What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

Psychology is one of the most versatile fields in the world today. A degree in psychology explores human behavior in depth and gives you knowledge and skills that can be used in a wide variety of careers. If you’re a psychology undergraduate or have completed your degree but don’t know what to do next, read on to find out the best jobs for psychology majors.

As a psychology graduate, you can go on to become a clinical psychologist or forensic psychologist. But many psychology students also go on to find dream job opportunities as social workers or in marketing and sales positions, or even work in law enforcement and criminal justice. 

What Is a Psychology Major?

A psychology major is a degree program that looks at the science of human behavior by examining how the brain works. You’ll explore what drives behavior and how these mental processes affect social interactions. 

You can choose to specialize in certain areas such as educational psychology, forensic psychology, experimental psychology, or clinical psychology. Each category comes with a wide range of psychology career options and all of them are in high demand. 

How to Become a Psychologist: Psychology Education Options 

Psychology is an academic field, and the best way to become a psychologist or work in a psychology-related job is to get a formal education from a university. You can get an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or even a doctorate degree. The option you choose will depend on your circumstances and the annual wage you want. 

Psychology Associate Degree 

An associate degree in psychology is an undergraduate degree that takes about two years to complete and can be earned from a community college. With an associate degree in psychology, you can get an entry-level position in one of several industries. 

Best Associate Degree Programs in Psychology 

• Associate of Art in Psychology – Allen County Community College 
• Associate of Science in Psychology – Barton County Community College 
• Associate of Arts in Psychology – East Georgia State College
• Associate of Science in Psychology – Copiah-Lincoln Community College
• Associate of Arts in Psychology – South Texas College

Psychology Bachelor’s Degree

You can get a bachelor’s degree after high school or after getting an associate degree. This is the most common option for psychology students. The traditional bachelor’s degree in psychology takes about four years. 

Bachelor’s degree holders tend to have more career opportunities than associate degree holders. They may also earn more money even in entry-level positions. 

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Psychology 

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Columbia University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Harvard University
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Princeton University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Stanford University 
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of California – Berkeley

Psychology Master’s Degree 

A graduate degree in psychology can open up even more career opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing senior and high-paying jobs, or want to specialize in a certain area like education psychology, a master’s degree in psychology provides you with the necessary level of education.

Note that several top universities offer a Master’s Degree in Psychology as part of a doctoral degree program. In such a situation, you will need to enroll for a doctoral degree and opt for a master’s degree attached to it. The good news is that there are some terminal master’s degrees in psychology that you can explore. 

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Psychology 

• Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Psychology – Harvard University  
• Master of Arts in Psychology – New York University
• Master of Arts in Psychology – George Mason University
• Master of Science in Psychology – University of Michigan
• Master of Science in Psychology – Drexel University

Psychology Career Overview: Is a Psychology Career Worth It?

Yes, a career in psychology is worth it for anyone curious about how the human mind works. There is positive job growth in the field and a wide range of job options. You’ll also get to find answers to some of the most important questions about why humans behave the way they do. 

It’s worth remembering that job satisfaction, salary, and career opportunities in psychology vary depending on the specialization and whether or not you have a graduate degree. So, while a clinical psychologist might earn an annual salary of $100,800, a counselling psychologist might earn an annual salary of $86,938. 

Psychology Job Outlook

A career in psychology comes with good job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an eight percent rise in the number of psychology occupations between 2020 and 2030. That equates to 13,500 new jobs within that time frame. 

Psychology Salaries

BLS notes that the average psychology major earns a median salary of $82,180. Salary is influenced by several factors such as years of experience, specialization, and education. The company offering the job, the industry, and the location may also have an influence on your overall annual wage. 

Best Jobs for Psychology Majors: What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

There are many types of jobs you can pursue with a psychology degree. These opportunities are not limited to the mental health industry. The education you get will determine which of these jobs you qualify for, so check out the tables below for more details. You can get an entry-level job with an associate degree, but with a higher degree comes better pay.

Best Jobs for Psychology Associate Degree Majors

Police Officers 

• Average Salary: $67,290
• Job Outlook: 7 percent 

Police officers work for the government to maintain order. The job description may vary slightly depending on rank, but all police officers should have a solid understanding of human behavior. With an associate degree in psychology, you can work as a police officer. 

Correctional Officer 

• Average Salary: $47,440
• Job Outlook: – 7 percent 

Correctional officers work in the law enforcement field, usually in prisons. They supervise inmates, enforce prison rules, and aid in rehabilitation. While most correctional officers can start their training with a high school diploma, some establishments may insist on an associate degree.

Social Assistant 

• Average Salary: $35,960
• Job Outlook: 17 percent 

A social assistant provides assistance to families and recommends the best course of action for children and dependants during difficult situations. They work in human services, usually for social service agencies.

