What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

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If you have a passion for understanding what makes people tick, a degree in psychology may be the right choice for you. But beyond the classroom, what can you actually do with a psychology degree?

The possibilities are endless, as this field offers a diverse range of career opportunities in various industries. Whether you’re interested in counseling, research, or education, a degree in psychology can pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We’ll explore what you can do with a psychology degree at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and how to advance your career in the field.

A degree in psychology can benefit both your personal and professional life.

It provides a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and thinking patterns, which can help you make a significant difference in people’s lives. You’ll apply this understanding to offer guidance and support during difficult times and help people manage stress and improve their mental health.

Studying psychology enhances critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills, which are beneficial in a wide array of careers and personal interactions. A degree in psychology can lead you to a satisfying — and sometimes, high-paying — career.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation for various career opportunities due to its versatility.

The study of psychology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including cognitive processes, emotional well-being, social interactions, and abnormal behavior. This wide scope allows graduates to pursue career paths in fields like counseling, case management, psychiatric support, and career counseling.

But psychology degrees also qualify graduates for roles outside of the psychology field in human resources, market research, social work, education, law enforcement, and STEM fields.

Although you can’t become a licensed psychologist with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you’ll still have many career paths available to you.

These roles will leverage your understanding of human behavior, communication skills, and ability to analyze data. A psychology degree also provides a strong foundation for advanced studies in fields like law, medicine, and social work.

A master’s degree in psychology will qualify you for a wide range of advanced career opportunities as a psychologist.

Many of these paths require additional certifications or licensure.

Graduates with a master’s degree in psychology can pursue career paths as a counselor, with a variety of specializations like substance misuse counseling, marriage and family therapist, school counselor, adjunct instructor, or forensic psychologist.Job responsibilities in these roles vary but generally include conducting psychological assessments, providing therapy or counseling, implementing intervention strategies, and collaborating with other professionals to support clients’ mental health and well-being.

With a doctoral degree in psychology, you’ll have several high-level career paths available to you, including roles in academia, clinical practice, and research.

Research roles involve conducting scientific studies to understand human behavior and mental processes, often in university settings, government agencies, or private research organizations.

Earning a doctoral degree in psychology opens up a variety of advanced, specialized career opportunities. These roles offer competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals and communities, contribute to academic knowledge, and influence organizational practices.

In academia, you can become a university professor, conducting research and teaching the next generation of psychologists. Clinical roles include working as a clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, or psychotherapist, where you’ll diagnose and treat mental health disorders and work in a hospital, private practice, or mental health facility.

Career advancement in psychology involves pursuing higher education, gaining hands-on experience through internships, obtaining licensure, and pursuing continuing education (CE).

Earning advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate in psychology, can open doors to specialized fields and higher-level positions.

In order to become a licensed professional in psychology, you will need at least a master’s degree. A master’s degree also provides you with the opportunity to choose specialized courses that can help you enter a specific field, like forensic psychology or marriage and family counseling.

Doctorate degree programs are often pursued by those who wish to become psychologists, professors, or are interested in advanced research.

Continuing education is a cornerstone of career advancement in psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides a wide range of continuing education programs tailored to different specializations.

These programs cover topics like anxiety and depression, clinical psychology, ethics, and telehealth. It’s important to ensure that the CE provider is accredited and recognized by your professional body, licensing authority, and employer.

Specialization and certification can significantly contribute to career advancement by providing psychologists with the expertise and credentials needed to excel in specific subfields.

Specializing in a particular area, such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, or forensic psychology, allows professionals to gain in-depth knowledge and skills tailored to unique aspects of human behavior and mental health.

Obtaining certifications from recognized organizations, such as the American Board of Professional Psychology, can enhance your credibility as a psychologist, making them more attractive to employers and clients seeking expert care.

Certifications also often lead to leadership positions, research opportunities, and the ability to supervise other clinicians, further advancing a psychologist’s career.

Obtaining licensure is a critical step for therapists and counselors so they can meet state-specific clinical hour requirements.

The current job outlook for psychology graduates is positive, with the U.S. Department of Labor predicting a 12% growth in psychology-related jobs over the next decade.

Geropsychology, in particular, is poised for major growth due to the aging population and increasing demand for mental health services among older adults.

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues, rising levels of work-related stress and burnout, and the growing recognition of mental health’s importance have driven demand for psychologists. Additionally, advances in neuroscience, the expansion of telehealth services, and the lessening stigma surrounding mental health care contribute to this rising demand.

Specific areas expected to see significant growth include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and health psychology, especially for those treating the elderly, veterans, children, and adolescents.