Many assume that a psychology degree leads directly to becoming a practicing psychologist. However, most graduates pursue diverse career paths beyond clinical practice. According to Johnson & Wales professor K. Baruth, Ph.D., the possibilities are nearly limitless.
“A psychology degree prepares graduates for a wide range of jobs by focusing on human behavior and the complexities of the mind,” Baruth explains. While some roles may require further education, a strong psychology background offers an advantage across various fields.
Psychology graduates find opportunities in education, human resources, marketing, business, criminal justice, and law. Beyond traditional roles, they thrive in corporate settings, using their understanding of human behavior in management, workplace culture, and consumer and market research.
So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Explore some of the common — and unexpected — career paths in psychology below.
Clinical Careers
For those seeking to work as mental health counselors or interact one-on-one with clients and the public in other capacities, the clinical side of psychology might be ideal. Explore the following clinical career options in psychology:
Clinical Psychology
Broadly speaking, clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing psychological distress and mental illnesses. Leveraging therapeutic techniques, they conduct psychological testing and develop treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, private practices, mental health clinics, and academic settings while contributing to research and the advancement of therapeutic practices.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists specialize in applying psychological knowledge within the judicial system. They assess individuals involved in legal cases, provide expert testimony, evaluate competency to stand trial, and offer insight into criminal behavior and rehabilitation. Forensic psychologists typically work in legal institutions, correctional facilities, court systems, and law enforcement agencies.
Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychologists study observable behaviors and their relationship with environmental factors. They apply behavior modification techniques to help clients treat disorders such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and addiction. Professionals in this field work in clinical settings, educational institutions, and research facilities — focusing on developing interventions that promote positive behavior change.
Industrial Organizational Psychology
Industrial organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace environments. They focus on enhancing employee well-being alongside business efficiency and productivity through employee assessment, training programs, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. Careers in this field are typically found within corporate settings, consulting firms, government agencies, and academia.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists study how individuals learn and develop within educational settings. They design and implement strategies to improve instructional methods, student engagement, and learning outcomes as well as address learning disabilities or developmental challenges. An educational psychologist works primarily in schools, universities, policy-making bodies, and even educational research institutions as research assistants.
Non-Clinical Careers
Aside from direct therapeutic interventions, there also exists a range of other applied, non-clinical psychology careers. Examples include:
Human Resources
In a field dedicated to understanding how workplace relationships affect the culture and performance of an organization, an understanding of psychology can prove to be . Human resources is an incredibly broad field, and there are positions available in private companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies that cover areas such as recruitment, professional development, employee training, communications, payroll, benefits, and much more.
Legal Sector
If you choose to go to law school after obtaining your psychology degree, you will undoubtedly find that your education will help prepare you for the rigors of studying case law and applying the principles learned within to new circumstances. One of the most important parts of being an attorney is using the principles of persuasion to build a strong case that represents your client well. So understanding the motivations of clients, opposing counsel, juries, etc., and learning how those motivations affect their actions is crucial for litigation and mediation.
Law Enforcement
In Law Enforcement, individuals with a psychology background can contribute significantly to community safety and crime prevention. Their skills in profiling, understanding criminal behavior, and crisis negotiation are critical in various law enforcement roles, from detective work to rehabilitation programs.
Social Work
Social work involves some aspects of clinical psychology/counseling, but it differentiates itself as a field by working to deliver social services to high-risk populations who have undergone serious difficulty in their lives. For those interested in using their psychology degree to help the most vulnerable people, becoming a social worker just might be the option you are looking for.
Teaching
If you are more interested in the study of psychological concepts than engaging in clinical practice but you still want to work in the field, consider a career in education. You can choose to get an advanced degree in graduate school and pursue a career in higher education, or you can apply the principles of empathy and emotional intelligence you learned during your studies to younger student populations.
Media and Advertising
Media and advertising organizations are always looking for people who can perceive human behavior in new and unique ways. Psychology graduates are a natural fit for these types of careers. Departments within media and advertising organizations include media production, management, data analysis, scheduling, and more.
UX/UI Designer
Psychology graduates are uniquely equipped to excel as UX/UI Designers due to their understanding of human behavior and cognitive processes. They can apply psychological principles to design user interfaces that are intuitive and create a satisfying user experience. By conducting user research and testing, they ensure that products are not only functional but also enjoyable to use.
Product Invention and Design
In the realm of Product Invention and Design, psychology graduates can leverage their insights into human needs and desires to innovate and create products that truly resonate with consumers. Their ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior is invaluable in developing new products that are both practical and appealing.
Career Coaching
Career coaching is a field that allows you to use many of the concepts learned during your psychology education to help people improve their lives in ways that are different from a counseling environment, but no less important for them. If you are able to understand why people make certain career choices, and how those choices affect their psychological well-being, you can help steer them toward a career that will be fulfilling and challenging.
Sports Coaching
Sports Coaching is another area where psychology graduates can shine. Their knowledge of motivation, team dynamics, and performance psychology can help athletes achieve their full potential. By understanding the mental aspects of sports, they can devise strategies that enhance performance and foster a winning mindset. Psychology graduates can work with individual athletes to build their mental resilience and develop strategies to overcome challenges. Sports psychologists can also collaborate with coaches to create a positive team culture and improve communication among team members. Overall, a psychology degree can open up a variety of opportunities in the sports industry for graduates who are passionate about helping athletes reach their peak performance.
Writing
Much like the law, writing is all about crafting persuasive arguments to build a cohesive and structurally-sound case. In order to do it well you need to understand what information the reader needs from you at specific points in the piece, and how best to arrange it so they get maximum value from it. In a broad sense, the study of psychology positions you to get inside the head of your reader and understand how you can help them most effectively. It is true whether you are writing technical specs, grant proposals, or anything in between.
Business and Management
People who have extensive training in psychological concepts often make effective leaders, which means they are well-positioned to succeed in business management roles. If you have a bachelor’s in psychology, entry-level jobs of many types will be available to you, and you can use them to work your way up in the field and eventually take on a leadership role. Or you can choose to pursue an advanced business degree and potentially move into the management side of things.
Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?
A psychology major offers a unique combination of benefits that extend beyond the field itself. It equips students with a versatile set of skills, including critical thinking, research methods, and an understanding of human behavior, which are valuable in various professional contexts. Considering that an advanced education (like a graduate degree) is typically required to practice as a psychologist, the degree also opens doors to numerous career paths — from traditional roles in psychology to innovative positions in tech and design. When considering the return on investment, a psychology degree not only promises personal growth but also professional opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling career.
What to Expect from a Psychology Degree Program
Embarking on a psychology degree program, students can expect a curriculum that covers a broad range of topics, from the basics of human cognition and behavior to advanced concepts in psychological research and theory. Programs often include practical components such as internships or lab work, allowing students to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, students will develop skills in data analysis, experiment design, and ethical considerations, all of which are crucial for a successful career in psychology or related fields.
Choosing the Right Psychology Program
Selecting the right psychology program is a pivotal decision that can shape your academic and professional journey. Prospective students should consider factors such as accreditation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and the program’s focus areas. It’s also important to reflect on one’s career goals and choose a program that aligns with those aspirations. Whether it’s a program with a strong clinical focus or one that emphasizes research and academia, finding the right fit is key to maximizing the benefits of a psychology degree.
To learn more about earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or master’s degree in Organizational Psychology at Johnson & Wales Online, complete the Request Info form on this page, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].