Psychology is a rapidly growing field with many divisions. One division that is older yet particularly interesting is the field of School Psychology. People studying in this field are striving to understand the work of a psychologist in a school setting (APA Division 16 2003). This section of psychology studies the behavioral factors that are presented in relationship to children, their families, and the school process (APA Division 16 2003). Just as in many other areas of psychology, becoming a qualified expert in School Psychology requires years of general education accompanied by learning on the grander scale of graduate school. After this graduate program is completed the professional has many opportunities for employment including various research projects, the opportunity to act as a counselor for a school or a system of schools, or counsel a particular student one-on-one. Because there are many different levels to which this particular division can take you and the many diverse opportunities many different types of people seem to find this career exciting and rewarding.
The work of other psychologists is often found to be very different than that of a school psychologist. School psychologists at times find themselves feeling that they are placed in a lower rank because of their title as school psychologist as opposed to a real psychologist (Hynd 1983). This assumption is anything but the truth and once an individual investigates this opinion one is better able to see the work and dedication put into this field just as in any other area of psychology. A school psychologist is not only trained in the area of psychology but this field goes hand in hand with the field of education. A person must be well acquainted with the philosophies and methods of education. A high altitude of comprehension of the psychological process such as social competence, learning and personality is also expected (Georgia State University, 2003).