What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology?
A psychology degree lays a rich, adaptable groundwork that can branch into a wide array of professional avenues. It can also be a stepping stone to further education in various fields of study.
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Read on to explore the broad selection of career choices available to psychology undergraduate students who are intrigued by the intricate workings of the mind and human behavior.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
A bachelors in psychology could lead to a variety of career opportunities, reflecting the diverse nature of the field itself.
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Let’s explore different fields where graduates can apply their understanding of human behavior, from healthcare and education to business and social services.
Advertising / Marketing
A bachelors in psychology can lead to various roles in the advertising and marketing sectors. Potential positions include market research analyst, consumer behavior analyst, advertising copywriter, brand manager, digital marketing expert, and public relations specialist.
Your knowledge of human behavior and decision-making processes could help you devise compelling campaigns and strategies that resonate with audiences.
Clinical / Healthcare
Advanced degrees are generally required for clinical positions, but a bachelors in psychology can serve as a gateway to various healthcare professions.
Graduates may pursue opportunities as psychiatric technicians, mental health assistants, or case managers. An understanding of human behavior and adept communication abilities could enhance the delivery of patient care.
Counseling
Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology can help you qualify for various introductory counseling positions, such as career counselor, rehabilitation counselor, and substance abuse counselor.
These roles normally don’t require advanced degrees for entry. Progressing in this field, though, usually involves acquiring further certifications and accumulating relevant experience.
Education
A bachelors in psychology is applicable within the educational field as well. Psychology majors might pursue positions as educational assistants or tutors.
While this degree lays the groundwork for many educational roles, positions such as school psychologist, instructional coordinator, or classroom teacher may require advanced degrees or specific teaching certifications.
Government / Law Enforcement
A bachelors in psychology can help open pathways into government and law enforcement.
Potential career options range from serving as a probation officer to working as a research or crime analyst, where insights into human behavior are invaluable. For elevated roles like forensic psychologist or FBI agent, pursuing advanced degrees is often a prerequisite.
Human Resources
Human resources is another field in which a bachelor’s in psychology is applicable.
In roles such as recruitment specialist, HR generalist, or employee relations coordinator, your knowledge of human behavior could be key in managing staff, resolving conflicts, and improving the work environment. Additional certifications or studies may pave the way to senior HR positions.
Journalism / Public Relations
Majoring in psychology could help position you for the fields of journalism and public relations. Applicable roles include content writer, communications specialist, public relations specialist, or PR assistant.
Your grasp of human psychology and effective communication skills may help you weave engaging narratives, captivate audiences, and shape the public image for various entities and media platforms.
10 Things You Can Do with a Psychology Bachelor Degree
A psychology degree can lead to a lot of different career possibilities. Explore the expansive opportunities that a bachelors degree in psychology offers with these 10 diverse jobs for psychology majors across a spectrum of fields and sectors.
1. Case Manager
With a bachelor’s in psychology, you might consider becoming a case manager. You could use skills in communication and empathy to evaluate clients’ needs, link them to resources, and track their progress in social and health services.
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This vital role supports at-risk individuals. Further education may open doors to more specialized roles.
2. Correctional Treatment Specialist
A bachelors in psychology could help equip you to work as a correctional treatment specialist. These professionals assess the psychological states of inmates, formulate customized treatment strategies, and track their improvement.
You could utilize skills in case management and an understanding of human behavior to aid inmates’ return to the community.
3. Fundraiser
Armed with a bachelor’s in psychology, fundraisers can harness insights into human motivation to develop persuasive donation drives.
They might connect with donors, orchestrate events, and study donation trends to boost funds for non-profits and schools. This role benefits from strong communication skills and empathy.
4. Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can use insights into human behavior for recruiting, training, and managing staff interactions.
This role evaluates applicants, mediates disputes, and devises loyalty strategies. You might employ interpersonal abilities and psychological concepts to improve organizational cultures and workplace environments.
5. Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers direct healthcare operations, align clinical services, and uphold patient care standards.
They might infuse psychological understanding into team leadership and patient engagement. A psychology background may also help them leverage strong communication and problem-solving abilities to elevate the quality of healthcare services.
6. Mental Health Counselor
Psychology graduates may pursue careers as mental health counselors, where abilities in active listening, empathy, and problem-solving are crucial.
Counselors support individuals facing emotional and mental hurdles, aiding in their journey to better mental health. This role can be a precursor to becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with additional education.
7. Parole Officer
A parole officer oversees and assists individuals transitioning from correctional facilities back into the community. They can apply psychological theories to facilitate their societal reentry.
They also ensure adherence to parole terms, link parolees to community support, and employ counseling techniques to mitigate behavioral problems and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
8. Preschool Teacher
Equipped with a bachelor’s in psychology, preschool teachers could employ developmental insights to cultivate young minds.
They may craft custom educational experiences aligned with developmental milestones, evaluating emotional and cognitive advancement.
9. Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager unravels audience behavior and media trends, which is essential for devising impactful PR campaigns.
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They may apply psychological theories to anticipate and dissect public responses, customize messages for specific demographics, and safeguard brand reputation. Proficiency in interpersonal communication and strategic planning is pivotal in this role.
10. Social Worker
A social worker may evaluate and meet the needs of individuals and communities through a psychological perspective. Some offer counseling, devise intervention plans, and link clients with support systems.
A psychology bachelors degree could lead to entry-level roles in social work, while a masters could lead to greater responsibilities and clinical licensure.
Psychology Careers and Salaries
So, what can you do with a psychology degree? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the diverse careers for psychology majors, along with their corresponding median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $138,730 |
| Technical Writers | $79,960 |
| Market Research Analysts | $68,230 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $67,440 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $64,240 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,080 |
| Fundraisers | $61,190 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,860 |
| Social Workers | $55,350 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $49,710 |
These salary ranges are averages and can be influenced by numerous factors, including geographic location, employer, and individual qualifications.
What Are the Highest Paying Psychology Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to different career opportunities. The most lucrative positions often hinge on factors like professional background, geographical setting, and specific employers.
Here are some of the highest paying psychology careers for bachelor degree holders, along with their annual median salaries as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Human resources managers — $130,000
- Public relations managers — $129,430
- Market research analysts — $68,230
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists — $59,860
- Social workers — $55,350
Each of these roles values the analytical and interpersonal skills that a psychology undergraduate education can provide.
Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s in psychology is worth it for many students. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re passionate about professions that revolve around comprehending human behavior.
The skills you can develop as a psychology major are applicable to various industries, making this a versatile degree for a broad spectrum of career opportunities. Many potential careers with a psychology degree are seeing continued growth, especially in the fields of business and community and social service.
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For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
Getting Your Bachelor of Psychology Degree Online
An online bachelor’s degree in psychology can help you qualify for a diverse range of rewarding careers. From the intricacies of human resources to the compassionate work of social workers, the opportunities are vast.
Some graduates utilize their understanding of human behavior in roles like public relations specialists, counselors, or educators, each path offering a unique way to contribute to society. A bachelors in psychology is also a solid foundation for graduate studies in a variety of fields.
You can start exploring accredited colleges and universities today to discover available psychology programs that align with your interests.
