PSYCH101: Introduction to Psychology

Course introduction.

  • Time: 46 hours
  • College Credit Recommended ($25 Proctor Fee) -->
  • Free Certificate

Course Syllabus

First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

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Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

"Psychology has a long past, but a short history." This statement by Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850–1909), a pioneer of psychological research, captures the history of psychology as a discipline. Although it is a relatively new, formal academic subject, psychology seeks to answer questions that have been around since the beginning of humanity.

In this unit, we review the history of psychology as a discipline. We explore its ancient philosophical, prescientific roots and recent reincarnation as a scientific field of study.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior

What makes you "you"? This question gets to the heart of one of the longest-running debates in psychology: the nurture versus nature dispute, which asks whether humans are a product of their environment or of their biological makeup. While it is unlikely that we will ever conclusively answer this question, research has provided us with some important insights that will help you understand the arguments on both sides of the debate.

Early psychologists considered the brain a black box that controlled certain processes, although they did not know how to identify these processes or how the brain controlled them. This is no longer the case; now, scientists insist that the psychological mind and physiological body are fully integrated with one another. Today, knowledge of the biological origins of our psychological states is integral to the study of psychology.

In this unit, we explore biopsychology, which includes the role of genes, the structure and functions of neurons, the parts of the nervous system, and the endocrine system. Finally, we examine the role and function of sleep and the use of substances that may alter our states of consciousness.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

Unit 3: Sensation and Perception

Our five senses – smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch – provide us with information about the world. We must convert this information into a form that is usable by the brain, so it can interpret what those sensations mean. The process of collecting information through the sense organs is known as sensation, and the process of making sense of that information is known as perception.

We usually think of sensation as a physiological process, whereas perception is psychological. Since sensation relies on the elements of information that are out in the world, we consider it a bottom-up process. Since perception relies on past experience and knowledge to aid in understanding, we call it a top-down process.

In this unit, we highlight vision and hearing because humans tend to rely most heavily on these senses. Most of the research on sensation and perception has focused on these two senses, so these are the senses we understand the most fully. We will wrap up with the remaining senses, plus a sense that may not seem like a sense – the sense of balance.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

Unit 4: Learning

Psychologists are concerned with how people learn from experience and create memories. During the first half of the 20th century, behaviorists focused on how animals and humans made associations between stimuli and between their own behavior and its consequences. In this unit, we draw from behaviorism to learn the basic principles of learning.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 10 hours.

Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology

Psychologists are concerned with how people create memories. During the second half of the 20th century, psychologists established the field of cognitive psychology, which explored topics such as decision-making and problem-solving; language acquisition and use; intelligence and creative thinking; memory formation, storage, and retrieval; In this unit, we draw from cognitive psychology and neuropsychology to learn the basic principles of cognitive psychology.

Unit 6: Developmental Psychology

The physical, mental, and emotional changes an individual undergoes throughout the course of their lifetime raise a number of questions about who we are and how we develop as human beings. One question is whether our traits are stable or changeable throughout our lifetime; another is whether development is a continuous, gradual process or a set of discrete stages.

Although these questions remain unresolved, we impart some ways you can think critically about these issues in this unit. We also provide an overview of human development, from infancy to old age.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality

In this unit, we focus on personality psychology, which studies how our personalities develop and how our experiences and circumstances shape who we are. We will examine some theories that explain why we behave and think in consistent ways and discover how psychologists assess personality traits.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

Unit 8: Clinical Psychology

Today, we commonly think of psychology as a way to treat mental disorders. However, psychopathology , the field of study Sigmund Freud made famous, is the branch of psychology that addresses these disorders. Clinical psychologists have since refined the field, developing more sophisticated methods for diagnosis and treatment so clients can maintain a normal lifestyle.

Millions of people live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety , obsessive-compulsive disorder , drug addiction , and personality disorders . Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

In this unit, we explore different perspectives on psychological disorders and learn to identify characteristic symptoms for each. Think about all the factors that may contribute to and alleviate the major mental disorders discussed. What is the interplay between biology, social support systems, and other environmental factors in how human beings cope?

Unit 9: Social Psychology

Human beings are social animals. As psychologists, we acknowledge this fact by studying how our social environment impacts our emotional and mental functioning. This discipline is called social psychology – the focus of this unit. We will discuss the social behavior of individuals, groups, and entire societies, as well as how our relationships with these entities influence us as individuals.

Unit 10: Industrial and Organizational Psychology

In this unit, we investigate industrial and organizational psychology , also known as I/O psychology . This subfield is concerned with studying behavior in an organizational setting (such as in the workplace) and using principles of psychology to understand work behaviors. This is a rather new subfield within psychology, but it is growing quickly due to its interesting line of inquiry.

Psychologists divide the subfield of I/O psychology into industrial and   organizational psychology – the terms are not interchangeable. Industrial psychology focuses on job analysis, such as describing and measuring a task or a job. As such, people specializing in industrial psychology are often tasked with writing job requirements, interviewing and hiring employees, training new employees, evaluating performance, and assuring that an organization abides by equality laws.

Organizational psychologists, on the other hand, are mostly concerned with the social aspects of work life. This includes determining how we ensure job satisfaction, examining the effectiveness of different leadership or management styles, exploring work-family balance options, and conducting diversity training.

Unit 11: Health and Stress Psychology

In this unit, we focus on health and stress in the workplace and in our everyday lives more broadly. First, we define stressors, and then we connect stress and illness. As you work through this unit, think about the stressors in your life and the coping mechanisms you use to handle them. How does the information presented here shed insight into how you handle stress? Is stress always negative?

Study Guide

This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walk through the learning outcomes, and list important vocabulary terms. It is not meant to replace the course materials!

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Course Feedback Survey

Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

If you come across any urgent problems, email [email protected].

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Certificate Final Exam

Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate .

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Saylor Direct Credit

Take this exam if you want to earn college credit for this course . This course is eligible for college credit through Saylor Academy's Saylor Direct Credit Program .

The Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam requires a proctoring fee of $5 . To pass this course and earn a Credly Badge and official transcript , you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on the Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam. Your grade for this exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again a maximum of 3 times , with a 14-day waiting period between each attempt.

We are partnering with SmarterProctoring to help make the proctoring fee more affordable. We will be recording you, your screen, and the audio in your room during the exam. This is an automated proctoring service, but no decisions are automated; recordings are only viewed by our staff with the purpose of making sure it is you taking the exam and verifying any questions about exam integrity. We understand that there are challenges with learning at home - we won't invalidate your exam just because your child ran into the room!

