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Books on Careers for Psychology Majors

These are well known publications and should be available at most schools in the U.S. in the department office, department library, main library, or career center. This list was compiled in 2008 so look for more recent editions.>

Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World

Kuther, T. L., & Morgan, R. D. (2007). Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

The authors of this excellent paperback begin by discussing the diverse career opportunities in psychology. Then, they devote nine chapters to describing a number of sub-fields in psychology as well as career opportunities at the bachelor's and graduate level in each of the sub-fields. They end with useful tips on getting a job after graduation and getting into graduate school.

Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World

Pollack, L. (2007). Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World. New York: HarperCollins 2007

The author is a relatively recent college graduate who has become an expert on career advice for young professionals. Here she shares 90 things college students need to do to make a successful transition from college to career and helpfully illustrates her points by sharing her own experiences (both successes and failures) and those of others. The book also provides a list of useful organizations and Web sites.

Great Jobs for Psychology Majors

DeGalan, J., & Lambert, S. (2006). Great Jobs for Psychology Majors. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill.

If you're asking, "What can I do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?" this book will be of interest to you. The authors first discuss a variety of work-related topics including self-assessment, researching careers, networking, résumés, interviewing. The second part of the book is devoted to detailed descriptions of four career paths open to psychology majors: residential care, community and social service, human resources (business), and pre-professional therapy. Teaching is also discussed as a fifth career path, but it is an option only for those with at least a master's degree.

Majoring in Psychology: Career Options for Psychology Undergraduates

Morgan, B. L., & Korschgen, A. J. (2008). Majoring in Psychology: Career Options for Psychology Undergraduates (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

Morgan and Korschgen use questions as chapter titles to focus the reader's attention on key issues: Should I major in psychology?, What careers are available?, Will I make any money?, Should I go to graduate school?,' and How do I do a job search?, among others.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (latest edition). Occupational Outlook Handbook Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

This government document is a comprehensive guide to occupations. It includes job descriptions, education and training requirements, advancement possibilities, salaries, and employment outlooks for 250 occupations. In addition, there are sections on where future jobs are likely to be, sources of career information; education, training, and financial aid information; and finding and evaluating a job offer.

Opportunities in Psychology Careers

Super, D. E., & Super, C. M. (2001). Opportunities in Psychology Careers. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill.

This paperback surveys a number of important topics for those interested in a career as a psychologist. It is directed at PhD-level careers, and so will be of greatest interest to those who are thinking about graduate school. Topics include education and training requirements, scientific and professional organizations, salary data, and Internet resources.

Psychology as a Major: Is It Right for Me and What Can I Do with My Degree?

Schultheiss, D. E. P. (2008). Psychology as a Major: Is It Right for Me and What Can I Do with My Degree? Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Schultheiss provides helpful information on three important issues: (1) the field of psychology and tips on how to succeed as a psychology major, (2) deciding on whether psychology is an appropriate major, and (3) bachelor's-level career opportunities and graduate school options in psychology.

Taking Charge of Your Career Direction: Career Planning Guide

Lock, R. D. (1992). Taking charge of your career direction: Career planning guide, Books 1 and 2. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

This two-volume paperback textbook can be used on a self-instructional basis. The first book focuses on guiding readers toward clarity in their career choices; it includes such topics as current trends in the world of work, making career choices, and clarifying motives, skills, aptitudes, and values. The second book assumes that readers are relatively clear about their career choices and provides useful tips on practical issues such as the job search, résumés, cover letters, job applications, and interviews.

What Color Is Your Parachute?

Bolles, R.N. (latest edition). What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

This best-selling job-hunting manual was first published in 1970 and has become so successful that it is now published annually. The author gives step-by-step instructions for finding a job by teaching you how to pinpoint the skills you enjoy using. He also helps you decide where you want to work and learn which person in an organization has the power to hire you. In addition, he provides useful Internet resources.


APA-style reference for this page:

Lloyd, M. A. (2008, November 20). Books on Careers for Psychology Majors. Retrieved from: http://www/psywww.com/careers/books.html.

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