psychologist

Psychologist

Duties

• conduct scientific studies of behavior and brain function 
• observe, review, and surgical individuals 
• identify psychological, emotional, behavioral, or organizational issues and diagnose disorders 
• research and identify behavioral or emotional patterns
• test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behavior
• discuss the treatment of problems with clients
• write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings and correct each others
• supervise interns, clinicians, and counseling professionals

Pay

The median annual wage for psychologists was $75,230 in May 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,610.

Education

Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need a doctoral degree. Students can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. A Ph.D. in psychology is a research degree that is obtained after taking a comprehensive exam and writing a dissertation based on original research. Ph.D. programs typically include courses on statistics and experimental procedures. The Psy.D. is a clinical degree often based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In clinical, counseling, school, or health service settings, students usually complete a 1-year internship as part of the doctoral program.