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Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a Credly Badge  and can request an official transcript .

Saylor Direct Credit Exam

This exam is part of the Saylor Direct College Credit program. Before attempting this exam, review the Saylor Direct Credit page for complete requirements.

Essential exam information:

  • You must take this exam with our automated proctor. If you cannot, please contact us to request an override.
  • The automated proctoring session will cost $5 .
  • This is a closed-book, closed-notes exam (see allowed resources below).
  • You will have two (2) hours to complete this exam.
  • You have up to 3 attempts, but you must wait 14 days between consecutive attempts of this exam.
  • The passing grade is 70% or higher.
  • This exam consists of 52 multiple-choice questions.

Some details about taking your exam:

  • Exam questions are distributed across multiple pages.
  • Exam questions will have several plausible options; be sure to pick the answer that best satisfies each part of the question.
  • Your answers are saved each time you move to another page within the exam.
  • You can answer the questions in any order.
  • You can go directly to any question by clicking its number in the navigation panel.
  • You can flag a question to remind yourself to return to it later.
  • You will receive your grade as soon as you submit your answers.

Allowed resources:

Gather these resources before you start your exam.

  • Blank paper

What should I do before my exam?

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  • We will be recording your screen, so close any extra tabs!
  • Disconnect any extra monitors attached to your computer.
  • You will have up to two (2) hours to complete your exam. Try to make sure you won't be interrupted during that time!
  • You will require at least 1mbps of internet bandwidth. Ask others sharing your connection not to stream during your exam.
  • Take a deep breath; you got this!

Browse Course Material

Course info.

  • Prof. John D. E. Gabrieli

Departments

  • Brain and Cognitive Sciences

As Taught In

  • Cognitive Science

Learning Resource Types

Introduction to psychology, course description.

This course is a survey of the scientific study of human nature, including how the mind works, and how the brain supports the mind. Topics include the mental and neural bases of perception, emotion, learning, memory, cognition, child development, personality, psychopathology, and social interaction. Students will …

This course is a survey of the scientific study of human nature, including how the mind works, and how the brain supports the mind. Topics include the mental and neural bases of perception, emotion, learning, memory, cognition, child development, personality, psychopathology, and social interaction. Students will consider how such knowledge relates to debates about nature and nurture, free will, consciousness, human differences, self, and society.

Course Format

This course has been designed for independent study. It includes all of the materials you will need to understand the concepts covered in this subject. The materials in this course include:

  • A full set of Lecture Videos by Prof. John Gabrieli.
  • Reading Assignments in several books, including one free online textbook and detailed notes on another book.
  • Assorted multiple choice and short answer questions to Check Yourself on the material in each session.
  • Supporting Discussion content that elaborates on the lectures and reading.
  • A rich collection of online resources for Further Study on each session’s topics.
  • A full set of Exams with solution keys, and extra practice questions for review.

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WGU ACADEMY

Introduction to Psychology

Single course offering, introduction to psychology .

This single course offering enables you to matriculate into a relevant WGU bachelor's degree program and will stack toward the completion of that degree. View  course bundles  and  certificate programs

How often do you think about the intricacies of the human psyche? Are you curious about all the things that make us “tick”? And do you ever marvel at the complex relationship between your thoughts and the influence from the world around you? The mind is a powerful thing worth contemplating and understanding – it's as fascinating as it is puzzling. Are you ready to get started?

The Introduction to Psychology course places you at the intersection of mind and behavior, creating a gateway to comprehending the captivating science of the psyche. As you advance through the course, you will explore a wide range of psychological theories, traverse the complexities of behavior, and see how the science of psychology is applied in our society.  

So, why should you choose Introduction to Psychology? Whether you’re eager to understand the inner workings of the mind, memory, and human nature, or setting your sights on a career working with psychological disorders and their potential remedies, our course can establish the foundational knowledge you need to move forward. 

WGU’s online learning landscape lets you customize your courses for amplified flexibility – learn where you want, when you want. Plus, our vast student resources and a supportive instruction approach can help you complete your course in just 3 months! 

Begin your journey through the fundamentals of psychology and discover the depths of the human condition with WGU. Enroll now and begin learning today. 

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Benefits of this Single Course

100% online and self-paced

$750 tuition with no additonal fees

Earn 3 course credits

What's in it for You?

In addition to earning course credit, you’ll learn the following:

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Psychology Foundations

Exploring the foundations of psychology provides insight into the basic principles underpinning human behavior and mental processes.

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Biology of Psychology

Understanding the biological perspectives of psychology reveals the connection between physiological processes and psychological phenomena.

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Personalities 

Studying personality development and social psychology uncovers the formation of individual traits and the influence of social interactions.

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Learning and Memory 

Delving into the theories of learning and memory helps elucidate how experiences shape our behavior and understanding.

Let's get started.

Whether you're seeking course credits or looking to boost your resume, single courses are a perfect place to start your college and career journey. once you complete your course, you’ll be on your way to earning a wgu bachelor’s degree..

  • Enroll online.
  • Select the single course or course bundle that’s right for your WGU bachelor’s degree pathway.
  • Begin your first course whenever you’re ready—even the same day.

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Pay only for the courses you need.  

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Start right away—and finish as quickly as you like.

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Credit Earning

Earn 3 course credits—transferable to wgu, what is the cost.

Introduction to Psychology course only (Two months to complete*)

*If the course is not completed within the Two-month time frame, a $99 monthly subscription fee will be charged until completed or withdrawn. You may cancel at any time.

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Having trouble accessing your account? Not sure about an assessment? We offer a wide range of support no matter what issue you encounter. Our Student Care team will help you with questions about enrollment, program requirements, and other steps toward your success.

Plus, you’ll have access to all of our student support services, including your own certified Student Success Coach, course instructors, a writing center, and 24/7 tutoring. 

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Engaged Instructors

Your course instructors have extensive experience working with adult learners like you. They are enthusiastic about helping you discover and express your unique voice in your writing and are available to meet with you one-to-one. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with them whenever needed! They are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your educational journey.

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Student Success Coaches

Through coaching psychology, our student success coaches empower you to overcome obstacles, develop effective study habits, and maintain motivation throughout your educational journey. They utilize motivational interviewing techniques to help you identify your strengths, clarify your aspirations, and work with you to create a personalized plan for success.

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Ready to begin?

Choose your WGU degree program and then your single course or course bundle. Enroll and begin your coursework right away.

You don't have to wait for a new term to start a single or bundled course!

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Physical Address: 206 Student Health Center

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Advanced math and science coursework to prepare for statistics courses and research experiences.

