Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behavior. It seeks to explain and understand normal and abnormal behavior, mental ability, perception, development, and differences in individuals. It also explores human emotions, thoughts, and motives.*

Sample Occupations

Types of Employers

Preparing for your career in

Education: Acquire appropriate certification for teaching in public schools, gain experience working with children, adolescents, or college students through mentoring, tutoring, or volunteering, join student chapters of national teaching organizations, obtain graduate degree for student affairs and administrative positions, earn a doctorate for college teaching

Human Services: To allow for advancement in field, pursue a graduate degree (PsyD or PhD in Psychology; MA in Counseling, Social Work, or Industrial-Organizational Psychology), volunteer or intern with an organization that provides counseling or social services to children and families, become familiar with the operational structures of government and nonprofit social service agencies, develop strong communication skills, become fluent in a second language, learn to work well with people from differing socioeconomic, racial, ethic and religious backgrounds, develop skills such as presenting, grant writing, and fundraising for nonprofit positions, participate in campus “alternative break” trips, work as a camp counselor during summers

Business: Pursue a business minor, demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills, consider taking interpersonal communication and public speaking classes, obtain sales and “assistant manager” experience through a summer job in retail, join business student organizations, gain leadership experience, be willing to start in a management-trainee program, be comfortable in a competitive environment

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.