Personality psychologist
Nathaniel Eggleton
What is a personality psychologist?
Personality psychologists observe social situations and how they are influenced by individual emotion and conduct. They explain behavior in areas such as aggression, persuasion, attraction, conformity and group interaction. Many specialize in a niche such as leadership, attitude, group behavior and conflict resolution.
What type of education is required?
Those who master the science of psychology commit to continued education and the application of learned principles. Students interested in individual characteristics that motivate behaviors can pursue an extensive education in the niche of personality psychology and expect to perform extensive analysis and testing during their careers.
What degree is required?
In order to be a personality psychologist, a masters degree is required, but a P.h.d. is preferred.
What are the state requirements?
All states require psychologists to pass an examination before they can practice. Licensing requirements may vary by state and area of expertise. Most states offer standardized tests through their licensing department and require continued education for renewal.
Job setting and possible responsibilities
Personality psychologists work within many industries in research and analysis, consultation and applied concepts. Many teach and conduct research within a university setting. Others may train government officials, develop programs to improve attitudes within the workplace or analyze customer trends in business. Psychologists also maintain consultation practices within hospitals or other healthcare settings.
Salary Expectations
Employment of psychologists in general was predicted to increase 12% between 2012 and 2022, which was about as fast as average compared to all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clinical, counseling and school psychologists earned an average annual wage of $74,030 in May 2014. At the same time, industrial-organizational psychologists earned and annual average salary of $90,070 and all other psychologists, including those working as researchers and those working at colleges and universities, earned an average wage of $89,810 per year.