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View a "Four-year Plan" for a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. View a "Four-year Plan" for a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Find Your Advisor:  [email protected] . This degree is offered both on campus and online. Inquire about online degree .

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The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences provides annual scholarship awards totaling approximately $1,600,000. For information on specific scholarships, please email  [email protected] .

You can find general need- and merit-based scholarships on the Financial Aid Office's scholarships page.

Some scholarships specifically for this major:

  • Butch Boyer Award: Awarded each year to approximately four undergraduates. Each recipient will receive up to $1,000 for the following academic year.
  • Phil Mohan Scholar Award: Awarded each year to one undergraduate for excellence in research. Each recipient receives up to $350.

To learn more about FAFSA deadlines and processes, available scholarships, and financial aid program types and eligibility requirements, please visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office .

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  • Internships in the community providing first-hand experience working with diverse populations
  • Internships
  • Students receive internship credit through working with our community partners.
  • Internship sites include: Citizen’s Companion Program, Alternatives To Violence on the Palouse and many more.
  • Job Openings and Salary Range
  • Employment Trends

Exploring the Human Psyche

Why do we do the things we do? Find out by exploring the psychology of the human mind and its role in behavior, relationships and development while pursuing your psychology degree either on campus or online. Participate in research studies to prepare for your career in counseling, social work, human resources and much more.

  • Available on campus or online.
  • In-state tuition for all full-time online students. 
  • Flexibility to explore topics of interest. 
  • Opportunities to participate in research with leaders in the field. 
  • State-of-the-art laboratory equipment. 
  • A minor in psychology is also available. 
  • 2 + 2 Transfer Pathways for those with an associate’s degree.

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What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota May 22, 2024

Psychology has taken center stage.

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With anxiety and depression on the rise —alongside the diagnosis of various mental health disorders such as ADHD, bipolar, and autism—psychology has taken a front-row seat. There are people discussing mental health in all spaces of life, be it mainstream media, movies, books, social media, and conversations between friends and family. 

This exposure, while enlightening, only scratches the surface of the diverse field of psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychologists work across various environments and employ a multitude of methods to understand complex mental processes and behaviors. 

So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Well, given the vastness of the field, a degree in psychology opens up numerous pathways and roles, each offering unique contributions to society. Keep reading as we explore the numerous opportunities such a degree unlocks.

What is a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree is centered on the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. It aims to understand how and why we think and act the way we do. Common topics covered include cognitive processes, emotional and social dynamics, brain functions, and psychological disorders. 

Psychology career paths begin with a bachelor's degree as students are introduced to fundamental psychological theories and findings. Then, as students advance, they have the opportunity to specialize in more focused areas through graduate degrees or certifications, choosing paths like clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, or organizational psychology. 

Such advanced specializations enable graduates to apply their skills in various professional settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, corporate environments, and research institutions. Thus, a psychology degree provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior as well as equips students with the versatility to pursue a wide range of impactful careers in both scientific and practical domains.

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

To demonstrate the broad applicability of psychological principles across various domains and highlight the field's capacity to address diverse human needs through specialized knowledge and skills, let's examine some roles you can pursue with a degree in psychology. Each contributes uniquely to understanding human behavior and mental processes and directly impacts individual and community well-being.

1. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are integral in mental health services, offering psychotherapy and behavioral interventions for mental illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia. As part of their work, they try to understand a patient's condition through psychological testing and crafting personalized treatment plans based on the results. 

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a Psy.D. or Ph.D., followed by a supervised clinical internship of 1-2 years and successful completion of licensing exams. This extensive training prepares them to handle complex psychological issues in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, or private practice.

A clinical psychologist is working with a child to help treat his anxiety

2. Counseling Psychologist

These psychologists perform many of the same functions as clinical psychologists but often deal with less severe psychological conditions. They focus on helping clients adjust to life transitions or cope with stress and anxiety, providing tools for personal development and better mental health management. 

Counseling psychologists work in diverse environments, including academic, health, corporate, and community sectors. To reach these professional environments, they need to have a license to practice, which typically involves obtaining a diploma from an accredited master’s or doctoral program in psychology, completing an internship, and passing state-regulated exams.

3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological theories to organizations and the workplace to boost morale, increase productivity, and optimize organizational structure. They also engage in leadership development, training, policy planning, and recruitment strategies. Thus, these psychologists have an important role in society as they have the capacity to shape the way we work and interact during working hours. 

To take a role as an organizational psychologist, a master’s degree can be suffiecient. However, for higher-level positions a Ph.D. may be necessary.

4. School Psychologist

School psychologists are crucial in educational settings. They help students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Moreover, they collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. 

Typical tasks may include conducting psychological assessments, counseling, and designing educational and behavior management programs. School psychologists typically require an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.), which consists of three years of graduate study and a one-year internship.

5. Forensic Psychologist

The work of such psychologists blends psychological practices with the legal and criminal justice systems. They assess the psychological state of individuals involved in legal proceedings, prepare psychological evaluations for court cases, and provide expert witness testimony. They may also work with offenders, providing rehabilitation programs or risk assessment. 

Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree, specialized training in forensic psychology, and a state license to practice. In addition to psychological knowledge, their work often requires them to understand legal standards, making their role particularly complex. 

6. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists focus on how behavior and social context influence health and wellness. They work to improve patient outcomes through behavioral change programs, stress management techniques, and by addressing psychosocial factors that affect health. 

This role is key in chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, and system-level intervention to promote health at a community or population level. Practitioners usually need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in health psychology, and many also pursue postdoctoral work to specialize further, mainly if they aim to provide clinical services where licensure is required.

7. Research Psychologist

Research psychologists play a significant role in advancing the understanding of human behavior and mental processes through empirical research. These professionals design and implement studies, analyze data, and publish results that contribute to the scientific foundation of psychology. 

They often specialize in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology and find careers in academic settings, government research institutions, and the private sector. A Ph.D. in psychology is typically necessary to lead research projects and teach at the collegiate level.

A research psychologist is testing new treatment methods while assessing brain function.

8. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists focus on understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. They assess cognitive function, diagnose conditions, and treat patients suffering from brain injuries or neurological disorders. 

These professionals work in hospitals, clinical settings, and research facilities. To enter the field and achieve board certification, they must undergo extensive training, including a doctoral degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, followed by a postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology.

9. Rehabilitation Psychologist

These psychologists focus on helping individuals cope with disabilities and chronic health conditions, aiming to enhance their functional abilities and quality of life. They assess psychological needs, provide counseling, and develop treatment strategies that promote personal and social adjustment. 

A doctoral degree in psychology, typically specializing in rehabilitation, is necessary, along with a clinical internship and licensure to practice independently.

10. Social Worker

Lastly, social workers support individuals, families, and communities to overcome life's challenges, such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. They provide therapy and crisis intervention as well as connect clients with other resources to improve their circumstances. 

While closely related to psychology, social work emphasizes social systems and social change, focusing on direct community involvement. A degree in social work (BSW for entry-level positions and MSW for clinical roles) is required, along with state licensure to practice clinically.

Benefits of a Psychology Degree

One of the primary benefits of a psychology degree is the vast career opportunities discussed so far. However, a psychology degree also equips individuals with a skill set that encompasses skills highly valued in any profession, making psychology graduates well-prepared for challenges and leadership roles in their chosen fields. 

Additionally, careers in psychology can be incredibly lucrative and personally satisfying. Psychologists often work directly with individuals or communities to improve their mental well-being, providing a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on others' lives. This rewarding aspect attracts many to the field.

Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Absolutely, a psychology degree is worth it. In addition to the rewarding career paths it encompasses, which can profoundly impact people's lives, the degrees also provide a strong foundational skill set applicable in virtually every industry today.

With the growing recognition of mental health's critical role in overall health, the demand for trained professionals in psychology is high, ensuring that graduates find meaningful and stable careers.

The Bottom Line

So, a psychology degree opens a world of possibilities, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Whether your passion lies in understanding the criminal mind, assisting those in need of mental health support, or exploring the depths of human cognition, UND provides the perfect starting point with its Bachelor in Psychology . 

For those aiming to specialize further, UND offers advanced opportunities, including a master's in Forensic Psychology , Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology , Counseling Psychology , and General Experimental Psychology , as well as an undergraduate certificate in Forensic Psychology . Each program is designed to deepen your expertise and enhance your professional impact. At UND, you won't just be studying psychology; you'll be preparing to help others.

What pays the most with a psychology degree? ( Open this section)

While salaries can vary widely in psychology, the highest earners typically are found in specialized areas such as clinical neuropsychology or industrial-organizational psychology, where professionals can earn six-figure salaries. These high earnings often depend on factors such as the specific role, industry, and geographic location.

Does psychology require math? ( Open this section)

Yes, psychology degrees generally require some math, particularly statistics, to support psychological research and data analysis.

What is the hardest field in psychology? ( Open this section)

Clinical psychology is often considered one of the hardest fields due to its demanding nature, intense emotional engagement, and the extensive education required to practice.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? ( Open this section)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and tend to focus on biological factors of mental health conditions, while psychologists primarily provide psychotherapy and treatment based on behavioral interventions.

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2024-2025 Catalog

Psychology (b.a. or b.s.).

  PSYC 101  and  PSYC 218  must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better and a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA must be attained for students seeking upper-division standing in the department. To graduate with a degree in psychology, a 2.50 GPA must be attained.

Required course work includes the university requirements (see regulation J-3 ), the general requirements for either the B.A. or B.S. degree, and:

Courses to total 120 credits for this degree

Psychology (B.A.)

Psychology (b.s.).

The degree map is a guide for the timely completion of your curricular requirements. Your academic advisor or department may be contacted for assistance in interpreting this map. This map is not reflective of your academic history or transcript and it is not official notification of completion of degree or certificate requirements. Please contact the Registrar's Office regarding your official degree/certificate completion status.

1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of biological and cognitive bases of behavior.

2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of developmental, personal, and social bases of behavior.

3. The student will ethically apply psychological theory and research to real-world contexts.

4. The student will recognize importance of respect for members of diverse groups with sensitivity to issues of power, privilege, and discrimination.

5. The student will critically evaluate information by applying psychological research and statistical principles.

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Health Psychology MSc

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Course Overview

  • Full-time - September 2024
  • Part-time day - September 2024
  • Full-time - September 2025
  • Part-time day - September 2025

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Health psychology plays a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of the population. Our Health Psychology MSc, based in the heart of London, was one of the first Master's in Health Psychology and has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) since 1999. It includes an innovative portfolio of assessments geared to developing transferable skills, and relating directly to the world of work. Our course also provides the opportunity to gain work experience and apply your knowledge in a health psychology setting, while considering future career plans.

The course is taught by a core team of enthusiastic and supportive research-active staff, with collaborative links to external institutions in London and beyond. Successful completion of the course (Stage 1) is a prerequisite for the further training (Stage 2) to become a health psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

In addition to the core taught programme, we work with a range of practitioners to provide additional professional training in areas such as resilience, coaching and clinical practice.

The Health Psychology MSc will give you an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and applied bases of health, illness and disease. The main aim is to help you to develop the theoretical and methodological skills essential for conducting independent research and applying health psychology in practice.

We provide a coherent programme of study covering the content, methods and application of health psychology. In particular, the course emphasises the importance of an evidence-based approach to health psychology, and develops the core skills needed for Stage 2 training. Within the core modules, there is considerable flexibility for you to choose particular areas of study of interest.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Our course has been commended by the BPS for the innovative portfolio of assessments that reflect real world tasks and skills, geared to a future in professional health psychology 
  • You'll have the opportunity to undertake work experience, helping you to develop professional skills and prepare for Stage 2 training and work in applied settings
  • You'll be taught by a dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team in a vibrant and highly supportive learning environment
  • Our excellent facilities and range of specialist resources help to support student research 

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.

Core modules

Health psychology: a lifespan development perspective.

This module takes a development approach to understanding relationships between psychology, biological and social factors that influence health and diseases through the lifespan. It emphasis the dynamics of change and a number of key topics are examined including children's health and the family context, normative transitions and life events, and vulnerability and resilience. Student-led panels explore the most current issues, controversies and methods within a lifespan framework.

Theories and Perspectives in Health Psychology

This introductory module explores a broad range of topics in health psychology within a multidisciplinary framework. It considers the social and cultural context of health and illness, the importance of social cognition models in health care, and issues around communication and health care decisions. The module emphasises theoretical and methodological issues in health psychology research and application, including intervention design and evaluation.

Data Handling and Research Methods for Applied Psychology

Through lectures, seminars and practical classes, this module addresses the theoretical and practical issues involved in acquiring and analysing quantitative and qualitative data for health psychology.

Health Psychology in Practice

This module examines a range of issues relating to health psychology practice, including client-related issues, ethical considerations, interventions, and professional development. You will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as mindfulness and motivational interviewing, with a range of practising psychologists contributing to the module. Personal and professional development is fostered through reflective practice and experiential learning, including designing and evaluating an individualised behaviour change intervention.

Individual Differences, Health, Stress and Illness

This module explores the role of individual differences (including social and cultural factors) in health and illness. It introduces the biological mechanisms by which stress can impact on physical and psychological health (psychoneuroimmunology), and how stress and well-being can be measured to enable evaluation of stress-management interventions. You will also explore the physiological and psychological correlates of acute and chronic pain, the theories and management of chronic illness, and the meaning and mechanism of action of the placebo effect.

Specialist Topics for Applied Psychology

This module will cover the areas of review writing skills, systematic review protocol, design critique, and grant application writing skills. Relevant professional issues will also be explored, including: inter professional working; research ethics; presentation skills; careers; portfolio development for project research; national and international perspectives on applied psychology; and practice specific issues.

Option modules

Students will choose to take either this 60-credit research project module:

Research Based Project: Health Psychology

This module is designed to enable you to realise your training in the context of a particular research problem or aspect of methodology. The area of work should bring together your occupational experience or preference with the substantive material covered during the taught components of the course. Projects are intended to give you maximum flexibility in selecting an appropriate area of application, and investigating and assessing potential research sources and their relevance to the existing field of knowledge.

or these two option modules:

Work Experience in a Psychological Setting for MSc students

This module provides the opportunity to apply psychology to a real-world work situation. You will work in voluntary or paid positions in health-related settings to gain valuable work experience and develop skills which will help to prepare you for the workplace. Students who take this optional module will then take a 40 credit Research Based Project.

Independent Research Project

The masters project in applied psychology is an extended piece of research on a relevant topic selected by the student with the approval of the Course Leader. The topic will draw on knowledge, skills and methodological techniques covered by the course. This may involve an in-depth exploration of one aspect of the taught course or a related aspect not formally covered in depth.

Course accreditation

The British Psychological Society logo

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). 

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For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF) .

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

[email protected]

Live chat with us (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Next open evening

The Health Psychology MSc course is a prerequisite for pursuing Stage 2 training leading to Registration with the HCPC as a Health Psychologist. This route is only available if you have Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS.

This course can also serve as a precursor to a PhD in Psychology, and other areas of applied psychology such as clinical or counselling psychology. 

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Get career-ready

At Westminster, practical experience is at the core of our teaching. We assess you on real-world tasks and skills, preparing you for a future in professional health psychology.

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Graduate success

The majority of our graduates have gone on to work in academic or health-related professions, for example: psychology researcher or lecturer, smoking cessation advisor, chronic pain therapist, health consultant.

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Fantastic central London location

You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of central London, with access to a huge range of library, archive and cultural resources. 

Work experience

You can choose to undertake a work experience placement within a health related setting by taking the optional ‘work experience in a psychological setting’ module. You'll work with the Placements Team to find a placement and arrange suitable supervision.

Some recent examples of work experience opportunities include:

  • Charities (Age UK, London Air Ambulance, Alzheimers UK)
  • Health consultancy (health psychology services)
  • NHS Trusts (Barts, Frimley, Central London, South London and Maudsley, Tavistock)
  • Organisations (Thrive Tribe,PrEPster, Social Action for Health)

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Behavioural insights advisor
  • Health consultant
  • Health psychologist
  • Public health specialist
  • Psychology assistant
  • Research associate or lecturer
  • Sexual health advisor
  • Smoking cessation advisor
  • Wellbeing officer

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award .

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

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Dr Tina Cartwright

Tina is a chartered health psychologist registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). She has been teaching health psychology to both undergraduates and postgraduates for many years and never loses her passion and enthusiasm for the subject! She has been running the MSc Health Psychology course since 2014 and leads one of the introductory modules, Theories & Perspectives in Health Psychology, as well as teaching on other core modules.

Tina’s research investigates issues around the management of long-term conditions and patient experience with a view to improving healthcare. Increasingly her research has focused on factors associated with wellbeing, with a particular interest in the role of meditation and yoga in facilitating health and wellbeing in patients and the wider population. Current projects include designing and evaluating interventions for use in schools and the NHS. 

As well as running the Health Psychology MSc, Tina supervises a number of PhD and Professional Doctorate students within the College.

An important goal of health psychology is to empower people to maximise their health and wellbeing ~ through preventing avoidable illness, coping with ill-health and living to one’s potential"

Course Team

  • Dr Tina Cartwright - Reader
  • Dr Tom Nadarzynski - Senior Lecturer
  • Mags Cahill - Senior Lecturer
  • Dr Robin Law - Senior Lecturer
  • Dr Maria Woloshynowych - Senior Lecturer
  • Professor John Golding - Professor

Why study this course

psychology course works

Dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team

The Health Psychology MSc is developed and delivered by a team of enthusiastic, supportive psychologists who are specialists in their fields, and we provide a highly supportive learning environment.

psychology course works

Practical experience built into the course

The opportunity to undertake work experience as part of this course will help you to develop key professional skills and prepare for Stage 2 training and work in applied settings.

psychology course works

Vibrant research culture

Our research culture is distinctive for its openness, collaboration and interdisciplinary approach. Our excellent facilities and range of specialist resources help to support student research.

Entry Requirements

  • EU AND INTERNATIONAL

An upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a psychology degree that grants eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. Candidates with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or without GBC will be considered. We will take into account your academic profile and work experience within health psychology or a related field. In the personal statement, we encourage applicants to reflect on the ways that their experience to date would enable them to succeed at Masters' level. You may be invited to an informal interview. 

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.

One academic reference is required, if the most recent degree is more than five years old we may be able to accept a work reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page .

Application process

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for applications

More information

  • Country-specific entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • Visas and advice

What our students say

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Danny Miller

Health psychology msc - 2018.

I really enjoyed the Health Psychology MSc course, especially the passion of the lecturers. Being a father of two children I always felt supported as a mature student. I am a practising osteopath and I found I could apply what I learnt about communication and well-being to the patients I saw in the clinic, with positive outcomes.

Ifrah Rafique's default avatar image

Ifrah Rafique

Health psychology msc - 2019.

My experience of studying on the Health Psychology MSc course was overall very positive. My professors and my personal tutor Dr Tina Cartwright were incredibly supportive, welcoming and made it clear from the beginning that they were there to help us throughout the year. My peers were also super friendly. 

As a result, I gained a wider understanding of global health matters from the perspective of a Health Psychologist as well as information on potential future career pathways. The course aided my personal development by working on my communication skills and presenting to large audiences. I very much look forward to the next steps after graduating, having secured a scholarship with the British Council to intern and work in China for two months.  

Sara Alexander's default avatar image

Sara Alexander

I highly recommend the Health Psychology MSc course to those seeking an in-depth understanding of this current field of study and how it can be applied in research and practice. I am confident that the skills I have learned on this course will continue to help me progress in the future. 

Learn new skills

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Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

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Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning  Westminster Enterprise Network  offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

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Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

  • INTERNATIONAL

UK tuition fee: £10,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees .

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees .

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page .

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options .

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships .

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and  what your tuition fees cover .

International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students .

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Data from the academic year 2023/24

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

  • Supporting Patients with Long-term Health Conditions
  • Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

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Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page .

Related Courses

Link to Psychology MSc

Psychology MSc

Link to Health Psychology MSc

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7 Myths About Trauma

Antonieta Contreras on May 28, 2024 in Traumatization and Its Aftermath

Are we naming everyday struggles as trauma? This post debunks myths and misinformation about what traumatic events really are. 

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Why You Should Start a Summer Reading List

Azadeh Aalai Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in The First Impression

Want to immerse yourself in a good book this summer? Check out these three.

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Silent Struggle: Why People Don't Disclose Suicidal Thoughts

Kyle D. Killian Ph.D., LMFT on May 28, 2024 in Intersections

Did you know that many persons who think about ending their lives don't tell anyone—not their closest friends, family members, or even their therapists?

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How the Brain Processes Different Components of Language

Elliot Murphy Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Language and Its Place in Nature

A recent study unveils the brain regions sensitive to different types of linguistic information.

psychology course works

5 Books to Help You Excel as a More Innovative Leader

Ryan C. Warner Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Leadership, Diversity, and Wellness

Unlock your potential with these essential books that foster creativity and innovation, empowering you to lead with fresh insights and achieve personal growth.

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How to Feel Less Lonely

Ann Douglas on May 28, 2024 in Midlife Reimagined

Find yourself struggling with feelings of loneliness from time to time? These four strategies can help.

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Emotional Abuse

The damaging effects of emotional abuse.

Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Hope for Relationships

Emotional abuse is so damaging because it outlives its own life span. Through continued emotional assault, even a healthy life pattern can be subverted by an abusive one.

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Truly Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Craig Dowden Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in The Leader's Code

Could leadership rooted in empathy be the game-changer in our diverse workplaces? I speak with James and Krista White about their bestselling book on anti-racist leadership.

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Coping With a Smear Campaign Post-Estrangement

Peg Streep on May 28, 2024 in Tech Support

Despite everything, many are taken aback by the vehemence of smear campaigns. Here's a look at why.

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Online Therapy

Remote therapy in a post-covid world.

Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates on May 28, 2024 in Outside the Box

As remote services become part of the new normal in psychotherapy, what can providers do to ensure that the quality of remote sessions matches the quality of in-person sessions?

Spring meal

Comforting Spaces: What Makes Us Feel at Home in the World?

Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Live Long and Prosper

Personal Perspective: As we age, feeling comfortable, safe, secure, and at "home" in a community is therapeutic and healing.

OneInchPunch Shutterstock

Where Romance Begins

Right Place, Right Time

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Personality Change

The surprising truth is that people change all the time.

Matthew Legge on May 28, 2024 in Are We Done Fighting?

A tendency to underestimate how much people change can lead to pessimism about addressing conflicts. But research shows that personality changes are more common than believed.

psychology course works

Why Couples Fight About Money

April Eldemire LMFT on May 28, 2024 in Couples Thrive

Comingling finances with another person almost always brings about challenges. Discover the real reasons why couples fight about money.

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To Be Loved: "You're Not Going to School Today"

Frank Anderson M.D. on May 28, 2024 in Trauma and Transformation

A Personal Perspective: A heartbreaking yet powerful personal experience of trauma.

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The Roots of Intuition and Emotional Intelligence

Justin James Kennedy, Ph.D., D.Prof. on May 28, 2024 in Brain Reboot

Intuition lives not just in the brain, but in the gut. Here's the science that explains it.

psychology course works

Teen Identity Crisis: Finding Authenticity in a Digital World

Yanet Vanegas Psy.D. on May 28, 2024 in It’s Not Just About the Food

Social media shapes teen identity and mental health. Discover strategies to help teens find authenticity and thrive online.

psychology course works

Nurturing Healthy Sibling Relationships in Adulthood

Ilene Strauss Cohen Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Your Emotional Meter

Maintaining or rebuilding sibling relationships in adulthood can be riddled with challenges rooted in shared history, individual growth trajectories, and evolving priorities.

psychology course works

Expectancy: Why Business and Personal Interactions Fail

Jeremy Nicholson M.S.W., Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Persuasion, Bias, and Choice

How do expectations and motivations lead to successful relationship interactions, in both work and life? Learn about the 60-year-old theory that helps explain it all here.

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How a Mom Helped Her Adult Daughter Break Free From Anxiety

Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Liking the Child You Love

When Briana's anxiety began to suffocate her dreams, her mother Liz became the guiding light, helping her navigate through the darkness with love and these practical strategies.

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An Epidemic of Kids With Sleep Difficulties and an Inability to Accept Limits

Corinne Masur Psy.D. on May 28, 2024 in Parenting Matters

There is an epidemic of unhappy children and exhausted parents in our country. Here are some ideas to help.

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4 Sanity-Saving Tips for Co-Parenting Exes

Seth Meyers Psy.D. on May 28, 2024 in Insight Is 20/20

One of the greatest cognitive distortions co-parents fall into is the unrealistic expectation that co-parenting should be easier. A few techniques can de-escalate conflicts.

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Divorce or Keep It Together? What You Need to Know

Ann Gold Buscho Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in A Better Divorce

Think through these 9 factors to gain clarity about leaving or staying together. Trusting your emotions is important but not enough. You need realistic information too.

psychology course works

Workplace Dynamics

Improving diversity via remote jobs for disabled adults.

Gleb Tsipursky Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Intentional Insights

Discover how remote work can unlock a hidden talent pool, boost diversity, and drive financial performance, benefitting employees with disabilities.

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2 Ways the "Wheel of Emotions" Can Emotionally Empower You

Mark Travers Ph.D. on May 28, 2024 in Social Instincts

Feeling out of touch with your emotions? Here's how you can regain control.

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Mindfulness

Strengthening your relationship with yourself.

Leah Marone LCSW on May 28, 2024 in Gaining and Sustaining

Self-care is not necessarily about adding more—it's about building self-trust and capitalizing on the natural pauses and transitions your current chapter of life has to offer.

