What careers can you go into with a degree in social psychology?

Hi Andrea,

Career Path and Options
Mental Health Counselor

Social psychologists may be hired in numerous settings to counsel individuals who have been impacted by social problems. These counselors might be found in schools, correctional settings, social service agencies and other governmental programs. Counselors generally work with organizations to identify how group dynamics are affecting behaviors within that institution so that appropriate outreach responses can be developed. They also counsel individuals and groups to help them work through any mental anguish or behavioral disturbances that may have occurred.

Marketing Director or Manager

Many companies hire social psychologists to manage their marketing research department. By observing behavioral trends, they help companies identify dynamics that influence certain groups of individuals to buy their products and services.

Marketing Directors are concerned with figuring out how to market to particular segments of the population. They identify consumers by factors such as income, ethnicity, and age and determine a marketing strategy to get as many people as possible in that segment of the population to make a purchase. Social psychologists are trained to understand how groups of people are influenced by social dynamics and therefore may make great Marketing Directors.

Researcher

Social psychologists are employed in a variety of settings to conduct applied research regarding social issues. These professionals are often found in government and nonprofit agencies where their research is used to help develop policies. Their research is sometimes quite influential and often affects policy development in areas such as education and environmental protection.

Social psychologists are also hired to conduct research that will help with the development of programs that are aimed at eliminating the spread of particular social problems. These professionals may also be asked to evaluate the data from existing educational programs to identify alternative strategies to deal with various social problems.

Social psychologists can also be found conducting research in more controlled environments such as laboratories within college and university settings.

Consultant

Social psychologists are often hired as Business or Educational Consultants. Business Consultants may work with the human resources department to help with the hiring and training of employees or to develop a conflict mediation procedure. These professionals may also evaluate policies that are in place and make recommendations to improve effectiveness.

Educational Consultants may focus on identifying how group dynamics affect education and are often tasked with developing awareness and preventative programs for school districts.

Source: http://www.psychologyschoolguide.net/guides/social-psychology-careers-what-can-you-do-with-a-degree-in-social-psychology/

Best!