Career Opportunities in Health Psychology

USP's master's of science in health psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model of professional psychology. This means that as a USP graduate you will be trained in both the scientific foundations of clinical health psychology and in the most modern and scientifically established practice skills.

USP's graduate program in health psychology gives equal weight is to training in practice skills and scientific skills. As a graduate, you will always be able to learn about advances in assessment and treatment, and know how to apply new treatment skills, over your professional lifetime.

Health Psychology Career Outlook

Clinical health psychologists take the scientific knowledge obtained from research in health psychology and apply it to patients with physical and emotional illnesses. They are interested in preventing illness, in treating those who are ill, and in improving peoples' general physical and mental well-being. They are knowledgeable about the critical interrelationships between behavior, mental health, physical diseases, interpersonal relationships, the health care delivery system, and optimum health.

Clinical health psychologists work with patients to modify the effects of stress, lifestyle, and personality functioning in optimizing health and preventing and treating illness.

USP health psychology students typically intend to pursue a career in clinical or research psychology. For some, the master's degree is the end of their planned study. Others use the master's degree as a stepping stone for pursuing doctoral work in clinical psychology.

USP Career Services

From career counseling, to helping you develop networks with other alumni, to helping you make contacts in the pharmaceutical industry, USP can help you advance and develop your career. For information and assistance, contact our Office of Career Services at (215) 596-8735.