Studying psychology can be deeply rewarding. There’s no denying the appeal of learning about the nuances of the human mind while drawing connections between fascinating psychological concepts. Psychology degree programs reveal why people think and behave the way they do — and how these thoughts and behaviors shape our economy and global community.
Many students major in psychology because they are passionate about this field and eager to learn as much as possible about the mysteries of the human brain. However, others approach this decision from a practical standpoint: They want to enjoy their studies, but they also want to emerge with skills and credentials that will set them up for success in top psychology jobs. This is a definite perk of the psychology degree, which provides strong preparation for jobs spanning a variety of fields.
What Does a Bachelor’s in Psychology Entail?
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a liberal arts degree designed to help students develop a comprehensive skill set while also exploring the nuances of the human brain. This program builds on a foundation of general electives and psychology core courses, providing a thorough overview of concepts related to learning, memory, and motivation. Electives are a central component of this degree, allowing students to specialize based on personal goals and interests.
The bachelor’s in psychology is unique among college degrees, as it can help prepare students to enter a wide range of sectors and specialties. Although additional training is needed to qualify for clinical psych jobs, the behavioral insights gained through a bachelor’s degree can still prove impactful in many entry-level roles, opening graduates up to an array of options in marketing, sales, social services, and beyond. Read on to uncover: What can you do with a psychology degree?
Transferable Skills from a Psychology Degree
The psychology degree is a top option for students who want to keep their career options open while developing transferable skills that can be applied across numerous fields and roles. This degree promotes a distinct blend of soft and technical skills, which, through research projects and other experiences, can be applied in many situations or environments. Among the most essential skills gained with a psychology degree:
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Through papers, presentations, and class discussions, psychology students learn how to convey complex ideas in a succinct yet compelling manner. Employers consistently cite communication as one of today’s most in-demand skills, crucial for presenting research findings or breaking down information in a way that customers, clients, or patients can understand. Psychology students also develop empathy and emotional intelligence, which further enhance communication.
Analytical and Research Abilities
Quantitative and qualitative research are priorities within bachelor’s psychology programs, which introduce students to many research tools and methodologies. Through multiple courses, students learn how to critically evaluate research. Quantitative data analysis skills are in high demand across many fields, so students benefit greatly from developing these competencies via psychology coursework.
Cultural Competence and Ethical Awareness
Many psychology courses highlight the nuances of ethical decision-making, encouraging students to think critically about how they might navigate ethically complex situations. This ethical understanding is further shaped by cultural exploration, with psychology students gaining insight into different experiences and thought processes that influence behavior across diverse populations.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Problem-solving skills are among today’s most desirable competencies. Often, however, this quality is misconstrued as simple decisiveness. In reality, effective problem-solving calls for a thorough understanding of motivation and human behavior — essentials thoroughly covered through psychology coursework.
In addition, psychology classes provide plenty of opportunities to exercise problem-solving skills, which, in turn, promote confidence in decision-making. Confident problem-solvers are also more adaptable, and by assessing case studies and other experiences from multiple perspectives, students discover how to handle challenges within dynamic environments.
What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?
Few degrees can match the versatility of psychology. Every field and organization can stand to benefit from employing psychology graduates, who draw on their in-depth understanding of human behavior to inform everything from community outreach to marketing campaigns.
This breadth of psychology careers may seem appealing, but it can sometimes make planning difficult. Some psychology students struggle to determine how they can make the most of their unique skills and knowledge while also finding personal meaning and satisfaction in their day-to-day work. To provide inspiration and insight, below we highlight a few of the most compelling psych careers available at the entry level:
Entry-Level Opportunities in Social and Human Services
Many psychology students feel driven to make a difference — and human services roles enable them to do exactly that. With these psychology careers, graduates use their in-depth understanding of human behavior and development to underserved individuals and entire communities.
Case Management and Social Services
Helping clients navigate a complex array of services and resources, case managers offer much-needed insights and support, empowering individuals to make the most of available opportunities. This individualized support can translate into far-reaching progress, as case managers help agencies or nonprofits meet their ambitious goals for serving the community.
Community Outreach and Advocacy
Community outreach and case management share much in common, including a desire to help people make the most of valuable resources. However, with community outreach, this effort extends beyond individual clients to involve a group focus. The goal? To reach larger populations through education, support groups, and other services.
Potential roles available to psychology grads could include community outreach coordinator, community engagement specialist, or program outreach manager. Emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity — gained through psychology coursework — prove particularly valuable in this field, as can insights into trauma and other mental health concerns.
Program Coordination at Nonprofits
Nonprofit program coordinators are responsible for planning and overseeing dynamic programs that support the overarching missions and objectives of today’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. This forms the link between strategic goals and the real-world, tangible actions needed to bring such ambitions to life.
Passion-driven psychology graduates often find working for nonprofits gratifying, as this allows them to tailor their career paths based on their unique interests. For example, those who are eager to support children and adolescents can find many program coordination opportunities involving youth-focused nonprofits, while others may be drawn to nonprofits that offer mental health support.
Entry-Level Mental Health Technician or Behavioral Health Specialist
Many roles in behavioral health call for graduate-level credentials. A psychology bachelor’s can provide powerful preparation for challenging master’s programs, but it is also possible to gain experience prior to enrolling in grad school.
Entry-level psychologist jobs such as mental health technician provide valuable exposure to the field while also allowing technicians to make a genuine difference as they connect with patients. These positions could involve patient monitoring or assistance with daily living activities, although some mental health technicians are authorized to handle select clinical tasks, too, such as taking vital signs.
Corporate and Business Roles
Many corporate employers are eager to hire psychology graduates because they recognize the fundamental role human psychology plays in consumer behavior and employee engagement. Corporate roles often promise strong wages and may also provide exciting opportunities for advancement. Areas worth exploring include:
Human Resources (HR) and Talent Acquisition
Psychology graduates are often drawn to the human element of HR, which allows them to leverage their deep understanding of motivation to shape workplace dynamics. Equipped with empathy and conflict resolution skills, psychology grads can play a crucial role in fostering a positive workplace culture.
As entry-level HR professionals, psychology graduates may pursue diverse roles such as HR coordinator or recruitment specialist. With sufficient experience (and, potentially, higher-level degrees), many eventually move into higher-level roles such as HR manager.
Market Research and Consumer Insights
Market research strives to gather actionable insights about target consumers and how they might behave based on various market trends. This data-driven field brings an analytical approach to studying human behavior and revealing associated economic implications. Entry-level positions include market research analyst and consumer insights specialist. In these roles, psychology graduates draw on their research and statistical interpretation skills to uncover trends and provide data-backed recommendations.
Sales and Customer Relations
Offering a fast-paced and dynamic environment, sales can be an excellent field for psychology graduates who feel driven to connect with and influence customers. Because psychology students gain such strong communication and interpersonal skills, they are uniquely poised to thrive in this competitive field. Following graduation, ambitious sales professionals can get their foot in the door as sales representatives and, as they prove themselves, may move into roles such as sales consultant or sales manager.
Employee Engagement and Organizational Development
Centered around long-term strategies that drive impressive growth, organizational development strives to align people and processes with overarching goals. This effort can be amplified through a detailed understanding of motivation.
This field shares much in common with HR and may attract similar types of professionals. Organizational development, however, maintains more of a strategic slant, attracting psychology grads who are intrigued by the intersection between employee behavior and business performance. Entry-level options include organizational development coordinator and employee engagement specialist.
Education and Youth-Oriented Careers
Many psychology students enjoy working with youth. They are well-positioned to connect with — and positively influence — children and adolescents, given their in-depth understanding of human development.
Meanwhile, soft skills such as empathy and emotional intelligence help psychology graduates adjust their communication style to reflect the unique needs of students or young clients. These passionate professionals can often be found in community support centers and youth-oriented nonprofits, but they also have much to offer through their work with educational programs and institutions.
School Support Roles
Whether working directly with students or handling administrative needs, psychology graduates can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the modern school environment. They possess a unique understanding of human development, learning, and motivation, along with a genuine desire to help students while supporting educational professionals. They may be qualified for roles such as student support coordinator or student services coordinator.
Youth Mentorship and Academic Advising
Academic advisors typically need to earn graduate degrees, though some support roles may be available to those with their bachelor’s. For example, academic support specialists or student affairs assistants can help students achieve their educational goals or navigate various school challenges. Youth mentors work closely with individual students to help them improve their confidence as they deal with difficult situations at school and in their personal lives.
Special Education Paraprofessionals
Special education teachers rely on paraprofessionals for support, especially when implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and providing behavioral guidance. Paraprofessionals with a background in psychology bring an in-depth understanding of child development to the table and also have a thorough understanding of the many tools and techniques used to manage behavior. Paras enjoy providing individualized assistance as they interact closely with students.
Healthcare and Allied Health Settings
Many psychology students desire to make a difference in the healthcare field but may not feel drawn to clinical positions. There are ample other opportunities available in the far-reaching healthcare sector, though — and allied health roles, in particular, may appeal to those who want to work closely with patients. In this niche, a career in psychology could involve:
Patient Support Roles
Patients often feel overwhelmed as they navigate healthcare services and facilities. Opportunities abound, but potential roles could involve patient care coordination or healthcare social services. Patient support specialists or service representatives offer valuable guidance, answering patients’ questions and providing insight into available services or resources.
Behavioral Health Support in Medical Settings
While many behavioral health roles call for specialized training or graduate-level degrees, studying psychology at the undergraduate level can provide a strong start. Some support roles may even be available to those with a bachelor’s degree. As mentioned previously, mental or behavioral health technicians play a pivotal part in supporting patients — and they are often found in hospitals. Otherwise, mental health case management is worth exploring, as this helps connect patients with necessary resources.
