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What are different kind of jobs a psychologist can have?

I am a junior in highschool and I have been thinking of being a psychologist but I am quite confused on different jobs a psychologist can have. #psychology #psychologist #child-psychology

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Linda Ann’s Answer

Psychology is a diverse, academic discipline which you will come to realize after you have taken your first, Introduction to Psychology course. There are about 4 dozens sub-disciplines in the field which of course means that psychologists work in a variety of settings. Attempting to list all of them here in this answer wouldn't even come close to the diversity of jobs, given the number of sub-disciplines.


However, what I recommend is that you go to the following website: The American Psychological Association (www.apa.org) and explore at the tab that is labeled "divisions." Each division gives an overview of what psychologists do in that sub-discipline. You might also find interviews with psychologists working within a field, for example, to give you some insight into the types of work that such a psychologist does.


There are other resources available (for free) at the website above. Some of the materials are for members only; so if you click on a link that requires membership, it will become clear to you that you cannot access that particular content.


Many people hear the word "psychologist" and immediately think "therapist." Yes, some psychologists are therapists...but most of us are not! Clinical and counseling psychologists, if they are licensed to practice (which requires a doctorate), are trained to provide therapeutic interventions to clients. The rest of us, like myself who was an Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist, do not have that skill set; hence, we do not provide therapy! As an FYI, the Division for I-O Psychology is No. 14


Enjoy exploring at the website above. Here's another one, from the Association for Psychological Science: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/. Generally, non-clinical psychologists are members in this organization. Most members are academics who are engaged in research on psychological topics! Some research psychologists are employed by research-based foundations or in hospital settings!

Linda Ann recommends the following next steps:

Explore at www.apa.org
Explore at www.psychologicalscience.org
Send me a question directly, if you care to, after exploring at these two sites.
Have fun exploring!!!
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Morgan’s Answer

Hi Grecia! A common misconception about studying psychology is that a degree in just "psychology" itself would not make you a psychologist. In order to have the professional title of "Psychologist", you would either need to get a PhD or a PsyD. A PhD would make you a Doctor of Philosophy (about a 5-7 year process until you earn your degree) and a PsyD would make you a Doctor of Psychology (with about a 4-6 year time frame of obtaining your degree with a year of supervised internship included). When deciding whether to pursue a PhD or a PsyD, it will be important to decide whether or not you would want to engage in research or teaching (PhD) or whether you would want to be a therapist/clinical psychologist (PsyD). Please note, however, that just because most people with PsyD's work in clinical psychology does not completely isolate them from other opportunities, they just chose the program that would best suit their current career-goal needs.

If your long-term goal is not involved in studying to get a PhD or PsyD, there is still a great amount you are able to do with a degree in Psychology! I am currently looking for work as an academic advisor and I have a Bachelor of Psychology. A Bachelor's in Psychology is an incredibly versatile degree, psychology is the study of individuals, and you'll be interacting with those wherever you go! I have attached a link below that has some great information about different career fields that you might find interesting if you wish to pursue a Bachelor's in Psychology!

I will note from personal experience that many careers will give top priority to those with a Master's degree. I would definitely take some time to think and weight options to see if graduate school would be a good option for you following your Bachelor's. This being said, it is not required to have a Master's degree in order to have a successful and fulfilling career, I just wanted to mention since there are multiple fields that will likely require one!

Best of luck with your studies!

Morgan recommends the following next steps:

https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/psychology/psyd-vs-phd-programs/ This is a helpful site to explore if you wanted more information on PhD/PsyD program requirements.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-psychology-degree This is a great cite to check out if you are curious what you can do with a degree in psychology if you do not plan on following a clinical route!
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