What Can You Do with a Degree in Psychology?

The field of psychology is a widespread one, with numerous career paths that candidates can choose. It is why students go for an undergraduate degree in psychology. It is a flexible degree program and provides them a stepping stone to acquire a graduate degree in the field. Psychology students learn about how people think and the reason for their changes in behavior. They also gain analytical skills and study scientific methods for practical application in the real world through the marketing and business field.

They develop problem-solving competencies and develop critical thinking skills to apply for various career pathways such as business, education, healthcare, and much more. In business, they can use behavioral analysis to predict the customer’s buying habits. They can create treatment plans to cure mentally ill patients. 

Although you will have many roles available at your disposal with a degree, some highly specialized ones may require that you do further studies in this field. Let us look at a few job opportunities and roles you can apply for when you have a psychology degree in your resume’.

Substance Abuse Counsellor

The substance abuse counselor career is an ever-growing one in the USA due to increased illicit drugs and medication usage. A substance abuse counselor works with patients addicted to cocaine, alcohol, and other illegal drugs that can severely harm their health. They provide guidance and counselor to the patient and offer them drug alternatives to ease them back into everyday life.

To apply for such a position, candidates will need an educational background in psychology, such as a bachelor of arts in psychology online degree, followed by a clinical psychology specialization. They will also require strong interpersonal skills as they will be dealing with patients undergoing terrible withdrawal systems. Some organizations also need a state-issued license or certification from the candidates to practice as a substance abuse counselor. 

Human Resource Specialist 

Another career you can apply for with a psychology degree is an HR specialist’s job in any organization, be it a hospital or any other business. Candidates who prefer administrative work over becoming caregivers, such as nurses or doctors, can easily adjust to life in this career. A human resource specialist’s primary task is to help employees with their salaries, benefits and enforce policies related to an organization’s administrative functions. They assist in the recruitment, training, hiring, or firing of employees.

Although a master’s Is not necessary, you will require a bachelor’s degree in psychology to work as an HR specialist. Plus, it will increase your employment chances if you have a background in business as well. 

Social Science-based Research Assistant

Big data impacts many businesses and occupations, but no other profession is prone to transformation like the social science research profession. They have to keep pace with the analysis and massive collection of information about how people react and behave with other people in the environment. A social science research assistant has the duty of helping scientists conduct surveys, researches, laboratory work, and other activities.

To work as a social science research assistant, you need to have previous experience in an entry-level research-based position and a bachelor’s degree in psychology or social sciences. According to the BLS, a social science research assistant’s average salary is about 51,000 dollars, with the high ten percent earning around 70,000 dollars per year on average.

School Counselor 

For those who hold a psychology degree and have a penchant for working in an educational setting or teaching in general, a school counselor’s role is best suited for you. While working as one, you will have to find ways to improve school students’ and employees’ mental well-being. You will work with children who have troubles and problems at both school and home. You will also guide parents so they can help their children cope with issues such as bullying, depression, racism, and much more.

Suppose you want to become a school counselor. In that case, you will have to acquire a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s in clinical psychology, and in some cases, a state-issued license. A school counselors average salary is around 50,000 dollars per year. However, earnings will increase as you gain more experience in the field.

Forensic Psychologist 

Forensic psychology deals with the criminal justice system and psychology. A forensic psychologist must understand how the American justice system works if he/she wants to be a credible witness for the state. Yes, the court will designate a forensic psychologist who has to witness and evaluate key evidence in various court cases.

The forensic psychologist must prove whether the accused party is mentally ill through tests and questions. Also, they need to provide treatment recommendations, determine the credibility of other witnesses, evaluate the accused’s behavior, and recommend sentencing terms. A forensic psychologist usually works with law enforcement, public defenders, and state-appointed attorneys. Salary can range from around 46,000 dollars to 75,000 dollars per year on average. Of course, that depends on the experience of the forensic psychologist.

Conclusion

There are tons of psychology-related jobs in the world. However, the one you deice to go for depends on your expertise and educational background. Whether you want to help patients inside a hospital setting or through your private practice, you can always find something that suits your interests and goals. For starters, look at the career opportunities mentioned in this article, as they are a perfect place to start if you are new to psychology.