The field of psychology has contributed valuable information and services to our society, with the ultimate goal of promoting human welfare. As we come to understand more about the way people think, feel, and behave, we are able to apply that knowledge to various aspects of everyday living. Your decision to enter any given applied psychology setting will depend on your own interests, skills, and education choices. Below is an overview of general applications of psychology, along with a few popular job titles (select job titles are linked to outside resources for more detailed information); the true number of careers related to or influenced by psychology is limitless.
As you consider how you will use your education, be sure to research your jobs of interest. Helpful, reliable information on careers within the US can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (available online at BLS.gov/ooh/ ). The Occupational Information Network (commonly referred to as O*Net) allows users to assess their interests and browse detailed job descriptions. Other information also can be found on the websites of regional and national professional organizations.
Psychology in Education
With the introduction of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and later amendments, professionals in elementary and secondary education are required to attend to the needs of students with learning and behavioral difficulties (IDEA, 2013). As we gain new insights into how learning, memory, and language develop and function, we are better able to assist individuals of varied capacities.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assessment and interventions for students and school staff |
Master’s degree Ed.D., Psy. D. or Ph.D. licensure required in all states |
$67,000 |
National Association of School Psychologists
|
|
|
Guide students and community members in exploring and obtaining careers |
Master’s degree licensure requirements vary |
$53,380 |
American School Counselor Association
|
|
|
Assess and treat speech delays in children and adults |
Master’s degree licensure required in all states |
$66,900 |
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association |
Rutgers courses related or beneficial to the field:
- Cognitive Processes 50:830:360
- Educational Psychology 50:830:301
- Ethics in Psychology 50:830:318
- Psychology of Adolescence 50:830:326
- Psychology of Childhood 50:830:226
- Education Program Courses
- Linguistics Courses through the Department of English
Psychology in Social Services & Special Populations
The knowledge gained from a background in psychology provides understanding of human needs and abilities. This understanding can be a valuable tool in helping individuals to live healthy, fulfilled lives. Even outside of traditional counseling roles, many people with an education in psychology will go on to pursue careers in social service settings. Special populations may include children, those with developmental disabilities, and low income populations.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Annual Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assistant Behavioral Analyst |
Assess client functioning and implement behavioral interventions for children, adults, and disabled populations. |
BA with additional credentialing or higher; licensure varies by state |
$52,000 (indeed.com) |
Behavioral Analysis Certification Board
|
|
Assist individuals in improving their overall functioning; may work with any number of populations |
BA or above Some positions may require additional education or LCSW licensure |
$41,530 |
National Association of Social Workers
|
|
|
Counsel and implement interventions for those with substance abuse disorders |
Master’s degree or above; CADC requirements vary
|
$39,980 |
The Association for Addiction Professionals
|
Rutgers classes related or beneficial to the field:
- Abnormal Psychology 50:830:340
- Health Psychology 50:830:348
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology 50:830:345
- Psychology of Aging 50:830:328
- Psychology of Marriage and the Family (50:830:206)
- Psychology of Minority Groups (501:830:203)
- Social Psychology 50:830:335
- Courses in School of Social Work
Psychology in Business
Understanding people is an important aspect of business, from employee selection and productivity issues to finding the best ways to attract and keep customers. Industrial/Organizational Psychologists were the largest group of research-oriented APA Member respondents in 2011 (APA, 2012). The ability to understand this growing body of research and implement empirically-based interventions is invaluable to the success of businesses.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Annual Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assess organizational function and implement empirical interventions |
Master’s degree or higher |
$83,580 |
Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology |
|
|
Recruitment, training, and retention of employees |
Bachelor’s degree |
$55,800 |
National Human Resources Association |
|
|
Apply principles of psychology to the development of consumer products |
Master’s degree or Ph.D. |
$78,860 |
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society |
|
|
Assist in essential support tasks of an organization |
Bachelor’s degree or less |
$32,000 |
The Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals
|
Rutgers courses related or beneficial to the field:
- Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology 50:830:219
- Personality Psychology 50:830:231
- Social Psychology 50:830:335
- Courses in the School of Business
Psychology in the Justice System
Psychological science plays a large role in many areas of the justice system. From crime prevention and investigation to victim services, there are very practical applications of behavioral psychology. Especially important is an understanding of the psychological influences on criminal behavior and the effects of victimhood.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assist criminal offenders in their effort to rejoin society or prevent future transgressions |
Bachelor’s degree |
$48,190 |
American Probation and Parole Association
|
|
|
Forensic/ Criminal Psychologist |
Provide insights to law enforcement; Testify in judicial proceedings; implement treatment and community interventions |
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology as well as a background in criminal justice or law |
$61,750 (payscale.com) |
International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology |
Rutgers courses related or beneficial to the field:
- Abnormal Psychology 50:830:340
- Human Development 50:830:222
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology 50:830:345
- Social Psychology 50:830:335
- Psychology and the Law 50:830:316
- Courses in Criminal Justice or Social Work Programs
Psychology in Medicine
The relationship between the mind and body is well documented in research. Lifestyle interventions can be utilized to improve the outcomes of patients with various backgrounds and ailments. In addition to applied psychology settings, those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology may consider other more traditional medical careers such as nursing or graduate education in medicine.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Assess the needs of those with impairments and plan interventions to improve functioning |
Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy Licensure required in all 50 states |
$75,400 |
The American Occupational Therapy Association
|
|
|
Implement leisure activity interventions for those with disabilities, disease, or injury |
Specialized Bachelor’s or Master’s degree |
$42,280 |
|
Rutgers courses related or beneficial to the field:
- Abnormal Psychology 50:830:340
- Health Psychology 50:830:348
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology 50:830:345
- Physiological Psychology
- Psychology of Aging 50:830:328
Psychology & Special Interests
It cannot be stressed enough that psychological principles can be applied to all aspects of human behavior. To demonstrate this, listed below are career paths that, while unique, are gaining greater interest and value.
| Job Title | Description | Degrees & Licensure* | Median Salary* | Professional Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sports Psychologist |
Assist athletes in developing coping strategies and motivation |
Master’s or Ph. D.
State licensure varies |
$105,000 (indeed.com) |
Association for Applied Sport Psychology
|
|
Lead therapy in which art is used as a means to self-expression and mental health |
Master’s or Ph.D. Special Certification State licensure |
$45,000 (indeed.com) |
American Art Therapy Association
|
|
|
Music Therapist |
Utilizing music as a means of communication and coping |
Specialized Bachelor’s or Master’s and Board Certification |
$51,000 (indeed.com) |
American Music Therapy Association |
Rutgers courses related or beneficial to the field:
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology 50:830:345
- Abnormal Psychology 50:830:340
- Health Psychology 50:830:348
- Courses related to the specific interventions used (ie. Art, Music, Sports medicine)
*The information contained in tables above is current as of 2012. Figures were compiled from either O*Net or the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted. The medians presented include information from professionals at various stages of their careers from across the United States. Please note that starting salaries will likely be much lower than the figures presented, and will vary based on factors related to the geographic area and economic conditions.