University of Colorado at Boulder
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Psychology
Advising Center
Muenzinger D243
(303) 492-1234
Careers in Psychology
The information on this page was provided by the Career Services at the University of Colorado at Boulder:
Overview:
Students majoring in psychology receive a strong background in liberal arts education, preparing them for a number of careers. Specific occupations within the field of psychology are extremely varied. Undergraduate psychology majors may consider graduate work and careers in alternative fields such as law, recreation, business and clergy. Graduate degrees enable students to work in such diverse areas as clinical, experimental, industrial, consulting, or counseling psychology. Students examine their own interests and aptitudes when considering a particular decision. Some of the skills desirable for working in the field of psychology include: genuine interest in and understanding of people, sincere desire to help people, keen mind, emotional stability, ability to think logically and analytically, ability to work with and understand scientific ideas, ability to cope with stressful situations, ability to work with and understand scientific ideas, and ability to continue working when results are not immediately apparent.
Employment outlook:
There are various job possibilities in psychology related careers. According to DISCOVER (a computerized career planning program), the rate of growth for School/College Counselors is predicted 24-34% through the year 2005 "because of increasing secondary school enrollments, state legislation requiring counselors in elementary schools, and the expanded responsibilities of counselors." DISCOVER also predicted the same growth rate for Psychiatrists "due to mental health care needs of a growing and aging population, as well as broad insurance coverage for mental health care." According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of Psychologists will continue to grow 35% through the year 2005 and Mental Health Counselors show a growth rate of 24-35% through the year 2005.
Where the jobs are:
Psychology related occupations cover a wide range of work settings including; community mental health settings, including: community mental health centers, social agencies, nonprofit organizations, correctional institutions, halfway houses for criminal offenders, group homes for children and aged adults, hospitals, and other health-care facilities, health maintenance organizations, educational institutions (elementary and secondary), clinics, rehabilitation centers, federal/state/local government, social service organizations, research organizations, management consulting firms, market research firms, private practice, and colleges/universities.
Working conditions:
Those working in the fields related to psychology who are in private practice usually set their own hours, but to accommodate their client's needs, they may work some evenings and weekends. For those working in hospital, or group home settings that operate 24 hours, there are different shifts that personnel are hired for specifically day, evening, or weekend. The number of hours worked per week vary greatly across the different professions. Most psychology related careers have indoor work settings.
Salaries:
Salaries vary greatly depending on the type of organization, geographic location, and position desire. According to a 1993 survey in the American Psychological Association, the median starting income for a Psychologist with a Ph.D. practicing in counseling psychology was $39,000 while with a Masters, the income was $26,000. According to a January 1995 survey of Working Woman, the overall salary between women and men Psychiatrists was $128,076.
Job Opportunities A-Z:
For further information:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, The United States Government. 1998-1999 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Sternberg, Robert J. Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree can Take You. American Psychological Association, 1997.
Also visit the Career Library on the campus of the University of Colorado at Boulder: Willard Administrative Center, room 5, (303) 492-4105. A librarian can help you find these and other materials. The library is open from 0800am-0500pm, Monday through Friday.
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