A person with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology has many job options. A degree holder might work as an assistant in the clinical psychology or forensic psychology fields, or in a business setting helping employers promote worker efficiency. This article discusses some of the career options a person with a B.A. in Applied Psychology can pursue.
Applied Psychology Overview
Applied psychology is the study and use of psychological principles and theories. Applied psychology solves problems in areas such as mental health, health, business, education, and law. A person holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology may work in areas of clinical psychology, industrial and organizational psychology or forensic psychology, among other fields. Most bachelor's degree holders who want to become full-fledged psychologists continue their education and pursue master's or doctoral degrees.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPsychologyCareers">Important Facts About Psychology Careers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Work Environment</td><td>Hospitals, schools, prisons, courtrooms</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Analytical, patient, trustworthy</td></tr>
<tr><td>Projected Job Growth (2021-2031)*</td><td>6% (<i>for psychologists in all career fields</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td>$81,040 (<i>for psychologists in all career fields</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ClinicalPsychology">Clinical Psychology</h3><p>Clinical psychology is one of the largest fields in psychology. A person with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology may work with individuals with psychological problems; however, most states restrict the practice of clinical psychology to those with a doctoral degree due to licensure requirements. A bachelor's degree holder could work as a clinical assistant.
</p><h3 id="section---IndustrialOrganizationalPsychology">Industrial-Organizational Psychology</h3><p>A person with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology may work in industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology, although many employers prefer applicants to hold a master's degree for I/O psychology positions. An industrial-organizational psychologist studies worker attitudes and behaviors. The industrial-organizational psychologist provides the employer with data to select and promote candidates in the most effective way. Because of the great demand today for equal employment and equal pay, an industrial-organizational psychologist plays an important role in a business setting.
</p><h3 id="section---ForensicPsychology">Forensic Psychology</h3><p>A person with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology may work as a forensic psychology assistant, applying psychological principles within the criminal justice system. A forensic psychologist often deals with legal issues, public policy, competency and determining whether a defendant was responsible for his or her actions at the time a crime occurred. These psychologists and their assistants may work with mentally ill offenders and with attorneys to help pick juries.</p>
