Career Opportunities For Psychology Majors

Learning about the ins and out of human behavior opens the doors to a number of different career paths. This is especially true for people focused on helping others. In fact, because of the strong skills you’ll develop as a psychology major, you’ll be in a great position to find a career that’s right for you.

Still, there are many options for psychology majors. Here are some of the most common career paths for this group of students.

Psychologist

As a psychologist, you’ll be working with patients in a one-on-one or group setting. You’ll address personal and mental health issues. This career requires an advanced degree, typically either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology). Each of these requires approximately four to seven years of study.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the various challenges people face in their personal lives. You can also help them assess and treat those problems through behavioral therapy.

Social Worker

Yet another rewarding career path for those who are interested in helping others overcome personal challenges is the field of social work. Based at a clinic, school, or nonprofit, social workers are licensed professionals who help clients work through a variety of different issues. These can include coping with physical health problems, divorce, or even drug addiction.

Depending on the type of setting you choose to work in, you might be addressing several types of issues or focusing on one in particular. No matter what setting you choose, you’ll be making a big impact in the lives of the clients you work with.

Professor

Love research and teaching? Academia is right for you. As a professor, you’ll divide your time between the classroom and your own research. Working directly with undergraduate and graduate students, you’ll help them grasp the intricacies of psychology. You’ll also help them design and implement research projects that will further existing research in the field.

Guidance Counselor

If you love working with students in more of a mentorship capacity, then consider becoming a guidance counselor. As a guidance counselor, you’ll be helping students plan their academic path and prepare for college. You’ll also work with students on their personal development, helping them address any challenges they face.

Career Counselor

As a career counselor, you’ll help college students and professionals identify and achieve their career goals. From guiding clients on their various career options to recommending relevant professional development classes and editing resumes, you are a valuable resource for all career-related matters.

Whether you’re helping patients overcome personal challenges or teaching others about the field, being a psychology major can open the door to many exciting career opportunities. To find out which one is right for you, try taking on an internship. It’s a great way to get a hands-on feel for a role that interests you.

Next, learn more about this college major. Check out What Is a Psychology Major and Is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Career Goals (and Meet Them).