Psych(o) paths: The variability of a psychology degree
Gaslight. Narcissist. Trauma response. Terms like these have proliferated through today’s society along with an uptick in interest of psychology. This increasing popularity has created not only a major point of interest among students but also opened the door to diverse career paths.
Art by Matilde Martinez-Navarette
Psychology has emerged as one of the most popular majors among college students, ranking third in Niche's ratings among students from the classes of 2022 and 2023. This field equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills while offering knowledge of societal dynamics and behavioral patterns. With increasing awareness of mental health issues, the demand for psychologists is getting even higher. Recognizing the importance of these courses, Samo offers behavioral education to students. Along with Psychology and AP Psychology, Samo has mental health-orientated clubs, such as the Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG club) run by Samo students. Immersing yourself in this type of knowledge not only forms a deeper understanding of others but also of your own psyche.
AP Psychology teacher Charles Thun delves into his experiences studying psychology.
“I’ve enjoyed every psychology class I have ever taken," Thun said. "There are so many interesting classes to take such as Developmental Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Positive Psychology. It is a lifelong process too as there is ongoing research in all of these fields — so you are never done learning."
Branches of psychology like educational psychology focuses on the learning behavior of students and addresses how disorders like ADHD may affect somebody's studying patterns. This role can play a less-known, yet active part in Samo students' learning behaviors, as hundreds of our students have accommodations to properly assist them, most commonly seen in 504 plans. Educational psychologists work in the assessment and development of these plans, allowing students to learn in an environment better suited for them.
The versatility of psychological education opens up many career paths for students. The traditional path of psychology can be seen in social work and community support. This includes careers such as caseworkers, disability policy workers and adoption counselors. These jobs not only give people firsthand insight into different social environments, but they also provide roles in maintaining the overall health of people in a given community. Additionally, a more unconventional career option known as forensic psychology focuses on investigating criminals through behavioral knowledge and forming criminal profiles. It applies psychological principles to the judicial system and allows for collaboration with police and investigators. Overall, the field of psychology has great variation in types of jobs that aspiring psychologists can pursue.
Samo psychologist Madison Braverman shares her experience with applying her knowledge of psychology to a career.
“[I] mainly support students… by conducting psychological assessments, providing counseling… and supporting classroom management and consulting staff," Braverman said. “I think it is very fascinating to be able to apply a lot of the concepts and ideas to everyday life… I continue to be grateful I pursued a career in psychology as I have the opportunity to help people every day."