Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: A Pathway to Many Careers

If you think that a bachelor’s degree in psychology is only a stepping stone on the path to becoming a psychologist, then we have news for you! Your bachelor’s degree in psychology can teach you several important skills that will help you land jobs in different industries. 

Careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are countless and exciting and this article will take you through just that. We will also answer your questions and share the most common paths that psychology majors pursue after their bachelor’s degree programs.

With your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will learn essential skills like understanding human behavior, critical thinking, research, and analysis. This broad skill set makes you competent to work in many different roles across various industries. 

Think about it, almost every job requires you to work with people, and so understanding and effectively dealing with people can help you interact better and work more efficiently. Additionally, since research and data knowledge are needed in many fields, you can even apply for jobs that involve data analysis or research, thus widening your career options.

Sure, you may need some additional training for certain roles, but it’s worth considering what skills and classes interest you. Your ability to connect well with people also makes you a good fit for jobs that require teamwork or managing teams.

The skills that you develop during your bachelor’s degree in psychology program can act as the perfect base upon which you can add incremental knowledge and skills. Regardless of the field you enter, the career you pursue, or even in your own life, the impact of the knowledge you learn in psychology will be felt in everything you do. It’s the perfect foundation upon which you will build your career.

According to the American Psychological Association, in 2019 only 14% of psychology baccalaureates go to graduate school in psychology. So, what about the rest? About 30% opt for further education, but not in the field of psychology. The majority, comprising 56%, directly enter the workforce without pursuing additional education.

Keeping these numbers in mind, we can say that a good number of psychology majors enter the workforce or build on their psychology degree with other knowledge and skills. This could be because of personal or financial reasons, or just because they want to explore the world beyond the classroom as they build their future. 

What jobs you can get with a psychology degree is a common question. The answer lies in the skills you will get to learn. Your bachelor’s degree in psychology will teach you many important skills that are transferable across industries. These include both soft and hard skills. 

Here’s a glimpse of some of the key skills you will learn when pursuing your bachelor’s degree in psychology:

Soft Skills:

1. Communication Skills: In your psychology degree program, you will master the ability to express complex ideas both in writing and verbally. This skill allows you to engage in effective communication with diverse groups of people.

2. Empathy and Interpersonal Skills: Through your coursework, you will learn about human behavior and develop a deep understanding of others’ perspectives. This will help you build strong interpersonal skills, enhancing your effectiveness in relationship-building.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration: Your psychology classes will teach you the art of working effectively with others. You’ll learn to respect diverse opinions and contribute meaningfully to group efforts, fostering your growth as a collaborative team member.

4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Your psychology classes will nurture your critical thinking abilities. You’ll develop the ability to analyze information, evaluate theories, and solve complex problems. This skill will prove useful in a variety of situations.

Hard Skills:

1. Research Skills: You will need to complete a lot of research-based projects throughout your degree journey. This will help you build strong research skills. You’ll become skilled at collecting data and analyzing results using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

2. Data Interpretation: Your psychology studies will make you adept at interpreting data. This involves understanding statistical analyses and drawing meaningful conclusions from research findings. This skill is crucial for evidence-based decision-making.

3. Presentation Skills: Focusing on crafting and delivering compelling presentations will be a key aspect of your psychology education. This skill not only enhances your academic communication but also equips you to effectively communicate complex information in professional settings.

4. Analytical Skills: As you progress through your studies, you’ll develop the ability to break down complicated problems. This skill is important because it helps you understand how different things are connected and allows you to think critically about complex issues. As a result, you will be able to come up with effective solutions.

These skills collectively provide a well-rounded foundation that is not only valuable in the field of psychology but also applicable and transferable across various industries and professional settings.

Now you know that with your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you have many skills you can use in your career. Let’s discuss the most common jobs with a psychology degree after a bachelor’s in psychology. 

Note: The salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Human Resources Specialist: 

This role would require you to accomplish a range of people-centered tasks, like overseeing recruitment, managing employee relations, and implementing organizational policies. To apply for this role, a bachelor’s degree in human resources or related fields like psychology is typically required. With your background in psychology, you would be a good fit. With your deep understanding of human behavior, you will be able to effectively perform your tasks and contribute to a positive workplace culture. The median annual salary for this position is $64,240.

2. Advertising and Marketing: 

In roles like marketing, professionals create campaigns to influence consumer behavior. A bachelor’s degree in any field is often preferred. Your psychology degree gives you the edge over other candidates here. This is because your degree in psychology equips you with insights into consumer behavior and decision-making processes, which makes you efficient in creating compelling campaigns. The median yearly income for this role is $138,730.

