Psychology is a diverse and expansive field that prepares you for various career opportunities after graduation, which is why there were 134,407 psychology graduates in 2021. If you are thinking of studying psychology, here are 5 of the top career paths you can pursue with a psychology degree under your belt.
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Mental Health Counselor
With a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, you can become a mental health counselor. Mental health counselors help patients manage and overcome mental health issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. They provide psychotherapy, help create treatment plans, and assist patients in developing coping strategies. Many work in private practice, hospitals, community health centers, schools, and rehabilitation facilities.
With an online masters in psychology and 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, you can obtain licensure as a counselor or therapist in most states.
School Psychologist
School psychologists address students’ learning, social, emotional, and behavioral issues. With a master’s or doctoral degree in school psychology, advanced coursework in education and psychology, and a one-year internship, you can work in elementary, middle, and high schools. School psychologists evaluate students for learning disabilities, giftedness, and other special needs. They provide counseling services, help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success. Many also conduct research and teach courses.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
IO psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace. With a master’s or Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology, you can work in human resources departments, consulting firms, business schools, and other organizations.
IO psychologists often focus on topics like employee selection and assessment, leadership, motivation, organizational development, and workplace culture. They may design and evaluate employee training programs, oversee performance management systems, and study job satisfaction.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists interact with the legal system by conducting psychological assessments, researching criminal behavior, consulting with law enforcement, and serving as expert witnesses in court cases.
To become a forensic psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, specialized forensic training, and extensive clinical experience. Forensic psychologists often assess defendants’ competence to stand trial and work with criminals in correctional facilities. Some also profile criminals to assist police investigations.
Research Psychologist
If you enjoy creating and analyzing experiments, consider a career as a research psychologist. Research psychologists work in universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private research firms to advance scientific knowledge of human behavior, cognitive processes, emotions, and relationships.
To become a research psychologist, you typically need a Ph.D. in psychology with advanced training in your specialty, such as social, developmental, cognitive, or biopsychology. With strong research skills, you can conduct studies and publish influential findings to shape psychology practices, policies, and the public’s understanding of human nature.
With the right degree, training, and experience, there are many fulfilling career paths you can take as a psychology major. Determine your interests and strengths to choose a psychology career that provides meaning and excitement in your professional life. You won’t regret it.