Are you considering pursuing an online psychology degree? If so, you should take some time to explore the various career paths you can pursue after earning your degree at an online school such as Baker College. Other online schools with strong psychology programs include:

Kaplan University Online
Argosy University
Walden University
University of Phoenix

First, you should be aware that psychologists fall into three broad categories: research psychologists, psychologists employed in health services fields and psychologists employed in applied settings. Whereas research psychologists spend their days investigating the cognitive, physical, social and emotional aspects of human behavior, those who work in the health services industry typically provide services to individuals in hospitals, schools, clinics and private settings. Psychologists who are employed in the applied settings sector, on the other hand, typically work in industries, business, nonprofit organizations or the government.

While working toward earning your online psychology degree, you should also consider the area in which you would like to specialize. One common area of specialization is clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists work with clients who are mentally and emotionally distressed and who need assistance adjusting to life. Some may also work in physical rehabilitation settings, while others may specialize in helping people deal with specific crises. They may also specialize in one of the following areas:

· Health Psychology – the study of the effects of psychological, biological and social factors on health.
· Neuropsychology – the study of the relationship between behavior and the brain.
· Geropsychology – the study of problem associated with the elderly

In general, clinical psychologists cannot prescribe medication to their patients. Rather, they must consult with a psychologist or other medical doctor if they believe a medical intervention is necessary.

After earning your online psychology degree, you might also choose to specialize in counseling psychology. As a counseling psychologist, you utilize a variety of techniques, such as administering tests and conducting interviews, to assist patients with dealing with problems related to work or other every day issues. Counseling psychologists typically work in hospitals, university counseling centers and group or individual practices.

Another area of specialty you might pursue when earning your online psychology degree is that of a school psychologist. School psychologists work with parents, teachers and school personnel in order to create a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment for students. Another category of psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, research methods for improving productivity and quality in the workplace, while developmental psychologists study the social development that people undergo throughout their lifetime.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of counseling, clinical and school psychologists was $59,440 in 2006. Those who worked in the offices of mental health practitioners earned the most, with a median annual income of $69,510, while those who worked in outpatient care centers earned the least with a median annual income of $50,310. The median annual income of industrial-organizational psychologists was $86,420 during that same year.