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Psychologist Career

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How to Become a Psychologist

Are you good at sensing what other people are feeling, or figuring out what motivates people to act in certain ways? If you're fascinated by what makes people tick, then a career as a psychologist may be right for you. Psychologists are experts on the human mind. They study human behavior, provide mental health care, and help improve the quality of life in the workplace. The psychologist career spans a wide range of psychology specialties.

  • Clinical psychologist career
    A clinical psychologist treats clients suffering from emotional, mental, and physical problems. Clinical psychologists work in counseling centers, private practices, hospitals, and clinics.
  • Counseling psychologist career
    A counseling psychologist helps individuals to develop insight and coping skills with regard to life transitions, grief, relationship issues, and stress. Counseling psychologists work in private practice, counseling centers, universities, and hospitals.
  • School psychologist career
    The school psychologist works with students, parents, and school personnel to promote healthy learning environments and address individual students' needs. School psychologists may be involved in everything from helping students manage academic pressure or challenging family circumstances to college selection and readiness.
  • Industrial-organizational psychologist career
    Industrial-organizational psychologists use their knowledge of human needs and behavior to improve productivity and quality of life in the workplace. The industrial-organizational psychologist works to improve communication between colleagues, help managers set appropriate expectations of employees, and develop leadership skills.
  • Developmental psychologist career
    Developmental psychologists are interested in the changes in the human mind that occur between infancy and old age. The work of the developmental psychologist ranges from identifying developmental disabilities in children to helping senior citizens remain independent.
  • Social psychologist career
    Social psychologists apply their knowledge to market research, systems design, organizational leadership, and other areas of social interaction.
  • Research psychologist career
    Research psychologists study human and animal societies to better understand human behavior. Research psychologists work for universities, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Degree Programs and Training for the Psychologist Career

Clinical and counseling psychologists usually need a doctoral psychology degree, approved internship experience, and one or two years of professional experience. To accommodate graduate students who work fulltime, many schools that provide psychologist career training offer online degree programs in addition to traditional campus programs. Many people who return to school to become a psychologist are already working in a psychology-related career that may fulfill internship requirements.

When considering psychology degree programs, look for schools that are accredited by professional associations. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral programs. The National Association of School Psychologists accredits advanced degree programs in school psychology.

Psychologist Career Certification and Licensing

All states have certification or licensing requirements for psychologists. Requirements may include educational credentials, examinations, oral or essay questions, and continuing education. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) certifies school psychologists. Also, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) awards specialty certifications to psychologists who have specialized training and experience.

Psychologists' Earnings

Psychologists’ earnings vary with specialty. The middle 50 percent of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned from $45,000 to 78,000 in 2006. Industrial-organizational psychologists earned $66,000 to 115,000.

Psychologists' Employment Outlook

Job prospects for psychologists depend heavily on level and type of education. They are best for those who have doctorates from leading universities in school psychology or applied specialties such as counseling or health. Competition for jobs that require a master’s degree in areas other than industrial-organizational psychology is stiff. Candidates with only bachelor’s degrees in psychology will find limited opportunities.

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition, and Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition