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Psychology's Main Subfields

Basic Research Subfields

  • Cognitive psychologists study thinking: perception, language, attention, problem solving, memory, judgment and decision making, forgetting, intelligence.
  • Developmental psychologists study age-related behavioral changes and how biological, psychological, cognitive, and social factors interact across the lifespan; informs educational psychology, school psychology, child psychopathology, gerontology; work in educational or care settings and in policy.
  • Educational psychologists study learning processes and how environments affect learning; design strategies and tests; work in universities, schools, government, or training programs.
  • Experimental psychologists investigate basic behavioral processes (motivation, learning, perception, language); often in academia or research institutions; may work in zoos, government, or businesses.
  • Psychometric and Quantitative psychologists focus on math-related methods to acquire psychological knowledge; update or create tests; design and analyze research; work in universities, testing companies, private firms, or government.
  • Social psychologists study how beliefs, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others; topics include attitudes, aggression, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, group behavior, leadership; work in academia or applied settings (hospitals, market research, social networks).

Applied Research Subfields

  • Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal issues; interface of law and psychology, jury selection, mental health policy; work in universities, law schools, research organizations, mental health agencies, courts, or corrections.
  • Environmental psychologists study interactions between people and natural/built environments; address conservation, urbanization health, sustainable choices; work in interdisciplinary teams; settings include consulting firms, universities, nonprofit/government.
  • Health psychologists promote health and prevent disease; design/evaluate programs (smoking, weight, sleep, pain, STI prevention); work in hospitals, medical schools, rehabilitation centers, public health, universities, or private practice (with clinical training).
  • Industrial-Organizational (I/O) psychologists study relations between people and work environments; improve productivity, selection, training, and job satisfaction; work in business, industry, government, academia, or as consultants.
  • Neuropsychologists explore brain-behavior relationships; assess/diagnose/treat CNS disorders (Alzheimer’s, stroke), head injuries, learning disabilities (autism), ADHD; work in hospitals or academia.
  • Rehabilitation psychologists work with people who have lost functioning after illness/accident; settings include medical rehab centers, hospitals, medical schools, vocational agencies, private practice.
  • School psychologists assess and intervene for children in educational settings; diagnose/treat cognitive, social, and emotional problems; collaborate with teachers/parents; work in schools, government agencies, child guidance centers, or research labs.
  • Sport psychologists study psychological factors in sports; coach education, athlete preparation, research/teaching; may apply clinical skills to anxiety or substance use; work in academia, research, teams, or private practice.

The Helping Professions

  • Clinical psychologists promote psychological health; diagnose/treat disorders; may provide therapy, conduct research, teaching, assessment, and consultation; work in private practice, mental health services, schools, universities, industry, legal/military settings; require a clinical psychology doctorate and licensure for independent practice.
  • Community psychologists address mental health at the community level; focus on prevention and crisis intervention; aim to improve underserved communities; settings include government mental health departments, corrections, welfare, health services; may conduct research or consult.
  • Counseling psychologists help people adjust to life transitions; provide therapy and assessments; emphasize client strengths; work in universities, counseling centers, private practice; licensure required for independent practice.

Quick Take

  • A psychology major offers broad options; graduate study expands opportunities; foundational understanding of behavior and mental processes supports many fields.