With a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, many people are interested in finding a career in psychology. Some may have been interested in psychology their entire lives but decided to pursue a career in a different area due to their interest. Other people are intrigued by the prospects of a psychology degree and want to learn as much as they can about this exciting field. No matter what your motivation is, you have options available to you. In this article, we will provide information on the different types of psychology careers that are currently available and what they have to offer you.
One of the more common career options in the field of psychology is clinical or professional psychology. This may seem like a broad category, but it actually encompasses a very narrow sliver of the entire field. Clinical psychology deals with counseling, psychological assessments and treatment, and therapy for psychological issues. While this isn’t a complete list of every psychology career out there, this is a list of some of the more common areas of specialization within the field of psychology.
Counseling Psychology is a major that usually starts off in a Bachelor’s degree program. Those interested in Counseling Psychology may choose to obtain their Master’s or even Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology if they are really interested in breaking into the field and pursuing a career in counseling or research. While these professionals already possess many of the tools required for counseling, some choose to further their education and obtain additional expertise in order to serve more people in a more effective way.
Counseling Psychologists may go on to obtain their PsyD, which is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. A PsyD is required for professionals working in a clinical setting, such as psychologists in hospitals or clinics. A PsyD is also a prerequisite for working in some select firms that specialize in mental health. Some other settings that may have a need for counseling psychologists include college counseling departments, prison counseling units, and other similar work settings.
Counseling Psychologists also have the option of pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. While not all states require this degree, those that do usually require a dissertation to be written by an individual who has earned a substantial amount of background in the field. This dissertation can then be submitted to a university to earn a doctorate degree.
Clinical Psychology is a more specific sub-field of psychology that involves the study of psychology in the clinical area. These professionals may be able to help treat patients suffering from a variety of psychological conditions and illnesses. Many times, these individuals are under the care of a licensed physician but may work with a psychologist instead. There are many areas of specialization within this field of psychology, and depending on the area of expertise desired, there may be specific certifications required for employment in the field.
Masters in Social Work may be obtained through an accredited university or college in an area of specialization. For example, if one wants to specialize in child development, they will likely need to obtain a master’s degree in this area before they can work as a Child Development Associate. Obtaining a master’s degree in social work will grant a student the ability to go on and obtain higher-level degrees in areas related to their careers such as counseling, therapy, and even psychology.
There are numerous job outlooks for psychologists. In the past, many professionals sought employment in criminal psychology agencies, while today, there is a greater demand for work in hospitals, counseling centers, and other similar agencies. Large institutions such as schools and prisons also employ qualified psychologists. Many private practices and businesses also employ qualified individuals in their own offices. No matter where one finds themselves interested in working, the career choices in this area are plentiful and exciting.
