Social psychologists are professionals with diverse backgrounds and skills. They perform research for government agencies and private companies and may evaluate public opinion on new government programs. Others develop public policies to address social problems, such as childhood obesity. Still, others serve as consultants and researchers for businesses. Their knowledge of human behavior and the psychology of human interactions may help companies create more appealing products. Here's a closer look at some of the most common careers in social psychology.
Job Duties
Social psychologists are responsible for conducting research on human social behavior. In laboratories, they use more controlled variables and experimentation techniques to understand why certain people behave in particular ways. They can also work in private industries or government agencies to develop public policies that target social ills, such as childhood obesity. Job duties of social psychologists typically include working full-time, and often more than 40 hours a week, in order to meet deadlines.
The job duties of social psychologists differ from one another. Some work in academia, while others pursue careers in business, law, politics, or health science. Many social psychologists are also self-employed, conducting research and consulting in the private sector. A graduate degree in social psychology will also enable a career in a related field. Depending on your interests and experience, you can pursue a career in any area of business, law, or politics.
To become a social psychologist, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in psychology. Many undergraduate psychology majors are great options for preparing for this field. While it is not required to major in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology is mandatory. Most master's programs in psychology require students to complete introductory psychology, statistics, and research methods. You must earn a minimum B average in these three courses in order to advance in your program.
Education requirements
To become a social psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree, master's degree, or doctoral program in psychology. During the doctoral program, you will also need to complete supervised clinical experience. In addition, you must take state-required examinations, such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (Psy.D.), as well as complete required continuing education courses. This degree will help you become a social psychologist who can help people in need.
The education requirements for a social psychologist vary widely depending on the field. Some work in universities while others practice at government agencies. Many work as consultants or researchers for corporations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. The profession has many benefits, including research, advising, and organizing public awareness campaigns. There are several different sub-specialties that social psychologists can choose to specialize in, including organizational behavior, leadership, and perception.
As a social psychologist, you will apply your extensive knowledge of human behavior and research methods to evaluate educational programs and human resources elements. You may work for a private company or a nonprofit organization, conducting research and developing public policies to address social ills. In the private sector, you may work as a consultant, offering your expertise in interpersonal dynamics and developing products that appeal to the general public. You may also be hired to do market research for a product or service company.
Salary
The salary of a social psychologist varies widely depending on the area of employment and their educational background. Some social psychologists do not use the title "social psychologist," and are sometimes called industrial-organizational psychologists, marketing directors, or college professors. As with other occupations, social psychologists may work in various settings, from educational institutions to government offices, non-profit organizations, and even hospitals. While the salary of social psychologists may vary by location, the median salary is almost $85,000 for those with the highest educational degrees.
A social psychologist's job duties vary greatly depending on their particular area of expertise. Some social psychologists work in government agencies, conducting research on public perceptions of new government programs. Others develop public policies addressing social ills. For example, a social psychologist might design a public awareness campaign to draw attention to childhood obesity. Others are consultants, offering their expertise in human behavior and interpersonal dynamics. For companies, social psychologists can be invaluable partners in creating better products and services.
Social psychologists earn a median salary of $83,420 per year. However, the highest earners are employed in state and governmental organizations and research and development companies. For these jobs, a Ph.D. is necessary to earn the highest salary. To work independently, a social psychologist can earn an average salary of $76,640 to $83,480 annually. If you're considering a career in the field, a Ph.D. in this field will be beneficial.
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