When someone hears that another person is pursuing their degree in psychology, many people quickly assume that they’re hoping to one day become a practicing psychologist who sees patients. However, to the surprise of many, most graduates don’t actually end up directly in that field. According to Johnson & Wales professor and online instructor K. Baruth Ph.D., the career possibilities are endless with a degree in psychology.
“When asking, ‘What can I do with a psychology degree?’ the answer is easy: nearly anything,” Baruth explained. “A degree in psychology prepares graduates for a wide range of jobs because it focuses on the understanding of human behavior as well as the mind and all of its complexities.” For those looking to work their way into some other career fields, Baruth said it may require them to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree. A strong educational background can put them ahead of the pack, she said.
“A psychology degree a degree provides a firm basis for pursuing advanced study in not only psychology, but also other related fields,” she says. “Many graduates decide to focus on areas such as education, human resources, marketing, business, criminal justice, law, human resources or other related fields.”
What Jobs Are Available with a Psychology Degree?
With a psychology degree, you have a wide range of career options. Beyond traditional roles, graduates can thrive in corporate settings, using their understanding of human behavior in marketing, management, or consumer research. They can excel in human resources, improving workplace culture. In education, they can work as school psychologists or academic advisors. For tech enthusiasts, UX/UI designer roles are an option. The degree’s versatility allows for seamless transitions into various fields, offering impactful ways to utilize knowledge of the human psyche in clinics, classrooms, boardrooms, and more.
So, what can a student who graduates with their degree in psychology do? Check out some of the common and not-so-common careers you can pursue after graduating.
Careers as a Psychologist
Individuals with a psychology degree have a myriad of career paths to choose from, providing opportunities to work in diverse fields such as education, rehabilitation, forensics, or sports. Psychologists specializing in education can work in schools or universities, helping students overcome academic challenges or behavioral issues. Those focusing on rehabilitation often work in healthcare settings, aiding individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in the legal system, assisting in criminal investigations and providing expert testimony in court proceedings. Additionally, psychologists specializing in sports work with athletes to enhance performance and mental well-being. The versatility of a psychology degree allows professionals to make a meaningful impact across various sectors while continuously expanding their expertise and skills.
Careers with a Psychology Degree: Non-Clinical
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 super useful. 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 with high-risk populations who have undergone some serious difficulty in their lives. For those interested in using their psychology degree to help the most vulnerable people, social work 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 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. They 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, 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 degree 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 proficiency, and an understanding of human behavior, which are valuable in various professional contexts. 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 University College of Professional Studies, complete the Request Info form on this page, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].