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Jobs in Mental Health
Jobs in Education
Jobs in Government
Jobs in Applied Psychology
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If you’re majoring in psychology then you’ve probably been advised to get a graduate degree. Why? For many jobs in psychology, having a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology is a requirement.
Because in most cases, a graduate degree in psychology can open the door to a much wider range ofcareer opportunitiesand higher pay.
So, how can students determine which graduate program is right for them? What career options might be best? Because of the huge range of degree options and specialty areas, picking the one that is right for you can feel overwhelming. Spending some time researching different career paths can help you decide which career path is suited to your needs, interests, and educational background.
At a Glance
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist?
Jobs in Mental Health and Social Services
If your ultimate goal is to work directly with people to help them overcome mental illness, then a specialty area focused on mental health and social services would be a good option for you.
While there are some entry-level positions in this field for those with amaster’s degree in psychology, those holding aPhDorPsyDwill find more plentiful job opportunities.
Some job titles in this area include:
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologistsassess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing mental or emotional health issues. Most individuals in this area hold a PhD or PsyD, but some jobs are available for those with a master’s degree in psychology.
Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, counseling centers, schools, health clinics, or private practice. They often treat people experiencing a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Counselors
Counselorshave many of the same job duties as clinical psychologists but tend to work more on helping individuals overcome issues affecting their daily lives rather than psychiatric illness.
Educational requirements can vary, but counselors must have a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or education. To become licensed in your state, you will also need to complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing exam.
Counselors may have different titles depending on their degree and licensure. Some common ones include licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), and licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
Social Workers
Social workersoften diagnose and treat mental illness or work for social welfare agencies. Those with an undergraduate degree in psychology may elect to obtain a master’s degree in social work.
Masters-level social work graduates can become licensed to practice in all 50 states.
Jobs in Educational and School Settings
In addition to social services, those with a graduate degree in psychology are also qualified to work in research or educational settings. Colleges and universities employ doctorate-level (and occasionally masters-level) graduates to fill faculty positions.
Professors are generally expected to teach undergraduate- and graduate-level students and conduct research.
School Counselors
School counselors work with children who are having difficulty at home or school and assist students in making academic choices. Many also provide help with college applications and career choices.
School counselors hold a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program. They must also complete an internship and pass licensing examples.
School Psychologists
School psychologistsassess, diagnose, and treat children experiencing behavioral, emotional, or academic problems. These individuals may also recommend treatments or work with parents, teachers, and others to help children overcome problems and achieve goals.
All states have differing requirements, but most require a minimum of a master’s degree in school psychology. To become licensed, you must also complete a supervised internship and pass licensing exams.
Educational Psychologists
Educational psychologyis the branch of psychology concerned with schools, teaching psychology, educational issues, and student concerns. Educational psychologists often study how students learn or work directly with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to improve student outcomes.
To become an educational psychologist, you will need at least a master’s degree, although many states do require you to have a doctorate degree to practice as a licensed psychologist.
Jobs in Local, State, and Federal Government
Government and business entities often hire masters and doctoral graduates in psychology to conduct research. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, local and state governments frequently hire psychologists for jobs in correctional facilities, mental health clinics, public hospitals, and social service offices.
Applied psychologists utilize their knowledge of psychology and research methods to improve people’s lives and solve real-world problems. Individuals working in these fields may start with a master’s degree in psychology, but positions tend to be more plentiful with a doctorate degree.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Industrial-organizational psychologistsstudy workplace behavior and ergonomics, often working to increase productivity or efficiency. The rising demand for skilled psychologists has led to an increase in the number of university programs offering degrees in industrial-organizational psychology.
I-O psychologists perform a variety of functions, including hiring qualified employees, conducting tests, designing products, creating training courses, and performing research on different aspects of the workplace.
I-O psychologists generally need to have a minimum of a master’s degree, although opportunities and pay are better with a doctorate degree in psychology.
Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychology involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and law.Forensic psychologiststypically have a master’s in forensic psychology at the minimum, but many hold a PhD in clinical or counseling psychology.
Forensic psychologists may work in various settings, including family courts, drug courts, criminal courts, or private consulting.
Human Factors Psychologists
Human factors is an area of psychology that focuses on a range of different topics, including ergonomics, workplace safety, human error, product design, human capability, and human-computer interaction.
Human factors psychologistsexplore the ways that people interact with products and environments. They also help design interfaces that are easy to understand to maximize productivity and safety.
What This Means For YouCareer options with a graduate degree in psychology are highly diverse. The best way to determine what path is right for you is toevaluate your own needs and interests. There are jobs with a master’s degree in psychology, including in areas such as mental health and school counseling. For many profession, a doctorate degree in psychology opens up more jobs and opportunities for advancement.
What This Means For You
Career options with a graduate degree in psychology are highly diverse. The best way to determine what path is right for you is toevaluate your own needs and interests. There are jobs with a master’s degree in psychology, including in areas such as mental health and school counseling. For many profession, a doctorate degree in psychology opens up more jobs and opportunities for advancement.
10 Reasons to Major in Psychology
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.American Counseling Association.Licensure requirements: U.S. state and territory licensing of professional counselors.National Association of Social Workers.Types of social work degrees.American School Counselor Association.State requirements and programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Overview of differences among degrees in school psychology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook; psychologists.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.American Counseling Association.Licensure requirements: U.S. state and territory licensing of professional counselors.National Association of Social Workers.Types of social work degrees.American School Counselor Association.State requirements and programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Overview of differences among degrees in school psychology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook; psychologists.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.American Counseling Association.Licensure requirements: U.S. state and territory licensing of professional counselors.National Association of Social Workers.Types of social work degrees.American School Counselor Association.State requirements and programs.National Association of School Psychologists.Overview of differences among degrees in school psychology.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook; psychologists.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.
American Counseling Association.Licensure requirements: U.S. state and territory licensing of professional counselors.
National Association of Social Workers.Types of social work degrees.
American School Counselor Association.State requirements and programs.
National Association of School Psychologists.Overview of differences among degrees in school psychology.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational outlook handbook; psychologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychologist.
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