Careers with Children for Psychology Majors
Schools & Educational Fields
Medical & Social Services Fields
Typical Tasks:
- Work with children and youth who have a variety of disabilities
- Modify general education curriculum to meet the child’s individual needs
- Individualized instruction, problem solving assignments, small group work
Employment Settings:
- Public or Private Schools
- Elementary
- Middle
- High
- Resource Rooms
- Residential Facilities
Education Requirements:
The Psychology Special Education Major will allow students to obtain the skills necessary for a career in special education. Upon completion of the program a license will be required in all states. Some states may require a master’s degree.
For more information, visit the Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching
Typical Tasks:
- Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning
- Collaborate with teachers, parents and school personnel
- Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning
- Determine social-emotional development and mental health status
- Help families and schools manage crises such as death, illness, or community trauma
Employment Settings:
- Public or Private Schools
- Elementary
- Middle
- High
- Private Practices
- Universities
- Community & State Agencies
Education Requirements:
An educational specialist degree is required for work as a school psychologist. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approves schools throughout the states. Upon graduating from a NASP approved program, graduates may become nationally certified as a school psychologist after completing an internship and passing the national school psychology examination. States tend to vary in their certification process.
For more information, visit the NASP website.
Typical Tasks:
- Evaluate children’s strengths, problematic behavior, or special needs
- Help students to understand and deal with social, behavioral, and personal problems
- Provide special services, including alcohol/drug prevention programs and conflict resolution classes
- Interact with students individually, in small groups, or with classes
Employment Settings:
- Public or Private Schools
- Elementary
- Middle
- High
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor, as well as a state school counseling certification. Some states may also require a teaching certificate and some teaching experience. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
For more information, visit the CACREP website.
Typical Tasks:
- Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families
- Address issues such as misbehavior, frequent absences, substance abuse, and advise teachers on how to cope with students
- Teach workshops
Employment Settings:
- Public or Private Schools
- Elementary
- Middle
- High
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree in Social Work with School Social Work Certification will prepare students for work in this field. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required for most MSW programs.
For more information, visit the CSWE website.
Typical Tasks:
- Assist children and parents in finding information they need
- Coordinate programs such as storytelling
- Compile materials, analyze collections, and recommend materials
- Oversee management of the library, contracts for services, materials, equipment, supervise employees, fundraising, budgets, etc.
Employment Settings:
- Schools or Academic Libraries
- Public Libraries
- Private Facilities
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree in library science is usually required; employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the American Library Association. There is no specific bachelor’s degree required.
For more information, visit the ALA website.
Typical Tasks:
- Provide psychological services to children and families
- Assessment, Intervention, Prevention, Consultation
- Individual, family, or group psychotherapy
Employment Settings:
- Private Practice
- Mental Health Clinics
- Family Health Centers
- Pediatric Hospitals
- Advocacy Organizations
- Universities
Education Requirements:
A Ph.D. or Psy.D. is required to be fully licensed as a clinical or counseling psychologist. These programs typically take 5-7 years. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits these programs. An undergraduate degree in psychology will help students obtain the educational background necessary for these programs.
For more information, visit the APA website.
Typical Tasks:
- Provide children and families with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses
- Advise family caregivers, counsel patients, and help plan for patients’ needs after discharge by arranging for at-home services, from meals-on- wheels to oxygen equipment.
- Work on interdisciplinary teams that evaluate patients
Employment Settings:
- Pediatric Hospitals
- Nursing or Personal Care Facilities
- Individual and Family Services Agencies
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree in Social Work will prepare students for work in this field. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required for MSW programs.
For more information, visit the CSWE website.
Typical Tasks:
- Help reduce the stress and anxiety that many children experience in hospital and healthcare settings
- Prepare children for and assist during medical tests and procedures through education, rehearsal, and the development of coping skills
- Support families during hospitalization or challenges
Employment Settings:
- Hospitals
- Pediatric Physician and Dental Outpatient Clinics
- Counseling Clinics
Education Requirements:
To become a Certified Child Life Specialist candidates must complete an internship, as well as an application and examination. Child Life Specialists tend to have undergraduate degrees in psychology and other related fields.
For more information, visit the Child Life website.
