Careers in Social Psychology

Jennifer L. Leo, Ph.D.

Florida State University

What is the definition of Social Psychology? Scientific study of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings and

behaviors are affected by other people

Focused on how people think about others, influence others, and relate to one another

Sample of topics in Social Psychology

Relationships

Social Influence/Persuasion

Group processes

Prosocial behavior

What is the definition of Social Psychology?

What are the activities in which Social Psychologists engage?

Research-oriented field

Research process

Collaborate with others

Come up with research ideas

Create methods for testing research questions/hypotheses

Data analysis

Communicate results

Apply for grants

Mentor research assistants

What types of organizations or businesses employ Social Psychologists?

Universities

Researcher

Teaching

Marketing firms

Consulting

Government

Non-profit organizations

How much graduate training is needed to become a Social Psychologist?

To specialize in social psychology a Ph.D. is generally necessary

Few master’s programs specific to social psychology

Ph.D. programs

Heavily research oriented

Some classes

Also likely to teach

Often funded by school or research grants

Are certifications or additional training needed to become a Social Psychologist?

No additional training required

However, some may do a post-doctoral program to be more competitive

How good are employment opportunities for Social Psychologists?

Employment opportunities in academia very limited

Less full-time, tenure track jobs

However, growing number of jobs outside academia

Social psychology has broad applicability

Academic50%

Private sector18.7%

Self-employed

13.9%

Governme

nt

10.6%

Non-p

rofi

t6.5

%

What salaries do Social Psychologists earn?

Median Starting Salaries for Ph.D. (2007)

Instructor/lecturer $38,000

Assistant Professor $52,000

Applied Careers $68,000

Overall Median Salaries (2009)

Masters Ph.D.

Faculty Position $52,000 Full Professor $100,000

Applied Careers $80,000 Associate Professor

$72,000

Assistant Professor

$65,000

Applied Careers $120,000

How flexible are working conditions for Social Psychologists?

Jobs in academia tend to be very flexible

Make your own schedule

Decide on topics of research

Work remotely

Jobs outside of academia

Vary by company

What skills & experience should undergrads acquire if interested in Social Psychology? To be competitive for Social Psychology Ph.D. programs:

1.) GPA

Average incoming graduate GPA: ~3.5 (out 4.0 scale)

2.) Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

www.ets.org

General Exam

Average incoming verbal/quantitative total: ~310 (out of 340)

Average incoming analytic score: 4.5 (out of 6)

Subject Exams

Only rarely required by social psych graduate programs

What skills & experience should undergrads acquire if interested in Social Psychology? To be competitive for Social Psychology Ph.D. programs:

3.) Research experience Involve yourself in DIS opportunities!

Recommend working with two different labs during undergrad

4.) Letters of Recommendation Typically need 3

At least 2 should come from professors/research advisors

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Social Psychologist?

Exciting, creative field

Numerous aspects to job

Focus on what you’re interested in

What is the biggest drawback of being a Social Psychologist?

Heavy workload

Carve out time for yourself

Website recommendations for students interested in Social Psychology American Psychological Association

http://www.apa.org/

Social Psychology Network

http://www.socialpsychology.org/

Society for Personality and Social Psychology

http://www.spsp.org/