Psychiatric Technician 

• Average Salary: $33,140
• Job Outlook: 11 percent 

Psychiatric technicians work in healthcare facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and even prisons. They administer medications, change bedding, and help patients with life skills. In some settings, they are also known as orderlies.

Teacher Assistant

• Average Salary: $28,900
• Job Outlook: 9 percent 

Teacher assistants help licensed teachers prepare their classrooms, look after students, and can give one-on-one help to students to make sure they’re understanding the teacher’s lesson. They generally work in schools or daycare centers and can sometimes work with special education students. You’ll need a good understanding of child development. 

Best Jobs for Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Majors

Human Resource Specialist 

• Average Salary: $63,490
• Job Outlook: 10 percent 

A bachelor’s degree in psychology equips you with the knowledge you need to work in human resources. They handle employee relations within an organization and handle things like compensation, training, and keeping a healthy working environment. Strong interpersonal skills will be important in this line of work.

Elementary School Teacher

• Average Salary: $60,660
• Job Outlook: 7 percent 

Elementary School Teachers teach younger children. Sometimes in schools, there are children who do not have a safe place at home or have behavioral issues, so it would be helpful to have experience with psychology to help those children.

Social Worker

• Average Salary: $51,760
• Job Outlook: 12 percent 

Social workers are usually court-appointed to children or adults who are unable to care for themselves. They make sure that their wards are in a healthy, safe environment and are being cared for correctly. They also make sure that clients have access to any food or necessary resource they may need.

Medical Lab Assistant 

• Average Salary: $54,180
• Job Outlook: 11 percent 

These experts work in medical laboratories, assisting the medical laboratory technicians. They help with research, disease diagnosis, quantitative and qualitative test screening. They may also assist in the examination of the human body.

Substance Abuse Counselor 

• Average Salary: $47,660
• Job Outlook: 23 percent 

A substance abuse counselor works with clients to assess their mental health and determine if they’re ready to proceed with treatment. They also help make a plan for the client to reach their treatment goal and often involve the client’s family members. 

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This is a great option for current psychology undergraduates to consider if they’re interested in substance abuse and addiction, as the need for these experts is expected to grow considerably over the next few years. 

Best Jobs for Psychology Master’s Degree Majors

Behavior Analyst 

• Average Salary: $89,457
• Job Outlook: 8 percent*

While behavior analysts typically need a master’s in applied behavior analysis, you can get the job after you finish your graduate study in psychology with a concentration in behavioral psychology. Behavior analysts observe people and come up with treatment plans to help improve their communication and social or behavioral skills. 

Sports Psychologist 

• Average Salary: $49,033
• Job Outlook: 8 percent* 

Sports psychologists are mental health technicians who work with professional athletes to ensure that they are in the best mental state to perform. They provide mental coaching that helps athletes overcome challenges they might be facing due to their career path. You’ll typically specialize in sports psychology as part of your master’s degree to pursue this career. 

Rehabilitation Counsellor

• Average Salary: $37,530
• Job Outlook: 10 percent 

As a rehabilitation counsellor, you will be charged with helping people with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities. If they have a lifelong disability, you will have to teach them how to function independently. Substance abuse counsellor is a very similar role you might also consider. 

Psychological Associate 

• Average Salary: $82,180
• Job Outlook: 8 percent*

Psychological associates work with people to manage mental disorders or mental illnesses. They typically work in mental health centers. Note that after you get your master’s degree you will need to have supervised training before you can become a licensed psychologist who is able to practice independently. 

Child Protection Specialist 

• Average Salary: $51,760
• Job Outlook: 12 percent 

With a master’s degree in social work or child psychology, you can get a job as a child protection specialist. These social workers help children in potentially dangerous situations or at risk of child abuse find safety before things get worse. It involves a combination of field and office work.

*Job outlook and top 10 percent pay figures have been taken from the BLS listing for psychologists. 

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Psychology 

1. Build your network. As you’re studying your way through college, don’t forget to make a few professional friends along the way. The more contacts you have in the psychology field, the more shots you’ll have at a good job.  
2. Do not be afraid to start small. You need experience before you can get your dream job. So, even if the job offers you’re seeing right after school aren’t as rewarding as you’d hoped, the experience will help you grow and prepare you for a better career later on. 
3. Consider building a personal brand. Start a podcast or a blog that shows your professional skills. If you build a name for yourself, you’ll have a wide variety of material to sell yourself with during an interview.   

If you’re really interested in the field of psychology, you need the right education. You can start small with an associate degree and work your way up to a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. or even a doctoral degree. If you need to keep your day job while you earn your degree, there are also online options for your convenience.