2008 Woodie Awards
Psychologists analyze more than behavior of people, chair says
A degree in psychology can be used for more than clinical work.
By Creshawna T. Parker
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Features
Originally published: 4/3/08 at 7:16 PM CSTLast update: 4/3/08 at 7:19 PM CST
Students who question behavior, often wondering why a person or an animal does certain things or feels and thinks in human ways, may want to consider psychology as a major.
"Psychologists study the relationship between brain function and behavior and the environment and behavior," said psychology Professor and Chair Thomas Billimek.
Psychology specialties range from clinical to sports, and a person can earn up to four degrees ranging from an associate degree to a doctoral degree.
"About 34 percent of psychologists work at universities, 18 percent of psychologists are self-employed and about 6 percent of psychologists work in other educational settings," Billimek said.
With a career in psychology, the major categories are teaching; practice, which requires state licensing; and research.
A psychology major with an associate degree can work as a youth counselor, substance abuse counselor, psychiatric nursing assistant and other occupations.
At the bachelor's-degree level, a career in psychology can be in either the business area or in the mental health/social services area.
As a psychologist interested in the business area, a business minor is helpful, but not necessarily required.
A psychologist working in the business area can work as an advertising trainee, customer relations representative, employment counselor and other jobs.
In the mental health/social services area, a psychologist can be a case worker, corrections officer or affirmative action officer and can choose from other career choices.
With a master's degree, a psychologist can be a school psychologist, counseling psychologist or researcher or can teach at the community college level.
With a doctoral degree, a psychologist can work as a clinical, counseling or military psychologist, and also can begin teaching at a university.
"The median income for 2006-2007 for a psychologist teaching at a university varies from $42,000-$95,000, while industrial/organizational psychologists earn $86,400," Billimek said.
The employment outlook for psychologists is expected to grow as much as 15 percent from 2006 to 2016.
For more information, call the psychology department at 733-2601.
"Psychologists study the relationship between brain function and behavior and the environment and behavior," said psychology Professor and Chair Thomas Billimek.
Psychology specialties range from clinical to sports, and a person can earn up to four degrees ranging from an associate degree to a doctoral degree.
"About 34 percent of psychologists work at universities, 18 percent of psychologists are self-employed and about 6 percent of psychologists work in other educational settings," Billimek said.
With a career in psychology, the major categories are teaching; practice, which requires state licensing; and research.
A psychology major with an associate degree can work as a youth counselor, substance abuse counselor, psychiatric nursing assistant and other occupations.
At the bachelor's-degree level, a career in psychology can be in either the business area or in the mental health/social services area.
As a psychologist interested in the business area, a business minor is helpful, but not necessarily required.
A psychologist working in the business area can work as an advertising trainee, customer relations representative, employment counselor and other jobs.
In the mental health/social services area, a psychologist can be a case worker, corrections officer or affirmative action officer and can choose from other career choices.
With a master's degree, a psychologist can be a school psychologist, counseling psychologist or researcher or can teach at the community college level.
With a doctoral degree, a psychologist can work as a clinical, counseling or military psychologist, and also can begin teaching at a university.
"The median income for 2006-2007 for a psychologist teaching at a university varies from $42,000-$95,000, while industrial/organizational psychologists earn $86,400," Billimek said.
The employment outlook for psychologists is expected to grow as much as 15 percent from 2006 to 2016.
For more information, call the psychology department at 733-2601.
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