PsychologyPsychology

As a College MajorAs a College Major

Or CareerOr Career

Presented by:

Carolyn Saitta

Considering Psychology?

Did these pictures come to mind?

If you envision someone lying ona couch, while a therapist asks,

“How do you feel about that?”

This only represents two specialty areas of psychology – counseling and clinical psychology.

Counseling Psychologists

• Advise people how to deal with problems of everyday living

• Many work in university counseling centers, hospitals, and individual or group practices

• One out of four are in private practice

Clinical Psychologists

• Usually work in counseling centers, group practices, hospitals, or clinics

• Often interview patients and give diagnostic tests

• Provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy

• Design and implement behavior modification

Tell me more about Tell me more about psychology as a psychology as a career.career.

Psychologists select an area to specialize

Specialties Include:• Clinical Psychology• Experimental and Research• Counseling• Social Psychology • Developmental Psychology• School Psychology• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

When PSYCHOLOGISTS work in the medical field

they:• Conduct research• Consultants to communities and organizations• Diagnose and treat people• Teach future psychologists and other students• Test intelligence and personality• Work as health care providers• Assess behavioral and mental function • Work with people to improve their

relationships

Many PSYCHOLOGISTS Work in Other Fields

DID YOU KNOW PSYCHOLOGISTS – • Are consulted in creating congressional legislation• Defining the significance of bilingual education • Work with business executives, performers, and

athletes to reduce stress and improve performance

• Advise lawyers on jury selection • Collaborate with educators on school reform• Team with law enforcement to solve and prevent

crimes

What is the job outlook What is the job outlook for careers in for careers in Psychology?Psychology?

Job Outlook Varies -Job Outlook Varies -Depending on Level of Depending on Level of

EducationEducation

• If you hold a DOCTORATE degree demand will be STRONG for those with from leading universities with specialties in counseling, health, and school psychology.

• Extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer science will give a competitive edge over others.

With a DOCTORATEWith a DOCTORATEDegree in Psychology:Degree in Psychology:

Vast number of career opportunities with this level of education

Can teach at colleges and universities and independently conduct research

Acquire a state a license to practice psychology to:

•have a private practice• work in a psychiatric unit in a

hospital•direct a mental health clinic or

program

With a MASTER’S Degree in Psychology:

Career opportunities include:

• Industrial-organizational psychologists • School psychologists• Professional jobs in state hospitals, mental health

centers, research setting• Teaching at a community college

With a BACHELOR’SDegree in Psychology:

Limited career opportunities directly related to psychology

Fewer than 25% of those with a BA in Psychology work in jobs closely related to their field of study

Career opportunities can be found in:•marketing research•social work• labor relations•sales/management trainees

Best Job Opportunities School Psychologists

• Due to increased awareness of how student’s mental health and behavior affect school performance

• Due to increased testing needs to document academic intervention support services

SALARIES (based on 2002 data)

Median - $57,400Highest 10 % - $99,860 up

Salaries vary dramatically depending on geographic location level of education.

For Example:Psychology graduates with only a bachelor's degree earn about 9 % less than the average for all college

Should I major in Should I major in psychology?psychology?

Use this 3 step process to help you envision and explore your future options:

1. Exploration - Gather information about psychology as a career and what the requirements for college.

2. Crystallization - Focus on your interests to be able to recognize the sub fields of psychology of most interest.

3. Clarification - With a good understanding of careerand degree requirement. You are ready to

make an informed decision about choosing

psychology as a major.

What do I need to know about psychology as a college major?

Psychology

• One of the most popular and fastest growing majors

• Ranks as the 2nd most popular undergraduate major, just under business administration

• Prepares students to be desirable candidates for jobs in all areas because they are skilled in communications and trained to think critically and creatively

College psychology courses require:

• An understanding of scientific methodology

• Aptitude and ability in mathematics/statistics

• Ability to organize ideas effectively in writing

I am still in high school, how should I prepare for a major in Psychology?

High school is a good time tostart taking preliminary steps

toward your future career goals and begin to create a vision of your future.

• EnglishEnglish• Social Studies Social Studies • Mathematics/Statistics Mathematics/Statistics • Science (biology, chemistry, Science (biology, chemistry,

physics)physics)• Advanced placement coursesAdvanced placement courses• College preparatory classesCollege preparatory classes• Psychology class (if offered)Psychology class (if offered)

Prepare by taking academic Prepare by taking academic courses including:courses including:

How do I choose a college?

Your Career Goal

• in the field of psychology will greatly influence your decision on which college to attend

•will determine the level of education needed

Community College

An Associates of Arts degree with a concentration in Psychology can be earned in a two year liberal arts program.

With an Associate’s degree:

• Use it as the first step towards the higher education needed to pursuit a career in Psychology

• You are prepared to work in mental health and human services agencies

• Career choices in field of psychology limited, minimum degree is Bachelor’s

Nassau Community College is the first choice for 1 of every 4 college-bound high school graduates in Nassau County.

For most student it is the start of an experience that will lead to four or more years of advanced learning.

The college is centrally located in Garden City.

The annual tuition is $3000.

Choosing a UniversityUniversities, such as Hofstra, offer all three

degree levels in the field of psychology:

Bachelor of Arts - A dual major or a minor in a related field is useful, particularly for students who wish to eventually work in business. A popular option is a dual major with Elementary Education.

Masters of Arts in School Psychology or in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Ph.D. Program in Clinical and School Psychology

Is a private, coeducational university is located in Hempstead on 240 acres with 111 buildings.Hofstra is a selective institution enrolling

students who demonstrate academic ability, intellectual curiosity, motivation to succeed, and to contribute to the campus community.

Full-time undergraduate enrollment is about 8500 students

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $10,000 per semester

Is a major in Psychology just Is a major in Psychology just an educational stepping an educational stepping

stone?stone?

This is a common misconception, This is a common misconception, graduates are prepared to work in all graduates are prepared to work in all career areas. career areas.

The greatest advantage of a psychology The greatest advantage of a psychology degree is its flexibility and adaptability. degree is its flexibility and adaptability. Employers value their versatility.Employers value their versatility.

More than 40% of psychology More than 40% of psychology undergraduates do go on to graduate undergraduates do go on to graduate school or other professional program. school or other professional program. This major ranks among the highest in This major ranks among the highest in post-graduate study.post-graduate study.

Get That Job!Get That Job!

Experience and Exposure

Gain experience and exposure to other fields and the workplace while completing your degree in psychology.

Through summer jobs, part-time work, and courses in the University related to your interests.

This will make you a broadly trained, well-educated and marketable graduate.

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities in Job Opportunities in Non-Profit OrganizationsNon-Profit Organizations

Planned Parenthood for Nassau County540 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550(516) 750-2500

Education Development CenterCenter for Children and Technology,96 Morton St.New York, NY 10014

Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center (JCC)300 Forest Dr, East Hills, NY 11548 (516) 484-1545

Job Opportunities in Education

Nassau BOCESJobs at BOCES and Nassau county school districts http://www.nassauboces.org

Nassau Community CollegeOne Education Drive, Garden City, NY 11530Teaching positions in Psychology

Hofstra UniversityFaculty and staff opportunitieshttp://www.hofstra.edu/Jobs/index_Jobs.cfm

Job Opportunities in Industry and Government

Nassau County Police Department1490 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY 11501Employee Assistance Office needs of licensed mental health professionals to provide counseling services to Department members and their immediate families.

Time Warner CorporationOpening for a Manager, People Development. Must have MA/PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (or related field) plus 5 years experience in organizational development, management/leadership development, or related disciplines. Apply Online: http://jobs.brassring.com/us

Job Opportunities in Healthcare

YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Counseling career opportunitiesEmail qualifications to: dsnyder@yai.org

South Nassau Community Hospital Program Director for rehabilitation and support services. Requires Masters+ and experience devising new programs and support services.Apply online: http://www.southnassau.org/jobs

Professional OrganizationsProfessional Organizations

American Psychological Association 750 1st St. NE., Washington, DC 20002 http://www.apa.org

National Association of School Psychologists4340 E. West Hwy, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814 http://www.nasponline.org

Assoc. of St. and Provincial Psychology BoardsP.O. Box 241245, Montgomery, AL 36124-1245 http://www.asppb.org