Career pathways and opportunities for Psychology majors
Considering a degree in Psychology? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as a Psychology major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as a Psychology student to maximize career opportunities.
- major psychological principles, and how to evaluate competing theories and synthesize information from diverse sources
- various levels of the research process: as participants, research assistants, and designing and possibly implementing their own research ideas
- social responsibility, professional ethics, and diversity issues will help to prepare them for positive interactions in and contributions to their workplace and community
- behavioral theories and applications, resulting in interpersonal awareness and understanding of social communication and potential sources of interpersonal conflict
- Evaluate competing theories and synthesize information from diverse sources through exposure to major psychological principles
- Develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills through engagement in the research process: as participants, research assistants, and through design and implementation of original research
- Communicate research results and understand others’ research findings using data analysis skills and research methods
- Employ strong interpersonal awareness stemming from their study of behavioral theories and applications, especially around social communication and interpersonal conflict
- Direct care (counseling, therapy, mental health, crisis work, rehabilitation, testing/assessment)
- Administration (advocacy, community relation, development/fundraising)
- Research (social research, market research, data analysis, neuroscience, industrial/organizational psych)
- Education (teaching, adult learning, information/library science, higher education administration)
- Human resources (employment, labor relations, organizational development, training)
- Business (sales, customer service, public relations, marketing, advertising)
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Pursue research experience by working on faculty projects through independent study classes, as a student employee, or through other departmental programs.
- Obtain essential practical experience through internships, jobs, or volunteering as a camp counselor, tutor, resident hall advisor, or with organizations like crisis hotlines, service groups, etc. Many entry-level helping positions require one year of related experience.
- Explore areas of specialty (e.g., clinical psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, or organizational psychology through coursework, research, and hands-on experiences.
- Prepare for graduate study in certain fields like counseling, psychotherapy, or social work by maintaining a high GPA and developing your network for strong recommendations.