You’re fascinated by the human mind, and helping people is a passion. On a psychology track, is applied psychology for business or clinical psychology right for you?

Required Education

• Applied Business: Master’s degree
• Clinical Psychology: Doctoral degree in most cases

Fundamental Differences

• Applied Business:
  • Applies psychology research and principles to solve business and organizational problems
  • Helps employees and leaders with work (and sometimes life) challenges
  • Advises companies on consumer behaviors and challenges
• Clinical Psychology:
  • Uses psychology training to assist individuals
  • Works with patients 1:1 or in groups
  • Usually provides services within healthcare system

Where You’ll Work

• Applied Business:
  • Any business/industry
  • Government
  • Nonprofit
• Clinical Psychology:
  • Hospitals
  • Community health
  • Outpatient clinics

Common Jobs and Projected Growth

With the right education, a variety of career paths are available. Some examples include:

• Applied Business:
  • Market research analyst (23% growth)
  • Statistical analyst (27%)
  • Organizational development analyst (19%)
• Clinical Psychology:
  • Counseling psychology (12% growth)
  • School counselor (12%)
  • Clinical psychologist (12%)

Though salaries may vary, applied business psychology often means higher pay:

• Applied Business:
  • Market research analyst: $63,230
  • Human resource manager: $110,120
  • Advertising, promotions, and marketing manager: $129,380
• Clinical Psychology: Doctoral degree in most cases
  • Marriage and family therapist: $48,790
  • School and career counselor: $55,410
  • Psychologist: $77,030

A Master of Science in Applied Psychology from USC Dornsife can be the start to your career in clinical or applied business psychology.