Typical Tasks:
- Counsel children with disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, or accidents
- Addresses the personal, social, and academic aspects of the disability
- Evaluate school and medical reports with physicians, psychologists, therapists, etc. to determine the capabilities and skills of the child
Employment Settings:
- Public and Private Establishments
- Healthcare Facilities
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Residential Care Facilities
- Pediatric Hospitals
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree will be required by many states to be licensed as a counselor. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and/or accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). CORE accredits counseling programs with specialty areas in rehabilitation counseling. A certification for rehabilitation counselors is offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. It is important to be aware that each state will have different educational, training, and licensing requirements.
For more information, visit the CACREP website.
Typical Tasks:
- Evaluate children’s abilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom equipment, and help children participate as fully as possible in school programs and activities
- Work with children who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling
- Specific therapies may include facilitating the use of the hands, promoting skills for listening and following directions, fostering social play skills, or teaching dressing and grooming skills.
Employment Settings:
- Hospitals
- Public and Private Educational Facilities
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Home Health Care Services
- Outpatient Care Centers
Education Requirements:
An accredited master’s program in Occupational Therapy will prepare students for a career in this field. Upon completion of the program, students must pass a national certification examination to obtain their license. An undergraduate psychology major with additional prerequisite courses will prepare students for graduate study.
For more information, visit GVSU's OT Program and the AOTA website.
Typical Tasks:
- Apply principles, methods, and therapeutic techniques to individuals, families, couples, or organizations in order to resolve emotional conflicts.
- Modify people’s perceptions and behaviors, enhance communication and understanding among family members, and help to prevent family and individual crises.
Employment Settings:
- Individual and Family Social Service Agencies
- Therapeutic Communities
- Community Centers
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree will be required by many states to be licensed as a therapist. It is important to note that each state may have different educational, training, and licensing requirements. Marriage and family therapy programs may be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
For more information, visit the CACREP website and the AAMFT website.
Typical Tasks:
- Work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote optimum mental health
- Mental health counselors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors
Employment Settings:
- Individual and Family Social Service Agencies
- Therapeutic Communities
- Community Centers
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree will be required by many states to be licensed as a counselor. It is important to be aware that each state will have different educational, training, and licensing requirements. Many graduate counselor education programs have specializations in mental health. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
For more information, visit the CACREP website.
Typical Tasks:
- Assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent speech, language, cognitive- communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders
- Speech-language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient’s needs
Employment Settings:
- Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Hospitals
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Home Health Care Services
- Outpatient Care Centers
Education Requirements:
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is required for work in this field. An undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology is favored, however psychology majors will be considered. Graduate programs may admit students provided they complete undergraduate deficiency courses.
For more information, please visit GVSU's Speech Language Program and the ASHA website.
Typical Tasks:
- Uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well- being of individuals of all ages
- Integrate human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy
Employment Settings:
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Out-Patient Mental Health Clinic
- Residential Treatment Centers
- Community Agencies and Non-Profit Settings
- Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- Private Practice
Education Requirements:
An art therapist typically completes a master’s program in art therapy. There is no specific undergraduate major requirement however most programs require courses in psychology and studio art.
For more information, visit the Art Therapy website.
Typical Tasks:
- Adoption counselors assist families and individuals hoping to adopt
- They may provide facilitation services, advice, information, and other services
Employment Settings:
- Family Social Service Agencies
- Community Agencies and Non-Profit Settings
Education Requirements:
Various degrees will help an individual prepare for a career as an adoption counselor/therapist.
These degree’s include a Marriage and Family Therapist and Masters in Social Work
Typical Tasks:
- Assess clients various needs such as housing, clothing, food, etc.
- Links clients to resources within their community to help meet the needs of the client
Employment Settings:
- Individual and Family Social Service Agencies
- Community Centers
- Non-Profit Agencies
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in psychology will prepare students to work as a case worker. Depending upon the position and agency, a master’s degree might be favored.
Typical Tasks:
- Supervision of residents
- Mentoring and counseling residents
Employment Settings:
- Youth Group Homes
- Residential Treatment Centers
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in psychology will prepare students to work as a group home worker. Depending upon the position a master’s might be favored. For example a director’s position might require a master’s degree.
Typical Tasks:
- Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families
- Help find foster homes for neglected, abandoned, or abused children
Employment Settings:
- Individual and Family Social Service Agencies
- Schools
- State or local governments
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in psychology will allow for some work within this field depending on the position and agency. Many of the positions will require a master’s degree in Social Work. Employers may prefer an education from a school accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required for MSW programs.
For more information, visit the Child Welfare Social Worker career on All Psychology Careers.
This information was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.