Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Psychology?
Psychology is the science that studies behavior, thought, feelings, and interactions. It is the study of human and animal behavior (normal and abnormal), and the psychological, social and biological processes related to that behavior.
A major in this area provides a framework in psychological theory along with background in research and statistical methodology. The curriculum introduces students to psychobiological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual/clinical aspects of psychology.
Interests
Psychologists are interested in the biological foundations of behavior; perception, learning, thinking and memory; emotions and motivation; personality and abnormal behavior; and social interaction. Psychologists are curious about why people and other organisms act the way they do; are interested in the scientific study of the mind, brain and behavior; and have a desire to increase general well-being and improve the quality of life.
Competencies
- Human Relations
- Personal development
Interpersonal skills
Behavior modification
Analyzing behavior
Motivating oneself and others
Understanding individual differences
Group dynamics
Attitude assessment
Empathy
Cultural differences - Communication
- Verbal/written skills
Observing people/data/things
Influencing/persuading others
Informing/explaining to others
Mediating/negotiating with others - Research
- Framing the central question
Clarifying/developing ideas and theories
Comparing/synthesizing theories
Isolating potentially causal factors
Gathering information
Organizing and analyzing data
Summarizing data/information
Relating theories to data
Evaluating theories and evidence
Technological literacy
Ethical inquiry - Creativity
- Curiosity
Trouble shooting
Defining problem areas
Setting up a system to analyze data
Offering new perspectives
Developing new agendas for old problems
Interfacing with community
Opportunities - Careers
- Human Services
- Youth counselor
Rehabilitation worker
Inmate worker
Case worker
Day care center director
Behavioral technician
Volunteer services coordinator
School counselor
Employment counselor
Physician
Psychiatric social worker
Psychotherapist
Psychometrist
Criminologist
Development officer
Senior citizen program coordinator
Medical case worker
Physical therapist
Occupational therapist - Psychologists
- Biological
Developmental
Cognitive
Counseling
Industrial/organizational
Clinical
Social
Statistical
Psychometric
Engineering
Educational
Environmental - Business
- Industrial relations coordinator
Organizational psychologist
Personnel administrator
Placement counselor
Interviewer
Job analyst
Advertising agent
Market research analyst
Consumer psychologist
Labor relations coordinator
Sales representative - Communications
- Consumer researcher
Statistical report writer
Technical writer
Legal descriptive writer
Media administrator
Public opinion pollster - Public Administration
- Affirmative action officer
Community organization worker
Community planning specialist
Police officer
Relocation worker
Policy analyst
Friend of the court
Intelligence specialist
Health policy planner - General
- Curriculum designer
Corrections administrator
Animal ecologist
Histology technician
Hospital admissions counselor
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Psychology students may go on to master's degree programs in organizational behavior, applied psychology, social work, counseling, school psychology, rehabilitation therapy, family and marriage therapy, etc., or they may continue on to a doctorate degree in clinical, cognitive, biological, developmental, social, industrial, or counseling psychology. Psychology is also an excellent undergraduate training for graduate/professional study in neuroscience, medicine, law, business, education, gerontology, and a variety of other professions.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer, volunteer, or part time work in human services (e.g. senior citizen centers, hospitals, juvenile delinquent group homes, summer camps), governmental agencies, or businesses; service learning practica or internships; independent study and special laboratory projects, undergraduate research and fellows programs, departmental employment (e.g. secretarial/clerk positions, laboratory assistantships), tutoring, involvement in the Psychology Club and the psychology honorary, Psi Chi.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Psychology (100 Psychology Building, 529-2400)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.