Careers in Psychology

A psychology major offers courses on human and animal behavior, scientific research methods, and fosters skills in communication, interpersonal relations, data analysis, and critical thinking. These skills, combined with understanding behavior and thought processes, are highly sought after by employers.

A graduate degree is typically needed for a career directly related to psychology. A Master's degree, taking one to two years beyond a bachelor's, can lead to roles like social worker, teacher, researcher, or counselor. Advancement opportunities in business and government often follow. For positions like college-level teaching, independent research, or clinical psychology, a doctoral (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) degree is necessary, requiring five to ten years of study.

The list below highlights just a few of the many industries where psychology majors can thrive. The valuable skills gained through this major, including research, analysis, communication, and understanding human behavior, are highly sought after across various career paths.

The Career Exploration & Development Center is dedicated to educating, advising, and connecting students to career and post graduate opportunities. The staff are experts in providing guidance and services to currently enrolled students, alumni, faculty and staff about career exploration and counseling, deciding on a major, employer connections and internships.

You can learn more about careers in psychology (and majoring in psychology) from two books: 

Psychology graduates are increasingly finding fulfilling careers in:

Field	Description
Clinical/Counseling	Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, helping individuals cope with life challenges and improve well-being. Careers include therapists, counselors, and mental health advocates.
Developmental	Developmental psychologists study growth and changes across the lifespan, focusing on physical, emotional, and cognitive development. They work in research, child development centers, and aging-focused organizations.
Neuroscience	Neuroscience professionals explore the brain-behavior connection, contributing to advancements in mental health treatments, cognitive therapies, and neurological research. Roles include neuropsychologists, researchers, and lab technicians.
Business and Human Resources	Industrial-organizational psychology applies psychological principles to optimize workplace environments, improve employee well-being, and enhance productivity. Roles like HR specialists, training and development professionals, and organizational consultants utilize these skills.
Social and Community Services	Psychology majors can contribute to social change through work as community health workers, program coordinators, and advocates for various social causes, utilizing their understanding of human needs and social dynamics.
Education	School psychologists play a crucial role in supporting student learning and development, while research-oriented roles in educational institutions leverage the analytical and research skills honed in psychology studies.
Healthcare	Beyond clinical settings, health psychologists work in hospitals, public health agencies, and research institutions, promoting healthy behaviors and understanding the psychological aspects of illness and recovery.
Criminal Justice	Forensic psychologists apply psychological knowledge to legal matters, assisting in criminal investigations, assessing risk factors, and providing expert testimony.
User	Delves into the fascinating world of how people interact with technology, products, and systems. It's a blend of cognitive science, social psychology, and design principles, helping us understand user needs, motivations, and cognitive processes
Sports	Sports psychologists help athletes and performers enhance their mental skills, overcome challenges, and achieve peak performance. Careers include working with professional teams, individual athletes, and performance-focused organizations.
Environmental	Environmental psychologists study how physical environments influence behavior and well-being, contributing to urban planning, sustainability efforts, and workspace design to promote better living conditions.
Positive	Positive psychologists focus on enhancing well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction. Careers often involve coaching, workshops, or research on personal development and happiness.
Media and Communication	Media psychologists study the effects of media and technology on behavior, contributing to content creation, media literacy programs, and understanding digital addiction.
Political	Political psychologists examine how psychological principles influence political behavior, decision-making, and public opinion. They often work in academia, policy-making, or campaign strategy.
Space	Space psychologists study the mental and emotional challenges of living and working in extreme environments like space. They help design training programs and provide support for astronauts and space mission teams.
Virtual Reality (VR)	VR psychologists design and study virtual environments for training, therapy, and education, addressing how immersive experiences impact behavior and learning.