Psychology Today: Subfields of Psychology Defined
Learn about the different subfields in psychology.
There are several subfields of psychology to consider when working toward your degree, so be sure to do your research before you enroll in any psychology degree program. Most of all, it's important to know where your interests lie in the broad spectrum of possible psychology specialties so you can make an informed decision.
We've created a list that describes what workers in each of these subfields in psychology do in order to help you streamline your studies toward a specific psychology specialty and ensure that you'll be on the right path toward a successful psychology career.
Research Subfields in Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology constitutes the largest specialty. Clinical psychologists usually work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. They assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. (PhD or PsyD)
Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
Cognitive and perceptual psychologists study human perception, thinking and memory. (MS, PhD, or PsyD)
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychologists use various techniques, including interviewing and testing, to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living. They work in settings such as university counseling centers, hospitals, and individual or group practices. In most states, people with master’s degrees cannot have their own private practice. (MA, PsyD or PhD)
Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout life. Some specialize in behavior during infancy, childhood, and adolescence, or changes that occur during maturity or old age. (PhD)
Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists conduct research on classroom dynamics, teaching style, and learning variables; develops educational tests, evaluates educational programs, acts as a consultant for schools. (EdD, EdS, MEd or PhD)
Experimental / Research Psychology
Experimental or research psychologists work in university and private research centers and in business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. They study behavior processes with human beings and animals such as rats, monkeys, and pigeons. (PhD)
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists study problems of crime prevention, rehabilitation programs in prisons, courtroom dynamics, psychology and the law, select candidates for police work. (PhD)
Geriatric Psychology
Geropsychologists deal with the special problems faced by the elderly. The emergence and growth of these specialties reflects the increasing participation of psychologists in providing direct services to special patient populations. (PhD)
Industrial / Organizational Psychology
Industrial / Organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of work-life. (MA or PhD)
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists study the relation between the brain and behavior. They often work in stroke and head injury programs. (PhD)
School Psychology
School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students' learning and behavior problems. (MA, EdS, EdD, PhD)
Social / Personality Psychology
Social psychologists examine people's interactions with others and with the social environment. They work in organizational consultation, marketing research, systems design, or other applied psychology fields. (MA, PhD)
Sports Psychology
Sports psychologists help athletes refine their focus on competition goals, become more motivated, and learn to deal with the anxiety and fear of failure that often accompany competition. (MS, PhD)
Clinical Psychology
Career Guide
- How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
- Education Costs
- Admissions Tips
- Degree Programs
- Master's Degrees
- Doctoral Degrees
- PhD vs. PsyD
- Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Clinical Psychologist Interview
- Student Interview
- Clinical Psychologist Careers
- Salaries
- Accreditation, Licensing and Certifications
- Professional Organizations
Learn More About Psychology Careers
View a side-by-side comparison of psychology careers to find out which one is right for you.