What careers could could I branch off into if I plan to major in psychology?
I'm asking because I plan on studying psychology and I don't really know what there is in the field besides becoming a therapist and counselor. There's got to be many more careers to branch off into if I study psychology. #psychology #therapy #counseling #mental-health
7 answers
Kristen Federlein, LCPC, NCC
Kristen’s Answer
There are a few fields that a bachelors in psychology is helpful in, such as case management, human resources, marketing, sales, probation officers, as well as counseling. Keep in mind there are many different areas of therapy to choose from as well (you would need a graduate degree to become licensed and practice these) - such as working with children, families, couples, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic mental illness, etc.
Hope this was helpful! Good luck!
Adrienne’s Answer
An undergraduate degree in Psychology may help you begin in the Social Sciences Field. I have seen entry level positions for Social Services Case Managers, ACS Workers and Child Care Manager Positions. You can also apply for business positions too. However with a Psychology Degree, you most likely should attend graduate school so that you can use your degree with more options and opportunities. There are many Master's Degree Programs. Start researching schools. Also look at jobs via Indeed.com to see what jobs are being offered to individuals with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Moreover, reach out to professionals and sspeak with your advisors.
Do you think a BA or BS in Psychology would best lead into a Master's program? What looks more impressive? And if this depends on whether you're looking for an MA or an MS, then which of those opens more doors?
Nora
D.’s Answer
With an undergraduate Psychology degree you are open to many fields; however, with a graduate degree, your opportunities increase. Some states allow you to practice psychology at the master's level. You will have to check your state license board for specifics. A degree in psychology can be used to work in counseling, behavior analysis, criminal justice, teaching, educational diagnostic testing; the possibilities are endless and are even greater with a graduate degree. Make sure to do your research before deciding. I have known many of people who ended up taking courses and even graduating only to find it wasn't what they wanted to do or it wasn't sufficient for them to do what they wanted. Make sure you check your state licenseing board and research the areas that your are interested in. I wish you much success.
Nadine’s Answer
Hi Keith!
Psychology includes so many fields; from organizational to clinical. I understand your concern because I was in the same ordeal. In fact, I was confuse! But I researched, found out what I was interested in and decided to pursue a graduate degree. My passion for people has landed me in mental health counseling. Find out what is your passion.
Brandon King, Ph.D.
Brandon’s Answer
Keith,
One area you could look at is the American Psychological Association's divisions. Divisions are broken up by different topic and special interest areas in psychology. These divisions should have their own websites that will give you an idea of what they research and at least some of them should have job boards where you can see the type of people hiring people in those areas of psychology. I'm a part of SIOP (division 14) and that's the type of information that's found on siop.org.
If you plan on pursuing a career in psychology, plan on getting a graduate degree. Coming from someone who has a bachelors, masters, and doctorate in psychology, bachelors degrees with psychology don't get you much above a high school degree.
Hope that gives you a good start.
www.apa.org/about/division/
Ted’s Answer
Keith,
It's highly unlikely that you will find gainful employment in the field of Psychology without a graduate degree. Before you begin taking graduate courses, you should decide on a specific career path, e.g., therapy, probation officer, career counselor, etc. so you can take courses that best meet your needs.
Good luck!
Ken’s Answer
Hi Keith!
It is important to understand exactly what you want to do before deciding on studying Psychology. If you look at this site, you will get a more in depth idea of helping professions including and surrounding the area of psychology.
Talking to your teachers and doing volunteer, coop, internship, and shadowing will help. Too many people end up with a degree in psychology without a way to make money.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/post_9154_b_6865002.html
Best of luck. Keep me posted. I would like to help further if I can. Send thank you notes to those who help you.