Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes in order to understand, compare, and explain the way people act and respond. They are concerned with collecting and applying knowledge related to mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of individuals and groups.

JOB DUTIES

Psychologists may:

Collect data by using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other methods

Develop, select, administer, and interpret psychological tests, questionnaires, surveys, and experiments

Diagnose and treat psychological problems

Determine the effectiveness of treatments through follow-up procedures

Counsel people individually and in groups

Confer with parents and school personnel

Develop and evaluate mental health or other programs

Serve as a consultant to social, educational, medical, or other agencies

Conduct research

Write for professional and trade journals or other media

Teach in colleges, universities, and other schools

Supervise graduate students and faculty

Click here  to watch a video on Psychology.

The tools and equipment used may include:

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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Psychologists may specialize in these areas:

045.107-022 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS diagnose or evaluate and treat mentally or emotionally disturbed people. They are also concerned with the prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

045.067-010 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS design, develop, and evaluate techniques and materials to solve problems in education and training programs.

045.107-034 SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS evaluate the needs of average, gifted, physically or mentally handicapped, learning disabled, and emotionally impaired students within an educational system or school and recommend implementation of appropriate programs.

045.067-018 PSYCHOMETRISTS (Evaluation and Measurement Psychologists) design, develop, implement, and analyze results of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and other tests and studies.

045.061-010 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGISTS investigate problems of human emotional, mental, physical, and social growth and development.

045.067-014 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS study interrelationships to gain understanding of individual and group thought, feeling, attitude, and behavior.

045.061-018 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGISTS (Cognitive Psychologists) plan, design, conduct and analyze the results of experiments in human and animal learning, thinking, motivation, and perception.

045.061-014 ENGINEERING PSYCHOLOGISTS develop and improve human/machine systems, military equipment, and industrial products.

Other specialties include counseling, community, comparative, environmental, health, military, physiological, population, psycho-pharmacological, personality, consumer, psychobiological psychology, psychology of the arts, psychological hypnosis, forensic psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. Psychologists may specialize in working with certain age groups or certain psychological problems such as phobias. Some also specialize as Clinical Neuropsychologists who evaluate a wide range of people with suspected neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders to determine the brains role in the individual's condition.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Working conditions of Psychologists vary with the specialty. Some Psychologists may work alone or as part of a team, with other Psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, and other specialists. They also may work with parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and other people.

Employment settings vary from college classrooms and laboratories to hospitals, correctional institutions, private offices, clinics, and factories. They usually work in comfortable, well-equipped surroundings. They generally have their own offices.

Working hours and schedules also vary, depending on the Psychologist's specialization. Those who teach or work for government agencies and institutions usually work at least 35-40 hours per week. Psychologists in private practice arrange their schedules as appointments require. They may often have evening hours to accommodate their clients. In addition to their regular schedules, Psychologists may spend additional time performing research and reading about new developments in the field. Occasional travel may be necessary to attend conferences or seminars.

Those who are self-employed in clinical practice may pay for such items as payroll needs, equipment, and other overhead expenses. They also might have to pay an estimated $1000 to $10,000 or more for test equipment, although it may be necessary to spend considerably more in certain areas of clinical work. In research labs or hospitals, the equipment is usually used free of charge.

Many Psychologists choose to belong to professional associations such as The American Psychological Association or The Michigan Psychological Association . Association members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities involving communication of ideas and information

• Activities involving direct contact to help people

• Activities resulting in esteem from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Reason logically

• Direct and plan an entire activity or the activities of others

• Influence others in their judgments about ideas or things

• Deal with people in a tactful and considerate manner

• Rate information using measurable, verifiable standards

• Communicate effectively in speech and writing

• Work well under pressure and cope with problems and crises

• Interpret feelings, ideas, or facts from a personal viewpoint

• Use mathematics quickly and accurately

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The intelligence quotients of 16 students from one area of a city showed a mean of 107 and a standard deviation of 10, while the intelligence quotients of 14 students from another area of the city showed a mean of 112 and a standard deviation of 8. Is there a significant difference between the intelligence quotients of the two groups at significant level of (a) 0.01 and (b) 0.05?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and understand terminology such as psychodrama, diagnostics, rehabilitation, intervention.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an article on ego defensive behavior for a professional journal.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, decision-making skills, and organizational skills in diagnosing psychological problems, treating patients, and engaging in experimental work.

All states require licensing or certification for Psychologists except for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists. A Ph.D. is commonly required by employers. The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Psychologist and Psychologist, School for specific licensing information.    

