Psychologists study the behavior of individuals and groups to understand and explain their actions. Psychologists gather information through interviews and tests, by studying personal histories, and conducting controlled experiments.
Psychologists may specialize in a wide variety of areas. Experimental psychologists study behavior processes by working with human beings, as well as rats, monkeys, and pigeons. Their research includes motivation, learning and retention, sensory and perceptual processes, and genetic and neurological factors in human behavior. Developmental psychologists study the patterns and causes of behavior change in different age groups. Personality psychologists study human nature, individual differences, and the ways in which these differences develop.
Social psychologists examine people's interactions with others and with the social environment. Their studies include group behavior, leadership, and dependency relationships. Environmental psychologists study the influence of environments on people; physiological psychologists study the relationship of behavior to the biological functions of the body.
Psychologists often combine several of these or other specialty areas in their work. They further specialize in the setting in which they apply their knowledge.
Clinical psychologists work in mental hospitals or clinics or maintain their own practices. They provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy programs. Counseling psychologists help people with problems of daily life— personal, social, educational, or vocational. Educational psychologists apply their expertise to problems in education while school psychologists work with students and diagnose educational problems, help in adjustment to school, and solve learning and social problems.
Others work as industrial and organizational psychologists (personnel work), engineering psychologists (human-machine systems), and consumer psychologists (what motivates consumers).
Several psychologists work in colleges and universities as teachers, researchers, administrators, or counselors. Most of the rest work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other health facilities. The remainder work for federal, state, and local government agencies, correctional institutions, research firms, or in private practice.
Related jobs are psychiatrist, rehabilitation counselor, guidance counselor, marriage counselor, and social worker.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Psychologists work in communities of all sizes. The largest concentration is in areas with colleges and universities.
Working hours for psychologists are flexible in general. Their specialties, however, determine their schedules. Clinical and counseling psychologists, for example, often work in the evening to accommodate the work and school schedules of their patients.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Sensitivity to others and an interest in people are very important as are emotional stability, patience, and tact. Research requires an interest in detail, accuracy, and communication skills.
High school preparation should emphasize science and social science skills.
A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field such as social work or education is only a first step, because a Ph.D. is the minimum requirement for employment as a psychologist. Those with only a bachelor's degree will be limited to jobs as research or administrative assistants in mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices and correctional programs, government, or business. Some may work as secondary school teachers if they complete state certification requirements.
Stiff competition for admission into graduate psychology programs means that only the most highly qualified applicants are accepted. College grades of "B" or higher is necessary.
At least one year of graduate study is necessary to earn a master's degree in psychology. Those with a master's degree qualify to work under the supervision of a psychologist and collect and analyze data and administer and interpret some kinds of psychological tests. They may also qualify for certain counseling positions such as school psychologist.
Three to five years of additional graduate work are required to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. Clinical and counseling psychologists need still another year or more of internship or other supervised experience. Some programs also require competence in a foreign language.
A dissertation based on original research that contributes to psychological knowledge is required of Ph.D. candidates. Another degree in this field is the Psy.D. (doctor of psychology). Acquisition of this degree is based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation.
The American Board of Professional Psychology awards diplomas in clinical, clinical neuropsychology, counseling, forensic, industrial and organizational, and school psychology. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or Psy.D., have five years of experience, pass an examination, and provide professional endorsements.
State licensing and certification requirements vary but usually require a Ph.D. or Psy.D., one to two years of professional experience, and a written examination.
Potential and Advancement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for psychologists will grow by 19 percent between 2014 and 2024, indicating excellent opportunities for those in the field. Job opportunities will be best for those with doctoral degrees. Traditional academic specialties such as experimental, physiological, and comparative psychology will provide fewer job opportunities than the applied areas of school, clinical, counseling, health, industrial, and engineering psychology.
Income
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for psychologists in 2015 was $72,580.