3. Journalism: 

Journalists usually require a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field. In this career, you could choose to cover articles based on psychology. You could offer a psychological perspective on any given case. A psychology major’s experience in writing, research, and interviewing sets a great foundation for a career as a journalist or reporter. For this position, the median annual salary is $55,960.

4. Public Relations: 

Public relations specialists manage an organization’s public image. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, communications, or a related field. With your understanding of public perception and behavior, you will be able to strategically manage the organization’s image and foster positive relationships. The median salary per year for this role is $67,440.

5. Market Research: 

Market research analysts analyze consumer data, often holding a bachelor’s degree in business or related fields like psychology or communications. With your psychology degree, you possess a solid foundation for interpreting and analyzing data. This makes you a valuable asset for generating meaningful insights. This role saw a median annual salary of $68,230.

6. Sales: 

Sales representatives promote and sell products or services. A bachelor’s degree in any field is usually preferred. You may be at an advantage here with your psychology degree because you bring strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of customer motivations. This helps you connect with clients, build rapport, and drive sales success. Sales isn’t for everyone, but if it clicks, it clicks! Salaries in sales vary widely based on commission structures and the field you’re in. The annual median salary for sales in industries like insurance is $57,860.

Jobs with a bachelor’s in psychology are available across industries like we’ve just discussed. But if you wish to get into a psychology-related field with your bachelor’s in psychology, then consider checking out these careers.

Here are some psychology-centered jobs with a bachelor’s in psychology:

1. Mental Health Technician/Assistant: 

As a mental health technician/assistant you will have to provide support and help mental health professionals. Your tasks would involve monitoring patients and making reports on their condition. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is preferred. The median yearly income for this role is $37,330.

2. NGOs: 

Working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often involves roles in program coordination, advocacy, or community outreach. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is beneficial. Your psychology degree enhances your ability to understand and address community needs, making you an asset in various NGO roles. Salaries in NGOs vary widely depending on the organization and role. For roles like community health workers, the median annual salary is $46,190.

3. Social Services: 

In social services, professionals work to assist individuals and communities in need. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is commonly required. Your psychology degree equips you with a deep understanding of human behavior, enhancing your effectiveness in supporting and advocating for those in need. This role saw a median annual salary of $55,350.

4. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: 

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists monitor and support individuals on probation or parole. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is often required. With a psychology degree, you possess valuable skills in understanding behavior and rehabilitation, making you well-suited for this role. The median yearly pay for this role stands at $59,860.

5. Social Science Research Assistants: 

Social science research assistants support research projects by collecting and analyzing data. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as sociology, psychology, or economics, with strong research and analytical skills along with proficiency in statistical software. The annual median salary for this position is $50,470.

6. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help individuals struggling with addiction or behavioral issues by assessing their needs, developing treatment plans, and conducting counseling sessions. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling is typical, with some roles requiring a master’s degree and licensure. For this role, the median annual earnings are $49,710.

All in all, you have many interesting options to choose from. This list just covers a fragment of all the many jobs available. Landing some jobs in specific industries can be very competitive, but there are so many fields with openings for competent graduates. Keep your resume strong by constantly learning valuable knowledge and skills. If you can, try to complete an internship or gain some experience in the field you desire to join. This can strongly improve your chances of landing the job.

There are a host of careers that you can pursue with your bachelor’s degree in psychology. If you wish to pursue a career in counseling or other core psychology jobs, then you will need to get your master’s degree and licensure. Your master’s degree in psychology will enable you to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as clinical psychology or counseling, providing you with advanced knowledge and skills. This advanced education and credentialing will open doors to more specialized and higher-paying roles, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.

It could be that you’re not interested in pursuing a master’s in psychology; maybe you’ve joined a role in human resources or another field of your choice. Regardless, a master’s degree can give your career a boost. The advanced knowledge and skills you’ll learn will open doors to leadership positions, a higher salary, and professional growth. 

Related: Alternate Careers With A Psychology Major

Your bachelor’s degree in psychology will equip you with many essential skills that will make you a great candidate for a number of jobs across industries. The process of landing a job can be competitive so make sure you keep yourself up-to-date through continuous learning. At the end of the day, what you make out of your degree depends on you.

Your bachelor’s degree in psychology promises a rewarding journey, where the skills acquired will not only open doors to diverse career opportunities but also pave the way for personal growth and fulfillment.