What can I do with a major in psychology?

For more information about this major at Bluffton University, please visit the psychology department's Web page: www.bluffton.edu/psy

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. In addition, psychological study explores human emotions, thoughts and motives. Among the major sub-branches withing psychology are psychometrics, developmental, comparative, personality, abnormal, applied, differential, statistic and child. Only a limited number of entry-level positions are available to bachelor level graduates in psychology itself, although a psychology major can be applied in a number of related fields, such as social work, recreation, personnel work or public relations. Generally a master's degree is considered the minimun requirement for a professional position; a Ph.D. is necessary to work as a liscensed psychologist.

Some Related Organizations

American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org

Association of Black Psychologists
P.O. Box 55999
Washington, DC 20040-5999
www.abpsi.org

National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
www.nasponline.org

Association for Women in Psychology
Department of Psychology
Connecticut College
New London, Connecticut 06320
www.awpsych.org

Some Related Occupations
  • Advertising Manager
  • Criminologist
  • Editor
  • Educator
  • Employment Counselor
  • Employee Assistance Administrator
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Industrial Psychologist
  • Job Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Mental Health Worker
  • Minister
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Outplacement Specialist
  • Penologist
  • Personnel Manager
  • Police Officer
  • Psychiatric Nurse
  • Psychiatric Social Worker
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Psychometrist
  • Public Relations
  • Sales Worker
  • Safety Engineer
  • Speech Pathology
  • Technical Writer
  • Vocation Rehab Counselor
Some Related Skills
  • 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
  • Sensitivity to and understanding of others
  • Ability to evaluate personal problems and make appropriate decisions
  • Intellectual capacity to do well in most undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Proficiency in interpersonal communication
Sources: College Majors and Careers, Occupational Outlook Handbook