The Ultimate Guide Of Careers for Psychology Majors
Psychology is a pretty popular major in college, and there are so many careers for psychology majors!
Therefore I created this ultimate guide!
Psychiatrist
One of the for psychology majors to pursue is a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and emotional disorders. They assess patients, develop treatment plans using therapy and medication, and provide ongoing care.
They collaborate with other healthcare professionals and advocate for mental health awareness. Psychiatrists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
To become a psychiatrist after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will need to complete medical school, which typically takes four years. After graduating from medical school, you need to complete a four-year residency program in psychiatry. This is to gain specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Once you have completed your residency, you will need to obtain a medical license to practice psychiatry in your jurisdiction.
Counselor
Being a counselor is another one of the potential careers for psychology majors!
Counselors play a vital role in promoting mental health and emotional well-being. They help their clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems that cause emotional turmoil, facilitate communication and coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.
Counselors offer a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. They help them better understand themselves, identify their strengths, and develop effective coping strategies.
The role of the counselor might differ based on their areas of specialization.
Becoming a licensed counselor usually requires obtaining a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.
The requirements for licensing can vary by state and the counseling field you want to practice in. However, they typically involve completing supervised clinical counseling hours and passing a state-specific exam.
After completing your degree, completing the state-specific exam required for counseling licensure in your state is necessary.
It is essential to research the specific requirements for counseling licensure in your desired state and counseling field, and resources such as the American Counseling Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors can provide valuable information.
Additionally, there are some counseling jobs available to those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, such as caseworker, counselor aide, and mental health technician.
Behavior Analyst
Add behavioral analyst to the list of careers for psychology majors!
A behavioral analyst, also known as a behavior analyst or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), is a professional who diagnoses and treats individuals with social or behavioral issues.
They develop plans to correct, maintain, or improve certain behaviors and help clients set and achieve behavior goals. Behavioral analysts keep detailed notes of patient meetings and progress.
They and may use tools such as reinforcement and conditioning to encourage positive behaviors or correct aggressive, harmful, or antisocial behaviors.
They conduct assessments, collaborate with families, educators, and other professionals to gather insight into clients’ concerns and provide ongoing training to clinical staff in the implementation of behavior programs.
To become a behavioral analyst, one typically needs to earn a master’s degree in behavioral analysis, and certification as a BCBA may be required.
Forensics
A Bachelor’s in Psychology can lead to opportunities in forensics!
In the field of forensics, professionals use scientific knowledge and techniques to investigate and analyze evidence related to criminal cases and legal matters.
Here is a list of some specific roles and responsibilities within forensics:
Forensic Scientists: They analyze physical evidence found at crime scenes such as DNA samples, fingerprints, ballistics, and trace evidence. They perform tests and experiments using specialized equipment and techniques to gather information that can aid in criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Crime Scene Investigator: Also known as a CSI or forensic investigator, they collect and document physical evidence at crime scenes. They ensure the preservation and proper handling of evidence during the initial stages of an investigation. This may include taking photographs, sketches, and notes. They work closely with other law enforcement professionals in order to reconstruct the crime scene.
Forensic Pathologist: A medical doctor specializing in forensic pathology who performs autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death in cases involving suspicious or unexplained deaths. They analyze the body, collect and preserve evidence, and provide expert testimony in court when necessary.
Forensic Psychologists: They evaluate the psychological state and behaviors of individuals involved in criminal cases. They may assess the competency of individuals to stand trial, provide expert testimony on the psychological aspects of a case, and assist law enforcement in profiling criminals based on their behavior patterns.
Forensic Accountant: They investigate and analyze financial records to uncover financial crimes, such as fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement. They may also provide expert testimony in court and assist in recovering assets.
These are just a few examples of the various roles within the field of forensics. There are many other specialized areas, including forensic anthropology, digital forensics, forensic toxicology, and more.
To enter each of these fields, someone would need to earn education and certification beyond their bachelor’s in psychology.
