Introduction
Psychology is a very broad field that involves specialization into various sub-divisions. The psychiatrist’s function as a medical doctor mainly focuses on prescription medication and other therapies to address mental health issues (Kramer et al., 2019). A professional psychologist will interact with patients, evaluate their issues and what generates them, and then propose or give treatment, such as counseling and psychotherapy. This paper looks at the various psychology courses, their educational requirements, licenses, responsibilities, salaries, and future outlook of their careers. Therefore, this paper analyzes the psychology career opportunities and states why child psychology is a useful course that will be in demand for years.
Child Psychiatrist
Psychologists for children evaluate, identify, and treat kids who might have moderate or serious mental, social, or emotional issues. They support these children’s and families’ daily happiness, success, and achievement of developmental milestones. Starting in high school, one can start becoming a child psychiatrist. To become licensed, child psychologists must take and pass tests. The tests consist of a Medical Licensing Exam and an Examination for Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing. Child psychiatrists have a very bright employment future. Their demand is anticipated to rise significantly by 15 percent before 2031.
Future child psychiatrists must finish four years of medical school, two years of specialized study in adolescent and pediatric psychiatry, and a minimum of three years of resident training in neurology, medicine, and general psychiatry (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). When working as a child psychiatrist, one may do it in various settings where one can engage with juveniles. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. offers certification in child psychology (Phares, 2020). By looking at your certification, employers and patients can verify your competence and talents. A child psychologist may expect to make between $40,793 to $142,980 annually in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). I would be very interested in taking a career in child psychology. A child psychologist works with children who have a variety of illnesses, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and autism (Phares, 2020). A child psychiatrist’s duties include performing psychiatric evaluations and examinations for diagnostic purposes, creating a unique care plan for each child, and training families to care for their children or react to specific behaviors.
Counseling Psychologist
Psychologists who specialize in counseling work with people of different ages and backgrounds. Long-term or short-term interventions are AP counseling. Counseling psychologists often use a broad approach to assisting clients in resolving problems instead of concentrating on one specific area of concern. It is a crucial part of a counseling psychologist’s duty to pay attention to their client’s worries. Individual, family, or group counseling appointments in a therapeutic environment involve active listening (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Counseling psychologists provide their clients with insights based on various information, such as what clients say during sessions, interactions with loved ones, and the client’s nonverbal cues.
A counseling psychologist can work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health hospitals, consulting services, and university faculty. The minimum educational need for those who want to work in counseling psychology is a master’s degree, and most often, a Ph.D. is also needed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). However, getting a bachelor’s psychology degree or another subject is the first step. People with a master’s degree often work under a professional psychologist. As of May 2021, the average annual pay for counseling psychologists was $99,640 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Before one can operate freely, many state licenses demand a doctorate from an approved institution, an apprenticeship, and two years of mentorship. The demand for counseling psychologists is expected to grow by 10 percent by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The broad aspect of counseling psychology would be tiring; hence I would not undertake the course.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists can only engage in conversation with patients to better understand any issues influencing them. Clinical psychologists offer therapy as a way to address the dysfunction while also diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. Instead of being involved in research or education, these practitioners are expected to practice their occupation. Clinical psychologists’ primary responsibilities are to comprehend the cognitive, emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social issues that afflict people in their daily lives (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Such psychologists can work in private institutions, correctional facilities, and research institutes.
A Psy.D., which is becoming more frequent, or a Ph.D., which is more prevalent, is required to work as a clinical psychologist. A Psy.D. program is similar to a medical degree in that it concentrates on educating students to become psychologists who interact with clients instead of conducting research (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). More than any other field in psychology, clinical psychology offers a wide range of pay. The typical yearly pay for a licensed psychologist is $113,686 as of August 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). To obtain a license, clinical psychologists must complete a set number of hours of supervised practice; criteria differ from state to state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the field will experience 10% growth until 2031. This implies that clinical psychologists will have plenty of jobs, and I recommend that students consider this course. The requirement to hold a Ph.D. would consume a lot of resources and time, which makes me forego this course.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental psychology is primarily concerned with the change process in adolescents, children, adults, and the old. Developmental psychologists research a wide range of topics concerning human development (APA, 2022). A developmental psychologist, for instance, would investigate how children learn to understand emotion (APA, 2022). There are several job options for developmental psychologists because this field is diversified. In an academic setting, most developmental psychologists perform research, teach, or do both. A developmental psychologist should initially complete an undergraduate psychology program. Many developmental psychologists work in academic settings where they either conduct research, lecture or do both. For one to obtain a license, two years of mentorship must be completed.
