Research Careers
Careers in applied research include User Experience, Clinical Research, and Policy Analysis.
In the fields of applied research, you will utilize your knowledge of research methods to help shape the products and policies our society deals with every day.
Learn about the paths of successful alumni by clicking the links below.
Nicole Turcotte
Clinical Research Manager, Barrow Neurological Institute
Interested in a career in research? Check out the resources below.
User Experience (UX) Research
As a UX researcher, you would focus on understanding what users need, what they value and how well they can use your company’s technology. The goal of UX researchers is to ensure that users find value in the products your company is providing.
Recommended classes:
- PSY 290 - Research Methods
- PSY 350 - Social Psychology
- PSY 515 - Quantitative Analysis I
- PSY 420 - Analysis of Behavior
Typical salary: $57,000 to $125,000 per year
Job outlook: Expected to increase by 19% by 2029
Requirements:
- Requirements vary per employer and position. Some companies such as Facebook look for people with a Ph.D., whereas others simply require a bachelor’s degree.
- Click here to learn more about working on user experience.
Clinical Research
As a clinical researcher, you will help develop and implement research studies for various topics affecting people’s health and well-being.
Recommended classes:
Typical salary: $82,000 per year
Job outlook: Expected to increase by 13% by 2026
Requirements:
- Requirements vary per employer and field of work. Most positions as a researcher or research manager only require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Policy Analyst
As a policy researcher, you will help organize and conduct studies that will influence policy for businesses, government institutions, and other organizations.
Recommended classes:
- PSY 290 - Research Methods
- PSY 515 - Quantitative Analysis I
- PSY 350 - Social Psychology
- SOC 451- Comparative Sociology
Typical salary: $40,000 to $80,000 per year
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a research-based major
- Further requirements will vary per position. Some positions may require a master’s degree.