Want to Work in Tech, Business or Mental Health? M.A. Applied Psychology Fits All

Psychology is an interdisciplinary field that draws from various subjects to understand the complex factors influencing brain activity and behaviour in individuals and groups. The integration of diverse theories, contexts, and analytical frameworks is essential for accurate psychological evaluation. However, applying these concepts to real-life cases requires formal education, most notably, a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology (M.A.). To enter the professional realm, students must not only obtain the necessary qualifications and licensure but also gain practical experience through ongoing contributions and engagements in the field.

Understanding Applied Psychology

No matter which area of psychology you specialise in, the proper application and use of psychological sciences and theories to solve or manage real-world problems is the primary objective of Applied Psychology. Applied Psychology produces professionals who are ready to work in various sectors, directly contributing to system-wide changes. 

The field of psychology has typically two sides: one is research, and the other is applied psychology. Instead of research-based work, applied psychology emphasises on the application of that research on the ground.

Prominent Areas of Applied Psychology

While an MA in Applied Psychology can focus on various specialisations, some areas of study tend to receive greater recognition and relevance in both academic and professional settings. Applied Psychology encompasses numerous subfields, and its scope continues to grow as new challenges and opportunities emerge. Here are some of the most prominent areas within applied psychology that aspiring students may want to explore.

• Health Psychology: In health psychology, biology, behaviour, psychology, and several social factors play a significant role. It is involved with promoting a healthy lifestyle and preventing illness through medical intervention. 
• Educational Psychology: In educational institutions, a competitive environment and pressure to create social connections lead to academic pressure, peer pressure, and the aspiration to have a successful career. These can be troublesome for a few, and institutional psychologists help the students in circumventing such stressors.
• Legal and Forensic Psychology: Psychology is a scientific field, and this is true for the subdivision, legal and forensic psychology. This branch of psychology focuses on criminal investigation, criminal law, and figuring out the motive behind criminal behaviour and tendencies. 
• Industrial-Organisational Psychology: In the contemporary context, industrial-organisational (I-O) psychology is more concerned with employee satisfaction, workplace performance and organisational growth and health. 
• Human Factors/UX Psychology: As technology advances, psychology is also getting included in the tech industry in various forms. For example, the UI/UX development is heavily dependent on psychology and how customers and viewers may react to it. 

There are many more subdivisions of applied psychology. The abovementioned were just the tip of the iceberg. There are other specialisations such as clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, behavioural psychology, developmental psychology, cross-cultural psychology, cognitive psychology, child psychology,  social psychology, sports psychology, etc. 

Academic Pathway to Obtain a Degree in Applied Psychology

The academic journey to becoming an applied psychologist begins with earning a degree in a relevant subfield of psychology. Various programmes and degree levels offer different areas of specialisation, each catering to specific interests and career goals. Below is a brief overview of the key steps involved in pursuing these academic qualifications.

• After the school board exams, students interested in psychology can apply for a bachelor’s course. This undergraduate programme teaches the fundamentals of psychology and provides an overview of the branches it includes. 
• Psychology graduates can apply for the MA applied psychology degree, where they will have to choose a specialisation in a subfield of psychology that either interests them or is related to some specific work field they want to contribute to professionally.
• The P.hD or doctorate in applied psychology is usually based on the specialisation opted during the master’s programme, or a related subject. It is the research-led side of psychology. 

Each of these educational degrees prepares students with a certain level of skills and knowledge, which is further expanded upon in the following degree course. Obtaining multiple degrees in related programmes or doing research on related subjects can open multiple career pathways for a psychology graduate. 

Want to Work in Tech, Business or Mental Health? M.A. Applied Psychology Fits All

Career pathways after a degree in psychology have gone beyond the healthcare and medicine sector, fitting right into other industries such as technology and business. The technological industry is growing rapidly, and in recent years, the subtle merger between technology and psychology has produced interesting results. It has put emphasis on designing products based on factors like user-friendliness, satisfaction, easy accessibility, etc. Similarly, the business world has also been seriously affected by the introduction of psychology and its insightful application to the field of business. 

Historically, the medical and healthcare industries were slow to fully recognise mental health as an integral part of the scientific and healthcare system. However, this outdated perception is gradually changing. Today, an increasing number of industries acknowledge the vital role psychology plays in everyday life across various situations, environments, and stages of human development.

Applied Psychology Job Profiles

M.A. Applied Psychology opens the way to multiple job profiles in different sectors and industries. As a licensed and practising psychologist, you will have plenty of job options and an opportunity to explore different sectors. Here are some of the popular job roles in applied psychology that you may have to handle after passing with a master’s degree. 

• Educational Counsellor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Child Protection Practitioner
• Mental Health Technician
• Social Worker
• Forensic Psychologist
• Industrial-Organisational Psychologist
• Substance Abuse Counsellor
• Probation Officer
• Research Assistant
• Speech Pathologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Health Psychologist
• Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist
• Occupational Therapist

Alongside the specialisation, students may also need to gather practical training through internships before securing remarkable job opportunities. These job profiles in applied psychology range from multiple sectors, including education, clinical practice, corporations, law firms, and many more.