Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior through examining the connections between brain functions and actions as well as environment and behavior interactions. Psychologists apply their learnings to help individuals with behavioral and mental disorders improve and maintain their well-being. 

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are many fields of psychology that focus on particular aspects of the mind, behavior, environment, or developmental level. A career in psychology can be pursued in brain science, environmental, industrial/organizational, counseling, developmental, forensic, and health to name a few! When considering a career in psychology, you could think first about who you want to help and why. If you are interested, for example, in the criminal mind, you may find yourself in forensic and public service psychology. If research is more your niche, you can consider quantitative or brain science psychology.

The APA states that psychologists are doctorate-level professionals who complete coursework in ethics, statistics, biological and social bases of behavior, psychological assessments, and different types of therapeutic approaches. Some psychologists pursue licensure to prescribe medication after completing advanced and specialized training.

When you choose a career in psychology, your day-to-day could be different from another psychologist. Some assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders while others may work with physically or developmentally disabled individuals only. Further according to the APA, majority of psychologists will typically engage in the following responsibilities:

There are a variety of available careers with a master’s in psychology. Professionals have many different paths they can pursue upon receiving their graduate degrees.

Master’s-level graduates can work in a variety of sectors including:

Securing a job after graduation may require additional internships, coursework, or licensure. Furthermore, some careers, as mentioned above, will require doctoral degrees. Thus, it is vital that prospective students understand the limitations associated with master’s-level psychology degrees. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

Deciding between a career in psychology or psychiatry? See our guide on the differences between psychiatrists and psychologists.

Start your career in psychology with our sponsored online masters program:

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

info SPONSORED

Doctoral degrees are often required in both academia and research-based studies. Furthermore, many supervisory or director roles also need a doctorate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2021, the majority of clinical, counseling, and research psychologists require a doctoral degree. However, master’s-level graduates in psychology can work as a psychological assistant in clinical, counseling, or research under a doctoral psychologist.

Picking the ideal job in the field of psychology depends on the nature of your degree and how you see yourself in the future. Some different fields include:

The BLS estimates that employment of psychologists will grow 8% between 2020 and 2030. Psychologists earned a median wage of average $81,040 a year as of May 2021, the BLS reports.

Narrowing your career path to a particular field is the first step toward earning your master’s degree. One part of that process is deciding not only which area of study appeals to you most, but also how much psychologists in those fields are compensated. Keep in mind that you may require additional schooling, training or certification on top of a master’s degree in psychology to pursue these careers.

The industrial-organizational (IO) psychologist studies workplace behavior and worker relations. They typically work in the business sector and specialize in:

They seek to solve issues in the workplace regarding how workers feel and interact with one another. The median annual salary for I-O psychologists, according to the BLS, is $105,310.

Engineering psychologists examine the way people interact with products and technology. They seek to make products easier and safer for people to use, reducing malfunctions and injuries.

School psychologists work with teachers and other people in the education system to better understand behavioral and learning problems in children. They typically deal with students who struggle with violence, bullying, hyperactivity, autism and various learning disabilities. It is up to them to develop special education programs that facilitate unique environments for these students in which they can thrive.

Sports psychologists study the ways mental and emotional problems hinder the talents of athletes. They educate athletes on the ways their mental state can affect their performance, and develop and propose solutions to help them better manage their emotions during an event, such as relaxation and visualization techniques.

Sports psychologists also compile research for people who work regularly with athletes, such as trainers and coaches, to help them better understand the nature of their players and how to better manage them.

Developmental psychologists study how people change over the course of their lives. Developmental psychology deals with every stage of life, from infancy to the latter stages of adulthood. Developmental psychologists address the emotional, psychological and physiological changes people experience at various life stages.

Deciding which subfield to practice in is a matter of personal interest. For example, you may be interested in studying neuropsychology if you have an interest in how the brain impacts human behavior; or you may decide to pursue forensic psychology if you have an interest in the legal system. Of course, there may be other factors to consider when deciding on a specialty in professional psychology.

The APA used the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to look at the 10-year growth in the number of psychology master’s degrees awarded by subfield. An excerpt from this survey shows the concentrations that experienced the most growth between 2008 and 2017:

The psychology career outlook varies largely depending on the field and specific degree obtained. Research from the BLS, as of May 2021, indicates that the job outlook for psychologists is expected to rise 8% between 2020 and 2030 (the average growth rate for all jobs is currently 8%). The BLS cites the following reasons for growth: greater demand in psychological services, care for an aging population, increased awareness between mental health and learning, and increased organizational effectiveness for organizations.

As the field continues to evolve, psychology careers are increasingly requiring flexibility and adaptability. Many professionals may work in multidisciplinary settings in conjunction with other service providers. Likewise, healthcare changes and insurance costs continue to make a significant difference in how professionals render their services.

When it comes to the average master’s in psychology salary, the range varies significantly. According to the BLS in May 2021, a psychologists earned a median annual wage of $81,040.

However, as mentioned, many psychologist careers require a doctoral degree. Clinical, counseling and school psychologists make a median salary of $79,510. With respect to master’s in psychology salary subgroups, each profession also varies. For instance, marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of $49,880 per year. Scientific research and development services psychologists appear to have the highest pay scale, with the mean annual currently at $122,660.

The field of psychology can offer tremendous room for growth and opportunity. Graduating professionals have the invaluable ability to work in a variety of sectors serving diverse populations and giving back to their communities.

When you’re charting the course of your career in psychology, keep in mind that a master’s degree is not always the final step toward acquiring a job. Some jobs with “psychologist” in the titles require a doctorate. It is important to research the specific educational requirements of whatever career you are considering to make sure you stay on track as a student.

A Master of Psychology still plays a critical role in the development of a future psychologist, and it speaks to their aptitude and expertise. The skills you will obtain in your postgraduate journey are invaluable to your growth as a mental health professional.

Last updated: May 2022