Versatile Jobs Start With a Psychology Degree
Embark on a journey to understand the human mind and behavior by pursuing a degree in psychology. Beyond the common perception of psychologists limited to therapy rooms, the jobs available to someone with a psychology degree span diverse industries and disciplines.
With the increased awareness of the importance of mental health, the need for psychologists and counselors is greater than ever. There are myriad careers in psychology that await those with a psychology degree, showcasing the versatility and impact this field can have on both individuals and society.
Careers in Psychology
Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that delves into understanding cognition, emotion, and behavior. The discipline includes specialties such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Each one equips you with a unique set of skills that can be applied in a variety of jobs and workplaces.
Clinical and Counseling Psychology
The most well-known career in psychology is clinical and counseling psychology, which involves working directly with individuals to address mental health concerns. From conducting therapy sessions to assessing and diagnosing mental disorders, professionals in this field play a crucial role in improving the well-being of their clients. An advanced degree is typically required to work in this psychology specialization.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists focus on understanding how individuals learn and develop within educational settings. They may work in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions, applying psychological principles to enhance learning environments, address learning challenges, and develop effective teaching strategies. Earning your bachelor’s degree in psychology will allow you to apply for the advanced degree program required for this field.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
In the corporate world, industrial-organizational psychologists contribute to optimizing workplace dynamics. They may be involved in talent acquisition, employee training, organizational development, and addressing workplace challenges to improve productivity and employee satisfaction. Although an advanced degree is typically required, a bachelor’s degree in psychology will provide the foundational knowledge for this psychology job.
Forensic Psychology
For those intrigued by the intersection of psychology and the legal system, forensic psychology offers a captivating path. Forensic psychologists may work in criminal profiling, courtroom consulting, or rehabilitation of offenders, applying their expertise to the complexities of the legal arena. You can work as a forensic psychologist with a master’s degree, but a doctoral degree is generally required to work in more advanced and independent positions, such as conducting forensic evaluations or serving as an expert witness in court.
Health Psychology
Health psychologists focus on the interplay between psychological factors and physical health. They may work in health care settings, collaborating with medical professionals to address issues such as stress management, behavior change, and the psychological aspects of chronic illnesses. A master’s degree is typically required to work in this career in psychology.
Research and Academia
For those inclined toward the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, a psychology degree can open doors to a career in research and academia. Psychologists engage in groundbreaking research, contributing to our understanding of the human mind and informing evidence-based practices in the field. Generally, a PhD or PsyD is required to work in this psychology specialization.
Human Resources and Business
Psychology graduates are sought after in the business world for their understanding of human behavior. They may find roles in human resources, organizational development, or marketing and use their insights to enhance team dynamics, employee engagement, and consumer behavior analysis. When paired with a business minor or dual major, you could work in this psychology job with a bachelor’s degree.
Here are other careers in psychology you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree:
- Activities director
- Career counselor
- Case manager
- Childcare worker
- Employment counselor
- Marketer
- Mental health advocate
- PR representative
Average Psychologist Pay
The average psychology pay depends on several factors, including your psychology specialization, location, and experience, to name just a few. Here are examples of the income for psychology jobs:
The outlook for human resources salaries follows these four trends:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists can earn $102,740 annually.
- Educational psychologists who work in schools can make $87,550 annually, according to the BLS.
- On average, industrial-organizational psychologists earn $144,610, according to the BLS.
- The BLS estimates that human resources specialists earn $64,240 annually.
- Social and community service managers can earn $74,240 annually, according to the BLS.
Start Your Career in Psychology at Baker University
Baker provides two pathways toward jobs with a psychology degree. Both our traditional on-campus bachelor’s in psychology and our 100 percent online psychology bachelor’s degree prepare you for careers in psychology and for advanced degrees.
Whether working directly with individuals, influencing organizational dynamics, or contributing to scientific breakthroughs, psychology graduates have the power to make a profound impact on individuals, communities, and society at large.