For example, becoming a forensic scientist requires a master’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, or a related field. While becoming a crime scene investigator typically requires a combination of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or forensic science and on-the-job training.
A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor specializing in forensic pathology. This requires a medical degree, forensic pathology training, and certification through a board exam.
To become a forensic psychologist, advanced education in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, or a related field is required, with a doctoral degree and state licensure also being common.
Forensic accountants usually have a background in accounting or finance. They may need to earn additional certifications, such as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.
Clinical Psychology
Another career to consider is clinical psychology.
Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals that work with individuals of all ages. Their goal of diagnosing and treating various mental health disorders and issues.
They often perform assessments, provide therapy sessions, and support clients in developing healthy strategies for coping with specific struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Clinical psychologists help clients develop and implement custom treatment plans, monitor progress throughout therapy, and adjust plans as needed.
Clinical psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, and more.
The work of a clinical psychologist requires an extensive educational background beyond just a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
A master’s and/or a doctoral degree in clinical psychology or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience and state licensure, is needed.
Sports Psychologist
If you like sports and psychology, look into being a sports psychologist.
A sports psychologist is a specialized type of psychologist who focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of sports performance and physical activity.
Their main goal is to help athletes and sports professionals improve their performance. They also help overcome psychological barriers, and enhance their overall well-being in relation to their athletic endeavors.
Sports psychologists work with individuals and teams to address various psychological factors that can impact performance. These include as anxiety, motivation, focus, confidence, and mental resilience.
They may conduct assessments and evaluations to identify specific areas for improvement and develop personalized strategies to address them. These strategies can include mental skills training, relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, goal setting, and performance feedback.
Sports psychologists also assist athletes in coping with the psychological challenges associated with injury, rehabilitation, and retirement from sports.
Sports psychologists may work with athletes at all levels, from beginners to elite professionals. They can be found in a variety of settings, including sports teams, training facilities, universities, and private practice.
To become a sports psychologist, individuals typically need to complete extensive academic and practical training. This includes earning a doctoral degree in sports psychology or a related field, completing supervised clinical experience, and obtaining licensure or certification in their respective jurisdiction.
To become a sports psychologist after completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, individuals can take the following steps.
First, earn a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology, psychology, or a related field.
The next steps are to pursue an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. or Psy.D., specializing in sports psychology.
Fulfill supervised practice requirements and obtain licensure, which typically involves passing a licensing exam and completing supervised hours. Optional certification from organizations like AASP can demonstrate expertise.
Requirements may vary, so research specific state or country regulations for accurate information.
Nurse
If you want to enter healthcare with your degree in psychology, maybe try being a nurse.
Nurses are healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care. Their role entails educating and counseling patients and families, collaborating with healthcare teams, advocating for patients, maintaining records, promoting health, and supporting research.
They play a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and safety while promoting overall well-being.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, wanting to become a nurse, there are various pathways to consider.
Generally, you’ll need to fulfill specific prerequisites for nursing programs, which often involve foundational science courses. You can then choose from different nursing program options, such as an Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science for a faster route, a Traditional BSN for a standard path, or a Direct Entry MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program if you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree. The Direct Entry MSN is designed for individuals who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You can become a registered nurse while also having the opportunity to attain a master’s degree in nursing later on.
In the Direct Entry MSN path, you’d first earn a BSN, allowing you to become a licensed registered nurse upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
After that, you can continue your education to complete the MSN portion. This offers specialization options like nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
It’s important to research and choose the path that aligns with your goals and circumstances.
Teacher
A teacher is another one of the many careers for psychology majors to pursue!
A teacher is an educator who plays a crucial role in the academic and personal development of students.
They create lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student progress in various subjects and grade levels.
Teachers provide guidance, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, facilitate class discussions, and engage students in interactive learning activities.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, there are several options you can pursue to become a teacher.
One path is to pursue alternative certification programs to obtain a teaching license for individuals with degrees in fields like psychology.
Some universities offer graduate programs specifically designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology who want to pursue a career in education.
These programs can help you acquire the necessary education and certification to become a teacher in your area of specialization.
Another option is to pursue a master’s degree in education, which can provide more in-depth knowledge of teaching strategies and educational theories.
Keep in mind, different states and school districts may have specific requirements for teacher certification. So it’s important to research the specific requirements in your area.
Market Researcher
Being a market researcher is another one of the careers for psychology majors.
A market researcher is responsible for collecting and analyzing data to help organizations make informed business decisions.
They conduct research on consumer preferences, market trends, and competition to assist companies in better understanding their target audience and optimizing their marketing strategies.
Market researchers utilize a variety of research methods, to gather relevant data and insights. They interpret the data they collect, identify patterns and trends, and then present their findings. This is to inform marketing strategies, product development, and business decisions.
They may also assess customer satisfaction and feedback, monitor industry trends, and provide recommendations to guide marketing campaigns and improve customer experiences.
Entering the field with a psychology major, start by gaining relevant skills and knowledge in data analysis, statistics, and research methodologies.
Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level research roles. C
Connect with professionals in the field and consider pursuing a higher degree or professional development courses, but this is optional.
Medical Sales Representative
Add medical sales to the list of careers for psychology majors.
A medical sales representative is responsible for promoting and selling medical products and services to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
They provide information on the features and benefits of their products.
They must be knowledgeable about the medical products they are selling, as well as their competitors’ products and industry regulations.
To pursue a career as a medical sales representative, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you don’t really need a Master’s or Ph.D.
However, employers often prefer candidates with a background in science or healthcare-related disciplines. This helps them grasp and effectively communicate complex medical information to healthcare professionals.
Additional certifications or courses in sales, marketing, or medical terminology can also provide a competitive edge in the field.
Occupational Analyst
Occupational analyst is one of the more unique careers for psychology majors.
An occupational analyst is typically involved in analyzing and improving the structure of employment within a specific area or organization.
Responsibilities may include qualitative and quantitative occupational analysis, data manipulation, and producing reports and data visualizations.
Occupational analysts gather and analyze data to advise on cost reduction, operational enhancement, and staffing for businesses, industries, and government.
This role involves insights from organizational, occupational, and industrial perspectives, contributing valuable technical information.
Beyond a bachelor’s degree in psychology, additional education in fields such as business management, finance, economics, or related disciplines is beneficial.
While a master’s degree in a field like business management may be required by some companies, it is not mandatory for all businesses.
Healthcare Administration
With a degree in psychology, maybe look into healthcare administration as a career. A healthcare administrator is responsible for overseeing the administrative and business aspects of healthcare organizations.
They manage the operations of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to patients.
Common responsibilities include designing and managing the budget, managing patient fees and billing, improving facility efficiency and quality, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, managing patient records, hiring and training administrative healthcare staff, and overseeing relationships with stakeholders such as insurance companies and suppliers.
You can go into entry-level roles with a Bachelor’s in psychology. However, individuals usually get a Master’s in health care administration.
Psychiatric Technician
Last but not least, is the career of being a psychiatric technician. A psychiatric technician works with individuals who have developmental disorders, mental illnesses, or substance abuse issues, assisting in their care and treatment.
Some of the primary duties of a psychiatric technician include administering medication, assisting with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, and engaging patients in therapeutic and recreational activities.
They also observe and record patients’ behavior and conditions, provide emotional support, and ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
Psychiatric technicians play a crucial role in the mental health care field by helping patients perform daily tasks, providing medication as part of treatment plans, and assisting with therapeutic activities that aid in the patient’s recovery.
These technicians often work in healthcare settings such as psychiatric hospitals and residential mental health facilities.
To become a psychiatric technician, if you hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology, you generally need to complete a certification program in psychiatric or mental health technology.
Some programs may also include practical, hands-on training in psychiatric and mental health care settings to provide students with real-life experience caring for individuals with mental health issues.
Additionally, some states or employers may require or prefer certification, such as the Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) credential offered by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT).
If you decide to major in psychology, know that there are so many careers that you can pursue with it! This list just covers some of those, but the opportunities are endless!