|
|
|
Major Related Resources Department of Psychology Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorPsychology seeks to understand the basic principles by which living organism adapt their behaviors to the changing physical and social environments in which they live. Students interested in completing a degree with a major in pyschology have two majors from which to choose, the B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or the B.S. (Bachelor of Science). The B.A. program provides broad coverage of modern scientific psychology and the strategies and tactics by which knowledge is acquired in this field. B.A. dgrees are a good choice for students who are interested in declaring a double or triple major to demonstrate academic breadth. The B.A. program offers the student considerable flexiblitiy in choosing courses and it provides sufficient background in science and psychology to enable good students to qualify for demanding graduate programs. The B.S.degree is designed for career oriented and higly motivated students. This degree emphasizes preparation in science and the development of math and computer skills, and it requires more advanced courses and laboratory work in psychology than the B.A. program. The student who graduates with a B.S. degree in psychology should be well prepared for graduate training in psychology and related fields, for professional schools, and positions of employment that use scientific training and quantitative techniques.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyUse and understanding of statistical techniques, experimental methods and problem solving; use of scientific methods and reasoning to evaluate, communicate, and apply research findings; enhanced writing and listening skills; and understanding human behavior.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorAnthropology, biology, business, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice, English, human development and family studies, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, sociology, speech and hearing sciences.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeCase worker, counselor aide, employment counselor, social service director, child protection worker, director of volunteer services, family service worker, drug/substance drug abuse counselor, community relations officer, psychiatric technician, group home coordinator and vetern's advisor.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeMarketing or advertising account representative, personnel administrator, store or small business manager, staff training manager, job analyst, banker, probation officer, business consultant, affirmative action officer, sales representative, loan officer, claim specialist, and statistical assistant.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeSchool or educational psychologist, clinical or counseling psychologist, researcher, professor, human factors or industrial consultant, social worker, lawyer, social psychologist, social services director, medical doctor, optometrist, veterinarian, and environmental consultant.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookDepending on the field chosen, the job outlook is generally promising. Some fields offer consistent employment for excellent students, while others are wide open with many opportunities for advancement.Salary InformationSalaries are variable depending on the field and level entered. With an undergraduate degree in psychology, the median salary over the last several years ranged from $29,000 to $31,000 a year in such jobs as mental health specialist, consultant, and program director. Salaries and opportunities increase with education and experience.Potential Career GrowthBecause there are a variety of fields and occupations for students to enter with a psychology degree, potential growth is variable. There seems to be ample opportunity in mental health, human services, and business.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorBased on current Arts & Sciences Career Services statistics, students received jobs with hospitals, mental health clinics, public service oriented positions, sales, management trainees, consultants, retail management and human resources/staffing/recruiting.High School PreparationBasic requirements for admission to IU include studies in English, mathematics, social science, and lab sciences. Students interested in psychology should consider enrolling in additional challenging science, math, and computer courses while in high school. We also advise two to four years of foreign language and advanced writing.Special OpportunitiesIndiana University is the site of the oldest continuing psychological laboratory in America. Our department, which recently ranked in the top 4 percent of undergraduate programs in psychology in the United States according to a national report, offers outstanding opportunities for undergraduate research participation. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these through advanced laboratories, independent research courses, or volunteer work in one of the department’s many labs. Research is virtually a must as preparation for graduate school study in psychology. And it’s an invaluable educational experience regardless of the student’s eventual career. We offer an honors program to outstanding psychology majors. It’s flexible and individualized, emphasizing research, writing skills, and oral presentations. Students accepted into the program benefit from small seminars and discussions, have significant one-to-one contact with faculty, have priority for undergraduate and research assistantships, and find opportunities to present their projects at scientific meetings or to submit them to journals for publication.Noted AlumniNot Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
