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Psychology

Occupational Possibilities

Through study of human behavior, a degree in psychology provides students with skills and abilities that may serve as building blocks toward many occupations and career paths as well as preparation for graduate school. Perhaps more than any other major, psychology also offers tremendous opportunities to learn about oneself and one's skills.

A major in psychology provides preparation for many careers within itself. For some of the occupations listed below, such as computer programmer, further skills and/or related training are desirable. Additional graduate study is generally expected for those occupations marked with a * on the following list.

Health and Human Services

  • Caseworker
  • *Day care center director
  • *Employment counselor
  • Probation/parole officer
  • Youth counselor
  • *Psychiatric social worker
  • *Psychotherapist
  • Volunteer services director
  • Criminologist
  • *Child development specialist
  • *Neuropsychologist
  • Rehabilitation worker
  • Health-service administrator
  • *Clinical psychologist

 

Business and Industry

  • Industrial relations coordinator
  • *Organizational psychologist
  • Stockbroker
  • Job analyst
  • Marketing manager
  • Training specialist
  • Employment recruiter
  • Advertising account manager
  • Market research analyst
  • *Consumer psychologist
  • Labor relations coordinator
  • Human resource manager
  • Art director
  • Salesperson
  • Compensation analyst
  • *Business administrator
  • Executive search consultant

Public Administration

  • Affirmative action officer
  • Community organizer/planning specialist
  • Relocation worker
  • Policy analyst
  • *Field health officer
  • *Health policy planner
  • *Environmental psychologist








Education and Communication

  • *Teacher (K-12)
  • *School psychologist (K-12)
  • *School counselor (K-12)
  • *Professor
  • *Experimental psychology researcher
  • *Clinical psychology researcher
  • *College student affairs admin
  • Consumer researcher
  • Statistical report writer
  • Technical writer
  • Media director
  • Public opinion survey worker
  • *Elementary/high school admin
  • Journalist
  • Vocational (adult) teacher
  • *Attorney

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Skills and Abilities

The study of psychology not only addresses the central issues of human behavior, but also develops skills in critical analysis, accurate problem definition, the relation of theory to evidence, and the interpretation of data. In addition, the field of psychology bridges the disciplines of the biological and social sciences, drawing from each.

The skills developed through a psychology degree may be applied to job responsibilities in a variety of occupational groups. For example, while a clinical psychologist, a rehabilitation worker, and a marketing specialist might use critical analysis for different purposes, each will probably use that skill on a daily basis. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.

Interpersonal Relations

  • Counseling
  • Analyzing/modifying behavior
  • Motivating
  • Perceiving and understanding individual differences
  • Fostering group dynamics
  • Exhibiting empathy toward others
  • Identifying and understanding needs

Communication

  • Influencing and persuading people/groups
  • Informing/explaining ideas
  • Mediating/negotiating conflicts
  • Writing clearly
  • Presenting information effectively

Analysis

  • Defining problem areas
  • Creating a system to analyze data
  • Offering new perspectives
  • Developing new solutions for recurring problems
  • Evaluating theory and evidence
  • Comparing/contrasting ideas and information

Planning and Development

  • Making projections
  • Organizing people/equipment/ideas
  • Logistical thinking
  • Conceptualizing and implementing projects
  • Decision making

 

Career Planning and Resources

Internships

 

Job Search

Professional Associations

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For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in psychology:

Psychology Department

426 Fraser Hall
(785) 864-4131

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