Are you fascinated in the human mind and how it works? Maybe you’re interested in a career that allows you to study the human mind and its functions to help others? If so, then you might want to consider a degree in psychology.
What jobs can you get with a psychology degree? You might be surprised that there are more options to explore than working as a counselor or therapist. With a better understanding of what a psychology bachelor’s degree program entails and what you can do with this type of degree, you can determine whether this is the right path for you.
Considering Becoming a Psychology Major?
There are many reasons to consider a bachelor’s degree in psychology if you have any level of interest in the human mind, how it functions, and how it all relates to human behavior. Not only is this an exciting field of study, but it is also very broad. This means that there are many career paths and opportunities available for those with this type of degree.
How long does it take to get a psychology degree? Most bachelor’s programs consist of 120 credit hours and are designed to be completed in an average of four years. However, your length of study can vary depending on whether you enroll part- or full-time.
Many people who get a psychology bachelor’s degree also go on to pursue graduate education in the form of a master’s degree in a related field, or a PhD or PsyD based on their career goals. This typically requires two to three additional years of study and can be a great way to specialize your knowledge and further sharpen your skills.
10 Career Opportunities with a Bachelor’s in Psychology
What jobs can you get with a psychology bachelor’s degree? Even without pursuing a higher education, there are various career paths and opportunities available in such industries as healthcare, sales, education, social services, and human resources. While this is not a comprehensive list, we have compiled 10 potential career options you can explore with a bachelor’s in psychology.
1. Human Resources (HR) Specialist
Human resources specialists play an important role in keeping businesses running smoothly by carrying out important administrative functions, such as scheduling, training, recruitment, and more. This type of work requires a solid understanding of human behavior, which is why having a bachelor’s degree in psychology can come in handy in this line of work.
2. Case Manager
Case managers typically work in the context of social services to support and guide individuals facing challenges ranging from homelessness to addiction or mental health issues. A strong background in psychology can help case managers better understand and connect with the individuals that they serve.
3. Mental Health Technician
Mental health technicians support other mental health professionals in hospital settings or residential facilities. Their primary job is to help care for patients suffering from disabilities or mental illness diagnoses. Having a degree in psychology can be useful in this line of work, as an understanding of the human mind is essential to being able to provide patients with the highest standard of care.
4. Social Service Assistant
Social service assistants help social workers provide client services, which may include support for families and in rehabilitation. They may help social workers with anything from conducting programs to building relationships with clients and their loved ones. This line of work requires a solid understanding of the human mind and its functions, especially when it comes to substance abuse and rehabilitation.
5. Sales Representative
While working in sales may not seem closely related to the field of psychology, the reality is that sales representatives can perform better when they have a deep understanding of how customers think and how their thinking can influence buying decisions. Notably, sales representatives can benefit from being able to use interpersonal and persuasion skills to sell products or services while understanding customer needs and motivations.
6. Substance Abuse Counselor
Working as a substance abuse counselor requires additional training and certification but can be a great career path for those with a degree in psychology to explore. Specifically, substance abuse counselors work to support individuals overcoming addiction. Depending on the state in which you wish to practice, you may be eligible to get certified as a substance abuse counselor with a bachelor’s degree alone.
7. Rehabilitation Specialist
Rehabilitation specialists play an important role in helping individuals with disabilities or injuries to improve or regain their cognitive abilities or physical skills. This line of work can be extremely challenging yet rewarding, especially for those who enjoy helping others and knowing that they’re making a difference each day on the job.
8. Education Assistant
Education assistants typically work in school settings, assisting teachers and supporting students’ learning experiences. These professionals might handle anything from instructing based on students’ Individualized Education Program or Plan (IEP) standards to communicating with other educators to ensure that all students are receiving a quality education.
9. Correctional Officer
While a psychology degree is not required to work as a correctional officer, the knowledge and skills obtained from a psychology program can be extremely useful in this line of work. Precisely, correctional officers must utilize their knowledge of behavior and mental processes to maintain safety and security within jails, prisons, and correctional facilities.
10. Nonprofit Organization Worker
Finally, many people with bachelor’s degrees in psychology also go on to work for nonprofit organizations. The skills and knowledge obtained in a psychology program can be applied to various roles within a nonprofit organization, ranging from community outreach and fundraising to program development and more.
Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree
Even after you obtain your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you may want to consider furthering your education with a higher-level degree (such as a master’s degree in psychology). Doing so can significantly broaden the scope of career opportunities available to you by allowing you to choose a specialization.
Regardless of whether you pursue a master’s degree or not, it’s important to understand that a commitment to a lifetime of education and professional development is a must in the field of psychology. There are always new innovations and trends emerging within this dynamic industry, so you’ll need to stay up to date on all the latest news and advancements to remain relevant in your field.
Career Opportunities with a Master’s in Psychology
There are several career opportunities you can explore with a master’s degree in psychology, particularly in the state of Michigan. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, some possible career paths to consider include:
- Master’s limited psychologist – Michigan offers a unique opportunity for limited licensure at the master’s level if the educational institution where a master’s degree is earned is regionally accredited and the program taken is 75% psychological content with at least one course in the areas of assessment techniques. Professionals in this line of work research, diagnose, and help manage emotional/behavioral disorders like anxiety and depression so their clients can live happier and healthier lives.
- Marriage and family therapist – This type of mental health professional helps diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within family systems, marriage, and relationships.
- Human resources manager – These professionals are responsible for directing and coordinating the administrative tasks and functions of a business.
Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?
Ultimately, whether a bachelor’s degree in psychology is worth it depends on many factors, including your individual career goals, level of interest in the field, and the value placed on the skills and knowledge gained through this degree. However, for those seriously interested in a career in psychology, having a degree can pay off many times over in a few ways.
First, consider the improved career opportunities you’ll enjoy with a degree. While many psychology-related careers require advanced degrees, a bachelor’s degree can lead to entry-level positions in such fields as human resources, case management, sales, marketing, and more. For those interested in becoming licensed psychologists or therapists, a bachelor’s degree is the first stepping stone toward required graduate studies.
Meanwhile, a psychology bachelor’s degree program can help you develop important critical thinking, research, interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills while gaining valuable insights into human behavior that are highly valued across a variety of industries.
From a financial perspective, while psychology graduates may not earn as much as those in some other fields initially, the degree can be a gateway to more specialized training and higher-paying roles. Combine this with the fact that some areas of psychology (such as industrial-organizational psychology, behavioral disorder counseling, and geropsychology) are experiencing major growth — and it’s easy to see how a degree in psychology can be worth it for many aspiring professionals.
Start Your Psychology Career Path at Baker
What can you do with a psychology degree? Even with a bachelor’s degree, the possibilities are incredible. If you’re looking for an online psychology program that will prepare you for work in a wide range of fields while supporting you every step of your journey, Baker College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a great place to start.Learn more about this program or any of the other programs offered at Baker College by reaching out today.