What Can You Do with a Clinical Psychology Major?
A clinical psychology major is available at every level of postsecondary education. Most career options depend upon the level of education earned. Private practice, education and research are common career choices for this field.
Overview of Clinical Psychology Career Options
Clinical psychology is a specialty within the field of psychology. With a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, such as a Doctor of Philosophy, you could become a licensed professional and work in hospitals, private practices and other settings. A bachelor's or master's degree in psychology may prepare you for positions in counseling, guidance or research.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPsychologists">Important Facts About Psychologists</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Analytical thinking, observation skills, interpersonal communication</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations</td><td> Mental health counselors, postsecondary teachers, social workers</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $82,510 (<i>for clinical and counseling psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 10% (<i>for clinical and counseling psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegree">Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>If you obtain a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology, you may find jobs assisting licensed psychologists. You can also find employment in other fields, such as business administration, sales or education. <i>PayScale.com</i> reported a median hourly wage of $23.92 for those with a clinical psychology bachelor's degree and 1-4 years of experience in January 2023.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterSDegree">Master's Degree</h3><p>With a clinical psychology master's degree, you are prepared to work in education or research positions. Like with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree will also allow you to work as an assistant to a licensed clinical psychologist. You can also work as a psychological therapy practitioner, but you must be supervised by a licensed psychologist. In January 2023, <i>Payscale.com</i> reported an hourly median wage of $21.57 for those with 1-4 years of experience holding a master's degree in clinical psychology.
</p><h3 id="section---DoctoralDegree">Doctoral Degree</h3><p>A doctoral degree in clinical psychology is required for licensure as a psychologist. Types of doctoral programs include a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). As a clinical psychologist, you can set up a private practice, work as an educator or practice in a hospital or other institutional setting. If you have a doctorate in clinical psychology, you can work directly with patients who have histories of trauma or acute mental disorder. According to <i>Payscale.com</i> in January 2023, the median wage rage for those holding a doctoral degree in clinical psychology working as a clinical psychologist was not available.</p>