What can I do with a major in Psychology?

Psychology is considered the study of human and animal behavior. It seeks to understand and explain normal and abnormal behavior, mental ability, perception, development, and individual differences. In addition, psychological study explores human emotions, thoughts, and motives. Among the major sub-branches within psychology are educational psychology, social psychology, psychometrics, developmental psychology, comparative psychology, psychology of the personality, abnormal psychology, applied psychology, differential psychology, statistics, and child psychology.

Related Occupations:
 

Possible employers of Psychology majors:
 

Skills important for Psychology majors:

• Ability to interpret and clearly explain psychological research and tests of all types
• Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing and speaking
• Understanding of human development and behavior
• Ability to observe and analyze introspectively
• Proficiency in interpersonal communication
• Sensitivity to and understanding of others
• Ability to evaluate personal problems and make appropriate decisions
• Intellectual capacity to do well in most undergraduate or graduate college curriculums

• Helpful
• Patient 
• Possess integrity
• Tactful 
• Inquisitive
• Possess intellectual understanding
• Mentally and emotionally balanced 
• Sensitive to inconsistencies of human behavior
• Desire to continue learning throughout life
• Warm, Personable and Compassionate

• Do an internship
• Work part-time or volunteer in a hospital, mental health agency, psychology department, hospice or senior citizen home 
• Join a student psychological association
• Serve on student council or as a tutor
• Work part-time or volunteer in a special education class, at a day care center or day camp
• Join a professional association 
• Serve as a peer counselor or mentor
• Read professional literature/journals
• Keep up with current, relevant issues

Print Resources:

• Baxter, Neale.  Opportunities in Counseling and Development.  VGM Career Books, (latest edition).

• Careers in Psychology. (pamphlet), American Psychological Association, (latest edition).

• Clayton, Lawrence.  Careers in Psychology.  Rosen, 1996.

• Psychologists.  Pp. 124-126, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).

Internet Resources:

• Psychologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook:
• Physicians (Psychiatrists), Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Nursing and Psychiatric Aids, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Social Workers, (Psychiatric Social Workers), Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Counselors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Occupational Therapists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Protestant Ministers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Public Relations Specialists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• The American Psychological Association
• Careers in Psychology Page
• Career Opportunities With a Major in Psychology
• Professional Associations
• American Psychological Association
• Association of Black Psychologists
• Association of Women in Psychology
• National Association of School Psychologists
• American Counseling Association
• National Board for Certified Counselors

• College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning, Revised Edition by Paul Phifer; 1997; Garret Park; Garret Park Press.
• The Career Center at CU-Denver’s homepage: www.cudenver.edu/Student+Life/Career+Center/default.htm
• Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu