Psychologists: Discovering the Meaning

By Angie Miller

Emotionally stable? Sensitive? Care for others? Able to work alone as well as with others?

Psychologists are a branch within the behavioral and social science field. The growth increase for psychologists in the next ten years is much faster than average at 21% or more. The median salary of a psychologist in the United States is $67,880. From the physical to cognitive to emotion to social components of the human mind, psychologists are working to figure out the meaning of human behavior.

Work environment for psychologists differs depending on specialization. Some types of psychologists include clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, developmental, social, and experimental. Because of clients, deadlines, and specific hours, tight schedules, overtime, and travel often are associated with psychologists’ work environment. Generally psychologists identify behavioral issues, develop treatment plans, counsel individuals, maintain records and paperwork, and plan psychological service programs.

Education for psychologists consists of some natural sciences, English, and psychology. Usually psychologists are required to have a master’s degree or doctoral degree, and a license. Psychologists with a master’s degree usually work as industrial-organizational psychologists or psychological assistants. For independent practice, psychologists must have a doctoral degree.

Personality skills that are important for psychologists include patience, compassion, and genuinely liking people.

Similar careers to psychologists are social workers, program directors, and occupational therapists.


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