for industrial-organizational psychologists was predicted to grow 26%. For other types of psychologists, it is anticipated to increase 14%.
Similar to other social experts and technicians, psychologists devise hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Some psychologists own their own practices, while others may be employed in applied settings, such as business, industry, government or nonprofit groups.
Many different types of psychologists exist, such as developmental psychologists, clinical psychologists and child psychologists. Some other areas in psychology include family, environmental, experimental, sports, counseling and forensic psychology.
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 for industrial-organizational psychologists was predicted to grow 26%. For other types of psychologists, it is anticipated to increase 14%.
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 all aspiring psychologists must meet their states' requirements to obtain licensure and practice (ww.apa.org).
Depending on the desired specialty, a psychologist's salary may vary. 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.
Depending on the desired specialty, a psychologist's salary may vary. 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.