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this CAREER EXPLORATION SCRIPT:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2000 LIFE MANAGEMENT , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

145 PSYCHOLOGY

Programs in Psychology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Psychologists may be employed by schools, hospitals, prisons, government service agencies, and business firms. They may also establish their own practices. Those desiring employment as Psychologists must attain a doctorate degree in Psychology. Individuals who teach Psychology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses are extensive and vary from school to school. A sampling may include:

225 HYPNOTHERAPY

Programs in Hypnotherapy prepare individuals to use Hypnosis as a tool to assist patients in reducing physical pain, resolving emotional conflicts, and enhancing communications with others. Programs include instruction in trance inducement and its relation to other healing arts specialties.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Psychological research and treatment are important to national defense. Research can show how to improve military training, job assignment, and equipment design. Treatment can help personnel cope with stress. Psychologists conduct research on human behavior and treat patients with mental problems.

What They Do

Psychologists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct research on human and animal behavior, emotions, and thinking processes

• Conduct research on aptitude and job performance

• Give psychological tests and interpret results to diagnose patients' problems

• Treat patients individually and in groups

• Conduct experiments to determine the best equipment design, work procedures, and training course content

• Write research reports

• Direct research projects performed by outside contractors

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in psychology is required to enter this occupation. Some specialties require a master's degree.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others

• Interest in scientific research

• Interest in mathematics and statistics

Work Environment

Psychologists usually work in offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities on land and aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Some civilian psychologists treat patients in private practice, hospitals, school systems, and mental health centers. They are called clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, or educational psychologists. Other civilian psychologists conduct research work for universities, research firms, and government agencies. They are called experimental psychologists, social psychologists, and psychometricians.

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided for officers in this occupation. Advanced courses are available in some specialties.

Opportunities

The military will need new psychologists each year. Positions for psychologists in the Coast Guard are filled by U.S. Public Health Service Officers. Newly commission research psychologists assist experienced officers in conducting experiments and research. With experience, they may lead projects of their own. New clinical psychologists may treat patients in military clinics. Eventually, both research and clinical psychologists may become directors of offices or laboratories.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Few opportunities exist to explore careers in psychology. It may be possible to talk with a Psychologist to discuss this occupation. Postsecondary co-op and internship opportunities may be available. Contact a college or university advisor or career counselor for information. Experience may also be gained while in military service.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Psychologist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Psychologist employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of locating positions include applying directly to employers and taking civil service exams. Assistance may be obtained from college faculty and placement offices. Job openings are listed in the American Psychological Association's "APA Monitor" which is published monthly. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Works!

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Jobster

Ziggs: Free People Search for Professionals

MONSTER.COM

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder

Academe This Week

APA Monitor Classifieds Ads

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Psychologists depend on the individual's experience, degree level, type of position, and type of employment setting.

Nationally (2008), the median annual salary of experienced Psychologists was about $63,440.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

The annual salaries (mid 2009) of Psychologists were:

The average annual salaries of faculty in the East North Central area that includes Michigan in school year (2007- 2008) were:

Full professors of psychology who teach in 4-year public colleges and universities earned an average salary of $80,510 per year (2007-08).

Psychologists with doctorates employed by the federal government started at $49,544 per year (2009). With one year of experience, they could earn $59,383 and with two years, $70,615. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Salary ranges paid to Psychologists by several governmental employers in Michigan were (mid 2009):

Psychologists may earn extra income by teaching, consulting, conducting research, public lecturing, or publishing articles and books.

Fringe benefits depend on the employer. Most Psychologists receive life and health insurance, vacations, and retirement plans.

Advancement opportunities depend on the field of specialization. Possible promotions include administrative, supervisory, or professorship and department head positions.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2006 about 152,400 Psychologists were employed. Employment of Psychologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. About 29.9% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Psychologists looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Psychologists trained in quantitative research methods and computer science will enhance their employment potential.

There are about 4,375 Psychologists employed in Michigan. An additional undetermined number taught in colleges and universities.

Employment of Psychologists in Michigan is expected to show little or no change through the year 2016. An average of 100 openings per year is expected, with 40 due to growth and 60 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Some opportunities are expected as a result of population growth, increased testing and counseling of children; a growing awareness of the need for psychological health maintenance rather than treatment of problems and expansion of psychological services in mental health facilities, correctional institutions, community health centers and schools. However those wishing to teach or do research in such areas as experimental, psychological and comparative psychology may face keen competition.

The best opportunities are expected for doctoral degree holders trained in applied areas such as clinical counseling, health, and industrial organizational psychology. Trained individuals without a doctoral degree may find paraprofessional positions as aides or technicians and a variety of people-related jobs in health, education, social services, and business. Work as research or administrative assistants may also be available.  

 MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth