Post Graduate Psychology Jobs

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and cognition or mental functions. An education in psychology is valuable for careers that involve working with people. Some careers, such as clinical psychologists and college professors, require a doctoral level degree. However, you may still find employment using your education with only a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Professor

If you have an interest in teaching and research, you may want to consider a career as a a psychology professor or instructor. A psychology professor works at a university and conducts research and instructs students in undergraduate- and graduate-level psychology courses. To become a professor, you must have a doctorate in psychology. If you have a master's degree, you may be able to become an adjunct instructor at a university or teach at a community college. As of 2010, professors average between $47,882 and $94,090 annually. Instructors average between $34,298 and $53,208 annually.

Clnical Psychologist

If you have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and complete your state's specific licensing requirements, you may practice as a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists conduct assessments and practice therapy with a variety of populations, including children, adults, the elderly, mentally ill, chemically dependent and more. As of 2010, clinical psychologists average between $51,667 and $86,183 annually.

Counselor

A substance abuse counselor typically has a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field, but depending on the state, may not be required to have a degree. A mental health counselor must have a master's degree in psychology or a related field. Each state has different licensing requirements for each. Both provide individual and group therapy to clients to assist them with developing skills necessary for managing their substance use disorder or mental illness. As of 2010, substance abuse counselors average between $29,116 to $39,825 annually and mental health counselors average between $32,485 and $44,841 annually.

Case Manager

Case managers act as central members of the treatment team, coordinating with other service providers, providing independent living skills training and performing other duties to ensure that clients are receiving the care they need. Case managers work in health care settings, mental health clinics, court programs, child welfare programs and other settings involving at-risk populations. Case managers typically have a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or a related field. Case managers average between $29,537 to $47,018 annually.

Human Resources

The knowledge and skills related to working with people obtained through an education in psychology translate well into human resources. Human resource departments develop policies and programs for employees and have a critical role in the hiring and firing process. A bachelor's or master's degree in psychology is recommended for human resources work. Having a minor or certificate in business or human resources is also beneficial. As of 2010, human resource managers earn between $45,058 and $74,238 annually. Assistants earn between $27,9955 and $38,799 annually.

References

• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Instructor
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Doctorate (PhD) Psychology Degrees
• American Psychological Association: Non-Academic Careers for Scientfic Psychologists
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Mental Health Counselor Jobs
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs