Applied psychology is the use of psychological principles to solve real-world problems in everyday settings—from schools and businesses to hospitals, tech companies, and government agencies. Unlike purely academic or research-based psychology, which focuses on theory and experimentation, applied psychology is all about putting knowledge into action to improve systems, support people, and influence behavior.
If you’re asking yourself, what is applied psychology, you’re likely exploring psychology as a potential major or profession—and wondering what kinds of jobs this path can lead to. This guide explains how applied psychology differs from clinical and counseling roles, outlines available degrees, and explores the wide range of career paths available in this flexible, fast-growing field.
What Is Applied Psychology?
Applied psychology refers to the practical use of psychological science to solve problems and improve outcomes in real-world environments. Rather than focusing solely on theory or lab-based research, applied psychologists work directly in systems like education, healthcare, business, government, and technology—helping people function better individually and collectively.
Common Areas of Applied Psychology
Applied psychology includes several subfields, each with its own focus:
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology – Improves workplace performance, employee satisfaction, and organizational health
- Health Psychology – Promotes healthy behaviors and designs interventions for patients or communities
- Educational Psychology – Enhances learning, teaching methods, and academic support systems
- Legal and Forensic Psychology – Supports legal decision-making, compliance, and behavior in court or correctional settings
- Human Factors / UX Psychology – Optimizes how people interact with technology, tools, and environments
Each of these fields applies psychological research and principles to address practical questions—whether it’s how to reduce stress at work, improve user experience, or help students retain information.
Applied vs. Experimental Psychology
While experimental psychology focuses on understanding behavior through controlled studies and theoretical models, applied psychology emphasizes implementation and outcomes. Applied psychologists may use research, but their goal is to influence change in real settings—through policy, program design, education, or user experience.
How Applied Psychology Differs from Clinical or Counseling Psychology
At first glance, applied, clinical, and counseling psychology might seem similar—they all involve human behavior, mental processes, and improving lives. But the focus, training, and career outcomes vary significantly between applied psychology and other types of psychologists, such as clinical and counseling professionals.
Applied Psychology: Systems and Solutions
Applied psychology is about improving environments, behaviors, and systems. Rather than treating individuals with mental health conditions, applied psychologists design and implement interventions in areas like:
- Workplaces
- Schools
- Public health campaigns
- Technology and design
- Government policy
Their work often addresses behavioral patterns or organizational outcomes, not clinical diagnoses.
Clinical Psychology: Diagnosis and Treatment
Clinical psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. Their work is rooted in therapy, psychological testing, and often requires a doctorate and state licensure. This is a healthcare-oriented path, with a focus on individual mental health care.
Counseling Psychology: Development and Support
Counseling psychologists support individuals through life transitions, stress, or emotional struggles. While they may also diagnose and treat mental health conditions, their approach often emphasizes personal growth, wellness, and coping strategies. Like clinical psychologists, they typically hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and must be licensed.
Applied Psychology Degree Options
Applied psychology can be studied at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with each degree preparing students for different roles and levels of specialization. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly or pursue a leadership or academic position, there’s a degree path aligned with your goals.
Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology
A bachelor’s degree in applied psychology provides a strong foundation in psychological theory and real-world application. Programs are often interdisciplinary, blending coursework in psychology, social science, and professional skills like communication, ethics, and data analysis.
What it prepares you for:
- Entry-level jobs in case management, human services, HR, or behavioral health support
- Further study in graduate programs (psychology, counseling, public health, etc.)
Common courses:
- Introduction to Applied Psychology
- Research Methods
- Health or Educational Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Ethics and Diversity
Master’s in Applied Psychology
A master’s degree in applied psychology allows for greater specialization in fields like industrial-organizational psychology, human factors, health promotion, or legal systems. Most programs are not licensure-track, but they offer in-depth training in assessment, program design, and research.
What it prepares you for:
- Mid-level or specialized roles in workplace consulting, program evaluation, UX design, or public policy
- Doctoral study, if desired
Key features:
- Typically completed in 1–2 years
- Often includes applied projects or capstones
- Emphasizes data analysis, system change, and behavioral design
Ph.D. in Applied Psychology
A Ph.D. in applied psychology is research-intensive and prepares graduates for roles in academia, consulting, government, or institutional leadership. This path is best suited for students who want to influence policy, conduct large-scale research, or teach at the university level.
What it prepares you for:
- Roles in policy development, higher education, research labs, or federal agencies
- Leadership in designing behavioral systems or public programs
Highlights:
- Original dissertation research
- Advanced statistics and methodology
- Teaching, grant writing, and publication experience
Applied Psychology Career Paths
Graduates in applied psychology work in a variety of sectors where behavioral science can be used to improve systems, processes, or outcomes. Career opportunities depend on education level and specialization, but the field is broad and adaptable across industries.
Business & Government
Applied psychologists in these areas focus on performance, policy, and organizational health.
Common roles:
- Human Resources Specialist
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist
- Policy Analyst
- Employee Wellness Coordinator
- Program Evaluator
Settings:
- Corporations
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
Health & Community
In health and nonprofit sectors, applied psychology supports wellness initiatives and behavior change at scale.
Common roles:
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
- Community Outreach Manager
- Public Health Research Assistant
Settings:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Public health departments
- Nonprofit organizations
Education & Training
Applied psychology professionals help improve learning, teaching, and development environments.
Common roles:
- Instructional Designer
- Academic Advisor
- Training and Development Coordinator
- Student Services Specialist
Settings:
- K–12 schools
- Colleges and universities
- Corporate training teams
UX & Tech
Human behavior plays a key role in design and user experience (UX), making this a fast-growing area for psychology grads.
Common roles:
- UX Researcher
- Human Factors Specialist
- Usability Analyst
- Behavioral Data Analyst
Settings:
- Tech companies
- Startups
- Product development teams
Legal & Criminal Justice
While applied psychology is distinct from forensic psychology, there’s meaningful overlap in legal and justice-related roles.
Common roles:
- Court Program Coordinator
- Correctional Education Specialist
- Behavioral Compliance Analyst
- Forensic Psychology Research Assistant
Settings:
- Courts and correctional systems
- Law enforcement agencies
- Legal advocacy organizations
Which Degree Is Right for Your Goals?
Choosing the right degree in applied psychology starts with a clear understanding of what kind of work you want to do—and how much training you’re ready to pursue. Each level of study opens different doors and offers varying degrees of specialization and impact.
Bachelor’s Degree: Launching Your Career
A bachelor’s in applied psychology is a strong choice if you’re looking to:
- Enter the workforce quickly
- Gain a foundation in behavior and systems
- Explore career options before committing to graduate school
Good fit for roles in:
- Human services
- Community outreach
- Behavioral support
- Entry-level research or administrative roles
Master’s Degree: Building Specialized Expertise
A master’s in applied psychology is ideal if you want to:
- Work in specialized areas like I/O psychology, UX, or health behavior
- Influence organizational change or public programs
- Gain deeper skills in data analysis, evaluation, or design
Good fit for roles in:
- Corporate consulting
- Government program evaluation
- Health promotion and behavioral research
- Tech-sector human factors and UX
Ph.D.: Leading Research and Systems Change
A Ph.D. in applied psychology may be your path if you want to:
- Conduct high-level research
- Teach at the university level
- Lead initiatives in policy, systems evaluation, or public consulting
Good fit for roles in:
- Academia
- Federal agencies
- Think tanks or research institutes
Whatever your long-term vision—whether it’s improving education systems, designing user-friendly tech, or influencing public policy—there’s likely an applied psychology degree that fits your goals.
FAQ: Applied Psychology Degrees and Careers
Is applied psychology the same as clinical psychology?
No. Applied psychology focuses on using psychological principles to improve systems, behaviors, and outcomes in non-clinical settings—like businesses, schools, and public policy. Clinical psychology, on the other hand, is a healthcare profession centered on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Clinical roles require licensure and a doctoral degree.
Do I need a master’s to get a job in applied psychology?
Not necessarily. Many entry-level roles in human services, case management, or administrative support are open to those with a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology. However, a master’s degree can open the door to more specialized or analytical roles—especially in corporate, tech, or research-focused environments.
Can I become licensed with an applied psychology degree?
Usually not. Most applied psychology degrees are not designed for clinical licensure. If your goal is to provide therapy or mental health treatment, you’ll need to pursue a program specifically accredited for licensure—such as a CACREP-accredited counseling degree or an APA-accredited clinical psychology program.
What if I want to work in mental health?
If you’re drawn to therapy, clinical care, or diagnosing mental health conditions, applied psychology may not be the right path. However, it can be a stepping stone—some students use a bachelor’s in applied psychology as preparation for graduate study in counseling, clinical social work, or clinical psychology.
Still wondering what you can do with an applied psychology degree? The answer depends on your goals—but whether you’re interested in improving systems, supporting communities, or shaping user experience, this degree offers a flexible foundation for impact-driven work.
Exploring Your Next Steps
If applied psychology sounds like a fit, take the next step by:
- Researching programs that align with your interests—whether in business, health, tech, or education
- Clarifying your long-term goals: Do you want to work directly with people, improve systems, or conduct research?
- Looking for internships or volunteer roles in behavioral research, community outreach, or workplace support
- Talking to professionals in your area of interest to learn how they use applied psychology in their careers
With the right degree and direction, you can turn your interest in human behavior into meaningful, real-world impact.