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80+ Jobs in Psychology to Consider

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Amanda Tust is a fact-checker, researcher, and writer with a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

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Psychology Jobs in Therapy and Research

Applied psychology jobs, psychology jobs in the workplace, psychology jobs in healthcare, psychology jobs in education.

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  • Finding the Right Career

So you've decided to major in psychology, but what exactly do you plan to do after you graduate? With the number of college graduates steadily increasing, it's more important than ever to carefully consider your career options and select a field that is in high demand.

There are also lots of career paths in psychology beyond some of the "typical" options of clinical or counseling psychology. In fact, some of the most interesting job options might be those that you don't hear much about such as aviation psychology or traffic psychology.

One exercise you may find helpful is to look through a list of psychology careers to see what your options are and then narrow down the list to those in which you are most interested in.

Obviously, the best job is the one that you truly love, whether it involves providing therapy, conducting research , or solving real-world problems. Before you decide on a career, spend some time thinking about what really interests you and the type of work setting you would most likely enjoy.

As of 2019 , the demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 14% through the year 2026.

While this is not a comprehensive list of every single psychology career out there, the following are just a few of the psychology-related jobs that have a strong projected employment outlook or are considered an up-and-coming field with opportunity for growth.

We highlight a few of these careers to help convey the enormous variety of employment opportunities within the field of psychology. Some of these career options are specifically in psychology while others are less related but still rely on the knowledge and skills acquired while earning a psychology degree .

Consider some of these options as you plan your career path.

Art Therapist

Art therapists utilize the expressive and creative arts to help clients cope with psychological distress and to enhance emotional well-being. People who work in this field are trained in both psychotherapy and art. By using art, clients can communicate feelings, express creativity, explore different aspects, of personality, and cope with stress.

Art therapy is often used in a variety of situations, including:

  • Adults suffering from chronic or severe stress
  • Children with disabilities
  • People who have suffered brain injuries
  • People who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists  assess, diagnose, and treat clients struggling with psychological disorders. These professionals typically work in hospital settings, mental health clinics, or private practices.

Although clinical psychology is the single largest employment area within the field of psychology, there are still plenty of jobs available for qualified professionals. In order to become a clinical psychologist, you must have a doctoral-level degree in clinical psychology and most states require a minimum of a one-year internship.

Counselors help people with a wide variety of problems, including marriage, family, emotional, and substance use issues. While requirements vary, almost all states require at least a master's degree in order to become a licensed counselor. Typical work settings include schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and mental health clinics.

Geropsychologist

As the population of older adults continues to grow, the demand for professionals to attend to their mental health needs also increases. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by the year 2030, 21% of the population will be age 65 or older.

"Geropsychologists do everything from keeping older adults mentally and physically healthy and vibrant to working with those who are frail and have cognitive impairments," explains Deborah DiGilio, director of APA's Office on Aging . Geropsychologists can work in a wide range of areas, from providing mental health services to aging adults to designing products that make life easier for the elderly.

Experimental Psychologist

Do you love creating psychology experiments?  Experimental psychologists  use scientific methods and design research studies that explore many different topics within psychology. Social behavior , cognitive processes, personality, and human development are just a few of the topics that experimental psychologists might investigate.

People working in this field often specialize in a particular area such as cognitive psychology, educational psychology, or personality psychology. They may also be employed in a variety of settings ranging from universities, government agencies, research centers, and nonprofit organizations.

Consumer Psychologist

As retailers become more concerned with attracting new customers, the need for psychologists to understand consumer behavior in order to develop effective marketing campaigns has grown.  Consumer psychologists  not only study why people purchase goods and services, but they also analyze how family, friends, culture, and media messages affect buying behavior.

Some tasks that a consumer psychologist might perform include:

  • Working with consumer focus groups to determine how appealing a particular product might be
  • Developing advertising and marketing campaigns to appeal to a target audience
  • Conducting theoretical research on shopping and buying behavior

Forensic or Criminal Psychologist

Forensic psychologists  apply psychology to the fields of criminal investigation and law. This has rapidly become one of the hottest psychology careers thanks to numerous portrayals in popular movies, television programs, and books.

While the field may not be as glamorous as it is depicted in the media, forensic psychology is still an exciting career choice with a lot of potential for growth. These psychologists often work with other experts to scrutinize insurance claims, perform child custody evaluations, and investigate suspected child abuse.

If you are interested in this area of psychology, you might want to also consider the related field of criminal psychology.  Criminal psychologists  perform a variety of duties such as developing profiles of criminals, assessing convicted criminals to determine their risk of re-offending, and helping law enforcement catch online predators.

Engineering Psychologist

Engineering psychologists  use psychology to investigate how people interact with machines and other technology. These professionals use their understanding of the human mind and behavior to help design and improve technology, consumer products, work settings, and living environments.

For example, an engineering psychologist might work as part of a team to redesign a product to make it more efficient and easier to use in a work situation. Those working in academic settings report the lowest earnings, while those working in the private sector report higher salaries .

Sports Psychologists

Sports psychologists  focus on the psychological aspects of sports and athletics, including topics such as motivation, performance, and injury. The two major areas within sports psychology are centered on helping to improve athletic performance or using sports to improve mental and physical health.

Sports psychologists work in a wide variety of settings including universities, hospitals, athletic centers, private consulting practices, and research facilities.

Traffic Psychologist

Traffic psychology is an emerging field that involves applying psychological principles to understanding driver behavior. Some areas in this field include:

  • Designing vehicles that are safer and more ergonomic
  • Researching how people use transportation
  • Searching for ways to improve traffic safety and prevent auto accidents
  • Studying the relationship between driver behavior and traffic accidents

Traffic psychology often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining fields such as social psychology, behavioral psychology, and cognitive psychology.

For example, traffic psychologists might assess how perception and cognition influence performance during a driving task. They might also look at how individual personality affects a driver's  emotions ,  attitudes , and risk-taking behavior while driving.

Career Counselor

Thanks to the rapidly changing job market, many people are searching for a new job in their chosen field or even changing careers entirely.  Career counselors  help individuals make career decisions and utilize tools including personality assessments, interest inventories, and other evaluation measures.

They often start by looking at a client's interests, job history, education, and skills in order to determine which careers are a good match. They also help clients work on building skills, practicing interviews, improving resumes, and locating job openings. Assisting clients who are dealing with job loss or employment-related stress is also common.

