Psychology Subfields

Brain science and cognitive psychologists study how the human mind thinks, remembers, and learns. They apply psychological science to understand how we make decisions and perceive our world.

Climate and environmental psychologists use psychological science to improve the interactions of people with the world around us.

Clinical psychologists integrate the science of psychology with the treatment of complex human problems.

Counseling psychologists focus on facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan.

Developmental psychologists study how people grow and adapt over the course of their lives. They apply their research to help people overcome developmental challenges and reach their full potential.

Experimental psychologists use science to explore the processes behind human and animal behavior.

Forensic and public service psychologists use psychological science to support the judicial system and other organizations dedicated to public safety. Their expertise and assessments are important in a range of issues that straddle the psychology and legal fields, from mental competence to youth testimony.

Health psychologists use the science of psychology to promote health, prevent illness, and improve health care. They get to the root of people’s emotions to help them make healthy choices.

Human factors and engineering psychologists strive to make everyday experiences easier, more comfortable, and less frustrating by applying the psychological science of human behavior to the products, systems, and devices we use every day.

Industrial and organizational psychologists use science to study human behavior in organizations and the workplace.

Psychologists working in education study how people learn and retain knowledge. They apply psychological science to improve the learning process and promote educational success for all students.

Quantitative psychologists study and develop the methods and techniques used to measure human behavior and other attributes. Their work involves the statistical and mathematical modeling of psychological processes, the design of research studies, and the analysis of psychological data.

Rehabilitation psychologists study individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions and help to improve their overall quality of life.

Social psychologists use psychological science to understand how we perceive ourselves in relation to the rest of the world and how this perception affects our choices, behaviors, and beliefs.

Sport and performance psychologists use science to study human behavior and abilities in sport, exercise, and performance. They help people overcome psychological barriers that can impede their achievements and professional success.