What Can I Do With A Major In Psychology?

Introduction

Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior. It seeks to understand and explain both normal and abnormal behavior, mental ability, perception, development, and individual differences. Because it considers the mental, attitudinal, motivational, and behavioral characteristics of individuals, psychology has many subdivisions and areas of specialization and is a more complex field than many realize. Among the major sub-branches within psychology are behavioral neuroscience, cognitive, clinical, educational, social, developmental, and organizational psychology, as well as psychometrics and statistics.

Psychology majors find jobs in social service agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, rehabilitation centers, and correctional institutions. They also find jobs in business and industry in market research, public relations, customer service, management, advertising, human resources, and sales.

While many psychology graduates work in a related occupation and obtain an advanced degree, others choose another direction. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and involvement in college activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations

Related Occupations	Related Occupations	Related Occupations
Account Executive	Admissions Counselor	Advertising Executive
Business Manager	Career Counselor	Child Psychologist
Child Welfare Worker	Community Service Director	Customer Service
Customs Officer	EEO/AA Specialist	Gerentologist
Guidance Counselor	Hospital Administrator	Human Resources Director
Labor Relations Specialist	Marriage Counselor	Mental Health Worker
Personnel Manager	Probation Officer	Psychologist
Public Relations Specialist	Rehabilitation Counselor	Sales Representative
Social Worker	Teacher	Youth Counselor

Types of Employers Private and Non-profit Organizations

Adoption and Child Care Agencies	Newspapers/Magazines
Advertising Agencies	Personnel Agencies
Banks	Publishing Firms
Correctional Agencies	Radio/TV Stations
Educational Institutions	Real Estate Agencies
Hospitals	Religious Organizations
Labor Unions	Hotels
Management Consulting Firms	Retail Stores
Market Research Firms	Substance Abuse Clinics
Mental Health Clinics	Social Service Agencies

Government Agencies

Civil Rights Commission	Foreign Service
Consumer Affairs Office	Health and Human Services
County Probation Office	Labor Department
Division of Youth and Family Services	Peace Corps/VISTA
Federal Bureau of Prisons	Veterans Administration

Related Web Links

Professional Associations

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook