Psychology Careers
Goshen College Alumni
Here are current positions held by some psychology alumni. Although some of these have additional graduate degrees (in Psychology or another field), this sample illustrates the wide range of jobs where one can use a Psychology major.
- Psychiatric Social Worker
- Audiologist
- Behavior Specialist & Mobile Therapist
- Case Manager
- Pastor of Congregational Care & Nurture
- Personal Banker
- Psychologist
- Director of Nursing
- Medical Massage Therapist
- Neuropsychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Recreation Therapist
- Senior Graphic Designer
- Business Analyst
- Adult ESL Teacher
- Pediatric Neuropsychologist
- Realtor
- Guidance Counselor
- Family Therapist
- Lawyer
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
- Psychology Professor
Overview
According to the American Psychological Association:
“Why people do the things they do is an age-old question. However, psychology—the science concerned with behavior, both human and nonhuman animals—is only about 125 years old. Despite its youth, it is a broad discipline, essentially spanning subject matter from biology to sociology. Biology studies the structures and functions of living organisms. Sociology examines how groups function in society. Psychologists study the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. But psychologists also need to be creative in the way they apply scientific findings.
Psychologists are frequently innovators, evolving new approaches from established knowledge to meet changing needs of people and societies. They develop theories and test them through their research. As this research yields new information, these findings become part of the body of knowledge that practitioners call on in their work with clients and patients. Psychology is a tremendously varied field.”
About the Coursework
The GC psychology department is rooted in the science of psychology, helping students learn how to conduct solid research studies, write strong research reports, and present papers at conferences. The breadth of skills brought by the professors allows the department to offer a wide range of courses in clinical, developmental, social, and cognitive psychology. Other course topics include statistics and research methodology, psychological testing, counseling, and biological psychology.
Psychology majors find that in addition to testing principles and facts, they also learn ways to integrate faith into a profession and openly discuss controversial issues while studying the foundations of psychology and its practical applications in society.
The psychology department offers courses that prepare students for continued study in psychology and working with people in a wide variety of settings.
Possible courses include:
- Statistics in Research
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Theory
- Cognitive Psychology
- Heroic Acts and Heinous Crimes: Who is to Blame?
- Abnormal Psychology
- Biological Psychology
For a full list of requirements and courses, refer to the course catalog.
Teacher certification is available in social studies for grades 5-12. For more information see the education department’s web site.
Possible Career Paths
Graduates of the psychology program are currently working in administration, counseling, public-welfare agencies, mental-health centers, institutions for delinquent and emotionally disturbed children, probation services, and a variety of additional social and religious agencies. Many complete graduate degrees and engage in research or in professions such as teaching, law, or ministry.
The list below provides several career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.
- Art Therapist
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavioral Psychologist
- Case Manager
- Career Counselor
- Child Development Specialist
- Child Welfare Worker
- Community Relations Director
- Criminologist
- Crisis Intervention Counselor
- Drug Abuse Prevention Educator
- Grievance Officer
- Guidance Counselor
- Human Resource Generalist
- Human Rights Advocate
- Industrial Relations Manager
- Intensive Family Therapist
- Investigator
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Marriage Counselor
- Market Researcher/Analyst
- Mediator
- Mental Health Advocate
- Mental Health Coordinator
- Non-profit Organization Manager
- Pastor
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Professor
- Probation Officer
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Rehabilitation Aid
- School Administrator
- Social Researcher
- Social Studies Teacher
- Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Suicide Prevention Specialist
- Trauma Support Specialist
- Wage/Benefit Analyst
- Youth Services Specialist
Additional Resources
- Careers in Psychology from the American Psychological Association
- From PSI CHI, the National Honor Society in Psychology:
- From the Occupational Outlook Handbook: