Overview of Psychology, General

Psychology, General is a broad field encompassing a variety of psychological sub-disciplines, such as human behavior, cognition, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation, and personality. It can be applied in myriad ways to study and better understand individuals and groups, as well as to identify and solve problems at both the personal and societal level. In this program of study, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of psychology and its underlying principles, giving you the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions on psychological matters.

Career Opportunities Related to Psychology, General

Career opportunities in psychology, general are varied and include positions in the biomedical, social science, clinical, counseling, school, industrial/organizational, and research fields. Depending on your academic achievement and specializations, you may be well-suited for roles in academia, private practice, research facilities, advocacy groups, governmental or non-governmental positions, or in the media.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

In addition to the offerings provided by colleges and universities, there is a growing number of internship and co-op programs available for those studying psychology, general. These opportunities provide real-world experience in a certain field, allowing you to gain valuable on-the-job experience and network with potential employers as you build a solid foundation for your future career. Internships and co-ops often involve researching, observing, and analyzing different aspects of psychology, and can prove invaluable in furthering your career.

Specialized Tracks and Concentrations

Within the education and research setting, many universities have specialized tracks and concentrations within the broad field of psychology, general. Students can focus on one or more of these specialized fields, deepening their knowledge and sharpening their skills. Specializations include topics such as social and cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and area studies.

Preparation for Graduate School

A major in psychology, general provides students with strong preparation for eventual attending graduate school in the field. You will gain a broad knowledge of the scientific aspects of psychology as well as the foundations of research methods and theories, which prepare you for further studies at the master’s or doctoral level.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Psychology, General

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role in how psychology is studied and practiced, providing patterns of thinking that extend beyond the classical approaches. AI can, for example, help analyze large sets of data, analyze emotional states, anticipate consumer behavior, and develop models for psychological and mental health.

The Career Outlook for Psychology, General

The demand for educated psychologists, both in the workforce and in other areas of society, is expected to grow in the coming years. Those with a psychology, general degree have the opportunity to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths, from practitioner and research positions to advocacy, educational gaming, and corporate consulting. The area of psychology in which the individual chooses to specialize can also have an impact on potential salary levels.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Psychology, General:

Stanford University, Salary: $51,407

Santa Clara University, Salary: $50,081

Colgate University, Salary: $48,179

Georgetown University, Salary: $45,936

Carnegie Mellon University, Salary: $45,925

Dartmouth College, Salary: $45,057

Elon University, Salary: $44,439

Pillar College, Salary: $42,475

Duke University, Salary: $42,110

Yale University, Salary: $41,892

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Psychology, General.