The major purpose of undergraduate psychology courses is to acquaint students with fundamental psychological principles. Psychologists with a concentration in human development have a plethora of career options. As previously said, research environments are popular places to work. Research could happen in an educational or private environment with a minimum pay of $90,000 annually (APA, 2022). Education is another major career route for developmental psychologists, with opportunities to teach at a university operating in a K-12 school’s special education program. Employment in this career is expected to grow by 14 percent from 2016-2026. The broad nature of the course needs to be thoroughly recognized by the salary; therefore, I would not take the course.
Experimental Psychologists
Many various kinds of psychologists use experimental psychology, which is the examination of brain function, behavior, and the mind. Experimental psychology studies behavior using controlled laboratory procedures to gather data. Experimental psychology investigates how individuals pay attention to learning and memorizing, what drives them, how they utilize their senses to comprehend their surroundings, and how emotions influence understanding (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Most experimental psychologists require a doctorate in psychology, — particularly if they work in academia. Experimental psychology courses teach students how to organize research studies and perform empirical research through observation and experimentation.
To become fully licensed, an experimental psychotherapist must finish 3,000 monitored hours of practice. However, requirements may differ from one state to the next. Doctorate students typically obtain these hours through internships, research employment, and entry-level jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Experimental psychologists operate in a variety of settings, including both education and medical fields. They could also perform for a government agency or a commercial company. Experimental psychologists make an average of $93,013 annually as of October 2022 (APA, 2022). This shows that just like other psychology careers, the experimental psychologist also has a competing pay. The job outlook is expected to grow to 12 percent by 2031. This course deals with understanding human behavior and why people take certain actions. I would not take it since it does not solve a pertinent societal issue.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists are most recognized in popular culture as profilers who create case histories of perpetrators for law enforcement authorities. This image of forensic psychology, however, is relatively limited. Forensic psychologists have a wide range of work tasks, although many are related to the criminal and justice processes. Forensic psychologists play an important part in the legal system by highlighting defendants’ mental functioning (APA. 2022). To have the most professional options, forensic psychologists typically need a doctorate.
Nevertheless, master’s level forensic psychology practitioners may also obtain entry-level work. The American Board of Professional Psychology offers forensic psychology board certification (ABPP). After earning a doctorate, candidates can seek certification to be recognized in the field. As per PayScale, the median yearly income for a forensic psychiatrist in June 2022 was $72,982 (APA, 2022). The single most important element influencing income is one’s level of expertise. Those starting in the area can expect to earn roughly $38,000 annually. Though not a spectacular development, this represents excellent job possibilities for all. I would not take this course since it requires 20 years of experience to earn the future salary I wish to be paid.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychology (I-O psychology) concerns how individuals perform in business and how the environment influences them. Individuals working in industrial-organizational psychiatry have a variety of responsibilities. Human resources employees with a bachelor’s degree often work in jobs such as data collection and analysis to enhance hiring methods, workplace safety, and staff training. Individuals who want to operate as industrial-organizational psychotherapists should first obtain a degree in psychology. An Industrial-Organization psychiatrist works in business organizations or large institutions looking to propel the team to success.
The majority of I-O therapists operate in industry, teaching, and research. Human factors, human-computer interactions, and human development are all common I-O specialization fields. To employ the title “psychologist,” most states require a license. A doctorate in psychiatry, mentoring programs under an approved psychologist, and completing a licensing exam is generally required for licensure. Industrial-organizational psychologists engaged in scientific research earn about $54.48 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The amount of new employment projected in industrial-organizational psychology is highly influenced by geography. I would not take this course because it deals with organization teams rather than individual people.
Health Psychology
Health psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the psychological roots of physical illness, such as mental, emotional, behavioral, and social variables. These experts are responsible for using their expertise to understand patient illnesses and help patients manage their conditions. Health psychologists may work in clinics and hospitals to develop initiatives encouraging increased emotional stability for severely or chronically ill clients and their families. However, to get a license in health psychology, students have to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
The compensation associated with health psychology, like other specialties within psychology, will be heavily influenced by the employment context. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for psychologists is $81,040 as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). This course would suit me because, as a future expert in child psychology, skills such as observation and critical analysis of disease and someone from Outlook would be very useful when dealing with kids. Health is a crucial aspect of everyday living and therefore, I would be willing to take the course.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on cognition. Neuropsychologists focus on the link between brain functions and structures and feelings, cognition, behavior, and total mental capacities. Neuropsychologists are responsible for testing and conducting clinical research and studies on the brain and memory. A bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a neuropsychologist. Students must pursue a master’s degree in neuroscience, neuropsychology, or a closely related discipline after finishing their undergraduate studies. However, the certification of a neuropsychologist is obtained from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN).
