Psychology is one of the most sought-after degree courses at every university. However, students are often torn apart when deciding between clinical and non-clinical psychology. To help you choose which field of psychology to pursue, here are a few distinctions to take note of.
Career Opportunities for Non-Clinical Psychology Majors
Clinical vs Non-Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology allows licensed practitioners to work directly with patients who are experiencing psychological and behavioural disorders. As for non-clinical psychology, it draws from insights and knowledge of psychology which can benefit businesses, social work endeavours and educational research. Although non-clinical psychologists are not licensed to assess and treat mental illnesses, there are other meaningful jobs that are available across different industries.
Non-Clinical Psychology Careers
1. Industrial-Organisational Psychologist
What is industrial-organisational (I-O) psychology? Briefly put, it is the study of people in the workplace. I-O psychologists focus on the behaviour of employees while finding ways to improve on performance assessment methods, work productivity, internal communication, job satisfaction and more. Through the application of psychological principles and research methods in organisations, the workplace becomes a safe and conducive environment for both employers and employees.
It is common for industrial-organisational psychologists to venture into corporate training. They work as independent consultants to conduct training for governmental and private organisations. The aim is to establish a mutual understanding between employers and employees while helping them to work together to achieve the company’s goal. Alternative career fields for I-O psychologists include human resources, marketing and business management.
2. University Professor
If you like teaching and researching, pursuing a career in the education sector may be suitable for you. The qualifications needed to become a psychology professor include a master’s or doctorate degree. To develop teaching skills for your future career in academia, you can offer to tutor psychology undergraduate students while completing your postgraduate studies. Besides that, you can also apply for the position of a research assistant to psychology professors. That way, you can observe their classroom teaching while assisting in their research projects.
3. Experimental Psychologist
Experimental psychologists are concerned with understanding behaviour in humans and animals. They explore a wide range of interests, including learning, memory, sensation and perception. They use scientific methods to compile data, conduct behavioural studies, report statistical findings and suggest behavioural patterns for the client’s benefit. For example, businesses employ individuals with an experimental psychology background to better understand the consumer behaviour of their target market. These psychologists often work for private research centres, universities and government organisations.
4. Mental Health Social Worker
Do you have a passion for improving the lives of vulnerable communities in non-profit organisations? If so, you might consider applying for a position as a mental health social worker. Depending on the organisation, obtaining a psychology licence may or may not be required. Although the salary is not as high as other non-clinical psychology jobs, being involved in social work can be highly rewarding. Mental health social workers assist in providing confidential services to victims of domestic violence, rape and other forms of violence through helplines. They also provide care and support to individuals in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres, orphanages, nursing homes and other settings.
By studying psychology, we can give emotional and vocational support for a healthier population base. To provide quality mental healthcare and effective business functions, INTI International University & Colleges has collaborated with Southern New Hampshire University, USA to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 4+0 — the very first approved American Psychology degree programme in Malaysia. Enrol at INTI today!