Psychology

Psychologists study animal and human behavior and related mental, physiological and social processes in an attempt to understand the dynamics of behavior. They also apply knowledge already attained to the prevention and solution of both individual and social problems. The Psychology Department offers courses in abnormal behavior; learning and cognition; physiological, social and developmental psychology; personality; and statistics, including the application of computer techniques to psychology-related activities. Theory and research in these areas are applied by clinical, counseling, educational and organizational psychologists. Undergraduates do not specialize but are exposed to all areas of the field. In order to be a professional psychologist, a student must obtain at least a master's degree in the field. Most areas of study, especially clinical psychology, are becoming increasingly competitive and often require five years or more to obtain a doctorate. A variety of jobs are open to those with bachelor's degrees. Possibilities exist in academic, industrial and government laboratories, in personnel and related work in business and industry, some types of counseling, job analysis, corrections and social service agencies. Because psychology provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, the scientific background and conceptual abilities of graduates are appealing to a variety of employers. In addition, job opportunities exist for those who can use computers effectively in working on problems whose solutions require psychological knowledge and training (e.g., data processing concerned with the development and evaluation of psychological action and treatment programs). For more information, contact Dr. Thomas DiLorenzo in 108 Wolf Hall or call 831-2271.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 045 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Psychology Majors

*schools                     
*state/federal government    
*colleges/universities
*private practice            
*mental health agencies      
*community agencies
*rehabilitation agencies     
*business and industry       
*correctional facilities

Other Sources of Information

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
www.aafs.org

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
www.aamft.org

American Counseling Association
www.counseling.org

American Mental Health Counselors Association
www.amhca.org                              

American Occupational Therapy Association
www.aota.org

American Psychological Association		
www.apa.org					

Chronicle of Philanthropy
philanthropy.com

Encyclopedia of Psychology
www.psychology.org/links/Career/

Federal Jobs Digest
jobsfed.com

Goodworks Directory (Non-Profit)
www.essential.org/goodworks/

Human Resources
www.jobs4hr.com

Human Resources Jobs Page
www.nationjob.com/hr

Jobs in Human Services
www.OpportunityNOCS.org

MentalHealth.Net
www.mentalhelp.net

Nonprofit Career Network
www.nonprofitcareer.com

Nonprofit Jobs Cooperative
www.nonprofitjobscoop.org

Online Psychology Career Center
www.socialpsychology.org/career.htm

Psych Web
www.psychwww.com/

SocialService.Com
www.socialservice.com/

Social Work and Social Services Jobs Online
http://gwbweb.wustl.edu/careerdevelopment/jobsonline/Pages/Overview.aspx

SocialWorkers.org
www.socialworkers.org/

Social Work Job Bank
www.socialworkjobbank.comState of Delaware (list of agencies)
www.delaware.gov/agencies/egovernment/agencyindex

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

• Job Opportunities - Health and Science (CSD 248)
• The Hospital Phone Book (CSD 253)
• Job Hunter's SourceBook (CSD 376)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSD 412)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
• Careers in Fund Raising (CSE 249)
• Careers for Kids at Heart & Others Who Adore Children (CSE 276)
• Top 100 Health-Care Careers (CSE 288)
• Careers in Focus - Therapists (CSE 314)
• Careers for Caring People & Other Sensitive Types (CSE 323)
• Opportunities in Counseling and Human Services (CSE 324)
• Careers for Good Samaritans and Other Humanitarian Types (CSE 327)
• Opportunities in Psychology Careers (CSE 328)
• Great Jobs for Psychology Majors (CSE 328.5)
• What Can You Do with a Major in Psychology (CSE 328.7)
• Careers in Social and Rehabilitation Services (CSE 329)
• Thriving! A Manual for Students in the Helping Professions (CSE 331)
• Opportunities in Religious Service Careers (CSE 333)
• Careers in Focus - Geriatric Care (CSE 334)
• Opportunities in Gerontology and Aging Services Careers (CSE 334.5)
• Opportunities in Social Work Careers (CSE 338)
• Careers in Focus - Social Work (CSE 339)
• Careers in Social Work (CSE 340)
• Days in the Lives of Social Workers (CSE 341)
• Becoming a Mediator (CSE 342)
• A Guide to Careers in Community Development (CSE 343)
• Internet Jobs! (CSE 498)
• Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (CSE 556)
• Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE 559)
• Liberal Arts Jobs (CSE 561)
• Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE 572)
• Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (GS20)
• National Directory of Children, Youth & Families Services (SSD 21)
• Directory of Human Services for Delaware (SSD 40)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCES CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: November 8, 2007 (CH)