Introduction
So what exactly can Psychology be used to do? There are many different uses that go beyond being good at listening and asking questions. With a list of subfields that grows with modern advancements in technology, psychology offers increasingly diverse career options. In this article, we will look at three of the career paths these subfields offer. These paths are: the traditional career path, the social behavior career path, and the physiological psychology career path.
Traditional Career Route
The most common career path for psychology majors is to become a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, with approximate average salaries of $70,000 and $200,000, respectively.
Although the terms therapist and psychiatrist are often used interchangeably, their average salaries imply they are two distinct careers.
They both provide one-on-one mental health treatment for patients, but psychiatrists are medical doctors that can also prescribe medication and tend to be more specialized in treating mental illnesses. As an example, if you needed to find a healthy way to cope with a divorce or how to improve your relationship with a loved one, you would go to a therapist. However, if you believed you were battling depression or anxiety, a therapist would be able to diagnose the issue and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
Traditional Jobs in the field of Psychology
Psychologist,
Child Therapist
Clinical Psychologist,
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC),
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT),
Addiction Therapist
School Therapist
Social Behavior Career Route
Where therapists and psychiatrists specialize in individuals' behavior and mental health, social psychologists focus on people's interactions within groups.
Encyclopedia Britannica defines social psychology as the scientific study of how individuals behave in their social and cultural settings. It looks at how people think and act, as well as the influences that affect their behavior.
With this distinction in mind, social psychologists are often employed in medical fields, such as nursing or medicine, where they work with other professionals to help develop an understanding of social behavior and mental health issues. They may also work with teachers, school counselors, and other educators who teach students about relationships with others.
Some social psychologists choose to work in less traditional fields, such as in a marketing firm as a research analyst, in the criminal justice system as a criminologist, in the world of politics as a political campaign consultant, or in the education system as an educational psychologist. In addition to these examples, there are many other ways to apply what you learn in a psychology degree to various industries. A good rule of thumb to follow is if an organization or business can benefit from understanding the behavior of individuals and groups, then a psychology major can be a valuable asset.
Physiological Psychology Career Route
This subfield of psychology also adds unique and exciting career options. To better understand what makes these options different, it will help to understand what physiological psychology is.
What is Physiological Psychology
Physiological psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the biological and physiological bases of behavior. Therefore, physiological psychologists are concerned with how biological processes affect behavior, including learning, memory, and motor control. They also study how genetic factors can influence behavior.
Examples of jobs that physiological psychologists might have include:
- Researching brain activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia.
- Studying how drugs affect human behavior.
- Investigating what role hormones play in attraction levels.
- Investigating what role hormones play in attraction levels.
- Conducting surveys about people's health patterns.
- Working for product development companies to help them design healthier foods or other products (e.g., gym equipment).
First Steps To A Psychology Related Career
Before you can start a career in psychology, you will need a degree. In this field of study, most positions require at least a Bachelor's degree, and many require graduate-level training. To find out what careers are available to you with your particular educational background (and which ones will require further education), it's important to research the requirements for each position that interests you.
While obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Psychology from an accredited college or university, consider which area of the program most interests and excites you. Ask yourself questions like: Do I want to work directly with clients? Would I prefer more research-oriented activities? Do I like working one-on-one, or do I like to work with groups? Am I curious about studying the effect food has on people and their decisions?
What To Look For In An Undergraduate Psychology Program
Completing your Psychology is the first step to a psychology-related career, but your first step to achieving your degree is to find a program. You've decided to pursue a career in psychology and are wondering what to do next. You know you need to start with a Bachelor's degree, but how do you find the right one for you? When choosing a program, here are some things to consider: The university's campus culture, especially when it comes to the quality and experience of its professors.
The global diversity of the student body, as well as its faculty. A diverse campus will better prepare you for employment after graduation by exposing you to different cultures and ways of thinking. Opportunities for internship-related work and research experiences during college. These hands-on experiences will look great on your resume!
Conclusion
Choosing to get your Bachelor of Science in Psychology does not limit you to just being a psychiatrist or therapist. What you learn will lay the foundation needed to enter several exciting career paths. From working with educators to help create the best learning environments for students, to researching brain activity to discover better treatments for patients with Alzheimer's disease, and even helping to increase the social impact a non-profits' war-aid campaign will have on those in desperate need of help. Whatever path you choose, starting with a psychology degree can be the first step to an exciting and purpose-filling career.