Aviation Psychologist

Aviation psychology is a relatively little-known subspecialty area of  human factors psychology that involves the study of pilots, air traffic controllers, and other flight crew members. People who work in this field perform a number of different duties, which may include:

  • Assessing cabin safety
  • Conducting research on aviation safety
  • Designing flight decks
  • Evaluating prospective employees
  • Investigating aviation accidents
  • Selecting and training pilots
  • Training flight crews in communication strategies and ways to assist passengers with in-flight anxiety

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists (also called I/O or I-O psychologists) focus on workplace behavior, often using psychological principles to increase worker productivity and select employees that are best suited for particular jobs. There are several different specialty areas within industrial-organizational psychology .

For example, some I/O psychologists train and assess employees, while others evaluate job candidates. While there are some job opportunities at the master's degree level, those with a doctoral-level degree in industrial-organizational psychology are in greater demand and command significantly higher salaries.

One sub-specialty area of the field involves working in human resources management to screen and hire job applicants. These professionals are often involved in designing and administering employment screening tests and selecting job candidates that are the best fit for particular positions within a company.

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors help provide information about genetic disorders to couples and families. These professionals typically have graduate training in both genetics and counseling, and many have undergraduate degrees in areas such as psychology, social work, biology, nursing, and public health.

Genetic counselors often work with a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and geneticists to offer support, guidance, and assistance to families who have a family member with a genetic disorder or who may be at risk of passing down an inherited disorder to their offspring.

Health Psychologist

Health psychologists  study how psychological, biological, and social factors influence health. Two important areas of health psychology include helping people avoid illness and promoting healthy behaviors. Educating people about the causes of illness and teaching healthier habits are just two things that a health psychologist might do on a regular basis.

These professionals often work in settings such as hospitals, universities, health care centers, and government agencies. Some of the job duties they may perform include helping people to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthily, and decrease stress.

School Psychologist

School psychologists  work in educational settings to help children deal with emotional, academic, and social problems. Thanks to increased interest in the mental health of children and federal education legislation, school psychology has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing fields.

Special Education Teacher

While slightly outside of a traditional psychology career, the field of special education offers a great deal of opportunity for those who enjoy helping children. Special education teachers work with students with a variety of disabilities.

In order to become a special education teacher, you must have at least a bachelor's degree and complete a teacher training program in special education. Because of the increased enrollments in special education programs and a shortage of qualified teachers, demand is strong and expected to grow.

More Career Options in Psychology

Did one of the careers highlighted above catch your eye? Or are you still looking for something that matches your interests and goals? The specific career you pursue will depend largely on your educational background. Some entry-level jobs are open to those with an undergraduate degree in psychology, while others require advanced or graduate-level study.

The following are just a few of the many psychology-related job titles that you might want to explore. Some are directly in the field of psychology, while others require additional training in another field or specialty area.

In either case, having a solid understanding of the human mind and behavior can be beneficial in any of these careers:

  • Academic advisor
  • Advanced practice psychiatric nurse
  • Advertising agent
  • Animal researcher
  • Animal trainer
  • Case worker
  • Child psychologist
  • Childcare worker
  • Cognitive psychologist
  • College admissions counselor
  • College admissions officer
  • College recruiter
  • Community counselor
  • Comparative psychologist
  • Correctional treatment specialist
  • Counseling psychologist
  • Criminal investigator
  • Crisis counselor
  • Customer service agent
  • Developmental psychologist
  • Education administrator
  • Educational psychologist
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Employment interviewer
  • Employment recruiter
  • Environmental psychologist
  • Family and marriage therapist
  • Financial aid counselor
  • Grief counselor
  • Human factors psychologist
  • Human resources manager
  • Human resources specialist
  • Library assistant
  • Literary agent
  • Market researcher
  • Mental health coordinator
  • Military psychologist
  • Music therapist
  • Neurologist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Police officer
  • Probation officer
  • Psychiatric aide
  • Psychiatric social worker
  • Psychiatric technician
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychosocial rehabilitation worker
  • Public opinion surveyor
  • Public relations specialist
  • Recreational therapist
  • Rehabilitation counselor
  • Research assistant
  • School counselor
  • Science writer
  • Secondary school teacher
  • Social psychologist
  • Social services specialist
  • Social worker
  • Statistician
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Technical writer
  • University psychology professor
  • Vocational rehabilitation counselor
  • Youth counselor

Before You Choose a Career in Psychology

As you can see, employment opportunities in psychology are diverse. Some careers require only a bachelor's degree in psychology, while others require more advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate degree.

Spend some time researching different options and learning more about what's required to enter into those fields. Ask yourself if you have the commitment and drive needed to pursue the necessary educational training.

As you examine the variety of psychology careers that are available, think about some of the following questions.

  • How well does the career fit your personality?
  • What kind of training and education are needed to enter the field?
  • Are the average salaries in a given field satisfactory?
  • What kinds of things do people in that particular career path do on a daily basis?
  • Does the career sound interesting, challenging, and rewarding?

Finding the right career in psychology takes some careful planning. It is important to start thinking about what you might want to do early on. This way you can start planning your educational map in order to achieve your vocational goals.

A Word From Verywell

The job options listed here are just a few of the many different career paths available in psychology. Remember that no list of predicted "hot jobs" can ever highlight all of the many options that are available in psychology. The important thing is to pick a career that is right for you, your interests, and your long-term goals.

Martin L, Oepen R, Bauer K, et al. Creative arts interventions for stress management and prevention: A systematic review . Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(2). doi:10.3390/bs8020028

Schouten KA, Van hooren S, Knipscheer JW, Kleber RJ, Hutschemaekers GJM. Trauma-focused art therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A pilot study . J Trauma Dissociation . 2019;20(1):114-130. doi:10.1080/15299732.2018.1502712

American Psychological Association. Pursuing a Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology .

U.S. Census Bureau. Projections of the Size and Composition of the U.S. Population: 2014 to 2060 .

Hackett P, Schwarzenbach J, Jürgens U. Consumer Psychology: A Study Guide to Qualitative Research Methods . Opladen; Berlin; Toronto: Verlag Barbara Budrich. 2016. doi:10.2307/j.ctvddzsrf

American Psychological Association. All About Human Factors and Engineering .

Rossier, J. (2015). Personality Assessment and Career Interventions . In P. J. Hartung, M. L. Savickas, & W. B. Walsh (Eds.),  APA handbooks in psychology®. APA handbook of career intervention, Vol. 1. Foundations  (p. 327–350). American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/14438-018

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Hartman, K & Stewart, T. Investing in Your College Education: Learning Strategies With Reading s. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2010.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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