Psychology is a vast field of study that encompasses the biological, social, and environmental factors that influence how people think, act, and feel.
Numerous career paths are available to professionals in the field of psychology. However, choosing which particular area of psychology to pursue can be quite difficult. This is because there are dozens of fields, and you will often have to opt for a specific concentration when deciding to pursue a degree in psychology.
Here are 10 different fields of study in psychology, each offering a focused, unique perspective.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is focused on the study, assessment, and treatment of illnesses relating to mental health and disabilities. This field includes both applied and non-applied clinical psychology. The difference lies in their approaches to problem-solving in a clinical setting.
Applied clinical psychology deals with the application of psychology to real-world situations in different sectors. Non-applied clinical psychology, on the other hand, is less hands on with patients and focuses instead on the theory and research behind individual behavior and thoughts.
In simple terms, non-applied psychology involves research, while applied psychology transfers to the results from the research into real-life situations.
Applied psychology can also use psychological principles and methods to solve problems in other fields, such as the health sector.
Clinical psychology is often taught at the doctoral level. A clinical psychology degree can also include specializations such as Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
MFT is closely related to clinical psychology as it applies psychological methods to mental health issues just among a specific client base. MFT professionals mainly serve people with family or relationship-oriented issues, while clinical psychologists treat a broader client base for typically severe mental health issues.
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Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology is the study and practice of helping people of all ages improve their well-being and enhance their capacities to live better lives. Counseling psychologists will work with those suffering from mental health challenges in an attempt to resolve crises and work toward a healthier lifestyle.
This field also includes counselor education. Counselor educators work to prepare the next generation of counselors and act as professors and educators in this field.
Counseling psychologists work in a diverse variety of settings—from schools to private practices. Learn more about the specific career paths available for professionals in counseling psychology with this blog.
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General Psychology
At The Chicago School, we define general psychology as a field concerned with creating coherence among psychology’s diverse specialties by incorporating multiple perspectives from subdisciplines into research, theory, and practice. As the study of basic principles and methods of the science of psychology, general psychology encompasses and incorporates all other fields of psychology into one.
General psychology can also include the study of behavioral sciences. Behavioral sciences deal with human actions and behaviors within the field of psychology.
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Business Psychology
Business psychology is a field of psychology involved with the application of human psychology in business and work environments. Business psychologists ensure improved productivity, organization, and operations in workplaces. They consult on workplace practices such as training methods, management tactics, and hiring processes. Business psychologists may work in house or as a consultant for organizations.
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Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is the study of the intersection between the legal system and psychology.
This psychological field of study focuses on areas such as:
- Public policy
- The public’s view of criminals
- Criminal behavior
- Demographics
- Insanity and mental illness
- The court system
- The correctional system
Forensic psychology focuses on the application of psychological knowledge, practices, and methods to understand or solve issues related to the law. This may sound like a broad job description, but forensic psychology can lead to many interesting career paths.
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International Psychology
International psychology is a field of psychology focused on the implementation of psychological theory on a global scale. It is far reaching in scope, thereby giving professionals in this field an opportunity to explore a wide range of career options.
International psychology seeks to understand and educate on cultural differences and provides services to people and groups working in international and global settings, such as multinational organizations.
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Educational Psychology and Technology
Educational psychology and technology is the study and application of technology in learning based on psychological principles and learning theories. This field of psychology emphasizes the role of technology in improving teaching and learning outcomes.
In this field of psychology, professionals study the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social processes that occur during the learning process. Educational psychologists also explore how individual differences in motivation, intelligence, and environment play a role in the learning process.
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School Psychology
School psychology uses the principles and methods of educational, developmental, community, clinical, and applied behavior analysis to better support children and adolescents with additional learning needs or disabilities. School psychologists collaborate with parents, teachers, and administration to maximize students’ academic, social, and emotional potential.
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Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis is a field of psychology focused on improving socially significant human behaviors such as social skills, reading, communication, and more.
This field also touches on adaptive learning skills and behaviors that will advance education, specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology) is a field of psychology that is concerned with the study of human behavior, specifically in the workplace.
I/O Psychology focuses on the implementation of psychological methods in the assessment, engagement, retention, work processes, and productivity of workers. The goal of I/O Psychology is to work with organizations and employees to improve satisfaction and overall productivity.
Careers in I/O Psychology include human resources, consulting, coaching, and management positions.
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Pursuing Different Fields of Study in Psychology
Psychology is an extremely vast discipline that holds numerous career paths and possibilities. For more detailed information on these different fields of psychology, degree programs, and coursework involved, complete the information below.