Major Branches of Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide

Academically reviewed by Bettina Shapira, Ph.D

Psychology is a fascinating field, with different branches exploring various parts of human behavior and how the mind works. Whether you’re interested in understanding how people learn, delving into the depths of the unconscious mind, or helping people navigate life’s challenges, psychology offers many diverse avenues to explore. In this guide, we’ll examine the major branches of psychology, providing insights into each area and highlighting the unique contributions they make to our understanding of the human experience.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Psychology
• History of Psychology
• Two Major Areas of Psychology
• Psychology Branches and Career Paths
• Exploring Careers in Psychology

Overview of Psychology

Psychology focuses on comprehending the complexities of the mind and behavior, aiming to understand thoughts, emotions, and actions both individually and among groups. It covers a variety of topics, from brain function to social interactions and mental health. By exploring these areas, psychologists aim to improve our understanding of human nature and apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems, enhancing well-being and promoting psychological well-being. Within the field, it’s important to distinguish between psychologists and psychiatrists; while both professions are dedicated to mental health, their training and approaches can differ significantly.

History of Psychology

The field of psychology has a rich and varied history. While iconic figures such as Sigmund Freud, who explored the mysteries of the unconscious mind, and B.F. Skinner, renowned for his behaviorist theories, are widely recognized, the history of psychology encompasses much more than the discoveries of these prominent individuals and dates back even further.

Psychology began as a branch of philosophy before evolving into a distinct scientific discipline in the late 19th century. Over the years, psychology has grown to include numerous theories and practices, each contributing to our grasp of the mind and behavior. From the early days of introspection to the modern focus on neuroscience and cognitive science, the journey of psychology is marked by continuous discovery and advancement.

Two Major Areas of Psychology

Experimental Psychology (Research): This area focuses on conducting research and experiments to understand various aspects of human behavior and mental processes. Experimental psychologists study a wide range of topics, including perception, memory, learning, motivation, and emotion. Their research often forms the basis for theories and practices in other branches of psychology.

Applied Psychology (Practice): This area involves the practical application of psychological principles and research to solve real-world problems. Applied psychologists work in various settings, such as clinical, counseling, educational, forensic, health, and industrial-organizational psychology, using their knowledge to help individuals and organizations improve their well-being and performance.

Psychology Branches and Career Paths

Psychology is rich in specialized areas, from clinical and cognitive psychology to behavioral and developmental psychology, offering unique insights and applications. If you’re passionate about uncovering the mysteries of the mind and contributing to the well-being of others, a career in psychology can be both fulfilling and impactful. Let’s dive into the different psychological disciplines and the career paths they present.

Personality Psychology

Personality psychology is all about acknowledging what makes each of us unique. This branch investigates individual differences in behavior, emotions, and thought patterns. By studying traits like introversion, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness, personality psychologists aim to decipher the patterns that shape our personalities. This field combines research and real-world applications, helping us better grasp why we think and act the way we do. According to the American Psychological Association, personality is defined as the individual differences in a person’s thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns.

Potential careers in personality psychology include working as a researcher, professor, or clinician. You might conduct studies on how personality traits impact various aspects of life or help people understand their personalities to improve their mental health and relationships. This field offers a variety of roles that allow you to make a real difference by helping people understand and embrace their unique qualities. 

If you’re curious about what makes people tick and want to help others understand themselves better, personality psychology could be the perfect fit for you. With opportunities in research, teaching, and clinical practice, this field offers a variety of roles to match your interests and strengths.

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology centers on understanding and addressing atypical patterns of behavior, cognition, and emotion. This area of psychology studies mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By learning more about these conditions, abnormal psychologists aim to develop effective treatments and interventions to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Potential careers in abnormal psychology include working as a clinical psychologist, therapist, or counselor. These professionals diagnose and treat mental health disorders, providing support and strategies to help people manage their conditions. This field offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives by helping them overcome challenges and improve their psychological well-being. If you’re passionate about helping others and interested in comprehending mental health disorders, abnormal psychology could be a rewarding career path for you. 

Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychology, or behaviorism, concentrates on examining observable behaviors and understanding how they are acquired and modified. This branch of psychology is based on the idea that all behaviors are developed through conditioning and can be changed and modified through various techniques. 

Potential careers in behavioral psychology include working as a behavior analyst, therapist, or counselor. These professionals often work with people facing behavioral challenges, such as children with autism or adults with addiction problems, using techniques like positive reinforcement to help change behaviors. This field offers the chance to create positive changes in people’s lives by helping them develop healthier behaviors.

If you’re interested in how behavior is learned and changed and enjoy working with people to improve their lives, a career in behavioral psychology might be perfect for you. With opportunities in therapy, counseling, and research, this field provides various roles that can make a significant impact.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology investigates the mental processes related to knowledge, thought, and understanding. This discipline examines how people perceive, remember, solve problems, and make decisions. By understanding these processes, cognitive psychologists aim to improve educational methods, enhance memory, and develop strategies to support mental health. 

A cognitive psychologist might conduct experiments to understand memory and perception, work in educational settings to develop better learning techniques, or assist in designing user-friendly technology. If you’re fascinated by how the mind works and want to investigate the intricacies of human thought, cognitive psychology could be the right path for you. 

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology studies the growth and changes people undergo throughout their lives, spanning from infancy to old age. This area of psychology looks at the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development that occurs at different life stages. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people evolve over time and what factors influence their growth and development. They often work in educational settings, healthcare facilities, or research institutions, studying the influence of genetics, parenting, education, and culture on human development.

