Career Paths for Psychology Majors

Why do people think and behave as we do? If you would like to know the answer, consider majoring in psychology. Individuals who study this discipline learn about the human mind and behavior. Areas of specialization include social, experimental, clinical, developmental, industrial, and organizational psychology. While undergraduate majors typically survey all of these areas through their coursework, those pursuing advanced degrees usually specialize in one.

Students can earn associate's, bachelor's, masters or doctoral degrees in psychology. Many associate's degree programs assume that graduates are going to continue their studies in four-year programs and eventually earn a bachelor's degree. Unfortunately, there are few careers for those who don't go beyond an associate's degree.

A bachelor's degree provides more options, but if you want to work in human services, for example as a psychologist, you will need at least a master's degree, but more likely a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A Ph.D. is more research-oriented than a PsyD. Many who earn this degree go on to careers in academia. A PsyD emphasizes applied for work and leads to careers in therapy.

Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take

Bachelor's and Associate's Degree Courses

Introduction to Psychology
Child Psychology
Adolescent Psychology
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Psychological Research and Design
Human Sexuality
Drugs and Addiction
Death and Dying
Learning Theory
Cognition
Social Psychology
History of Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Psychological Testing
Psychology of Women
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Personality
Motivation and Emotion
Gerontological Psychology
Biological Psychology
Health Psychology

Master's Degree Courses (MA or MS)

Personality, Psychopathology Diagnoses
Psychology of Groups, Families, and Couples
Neuropsychology
Theories of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Forensic Psychology
Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy
Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Neuropsychological Assessment
Professional Issues and Ethics
Personality Assessment
Sensory and Motor Systems

Ph.D. Courses

Data Analysis in Psychological Research
Qualitative Research Methods
Research Design
Ethics
Teaching of Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Psychology and Criminal Law
Anxiety Disorders
Treatment of Substance Abuse

PsyD Courses

Statistics
Cognitive Assessment
Advanced Adult Psychopathology
Cognitive Therapy
Lifespan Development
Social Psychology and Behavior
Administration of Psychological Services
Advanced Group Therapy
Contemporary Psychoanalytic Theories

Career Options With Your Degree

Some options, specifically those that involve working in a clinical setting, are contingent upon state licensing requirements.

Bachelor's Degree: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Instructor, Family Support Specialist, Mental Health Case Manager, Rehabilitation Specialist, Mental Health Technician, Social Media Community Leader, Marketing Manager, Sales Associate, Market Research Analyst, Data Mining Analyst.
Master's Degree: Staff Psychotherapist, Behavioral Health Specialist, School Psychologist, Program Therapist, Psychometrist, Mental Health Intake Coordinator, Research Associate.
Doctoral Degree: Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, School Counselor, Professor.

This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in psychology It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in psychology only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline.

Typical Work Settings

Psychology majors are qualified for jobs that call for their knowledge of human behavior, thought, and emotion. This includes jobs in health and human services, education, marketing, research, and academia. They typically work in offices, community centers, schools, and hospitals.

How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major

High school students who want to study psychology in college should take classes in English (including writing), math, and the social and physical sciences.

What Else You Need to Know

Many universities that have doctoral programs do not offer terminal master's degrees. Students earn a master's degree on the way to earning a Ph.D. or PsyD.
Many states in the US require anyone who wants to work as a practicing clinical or counseling psychology to have a doctoral degree in psychology from a program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Others require only a master's degree.
Students who are enrolled in many advanced degree programs, particularly those that lead to clinical careers, receive practical training in the form of internships.
Students typically spend at least four years, but as many as eight, in a doctoral program.
Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation.

Professional Organizations and Other Resources

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
Association for Psychological Science (APS)