Wellness Coordination and Health Promotion
Passionate about nutrition and fitness, wellness coordinators help clients develop optimal habits and lifestyles that allow them to dramatically improve their physical health and mental well-being. This role has a strong motivational component — and this is where psychology graduates are poised to succeed. Because they understand the psychology that underscores habit formation, they are well-equipped to help clients achieve lasting change.
Criminal Justice and Correctional Settings
Blending empathy, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, psychology graduates can make a world of difference in criminal justice. While many professionals enter correctional settings after securing targeted criminal justice degrees, exciting roles are often available to those who have studied psychology at the bachelor’s level. Insights into social psychology, abnormal psychology, and personality development can be especially valuable in this field.
Probation and Parole Support
In criminal law, probation aims to help individuals remain in the community rather than undergo incarceration — but they require strict supervision. Meanwhile, parole involves a supervised release prior to the end of the originally imposed sentence. Both areas require strong oversight.
Psychology graduates can contribute by working as probation officer assistants or parole specialists. These professionals can act as liaisons between parole officers and social services agencies. They may also be asked to conduct intake interviews, maintain detailed records, or help draft reports.
Victim Advocacy and Support Services
Offering both practical and emotional support to those who have been victims of crimes, victim advocates help individuals navigate a complex web of legal challenges. They can help victims and their families find relevant resources while also informing them of their rights and protections. These advocates offer compassionate, client-centered services. Due to their strong communication skills and wealth of empathy, psychology grads often thrive in these roles.
Correctional Program Coordinators
Correctional facilities offer a variety of programs designed to promote the rehabilitation and eventual reintegration of sentenced offenders. Program coordinators play a central role in ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to incarcerated individuals and that they are tailored to meet the specific needs of this population. Psychology grads have the chance to apply their expertise as they implement targeted programs — and they take great satisfaction in seeing these programs make a positive difference.
Writing, Media, and Research Fields
Communication is a priority within psychology bachelor’s programs, which provide plenty of opportunities to practice written and verbal skills through research papers, group projects, and presentations. This degree program also reveals the nuances of effective communication so students may tailor their message to appeal to various audiences. These abilities translate well in the professional sphere, enabling psychology grads to thrive in the following areas:
Content Creation and Media Roles
From social media to email marketing, blogs, and beyond, content forms the basis for the modern digital ecosystem. There are numerous ways to prepare for a successful career in content creation, and psychology degree programs can offer valuable preparation; psychology grads have an innate grasp of what users find compelling and can draw on these insights to deliver engaging and impactful content. Additionally, psychology graduates may be drawn to PR or broadcast media roles.
User Experience (UX) Research
User experience (UX) determines how end users interact with or feel about various products, services, or applications. Understanding human behavior and motivation is crucial for crafting experiences that are easy to navigate and that resonate with specific types of users. UX research brings a systematic approach to identifying and evaluating the needs of various user populations. Psychology grads are thoroughly prepared for these jobs thanks to their strong background in qualitative and quantitative research.
Research Assistantships and Policy Analysis
Working under the supervision of senior researchers or principal investigators, research assistants play a key role in collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. They may also handle the practicalities of psychology research, such as conducting thorough literature reviews or recruiting participants for new studies.
Beyond this, there are many opportunities for psychology graduates to influence policy analysis. They can leverage their advanced research and statistical skills while providing practical support as policy analyst assistants or public policy research associates.
Further Education and Specializations
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology can open the door to a range of compelling roles. The entry-level opportunities identified above should be well within reach for those who study psychology at the bachelor’s level. Additional training may be necessary, however, and this is important to consider before embarking on the career planning process.
Pathways to Advanced Roles
Most clinical psychology roles call for graduate credentials, but this should not stop ambitious individuals from seeking psychology bachelor’s degrees. By studying psychology as undergraduates, future clinical psychologists can develop a strong foundation that will serve them well as they move into more rigorous coursework at the graduate level.
Certifications and Additional Training
While psychology bachelor’s programs provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts, additional training may be needed to help graduates apply these foundational skills in specific environments or while working with targeted populations. Professional associations may provide certification programs or opportunities such as workshops or conferences.
Transitioning Fields
Because psychology coursework equips students with such a vast variety of transferable skills, this degree can facilitate career transitions and help professionals become uniquely adaptable. This versatility may provide peace of mind for students who struggle to clarify their career ambitions. This can also combat uncertainty regarding the future of specific fields or specialties.
Learn More About the Benefits of Baker’s Psychology Degree
Are you fascinated by the mysteries of human development, learning, and behavior? Take a deep dive into the world of psychology. By pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Psychology, you can gain valuable insights and preparation for a wide range of rewarding career paths. Get in touch today to learn more about pursuing your psychology degree with Baker College.