An education in psychology prepares individuals for a remarkable range of employment opportunities. According to Wise (1987), psychologists are employed in the five following major roles, but it is important to realize that many psychologists perform in more than one of these roles (e.g., the college teacher who counsels students, performs research, consults with other teachers to improve their testing procedures, and acts as the chairman of the department). The career paths that psychologists take are dependent upon their levels of education and their areas of interest.

TEACHING- Psychologists teach in two- and four-year colleges, and universities.

RESEARCH- Psychologists are employed by universities, government agencies, the military, and businesses to conduct basic and applied studies of human behavior.

PROVIDING SERVICES - Psychologists work with people of all ages and backgrounds who are coping with every imaginable kind of problem, by assessing their needs and providing appropriate treatment.

ADMINISTRATION- Psychologists work as managers in hospitals, mental health clinics, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, universities, and businesses.

CONSULTING- Psychologists with expertise in a variety of areas are hired by organizations to provide consultative services on subject or problem in the consultant is an expert. These services can include designing a marketing survey and organizing outpatient mental health services" (p. 10).

With a few exceptions, preparation for these careers requires education beyond the undergraduate level or a significant amount of relevant experience. It is also important to realize that it is illegal in Indiana for people to use the term "psychologist" to describe themselves if they have not been certified by the Indiana State Board of Examiners in Psychology. This certification process requires a doctoral degree, a period of supervised practice, an interview with two of the board's members, and successfully passing a standardized test.