Psychology Program at SUNY Plattsburgh - Careers and Graduate Preparation

Careers and Graduate Preparation

Careers with a B.A. in Psychology

Psychology is a very diverse field, which means that there are many possible career paths for someone with a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in psychology provides you with skills that are desirable to employers in numerous fields, not just in psychology.

By studying psychology, you gain:

• Scientifically-based knowledge about human behavior
• Skills for designing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental research
• Critical thinking skills, so that you can be an informed consumer
• Research and writing skills
• Organization and clarity of presentation
• Communication skills
• Group interaction skills
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information
• Problem-solving abilities

All of these skills are sought by potential employers. Some students find work within the field of psychology, such as assisting in a rehabilitation center. Many others find work in fields such as education, business, health, and computer programming. They work as employment counselors, correction counselor trainees, interviewers, personnel analysts, probation officers, and writers [source: APA Careers in Psychology].

Preparing for Graduate School

Many psychology students plan to pursue a graduate degree. The undergraduate pscyhology degree prepares students for graduate programs such as counselling, clinical psychology, school psychology, school counselling, social work, education, business, law, and research in psychology.

• Master's Degree
  People with a master's degree in pschology may work in a research setting (data collection and analysis for a university, the government, or in industry), or in health or education areas. Many work in a counseling or school environment, where they are typically supervised by a person with a doctoral degree.
• Doctoral Degree
  According to the APA (June, 2002), 28% of recent doctoral graduates work in higher education, such as colleges and universities, while 44% work in human service settings, such as hospitals and counseling centers. A doctoral degree is usually required of anyone wishing to do clinical psychology.

More Information About Careers and Graduate School

Where Do I Begin?

One place to start is Plattsburgh State's Career Development Center. The staff can help you prepare for your career after Plattsburgh State. Some of the resources you will find here include:

• Graduate school directories, entrance exams, writing a statement of purpose
• Job search sites for psychology, human/social services, and social work
• Resumes and cover letters

Tips & Guidelines

• Frequently asked questions
• Career possibilities for people with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in psychology
• Letters of recommendation for graduate school and jobs
• Writing personal statements for graduate school applications

Additional Resources

• APA's Careers in Psychology page
• Online psychology career center
• Marky Lloyd's careers in psychology page
• The Graduate School and Careers in Psychology handout from John Suler at Rider University
• Program rankings for doctoral psychology programs
• Graduate programs at Plattsburgh State

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about the psychology program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact

Department co-chairs
Dr. Katherine Dunham (katherine.dunham@plattsburgh.edu)
Dr. Michael Morales (michael.morales@plattsburgh.edu)

Department secretaries
Ms. Pam LeClair (leclaipl@plattsburgh.edu)
Ms. Donna Vanderhoff (vanderdm@plattsburgh.edu)

Phone: (518) 564-3076
Toll-free Phone: (800) 441-7215
Fax: (518) 564-3397