These professionals might assess developmental delays, design educational programs, or study the long-term effects of early childhood experiences. If you’re passionate about acknowledging the growth process and helping people achieve their full potential, a career in developmental psychology could be a perfect fit. For more information on pursuing this field, check out the Master’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program at National University.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology centers on identifying and managing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This field blends psychological science with the treatment of complex human issues, making it one of the most hands-on areas of psychology.

Professionals often work directly with clients to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. Clinical psychologists might also perform research to develop new treatment methods or work in academic settings to train future psychologists. National University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program for those interested in a career that makes a considerable impact on people’s lives by helping them overcome mental wellness challenges. 

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology aims to assist people in enhancing their well-being, alleviating stress, and managing personal crises. This field focuses on the strengths of clients and offers support for various personal and relationship issues throughout their lives. Counseling psychologists work in many different settings, such as schools, private practices, and community agencies, providing guidance and strategies to help people handle life’s challenges.

If you choose a career in counseling psychology, you might work as a school counselor, marriage and family therapist, or career counselor. These roles involve offering valuable support and guidance to help those with both personal and professional issues, aiding them in developing effective coping strategies and reaching their goals. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to pursue a career that makes a difference, consider the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at National University. Please note that this program is offered in California only. We also offer certificates in Psychology, including the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Psychology and the Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychology. Start your journey toward a rewarding career in therapy today. Discover the essential steps and insights needed to become a therapist by visiting our comprehensive guide.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is where psychology meets the legal system. This field involves understanding criminal behavior, providing psychological assessments for court cases, and working with law enforcement agencies. Forensic psychologists might evaluate the mental state of defendants, offer expert testimony in court, or work with victims and offenders to provide counseling and rehabilitation services. 

A career in forensic psychology could be perfect for those interested in the legal system and allow practitioners to use their psychology skills in a unique way. You could work as a criminal profiler, expert witness, or consultant for legal cases, playing a vital role in helping the legal system understand the psychological aspects of cases. If this area of study fascinates you, check out the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program at National University to start your journey.

Health Psychology

Health psychology examines the impact of thoughts, behaviors, and cultural factors on physical health and wellness. This field aims to understand how people manage their health, cope with illness, and make health-related decisions. If this is something you’d be interested in pursuing, National University offers a Master of Science in Health Psychology program to get you started on this path. 

Health psychologists work to promote healthier lifestyles, improve healthcare systems, and support patients dealing with chronic illnesses. You could work as a health educator, clinical health psychologist, or public health advisor, helping people lead healthier lives and developing programs to support wellness. 

Industrial–Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology applies psychological principles to the workplace to improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and an organization’s overall effectiveness. This field involves studying workplace behavior, developing training programs, and implementing policies to enhance the work environment. Check out the Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at National University for more information on this dynamic approach to psychology.

I-O psychologists might work on improving hiring practices, designing employee development programs, or conducting research on workplace dynamics. You could work as a human resources specialist, organizational consultant, or corporate trainer, using psychological insights to create better workplaces. 

Sports Psychology

Sports psychology studies the influence of psychological factors on athletic performance and how sports and exercise participation impact psychological and physical well-being. This field involves working with athletes to enhance their performance, motivation, and mental resilience. Sports psychologists might help athletes cope with pressure, recover from injuries, or improve their focus and teamwork. 

If you love sports and want to help athletes succeed, check out the Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology program at National University. You could work as a sports psychologist for professional teams, a mental skills coach, or a consultant for athletic programs, providing support to help athletes achieve their best. To learn more about sports psychology, read this article on mental health in sports by dean Alvin McLean, PhD.

School Psychology

School psychology is dedicated to fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students within educational environments. School psychologists work with students, teachers, and parents to create supportive learning environments and address any issues that may affect a student’s ability to succeed. This field involves assessing students’ needs, developing intervention plans, and providing counseling and guidance. For more information, check out the Master of Science in School Psychology with PPSP Credential program at National University, available in California.

Integrative Psychology

According to the American Psychological Association, Integrative psychology merges various psychological approaches and practices to develop a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. Integrative psychologists might draw from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and other approaches to provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs. If you’re interested in a holistic approach to psychology that values multiple perspectives, a career in integrative psychology could be a great fit.

You could work as a therapist, counselor, or consultant, using an assortment of skills and techniques to help people achieve mental and emotional well-being. To explore this field, consider the Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology program at National University. Other options at the National University include a Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation and a Graduate Certificate in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformative Studies.

Exploring Careers in Psychology

Psychology is an intriguing and multifaceted field with numerous branches, each offering unique opportunities to make a significant impact in the lives of others. Whether you’re interested in understanding criminal behavior through forensic psychology, promoting health and wellness in health psychology, improving workplace environments in industrial-organizational psychology, or supporting athletes in sports psychology, there’s a path for you.

For those passionate about making a difference in educational settings, school psychology offers the chance to help students thrive. If you prefer a holistic approach, integrative psychology combines various therapeutic techniques to address the complexities of human behavior. Each of these fields provides a rewarding career that allows you to help others and contribute to our understanding of the human mind. Ready to take the next step in your psychology career?

Explore the different branches of psychology and the wide range of psychology programs offered at National University by visiting our Social Sciences and Psychology Degrees page. Find the program that aligns with your interests and start your journey toward a fulfilling career in psychology.