What Is Applied Psychology?

Those who are passionate about protecting mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental healthcare may begin to explore their options within the field of psychology. As you begin to learn more about the science of psychology, you may discover that there are two distinct approaches to psychology: experimental psychology and applied psychology.

Understanding the difference between the two and exploring the unique role of applied psychology in today's complex environment can help you determine if applied psychology is the right area of study for you.
 

What Is Applied Psychology?

The American Psychological Association defines applied psychology as the application of psychological methods, principles, and theories to practical concerns. In many ways, applied psychology bridges the gap between the science of psychology and the real world. Applied psychology is used in a variety of professional settings and industries, including education, vocational training, industry development, advertising, politics, and more. Applied psychology distinctly sets itself apart from experimental psychology because it opens up a wider range of career opportunities, allowing professionals to develop a foundation in psychology that can be applied in many different types of professional settings.

Experimental Psychology vs. Applied Psychology

Experimental psychology is often compared to applied psychology, and knowing the difference between these two subfields will allow you to determine which area is best for you to focus on during your degree program. According to the American Psychological Association, experimental psychology is a niche within psychology that focuses on applying psychological theories to better understand behavior. On the other hand, applied psychology is a specialized area of study within psychology that emphasizes the application of psychological methods within practical settings.

Key Areas of Applied Psychology

Within applied psychology, there are several key areas to explore and understand. By developing an expert understanding of these key areas, you can apply psychological theories, principles, and strategies in a wide range of settings, allowing you to take a comprehensive approach to applied psychology.

These are the key areas of applied psychology:

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is a specialty area within applied psychology that focuses on providing individuals or groups with counseling services to assess, evaluate, and treat a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. The American Psychological Association further explains how clinical psychology is rooted in evidence-based practice, requiring counselors to have an advanced understanding of psychological principles and the best way to apply those principles within the context of counseling services. Clinical psychology is known for its wide scope. Within this specialty area, clinical psychologists can choose to specialize further to narrow the scope of their practice and focus on a patient population they are passionate about.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Defined by the American Psychological Association as the study of human behavior in the workplace, industrial-organizational psychology focuses on applying psychological principles within workplace settings to improve behavior and performance among employees. Sometimes referred to as I/O psychology, this specialty area focuses on decision theory, human performance, consumer behavior, task analysis, and individual assessment.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology is a specialty area that focuses on applying psychological principles and theories to improve student learning and academic performance. At a time when the educational landscape is becoming increasingly complex, educational psychology is playing a pivotal role in making advancements that benefit all students. Educational psychology focuses on applying human development theories within educational settings to better understand how students learn.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is a specialty area that focuses on applying psychological principles within the context of the legal system and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists need training in psychology as well as in criminal justice, and they often work to assess individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system in some way. Their psychological expertise is sometimes required within the court system.

Health Psychology

Health psychology is a psychology specialty area that focuses on promoting wellness, preventing disease, and empowering individuals to make positive decisions for their own health and well-being. By examining the biological, social, and environmental factors that impact health, health psychologists can work with clients to help them improve their decision-making process and learn how to put their own health first.

Sports Psychology

Sports psychology is a targeted psychological specialty that aims to apply psychological principles and theories to improve the well-being of athletes. Sports psychology interventions can be applied in a wide range of athletic settings and for a diverse range of clients. Sports psychologists may work with athletes to improve athletic performance, or they may assist coaches who want to develop new ways to motivate and inspire their players. Sports psychologists also explore the social and developmental benefits of sports.

How Applied Psychology Impacts Society

By offering practical and concrete applications, applied psychology can impact society at all levels. This psychology specialty area allows those passionate about mental health and well-being to provide people with the skills they need to succeed in their personal, professional, and social lives. Through applied psychology, psychologists across all specialties can develop practical solutions to real-world problems rooted in the leading psychological principles.

Career Opportunities in Applied Psychology

Those who earn a bachelor's degree in applied psychology will be able to develop the practical and theoretical skills required to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. An undergraduate degree program can provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to secure entry-level positions, but some of these career opportunities in applied psychology may require further education or professional experience.

These are some of the career opportunities in applied psychology for you to consider:

• Clinical Psychologist — The American Psychological Association defines a clinical psychologist as a mental healthcare professional who provides counseling services for individuals with mental health disorders, emotional concerns, or behavioral challenges. Those with a degree in applied psychology can use their practical knowledge to provide clients with actionable and intuitive counseling treatment services.
• Human Resources Specialist — A human resources specialist works to create and implement hiring strategies at organizations. Human resources specialists with a background in applied psychology will have a deeper understanding of how to attract and retain top talent.
• School Counselor — A school counselor is an education professional who works directly with students to improve their academic, social, and professional skills. With a degree in applied psychology, you can learn how to implement psychological principles within an educational setting.
• Forensic Psychologist — A forensic psychologist is a psychologist who specializes in working with clients who are involved with the criminal justice system. They may be responsible for performing psychological assessments and aiding in criminal investigations. An applied psychology background allows a forensic psychologist to apply psychological principles within the context of the criminal justice system.
• Health Psychologist — Health psychologists work with clients to improve their physical and emotional well-being. Those with a degree in applied psychology will have a unique understanding of how to apply psychological principles to prevent disease and improve health equity overall.
• Sports Psychologist — A sports psychologist is a psychologist who works with athletes to overcome mental hurdles and improve athletic performance. It is an exciting field for those with a background in applied psychology, as they can apply a wide range of psychological principles within the context of athletics, ultimately delivering results for their clients.

What Is Applied Psychology? Learn More at Champlain College Online

With an emphasis on the practical application of psychology theory, applied psychology brings the science of psychology into real-world scenarios. At Champlain College Online, we offer an online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology degree, allowing you to develop the ability to apply psychological methods and techniques in both personal and professional settings. This degree program provides you with the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in psychology that you can build upon throughout your career.

Request more information about our online degree programs today.