Psychobiology
What is Psychobiology?
The bachelor of science in psychobiology is intended for students with an interest in organismic biology and natural science approaches to psychology. The major is ideal for developing an appreciation for the emerging fields of neuroscience and health psychology. Individuals arrange courses to satisfy their particular interests and prepare for advanced study in psychology, psychobiology, biology, behavioral ecology, veterinary medicine, the health professions (medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry) or employment in varied areas, including pharmaceutical research or sales and allied health professions.
Related Career Titles of Albright Alumni (Some may require education beyond bachelor’s degree)
| Assistant Professor | Assistant Psychologist | Behavioral Therapist |
| Clinical Care Coordinator | Clinical Data Reviewer | Clinical Neuropsychologist |
| Clinical Psychologist | Clinical Research Associate | Family Physician |
| Medical Research Specialist | Neuropsychologist | Occupational Therapist |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. | Physical Therapist | Psychiatric Assistant |
| Psychiatrist | Psychologist | Quality Control Analyst |
| Research Coordinator | Research Scientist | Therapeutic Counselor |
Biology Related Career Titles (Some may require education beyond bachelor’s degree)
| Agronomist | Environmental Engineer | Marine Engineering Tech |
| Animal Scientist | Environmental Health | Marine Fisheries/Worker |
| Aquaculture Farmer | Environmental Protection | Marine Geologist |
| Aqua culturist | Ergonomist | Marine Sales |
| Aquarium & Museum | Fish Hatchery Tech | Marine Tourist Worker |
| Aquarium Technician | Fisheries Conservation | Market Research Analyst |
| Aquatic Biologist | Florist | Medical Illustrator |
| Barrier Beach Mgr | Food Scientist-Tech | Medical Laboratory Tech |
| Bio-Engineer | Forester | Medical Librarian |
| Bio-Technologist | Genetic Eng. Research | Medical Technologist |
| Biochemist | Geographer | Meteorologist |
| Biometrician | Health Officer | Microbiologist |
| Boat Builder & Repair | Horticulturist | Molecular Biologist |
| Botanist | Hospital Administrator | Mortician |
| Chem. Oceanographer | Hydrographic Surveyor | Museum/Aquarium Admin. |
| Chiropractor | Industrial Hygienist | Mycologist |
| Coastal Resources Mgr. | Industrial Marine Econ. | Naval Architect |
| Commercial Fish. Eng. | Limnological Technician | Net Designer |
| Coroner | Marine-Coastal Consult | Neurobiologist |
| Dentist | Marine Bacteriologist | Oceanographer |
| Dietitian & Nutritionist | Marine Biologist | Paramedic |
| Ecologist | Marine Ecologist | Parasitologist |
| Pharmacy Technician | Physical Therapist | Pharmaceutical Sales |
| Science Lab Tech. | Public Health Worker | Physician |
| Zoologist | Science Teacher | Salt Marsh Manager |
| Wildlife Resources Mgr. | State Parks & Recreation | Science Writer |
| Technical Writer | Test-Inspection Tech. | Soil Conservationist |
| Underwater Technician | Veterinarian | Systems Analyst |
| Geophysicist/Physicist | Wildlife Biologist | Toxicologist |
| Water Quality Technician | Film Maker | Science Illustrator |
Psychology Related Career Titles (Some may require education beyond bachelor’s degree)
| Activity Leader | Crisis Intervention Counselor | International Student Advisor |
| Admissions Counselor | Customer Service Rep. | Job Developer |
| Advertising Assistant | Customs/Immigration Officer | Junior Market Analyst |
| Employment Agency Counselor | Labor Relations Specialist | Community and Social Service Worker |
| Market Research Analyst | Case Worker | Marketing/Sales Manager |
| Community Relations Rep. | Hospice Coordinator | Market Research Analyst |
| Human Resources | Mental Health Coordinator | Correctional Caseworker |
| Personnel Interviewer | Recreation Specialist | Probation Officer |
| Teacher | Sales Representative | Professional Employment Recruiter |
| Crisis Intervention Counselor | Art Therapist | Counselor – School |
| Child Psychologist | Counselor – Vocational | College Student Affairs |
| Counselor – Alcohol/Drug | Counselor – Career | Music Therapist |
| Psychiatrist | Occupational Therapist | Financial Advisor |
| Psychologist | Health Educator | Counselor – Guidance |
| Social Service Professional | Youth Corrections Officer | Medical Technologist |
How do you get ready?
- A bachelor’s degree in Biology will qualify one for work as a laboratory assistant, technician, technologist or research assistant in education, industry, government, museums, parks and gardens.
- An undergraduate biology degree can also be used for nontechnical work in writing, illustration, sales, photography and legislation.
- Master’s degrees in the sciences or psychology will allow for more opportunities. Some community colleges will hire master’s level teachers.
- Doctoral degrees are necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching and independent research.
- An advanced degree provides the opportunity to specialize in fields of interest.
- The biological sciences are good preparation for a career in healthcare, such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, but professional degrees and licenses are also necessary to practice in these fields.
- Obtain summer, part-time, volunteer, co-op, or internship experience to test the fields of interest and gain valuable experience. Take independent research classes if possible.
- Participate in summer research institutes. Submit research to local poster competitions or research symposiums.
