Biopsychology is a field not widely familiar to many; therefore, there should be greater discussion on its potential career pathways. For those intrigued by biopsychology, numerous career options await. Some opt for research roles, finding employment in universities, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or various industries. Others prefer direct patient interaction, aiding individuals coping with brain damage or conditions significantly impacting their behavior and functioning. Hence, a biopsychology career offers opportunities for research, teaching at both university and graduate levels, and patient counseling. Additionally, many biopsychologists specialize in sub-fields like neuropsychology. Let’s dive into some of the specific careers that students studying biopsychology can enter!

• Comparative Psychologist – Looks at the behaviors of different species and compares them to each other and to humans.
• Evolutionary Psychologist – Examines the evolutionary bases of behavior to figure out why and how people behave the way that they do based on evolutionary pathways.
• Behavioral Neuroscientist – Analyzes how the brain, nervous system, and other organs impact behavior; there is a greater focus on physiology and how that governs behavior.
• Neurologist – specialize in treating patients afflicted by damages or diseases affecting nervous system function. As medical doctors, neurologists bridge the gap between biopsychological and neurological knowledge in clinical practice. If you’re intrigued by this intersection and the clinical application of such knowledge, pursuing a career as a neurologist could be an excellent choice for you.
• Cognitive Neuroscientist – investigate brain activity and scans to explore the intricacies of human cognition, including thought processes, learning mechanisms, and problem-solving strategies. Typically, neuroscientists in this domain focus on research, dedicating the majority of their time to conducting wet labs or clinical research.
• Neuropsychologist – examines the effects of structural brain alterations, analyzing how nerves, neurotransmitters, and brain processes influence behavior. Typically, neuroscientists in this field specialize in patients who have undergone brain damage or are afflicted with neurological disorders. Their careers may revolve solely around research, investigating disease effects, or encompass clinical practice, wherein they provide direct services to patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
• General Researchers – conduct experiments and hands-on investigations to understand how the brain operates under specific conditions and influences. They may specialize in various areas such as sensory perception, cognition, mental health disorders, sleep, and addictions. Biopsychological researchers work across a variety of settings, including research institutions, hospitals, and universities.
• Professors – many biopsychologists opt for a career in academia, becoming professors and dedicating their time to teaching courses in biopsychology and related fields to university students. Teaching at the university level allows for active involvement in personal research endeavors, publication writing, and student research training. Academic institutions often encourage faculty members to pursue these additional pathways. Additionally, professors may oversee students in practical settings, coordinate biopsychology research projects, or deliver lectures.
• Clinician – While not a typical choice for many biopsychologists, some may pursue clinical careers, involving the provision of counseling and psychotherapy. This path is less common because such activities are typically carried out by trained professionals in the medical field. Biopsychologists opting for this route focus on treating patients with psychological disorders believed to have biological origins. Their primary objective is to discern any physiological abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord underlying these disorders. Additionally, they may conduct assessments and evaluations, clinical interviews, case histories, mental status examinations, and administer psychological tests to patients with brain disorders. Biopsychologists who become clinicians (MDs/DOs) rather than obtaining a standard PhD may work in private or group practices, mental health clinics, universities, or hospitals.

That concludes an overview of a wide array of careers and sub-careers within the field of biopsychology that you can explore if you’re interested in pursuing studies in this field!