Career Options In Psychology
Attention!! Are you looking for the right career options in Psychology? Then you are at the right place to get ideas.
Below are some of the very important career options in psychology which you should not miss. After class 12 or graduation students are confused. They have many questions in their mind about career options in psychology after 12th, career options after BA psychology in India, career options with a masters degree in psychology, Career options in humanities with psychology, BA in psychology career options, psychology career options in India and many more.
These lists of career options in psychology have been prepared by experts.
Also, there are information needs and skills required for a psychology career and also information about very renowned institutions from where you can pursue psychology courses to make your career in psychology brighter.
We have put together many psychology career options in India here so that you can choose your career in psychology wisely.
Employment opportunities in the field of psychology are quite diverse. Some career options in psychology need only a bachelor’s degree while others require more advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate degree.
Devote some time to research different options available and learn more about what’s required to enter into those fields. More importantly, ask yourself if you really have the commitment and drive needed to pursue the necessary educational training in Psychology.
After you examine the variety of psychology careers that are available in India or abroad, think about some of the following questions before you consider one of them.
- Does the career fit your personality?
- What training and education are needed to enter the field?
- Are the average salaries satisfactory?
- What kinds of things people do in that particular career on a daily basis?
- Does the career really sound interesting, challenging, and rewarding
Skills Required For Psychology Careers
- Critical thinking skills
- Written communication skills
- Creative thinking skills
- Knowledge of group behavior
- One-on-one communication skill
- Small group communication skill
- Understanding of individual human behavior
Actual income in any field depends upon a variety of factors including geographic location, sector of employment, educational background, and years of experience.
The specific career you pursue in Psychology will depend largely on your educational background.
Beyond some of the known options of clinical or counseling psychology. A few more interesting job options are also there which you might not hear much about such as aviation psychology of traffic psychology.
Some highlights of careers or employment opportunities within the field of psychology are given below.
Best Career Options In Psychology
1. Aviation Psychologist:
The duties of aviation psychologists are to conduct research on aviation safety, design flight decks, evaluate prospective employees, investigate aviation accidents, train crews in communication, strategies, and ways to assist passengers with in-flight anxiety
2. Career or Vocational Counselor
Vocational counselors help individuals to make career decisions by utilizing tools like personality assessments, interest inventories, and other evaluation measures.
3. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists diagnose, assess, and treat clients with psychological disorders. They generally work in hospital settings, mental health clinics, or private practices. You need to have a doctorate degree with a minimum of a one-year internship in order to become a clinical psychologist,
4. Consumer Psychologist
Consumer psychologists study and analyze how family, friends, culture, and media messages affect buying behavior, also determine how appealing a particular product might be, and conduct theoretical research on shopping and buying behavior
5. Counselor
Counselors help people to solve their problems, including marriage, family, emotions, etc. You require at least a master’s degree in order to become a licensed counselor. Typical work settings are schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and mental health clinics.
6. Engineering Psychologist
Engineering psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to investigate how people interact with machines and other technology. They use their understanding of the human mind and behavior to help design and improve technology, consumer products, and living environments.
For example, an engineering psychologist might work as part of a team to redesign a effective product to use in a work situation. Those working in academic settings get the salary, while those working in the private sector gets higher salaries.
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7. Experimental Psychologist
Experimental psychologists use scientific methods and design research studies that explore social behavior, cognitive processes, personality, and human development to investigate. You need to specialize in a particular area such as cognitive psychology, educational psychology, or personality psychology. You may be employed in a variety of settings ranging from universities, government agencies, research centers, and nonprofit organizations.
8. Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists use psychology in the fields of criminal investigation and law. Forensic psychology is an exciting career choice with a lot of potential for growth. They work with other experts to scrutinize insurance claims, perform child custody evaluations, and investigate suspected child abuse.
9. Criminal Psychologist
Criminal psychologists perform duties such as developing profiles of criminals, assessing convicted criminals to determine their risk of re-offending, and helping law enforcement catch online predators.
10. Geropsychologist
Geropsychologists try to keep older adults mentally and physically healthy and vibrant by working with those who are frail and have cognitive impairments. They provide mental health services to aging adults, also design products that make life easier for the elderly.
11. Health Psychologist
Health psychologists study how psychological, social, and biological factors influence health. Two important areas of health psychology include helping people avoid illness by educating them about the causes of illness and promoting healthy behaviors by teaching healthier habits.
They often work in hospitals, universities, health care centers, and government agencies.
12. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists use psychological principles to increase worker productivity and select employees that are best suited for particular jobs.
