PSYCHOLOGISTS

Nature of the Work

Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes to understand, explain, and change people's behavior.  They may study the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves.  Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior.  Pychologists in applied fields counsel and conduct training programs; do market research; apply psychological treatments to a variety of medical and surgical conditions; or provide mental health services in hospitals, clinics, or private settings.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A doctoral degree generally is required for employment as a psychologist.  Psychologists with a Ph.D qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government.  Psychologists with a Psy.D.  Doctor of Psychology qualify mainly for clinical positions.

Persons with a master's degree in psychology can administer tests as psychological assistants. They may teach in high schools or 2-year colleges or work as school psychologists or counselors. A bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs; to work as research or administrative assistants; and to take jobs as trainees in government or business. 

Job Outlook

Employment of psychologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  Largely because of the substantial investment in training required to enter this specialized field, psychologists have a strong attachment to their occupation only a relatively small proportion leave the profession each year.  Nevertheless, replacement needs are expected to account for most job openings, similar to most occupations.

Programs to combat the increase in alcohol abuse, drug dependency,
marital strife, family violence, crime, and other problems plaguing
society should stimulate employment growth.

Earnings

The median annual salary of psychologists with a doctoral degree was $48,000 in counseling psychology; $50,000 in research positions; $53,000 in clinical psychology; $55,000 in school psychology; and $76,000 in industrial/organizational psychology.  In university psychology departments, median annual salaries ranged from $32,000 for assistant professors to $55,000 for full professors.  The median annual salary of master's degree holders was $35,000 for faculty; $37,000 in counseling psychology; $40,000 in clinical psychology; $48,000 in research positions; $50,000 in industrial/organizational psychology; and $52,000 in school psychology.  Some psychologists have much higher earnings, particularly those in private practice.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the following organizations:

American Psychological Association, Education in Psychology and Accreditation Offices, Education Directorate, 750 1st St.  NE., Washington, DC 20002.

National Association of School Psychologists, 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, P.O.  Box 4389, Montgomery, AL 36103.

Information on traineeships and fellowships also is available from colleges and universities that have graduate departments of psychology.


