Psychology remains a popular major for college students in the United States. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the years 2014-2015 saw 118,000 bachelor’s degrees in psychology conferred.
Graduate-level psychology studies have made gains. The American Psychological Association Center for Workforce Studies reports that psychology master’s degrees awarded in the United States increased 54 percent from 2004 to 2013. Psychology doctorates experienced a 32 percent increase during these nine years.
The psychology field is broad in practice and study and offers students diverse employment opportunities in many specialized sectors. Students may choose a career in general psychology or specialize in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, behavioral psychology, health psychology, social psychology, and many other psychological branches.
The APA Center for Workforce Studies analyzed the National Science Foundation’s National Survey of College Graduates (2013) and found that 26.7 percent of psychology degree-holders have jobs that have a close relation to psychology. Approximately 35 percent of psychology graduates have positions somewhat related to psychology. An estimated 38 percent said their work didn’t relate to psychology.
With a psychology degree, people can consider advancing in the field or getting a job in academia or social work. Typical professions for psychology degree-holders include counselors, clinical psychologists, social workers, college admissions counselors, parole officers, marketing managers, and human resource managers.
When pursuing a career, one should keep in mind that becoming a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist, among other specialized positions, typically requires academic study and training beyond a bachelor’s degree. Becoming a psychiatrist, for instance, takes longer than the standard four years of study. Future psychiatrists need to study medicine and receive training to diagnose and treat mental illnesses and psychological disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder, for example.
People should consider the present job outlook and future job outlook for the professions they have an interest in pursuing. Expectations are that employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors, for instance, will experience a 22 percent growth from 2018 to 2028.
Students can start their pursuit of a counseling career by getting an education in counseling psychology. Faulkner University offers an online counseling psychology degree that’s convenient and teaches students the foundation of psychology. In this program, students take courses that equip them for careers in counseling, psychology, areas of ministry, and human services, and prepare them for advanced study in counseling or marriage and family therapy.
Counselors and psychological professionals have a vital role in society and the health field. Their knowledge and care are necessities in the US, considering that mental illness affects an estimated 19 percent of American adults. People impacted by anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and other disorders, who need treatment and support should seek professional help. Seeking help from a premier mental health practice, such as The Ross Center, allows people to receive exceptional guidance with overcoming anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
The Ross Center implements research-backed treatment methods and medications to improve patients’ symptoms. Skilled therapists at this center have experience treating patients with anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, panic attacks, and insomnia. People looking for individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, or diagnostic therapy can have their mental health needs met by The Ross Center.
Dedicated professionals in psychology and counseling work hard to help people achieve reduced symptoms of mental health challenges and a healthier future. Such valuable work all starts with an education in psychology and obtaining a degree. Students in psychology can make a difference as counselors, therapists, and many other professions.