Environmental Psychologists
According to the APA's Society for Environmental, Population and Conservation Psychology, environmental psychologists conduct research concerning human interactions with the environment. Environmental psychologists argue that interactions with the environment, both from natural ecosystems and human constructs like cities, influence the behavior and thinking of humans. Based on observations of these interactions, environmental psychologists develop theories on the impact of environmental factors like city design, climate change and natural disasters on human behavior and well-being. They also study how aspects of human psychology affect the environment.
Like all psychologists, environmental psychologists must gain an educational background in psychology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all psychologists study human behavior through observation and interpretation. Common psychology fields include clinical and counseling psychology. Environmental psychologists can be clinical or counseling psychologists, though many with the job title of environmental psychologist work as researchers at universities, government agencies or private organizations. The APA states that unlike other psychologists who work in laboratory settings, most environmental psychologists work directly with communities concerning environmental issues.
Requirements
All psychologists need to hold a graduate degree. In the case of most environmental psychologists, a master's degree in psychology is sufficient for some job openings. However, the BLS states that all state licensing boards require clinical or counseling psychologists to hold a doctoral degree. If you want to work in a clinical or counseling setting, as well, you need to invest in a doctoral program. Doctoral programs require performing supervised clinical work in internships and practicums.
Doctoral programs also open up the possibility of academic positions. If you only want a master's degree, it's important to take courses in statistics, organizational psychology and research design. These courses can help you conduct research in environmental psychology.
Employers looked for environmental psychologists with these credentials, found in December 2012 job ads:
- A New York university is looking for a director for its research institute to analyze environmental health trends. The director establishes and maintains the research goals of the institute and helps researchers with program investments. The research center highlights the intersection between environmental health and psychological health. Qualified candidates need to hold a degree in environmental health, public health or mental health and have at least five years of managerial experience.
- A national research organization needs a psychologist trained in social and health psychology. The psychologist must research the reasons behind specific health trends. Environmental psychology methodologies and insight may be needed to conduct relevant studies for the research firm. The candidate must have a doctoral degree.
- A Florida zoo association needs an environmental psychologist who can train the staff at the zoo. The environmental psychologist must be knowledgeable in conservation psychology and help staff understand and create information related to human-nature interactions. The environmental psychologist also will conduct studies that can be turned in to peer-reviewed journals. The candidate must have a doctoral degree.
Standing Out
According to the APA, environmental psychologists need to utilize the methodologies and insights of multiple disciplines to create their environmental theories. The APA suggests that students at the undergraduate level take classes in environmental science, geography or resource management. In addition, the APA suggests that you become active in environmental groups or circles. Participating in civic or volunteer groups, environmental conferences and workshops or community organizations focused on environmental issues acquaints you with these issues.
