Psychology
Table of Contents
Overview
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
During the covid-19 pandemic, many reconnected with abandoned hobbies or developed new ones─bread making sound familiar to anyone? But while many passed the time baking bread or sharing TikTok videos of failed sourdough starters, others struggled.
And a bevy of issues quickly inundated millions during the pandemic, resulting in a surge of mental health and substance abuse issues. In 2020, the American Psychological Association surveyed adults in the U.S. Two-thirds of the survey respondents reported an increase in pandemic-related stress. Pursuing a degree in psychology prepares you to help people cope with the harmful effects of the pandemic. But a degree in this field offers careers far beyond healthcare.
Looking for colleges that offer a major in Psychology?
Frequently Asked Questions
Examples of psychology occur in everyday situations: A recent widower refuses to engage in activities they once enjoyed. A patient with a brain injury starts to act aggressively toward others. A company makes significant internal changes that result in high employee dissatisfaction and turnover. There’s a long line outside a retail shop and the promotional sign that says, “Limited Stock.”
These examples showcase the numerous ways in which psychology plays a role in our lives. Understanding the human mind and behavior—the way people think, feel, and act—underscores what one studies in the field of psychology.
As a psychology major, you’ll take courses such as these:
- Biological Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Development
- Research Methodology
- Statistics
The opportunities are vast for careers in psychology:
A clinical psychologist can help with depressive signs of grief. Biopsychologists research the impact of brain damage, and neuropsychologists provide comprehensive, tailored treatments for brain injury patients.
But the work one can do in psychology isn’t limited to clinical settings alone. An industrial and organizational psychologist analyzes an organization’s issues and proposes solutions. And what about that long line of customers queuing outside a retail store? That’s the contribution of a consumer psychologist applying the scarcity principle: FOMO. Sound familiar?
Here are some careers opportunities to explore:
- Addiction Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Environmental Psychology
- Psychology of Aging
- Human Services Psychology
Besides meeting the core requirements each semester, set your sights on completing an internship. Also, with the guidance of a faculty adviser, conduct research and submit the findings in a bachelor thesis. You’ll gain practical experience while strengthening your analytical skills.
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Psychology Careers
Clinical Neuropsychologists
$103,074 Median Yearly Income+9.69% Projected Job GrowthClinical and Counseling Psychologists
$98,681 Median Yearly Income+11.38% Projected Job GrowthIndustrial-Organizational Psychologists
$123,819 Median Yearly Income+8.21% Projected Job GrowthLoss Prevention Managers
$101,354 Median Yearly Income+5.91% Projected Job GrowthNeuropsychologists
$103,074 Median Yearly Income+9.69% Projected Job Growth
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