What is Applied Psychology?

Applied psychology closely examines and solves problems within human behavior. Many colleges offer degree programs for students seeking applied psychology careers.

Individuals interested in working in the field of psychology might consider an applied psychology career. How does it differ from general psychology?

General or basic psychology uses research to examine:

cognition
perception
social psychology

Applied psychology uses the theories and research from the study of psychology to solve practical problems.

To become an applied psychologist, students must earn a psychology degree. Fortunately, colleges and universities nationwide deliver top programs to ensure students are prepared to excel at all levels in the field.

What Is Applied Psychology?

Applied psychology takes the study of psychology and puts it into practical application. It uses psychological research and theories to determine ways to tackle issues ?often through the development of treatments and programs.

This type of psychology has several specialty areas:

Since applied psychology focuses on human behavior in social interactions, you'll see it used in business, education, healthcare, and just about any setting in which people interact.

How Applied Psychology Is Used in Everyday Life

The responsibilities of applied psychologists vary depending on the needs of the setting in which they work. Problem-solving is a primary duty, but the problems that need to be addressed and how they are solved may differ.

For example, an applied psychologist who specializes in sports psychology might be tasked with examining the cause of a rise in mental health challenges among athletes within a professional organization. Through research, sports psychologists might determine that pressure placed on athletes to win at all costs negatively impacts their mental well-being and performance in their sport.

A school district might task an applied psychologist with determining the risk and impact of school shootings. Through research, focus groups, and surveys, the district might decide to set up a program that mandates school assemblies to address student concerns and one-on-one counseling with school psychologists that could serve as interventions for troubled students.

What Will I Learn With an Applied Psychology Degree?

The concepts explored in an applied psychology degree might differ slightly from school to school but could include:

abnormal psychology
social psychology
research methods
multicultural psychology
statistics for psychology
cognitive psychology
human development
psychopathology

You might find programs that broadly examine applied psychology and prepare you to work in:

social services
healthcare
education
business
counseling

Or you could enroll in a program that focuses specifically on technology, media, child advocacy, or organizational psychology.

When comparing bachelor's programs, you'll want to look for schools that align with the American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Applied Psychology Degree?

Numerous job opportunities are available to individuals who earn degrees in applied psychology. Depending on your degree type, you'll find different career options.

With a bachelor's degree in applied psychology, you could pursue the following careers:

A master's degree in applied psychology could open doors to careers like:

Earning a doctoral degree in applied psychology can qualify you for positions like the following:

researcher
chief scientist
assistant professor
program officer
senior social science analyst

Whether you want to pursue a career in applied psychology or another area of psychology, job opportunities are vast. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is projected to grow 6% ?about 12,800 annual new openings ?from 2022 to 2032.

Which Degree Fits My Counseling and Psychology Career Path?

You'll want to closely examine the vast selection of psychology programs available to determine which aligns with your career goals before making your final selection. Also, review the qualifications required to secure your desired job. For instance, counseling jobs typically require a bachelor's degree. However, most psychologist jobs require an advanced degree.

If you want to work as an industrial-organizational psychologist, you might need a master's degree. As a school psychologist, you could need a master's or education specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD.) degree.

Colleges & Universities Offering Applied Psychology Degree Programs

If you're ready to start an applied psychology program, take a look at degree options from the following colleges and universities:

1. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in applied psychology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a 33-credit program that allows students to transfer up to 90 credits. Students studying this degree learn:

psychological principles
problem-solving techniques
how to interpret psychological phenomena

2. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers a BS in applied psychology with a concentration in media and technology. This online program requires 120 credits for completion and features courses covering:

social psychology
life span human development
cyber communications
digital learning
statistical reasoning in psychology

3. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students interested in earning a master's degree in applied psychology can choose from four Master of Arts (MA) programs. Degrees include:

general psychology
developmental psychology
public mental health
industrial/organizational psychology

All MA programs are offered online.

4. Clemson University

Clemson University offers a two-year Master of Science (MS) in applied psychology for students who want to learn:

theoretical foundations
quantitative techniques
research design
problem-solving skills

Concentrations are available in:

health psychology
human factors psychology
industrial and organizational psychology

5. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The PhD in applied psychology and prevention science from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell explores four core areas of psychology:

applied cognitive psychology
community and applied social psychology
applied developmental psychology
applied behavior analysis

Students must complete 42 total credits in required courses, approved electives, and the dissertation.

6. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is home to the PhD in applied experimental psychology. This 54-credit campus-based program explores:

behavioral neuroscience
personality
applied cognitive psychology
social psychology

Students develop strong research skills and learn a scientific approach to problem-solving.