Some of them train and assess employees, while others evaluate job candidates. These psychologists are in greater demand and command significantly higher salaries.
13. School Psychologist
School psychologists help children to deal with emotional, academic, and social problems. The school psychologist has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing fields.
14. Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers generally work with students with a variety of disabilities.
To become a special education teacher, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and a teacher training program in special education. Because of the increased demands in special education programs, the demand for these teachers is very strong and expected to grow more
15. Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists look after the psychological aspects of sports such as motivation, performance, and injury. The two major areas within sports psychology are to improve mental and physical health.
Sports psychologists work in universities, hospitals, athletic centers, private consulting practices, and research facilities.
16. Traffic Psychologist
Traffic psychologists apply psychological principles to understanding driver behavior. They are involved in designing vehicles that are safer and more ergonomic. They do research on how people use transportation.
Also, they search for ways to improve traffic safety and prevent auto accidents. They
Study the relationship between driver behavior and traffic accidents
Some More Career Options in Psychology
Having a solid understanding of the human mind and behavior can be beneficial in any of the following careers.
Art therapists
Genetic Counselor
Academic Advisor
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
Case Worker
Childcare Worker
Child Psychologist
College Admissions Counselor
Community Counselor
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Crisis Counselor
Cognitive Psychologist
College Recruiter
Developmental Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Elementary School Teacher
Employment Recruiter
Environmental Psychologist
Family and Marriage Therapist
Financial Aid Counselor
Grief Counselor
Human Factors Psychologist
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Specialist
Market Researcher
Mental Health Coordinator
Military Psychologist
Music Therapist
Neuropsychologist
Occupational Therapist
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker
Public Opinion Surveyor
Public Relations Specialist
Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatrist
Recreational Therapist
Rehabilitation Counselor
School Counselor
Secondary School Teacher
Substance Abuse Counselor
University Psychology Professor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Youth Counselor
Learn more about some of the highest-paying psychology careers, the typical salaries for such professions, and the educational requirements for entering these fields.
1. Psychiatrist
Average Salary: ₹2500000 – 4000000 lakh per year
Educational Requirements: Approximately eight years of post-undergraduate study. After a bachelor’s degree, aspiring candidates (psychiatrists) must graduate from medical school and then complete a four-year residency.
2. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 2500000 +
Educational Requirements: In most cases, a master’s and doctorate degree in psychology is the minimum training required,
3. Neuropsychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 4000000 lakh
Educational Requirements: A doctorate degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology is needed to work in this field.
Neuropsychologists specialize in the study of the brain and cognitive science. They generally work at colleges and universities, hospitals, research centers, mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical labs.
4. Clinical Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 4500000 lakh per annum
Educational Requirements: Must have a doctorate degree in psychology. In addition, one must also complete one to two years of supervised residency and pass state licensing exams in order to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.
Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness.
5. Engineering Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 3000000 lakh per annum
Educational Requirements: Minimum a master’s degree, but those with a doctorate will find greater employment opportunities and better salaries.
Engineering psychologists generally work to improve the design of systems, operations, and equipment in order to increase efficiency, improve productivity, and minimize injury.
6. Counseling Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 2500000 per year
Educational Requirements: A Ph.D., PsyD, or Ed.D. degree is required to become a counseling psychologist.
Counseling psychologists perform psychotherapy and mental health treatment, they typically work with clients suffering from less severe forms of mental illness.
7. Forensic Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 15 to 20 lakh per annum
Educational Requirements: Master’s and a doctorate degree in clinical, counseling, or forensic psychology.
Forensic psychologists deal with psychological issues related to the law, developing psychological profiles of criminals, dealing with child custody issues, investigating child abuse, providing expert testimony, preparing witnesses to testify in court, and offering training to law enforcement.
8. School Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 7 to 10 lakh per annum
Educational Requirements: Completion of a 60-credit school psychology specialist program, a master’s or EdS degree.
School psychologists work within the educational system to diagnose and treat behavior and learning problems in children.
9. Sports Psychologist
Average Salary: ₹ 2000000 lakh per year
Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctorate degree in sports psychology or in related areas such as clinical or counseling psychology. They are interested in the psychological components of sports and athletics.9
Entry-Level Job Options In Psychology
Only undergraduate degrees in psychology do not have all of the job options available because most of them require a master’s or doctorate in psychology. But there are many entry-level jobs for college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Some of them might be surprising.
These career options might initially appear to have little to do, but it helps students develop skills that are important in a variety of careers.
1. Advertising Agent
Careers in the advertising field often involve researching the target audience for a product and developing advertising materials based on this research.
To get into this field look for ways that you can gain practical experience now. The best way to get experience is through Internships. So, find professional mentors.
2. Sales Representative
Sales positions are the second largest area of employment for students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Graduate psychology students acquire a wide range of interpersonal skills, which they can put to use in different sales and marketing positions.
If you have skills such as the ability to speak well and communicate effectively, you can get success in this field.
3. Psychiatric Technician
Start working directly under the supervision and guidance of a licensed clinical psychologist or social worker. Your job duties will involve helping patients with basic daily needs, teaching life skills, conducting applied therapy sessions, and performing related case management tasks.
4. Professional Writer
Bachelor’s degree in psychology requires a great deal of writing. You can put those communication skills to work in a writing-related career. Such as technical writers, advertising copywriters, and newspaper reporters.
5. Social Service Specialist
You can also work in the social services sector for government agencies or non-profits organizations. These positions require providing counseling services directly to clients, and other types of case management services.
6. Parole Officer
If you love to work in the field of criminal justice, then you can consider a career as a probation or parole officer, hired by local or state governments. Parole officers work directly with individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses.
7. Market Researcher
Market researchers perform a variety of tasks such as conducting interviews, performing opinion polls, collecting data and interpreting results by applying scientific methodologies.
8. Child Care Worker
You can become a childcare worker in a mental health setting. You need to aid clients in outpatient settings to cope with a variety of mental health concerns. Also, you can work in a daycare or after-school program or even you can open up your own child care center.
9. Lab. Assistant
If you are interested in research and experimental psychology, working as a psychology laboratory assistant could be a great choice. You can start working in university psychology programs, government agencies, and businesses that study human behavior. To get experience sign up for a research assistant position at your university, also consider taking an internship in a psychology lab.
10. Career Counselor
A career counselor is a fulfilling choice. If you really enjoy helping people discover their potential. This job involves helping people select a career or assisting those in the process of changing careers.
11. Teacher and Faculty
You can also become an elementary, middle school, or high school level teacher. For that, you need to earn a teaching certificate.
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Training Required For Career in Psychology
Certificate courses
Certificate in child psychology, cultural psychology, forensic psychology, counseling psychology, etc.
Duration: 3 months to one year (offline)
1 month to six months (online)
Eligibility: 10 or 12 passes from a recognized board
Average Fees: ₹5000 to ₹20000
Average Salary: ₹100000 to ₹250000 yearly
Diploma Courses
Diploma and PG Diploma in psychology, counseling psychology, applied psychology, cultural psychology, etc
Duration: 1 – 2 years
Eligibility: 12 pass from a recognized board
Average fees: ₹5000 to ₹30000
Average Salary: ₹100000 to ₹350000 yearly
Undergraduate Courses
BA in psychology, BSc in psychology
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: Passed 10+2 from a recognized board
Average fees: ₹5000 to ₹250000
Average Salary: ₹150000 to ₹400000 yearly
Post Graduate Courses
MA in psychology, MSC in psychology, MPhil in psychology.
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from a recognized university
Average fees: ₹ 30000 to ₹200000
Average Salary: 200000 to ₹500000 yearly
Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.)
Duration: 3 – 5 years
Eligibility: Passed master’s degree from a recognized university.
Average fees: ₹3000 – ₹100000 (Excluding-Guide’s fees, research expenses)
Average Salary: ₹300000 to ₹1200000 yearly
Top colleges for Graduation and Post-graduation
1. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
2. University of Mumbai
3. University of Mysore
4. St. Xavier College, Mumbai
5. DAV College, Chandigarh
6. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
7. Thapar Institute, Patala
8. IGNOU
9. Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur
10. Bethune College, Kolkata
11. AIMS Institute, Bangalore
12. Bangalore University
13. Punjab University
14. Uttaranchal University
15. Gauhati University
And so on.
There are plenty of universities that offer all three certificates, diploma, Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Doctorate degrees. Only you have to choose one at your convenience.
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Final Words
From the above article, you have learned about various career options of psychology Also, you have learned about various institutes and colleges from where you can pursue your career in psychology.
Just think about how a particular career may suit your personality and goals in life before committing. The best job for you is the only one that you will enjoy the most and that fulfills your personal and professional needs.
We hope that the above-mentioned information will surely help you to choose the best psychology career options in India. If you have any doubts or queries regarding a career option in psychology in India feel free to reach us and we will get back to you as early as possible.