An experienced and accredited neuropsychologist works in a diverse setting with higher pay. The average yearly compensation for a neuropsychologist is $92,640 as of April 2020 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). This salary makes it one of the most profitable psychology professions in terms of pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish job growth projections for neuropsychology. The organization projects that the entire psychological field will increase at a 14 percent annual pace through 2028. I would not do this course because it involves technical tests and experiments involving the human brain. I like working with kids and aiding their development for the future generations. I would take up this course, considering it is among the best-paying psychology courses.
School Psychologist
School psychology is applied to families, children, and education systems. School psychologists perform several duties in the classroom. These experts are responsible for helping students with academic difficulties by using psychological and educational strategies to help them enhance their performance. Most school psychologists are employed at different levels of public institutions. The levels span from nursery school through college, where these psychologists are expected to guide students emotionally and mentally. The educational and licensing requirements for becoming a school psychologist are quite stringent. At the very least, a master’s program in school psychology or a highly associated discipline is necessary.
School psychologists’ salaries vary greatly depending on the region. As of May 2021, the national average income for a school psychologist was $82,770 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the discipline of school psychology will grow at an annual pace of 8% through the next decade. By far, most available employment will remain in secondary and elementary schools. Dealing with individual issues, especially for those people in college, can be draining; hence I would not take the course.
Social Psychologist
Social psychologists study how people influence and are influenced by other individuals, social circumstances, and social contexts. A social psychologist’s responsibilities will be heavily influenced by their work context. These groups of psychologists are responsible for studying how the environment influences one’s behavior and work in diverse places, including hospitals and schools. Scholars with social psychology degrees do sophisticated research on how individuals interact with one another. One needs a bachelor’s degree or master’s to be accredited as a social psychologist.
Social psychologists earn a good amount of money depending on their level of expertise. Psychologists anticipate earning an annual income of $80,890 as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) reports that psychologists’ employment prospects are extremely favorable overall. Over the following decade, growth is predicted to average 11 percent. I would take this course to understand humans in a social setting better.
Sports Psychologist
A job in sports psychology allows someone with a liking of sports to integrate that passion with a chosen profession in psychology. Sports therapists are trained to employ psychological techniques to assist athletes in achieving success in their athletic careers. Because psychology is a relatively new field, training regimens are still developing. Students often enroll in a counseling or clinical doctoral program because most states require licensed sports psychologists to practice.
Sports psychology experts and professional opportunities in this discipline are expanding. Opportunities abound in high school and university athletic departments and sports leisure groups. Most experts in institutional athletic departments or professional sports teams can anticipate earning around $60,000 and $180,000 per year, depending on experience and degree (APA, 2022). With the popularity of the increased sport globally, the APA (2022) prospects an 11 percent growth in this field by 2030. This occupation is not suitable for me because I do not enjoy sports activities. If I get an opportunity, I will not deliver my services to the best of my knowledge.
Sources of Information Comparison
I found the information in the Occupational Outlook Handbook better presented than on the APA website. The occupational Outlook Handbook provides information that is systematically arranged for easy access. The navigation bar in the Occupational Outlook Handbook is easier to use than the APA website. The arrangement of psychology course categories makes accessing information about every field easy.
The APA website needs to be more clear regarding psychology. It talks more about mental health rather than providing information on psychology courses. The Occupational Outlook Handbook has information that is very relevant to this assignment. It even provides data on the educational requirements of various psychological courses and the salary each earns. The APA website needs to be clearer, considering the information is not well arranged, and information on the various psychology courses needs to be fully provided.
Conclusion
Psychology is necessary and crucial in dealing with mental health issues and children’s development process. Apart from mental health, psychology is also used to improve the performance of students or employees in organizations. Child psychology is particularly essential in guiding students during their development stage. Many of the psychological courses showcase a bright future outlook with credible remunerations. From the analysis of psychology careers, it has been presented that psychology presents diverse career paths for students. The average annual salary depends on experience and education level.
References
APA. (2022). American Psychological Association. Web.
Kramer, G. P., Bernstein, D. A., & Phares, V. (2019). Introduction to clinical psychology. Cambridge University Press.
Phares, V. (2020). Understanding abnormal child psychology. Wiley.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections. Web.