- Develop strong analytical, computer, mathematics and communications skills.
- Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Maintain a high grade point average to improve chances of graduate and professional school admission.
- Become familiar with the specific entrance exam for graduate or professional schools in your area of interest.
- Secure strong relationships and personal recommendations from professors and/or employers.
Related Major Skills
| Knowledge of human development & behavior | Problem Solving |
| Able to observe, analyze, & interpret Information | Decision making |
| Concern for and sensitivity to others | Interviewing techniques |
| Critical and inferential thinking | Good listener |
| Insight to deal effectively with people | Able to promote healthy relationships |
| Ability to resolve or mediate conflicts | Understanding of group dynamics |
| Operate scientific equipment | Independent worker |
| Information handling & organization | Curiosity and creativity |
| Biology theory & practical knowledge | Statistical awareness |
| Oral & written communication | Numerical computation |
| Analytical & quantitative abilities | Innovative talents |
| Problem solving | Technical skills |
| Teamwork |
What about the future?
For specific job outlook information, refer to www.bls.gov/ooh
“Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.”
“Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation.”
Available at Albright College Career Development Center’s Resource Library
- Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types, by Adrian A. Paradis
- Careers for Scholars and Other Deep Thinkers, by Blythe Camenson
- Careers for Scientific Types and Others with Inquiring Minds, by Jan Goldberg
- Great Jobs for Biology Majors, by Blythe Camenson
- Great Jobs for Psychology Majors, by Julie DeGalan & Stephen Lambert
- Opportunities in Biological Sciences Careers, by Charles A. Winter
- Opportunities in Biotechnology Careers, by Sheldon S. Brown
- Opportunities in Counseling & Development Careers, by Neale Baxter and Philip A. Perry
- Opportunities in Environmental Careers, by Odom Fanning
- Opportunities in Gerontology & Aging Services Careers, by Ellen Williams
- Opportunities in Health & Medical Careers, by I. Donald Snook, & Leo D’Orazio
- Opportunities in Mental Health Careers, by Philip A. Perry
- Opportunities in Occupational Therapy Careers, by Zona R. Weeks
- Opportunities in Physical Therapy Careers, by Bernice R. Krumhansl
- Opportunities in Physician Careers, by Jan Sugar-Webb
- Opportunities in Physician Assistant Careers, by Terence J. Sacks
- Opportunities in Psychology Careers, by Charles M. Super and Donald E. Super
- Opportunities in Research and Development Careers, by Jan Goldberg
- Opportunities in Teaching Careers, by Janet Fine
- Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine Careers, by Robert E. Swope
Disclaimer
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by Albright College or the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center.
Job and Internship Links
- Medzilla http://www.medzilla.com/
- Naturejobs http://naturejobs.nature.com/js.php
- Tiny Tech Jobs http://www.tinytechjobs.com
- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences http://www.aafs.org
- The Scientist http://careers.the-scientist.com
- Pre-Med Internship Opportunities http://people.rit.edu/gtfsbi/Symp/premed.htm
- Careers with the Agricultural Research Service http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers
- Life Sciences World http://www.lifesciencesworld.com/
- BioSpace http://www.biospace.com
- Maritime Employment Opportunities http://www.maritimeemployment.com
- National Institute of Health http://www.nih.gov
- National Institute of Health Internships http://www.training.nih.gov
- American Psychological Association, http://www.psyccareers.com/
- Association of Psychological Science, http://www.psychologicalscience.org/jobs/
- Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers, http://www.appic.org/
- Charity Navigator, http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.advanced.htm
- Chronicle of Philanthropy, http://www.philanthropy.com/
- Human Services Career Network, http://www.hscareers.com/
- Work for Good, https://www.workforgood.org/
- PeaceCorps, http://www.peacecorps.gov/
- AmeriCorps, http://www.americorps.gov
- Social Psychology Network, http://www.socialpsychology.org/forums/jobforum/
- Social Service.com, http://www.socialservice.com/
- Society for I/O Psychology, http://www.siop.org/JobNet/
- US Department of Housing & Urban Development, http://www.hud.gov/jobs/index.cfm
- Pre-Professional Internship Information http://www.learnpsychology.org/pre-professional-experience/
- Psychology Job Info https://www.moneygeek.com/careers/psychology/
Career Planning Links
- Medical/Health Exploration http://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/medicaled.html#general
- Encyclopedia of Psychology, http://www.psychology.org/links/Career/
- Non-Academic Careers in Psychology, http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/profiles/index.aspx
- Social Psychology Network http://www.socialpsychology.org
Professional Associations Links
- The American Society for Cell Biology http://www.ascb.org
- American Association of Zoo Keepers http://www.aazk.org
- American Aquarium and Zoo Association http://aza.org/
- The American Institute of Biological Sciences http://www.aibs.org
- International Biometric Society http://www.biometricsociety.org/
- The Company of Biologists Limited http://www.biologists.com/
- US Geological Survey http://www.usgs.gov/
- American Counseling Association, http://www.counseling.org/
- American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org
- APA of Graduate Students, http://www.apa.org/apags
- National Association of Social Workers, http://www.naswdc.org/
- American Occupational Therapy Association http://www.aota.org
- American Physical Therapy Association http://www.apta.org
- Association for Applied Sports Psychology http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/
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