Clinical psychologists study normal and abnormal human behavior and use scientific research and professional skills to promote psychological wellness and treat individuals with mental illness and other psychological maladjustments. Clinical psychologists earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from an accredited program and obtain licensure from their state. Clinical psychology programs include substantial study of personality and psychopathology, as well as research methodology, as many clinical psychologists work in research settings. Clinical psychologists may earn either a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree.
Industrial organizational psychologists, also called I-O psychologists, study human behavior in the workplace. I-O psychologists hold master's or doctoral degrees in their specialties, and a variety of different degrees are conferred upon I-O psychologists, such as master of arts, master of science and Ph.D. Other I-O psychologists enroll in dual programs, obtaining an MBA or a degree in management along with their I-O training. I-O psychologists find employment in human resources, training, recruitment and selection, employee satisfaction and performance evaluation. Other I-O psychologists serve as consultants, conduct research or teach at colleges and universities.
School psychologists work in educational settings and interact with students, families and teachers to promote a psychologically healthy learning environment. School psychologists diagnose psychological and learning problems, work with students having adjustment or other difficulties and advise teachers on behavior management issues. School psychologists must hold at least a master's degree in school psychology, though doctoral programs are also available. Training includes an internship and culminates in a graduate degree and state licensure.
Personality and social psychologists study the innate personality factors and external social factors that influence human behavior. Most graduates with a degree in this specialty conduct research and teach at the college or university level. Other career options include working in the private sector in marketing, management and politics or designing and evaluating public policy. According to the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, while terminal master's degrees in the specialty are available, most students pursue a Ph.D., which allows them to conduct research and teach college-level courses.