Social psychology is a field of study that focuses on the origins of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of people and how those behaviors and thoughts are influenced by the presence of other people. A social psychologist can work in a variety of settings, from research capacities to social or mental health services, so if you want to get into the field of social psychology, it helps to develop a sense of what your career path will be. Be sure to know and understand the various settings in which a social psychologist will work to find out which setting will be best for you.
To enter this field, you will need to earn a high school diploma and earn good grades in languages, history, sociology, and psychology. Once you graduate from high school, you can apply for a college degree program in psychology, sociology, or social psychology if it is offered. You will need to fill out the appropriate applications for each social psychology program you are considering and attach all appropriate supplemental materials, such as high school transcripts. Remember that application fees often apply, so be sure to look into how much the fees will cost. You should also check into tuition rates for each program to be sure you will be able to afford your education.
While in college, take a variety of courses that will give you a better idea of the various areas of emphasis available to you within the broader category of social psychology. This may help you decide on a career focus later on, and it may also help you develop a topic for a senior thesis or final project. During your junior or senior year of study, it will be helpful to seek out an internship that will allow you to get on the job experience and to develop important contacts within the social psychology field. Internships not only give you more experience and knowledge, but they may also help you secure employment after you graduate.
Upon graduation, you will need to figure out where you want to apply for work. By this point in your education and career development, you should have a good idea as to what type of job you are looking for, but if you do not, be open-minded about opportunities within the field and apply for jobs that sound interesting and relevant to you. Starting with an entry-level position will allow you to further define your career goals.
