Every degree has something valuable to offer, but there’s something unique about psychology. This is a deeply fascinating and often introspective field, delivering powerful insights into the human psyche. These findings can shape students’ personal and, eventually, professional lives.
Through the years, these advantages have made psychology incredibly popular, even as other programs see considerable fluctuations in enrollment. Data presented by the American Psychological Association (APA) discloses that, in 2021, United States institutions awarded nearly 135,000 bachelor’s in psychology degrees — a marked increase from the 116,154 degrees awarded as of 2012.
Additional APA insights highlight the far-reaching value of a psychology degree. Experts explain that the “skills students develop in undergraduate psychology programs are valuable to employers across many sectors.” The degree itself carries weight as well, with many employers exhibiting respect for both psychology curricula and the program’s talented graduates.
Interested in pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology and want to make sure you leverage your degree after graduation? Below, we provide a thorough overview of careers for psychology bachelor’s graduates, revealing several compelling areas of specialization in psychology, along with insights into the skills and credentials required for success in these niches.
Overview of a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an undergraduate degree program with a focused curriculum that emphasizes psychological theory and research through courses exploring personality, motivation, memory, and beyond. This program also encourages students to develop a comprehensive skill set through electives and general education courses, which aim to enhance literacy, composition skills, and quantitative abilities.
Why Choose Psychology?
Have you ever wondered why people think or behave the way they do? If you are fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind, you may be naturally drawn to studying and working in psychology. As a psychology major, you can look forward to exploring new concepts and discovering their broad applications throughout diverse communities and in every environment imaginable.
Like many students, your reasons for entering this program might be deeply personal; you may have encountered mental illness in your family or community, for example, or you may be intrigued by the inner workings of your brain and nervous system.
This is an ideal option from a professional perspective, too: Many employers actively seek out job candidates with an academic background in psychology, as this provides confirmation of advanced research skills. This degree also indicates that applicants can draw on their understanding of human behavior to boost innovation or navigate workplace conflict.
Transferable Skills Gained with a Bachelor of Psychology Degree
Much of the modern appeal of the bachelor’s in psychology relates to its opportunities for broad-based skill development. There is great value in learning about the many brain functions and physiological processes that underscore thought processes and behavior. Beyond this, however, the bachelor’s in psychology encourages students to develop plenty of other competencies — including, as the APA points out, customer service, public speaking, and time management. Other skill development opportunities include:
Understanding Human Behavior
A thorough understanding of human behavior can enhance everything from communication to problem-solving and even conflict management. Psychology degrees examine human behavior, beginning with insights into the complex structure of the human brain.
In addition, fundamental coursework highlights the biological systems and processes that shape human behavior — as well as how behavior can be further influenced through social structures and many other factors. Through exposure to research, case studies, and other learning opportunities, students also learn how biological processes play out in a variety of settings and situations.
Communication Skills
Revealing the psychological concerns tied to the nuances of human communication, psychology coursework can help students adapt their way of speaking or writing to meet the needs of different types of audiences. Psychology courses provide many opportunities to practice and enhance communication skills, too, with class discussions and papers, in particular, allowing students to put their newly developed understanding of human motivation into action.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Critical thinking represents one of today’s most in-demand skills. It reveals how professionals analyze extensive information and make informed decisions accordingly. While many college programs promote critical thinking, there is no denying that this is central to the experience of a psychology major. Students evaluate a wealth of research and evidence-backed insights to consider how they might navigate a number of real-world challenges. Projects and case studies provide active and immersive opportunities to exercise these skills.
Research Skills
Psychology draws heavily on cutting-edge research, which students explore in detail while taking foundational courses. Classes exclusively dedicated to quantitative and qualitative research methods should boost research literacy — the ability to evaluate and analyze complex studies before applying these insights to help solve a wide range of problems. Capstone experiences further elevate research skills, encouraging students to synthesize powerful research-backed insights to form a richer understanding of core psychological concepts.
Ethical Awareness
Ethics are a cornerstone of psychology and are thoroughly discussed during courses on abnormal psychology and psychology as a profession. Psychology degree programs also touch on cross-cultural concerns and explore relevant psychological research in the context of ethical frameworks. Students gain many opportunities to infuse ethical knowledge and exploration into projects and other active learning experiences.
6 Careers in Psychology with a Bachelor’s Degree
Once equipped with the essential skills highlighted above, psychology graduates should be prepared for a range of compelling entry-level positions, with options spanning diverse fields such as marketing, education, and HR. The following are some of the most desirable careers for psychology bachelor’s graduates:
1. Human Resources Specialist
HR specialists rely heavily on psychological concepts to shape recruitment, onboarding, and many other critical processes. HR often involves a strong focus on conflict resolution, which can be challenging without understanding the ways of thinking and cultural factors that shape employee behavior. Soft skills like critical thinking and communication — developed, as previously mentioned, through immersive psychology coursework — are among the most in-demand for modern HR positions.
2. Case Manager
Acting as crucial patient advocates, case managers aim to make the healthcare system simpler and less stressful to navigate. Working in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, these professionals perform assessments, offer care coordination, and assist with referrals.
Because they collaborate with such a vast range of individuals (including patients, family members, social workers, and clinical professionals), case managers must possess a nuanced understanding of human behavior, along with exceptional communication skills. These competencies can be enhanced with a psychology degree, which can also provide invaluable preparation for using de-escalation techniques when crisis management is required.
3. Market Research Analyst
By taking a deep dive into the complexities of human perception and motivation, psychology students can discover what exactly influences consumers and how they make key purchasing decisions. This information, in turn, can shape marketing initiatives, ensuring that they align with consumer preferences and market trends.
Psychology coursework also prepares market research analysts to analyze surveys and assess interview responses. The ethical underpinnings of psychology cannot be discounted and can have a considerable impact on market research analysts’ efforts to handle consumer data responsibly.
4. Behavioral Technician
Working closely with clients or patients (who struggle with a variety of behavioral concerns), behavioral technicians are becoming more prominent in schools, hospitals, and clinics. The technician’s role largely centers on the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs), which should not be regarded as punishments but rather as effective strategies for addressing issues revealed in functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). Behavioral technicians can help their clients communicate effectively while also encouraging them to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
5. Rehabilitation Specialist
Committed to helping their clients regain independence, rehabilitation specialists work closely with people facing significant physical or mental health challenges. Their guidance allows clients to make progress toward functioning optimally in their day-to-day lives. Rehabilitation specialists may draw on theories of learning and motivation to help clients develop crucial vocational and socialization skills.
6. Youth Counselor
Working with children and teens to address a range of emotional and behavioral health concerns, youth counselors can be a wonderful source of inspiration and support. They should not be confused with school psychologists, who must abide by stringent educational and licensing requirements (as we’ll touch on below). Often working in youth centers or after-school programs, youth counselors can act as a powerful source of inspiration and support as they help kids and teens reach their full potential.
6 Specialties in Psychology Requiring Further Education
We’ve identified several compelling options to pursue careers in psychology with a bachelor’s degree. However, in many cases, additional education (like a master’s degree) will be required. This is especially essential for clinical and counseling roles, which maintain strict licensing requirements. Still, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology remains valuable, as this can provide excellent preparation for advanced programs at the graduate level. Higher-level specialties in psychology include:
1. Clinical Psychologist
When many people think of psychology as a field of study (and as a profession), they picture clinical psychologists. This esteemed role calls for years of study and training, turning to advanced psychological research to inform assessments and treatments for complex emotional struggles and mental health disorders.
Qualified to diagnose many disorders, psychologists may use a multitude of tests or interviews to better understand these issues before implementing specific therapeutic approaches (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy) to help patients change thought patterns or develop healthier coping mechanisms.
2. Counseling Psychologist
Although similar in many respects to clinical psychology, counseling psychology delves into less severe (but still significant) concerns including stress or difficult life transitions. Counseling psychologists may adopt more of a holistic approach, using talk therapy and client-centered methods to help patients work through various challenges. Many counseling psychologists adopt a strength-based approach, which emphasizes resilience and personal growth.
3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
As an applied branch of psychology emphasizing science-backed practices — especially as they relate to the modern workplace — industrial and organizational psychology aims to help both organizations and employees by improving the overall work environment. This is believed to spark greater productivity and innovation. While job titles explicitly referencing I/O psychologists are not common, many professionals with expertise in I/O psychology secure high-level positions such as talent acquisition manager or leadership strategist.
4. School Psychologist
Bringing powerful interventions to educational settings, school psychologists work closely with children, adolescents, teachers, and administrators to address numerous mental health challenges as they play out in the school environment. They are committed to promoting equal access to mental health care while addressing a variety of concerns that may impact learning or threaten students’ health. In severe or urgent situations, school psychologists may also be involved in crisis interventions.
5. Forensic Psychologist
Applying psychological research and theories to the legal arena, forensic psychology involves, as APA experts explain, the “intersection of legal theory, procedures and law with clinical issues, practice and ethics.” Forensic psychologists may analyze data collected by law enforcement to understand the complexities of criminal behavior and make data-driven recommendations, while many offer additional insight via psychological profiling or conducting threat assessments to reveal the risk of criminal behavior.
6. Research Psychologist
The many psychologists described above rely on an extensive body of research to inform assessments and interventions. They draw on insights provided by hardworking research psychologists, who contribute to the field’s wealth of knowledge by designing and carrying out empirical studies. As the Association for Psychological Science (APS) explains, these professionals use trusted “scientific methods to examine questions and test hypotheses with the aim of understanding human thought and behavior.”
3 Emerging Areas of Specialization in Psychology
Psychology is a rapidly expanding field, with exciting opportunities emerging as innovative individuals find new ways to apply psychological research. This growing range of psychology careers allows passion-driven professionals (especially those equipped with psychology degrees) to make a difference while pursuing their own unique interests. Specialties worth exploring include:
1. Health Psychologist
Investigating the unique interplay between thought processes, cultural factors, and general health and well-being, health psychologists strive to understand what exactly convinces people to adopt healthy habits or how they learn to cope with chronic concerns. This expertise can be applied in many settings, including specialty clinics, universities, and corporations. Health psychologists design and implement programs meant to promote healthy behaviors in targeted populations and may also advocate for policies that can promote health on a wider scale.
2. Neuropsychologist
Focused on the relationship between trauma and cognitive function or behavioral concerns, neuropsychology represents an important specialty within the broader realm of clinical psychology. Neuropsychologists conduct in-depth evaluations meant to determine how various parts of the brain function, particularly in response to complaints regarding memory or learning. They collaborate with clinical professionals to develop treatment plans and may counsel caregivers to help them support patients as well.
3. Sports Psychologist
Committed to helping athletes reach their full potential while also remaining mentally and emotionally healthy, sports psychologists use imagery, performance planning, and self-regulation techniques to help athletes improve their confidence, sportsmanship, and concentration. They may also address common mental health concerns that accompany elite athletics, such as aggression, burnout, eating disorders, or substance abuse.
Baker College’s Bachelor of Psychology
Are you fascinated by the human mind and eager to contribute to the impactful field of psychology? Whether your aspirations involve clinical psychology, market research, or youth counseling, you can benefit from earning your Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Offered through Baker College, this esteemed program adheres to strict guidelines established by the APA’s Board of Educational Affairs Task Force. We offer robust support services, including career advising. Request information today to learn more.