The Versatile World of Psychology Degrees 

A psychology degree can unlock a world of career opportunities ranging from counseling and clinical psychology to human resources and marketing. Professionals in this expansive field focus on studying how humans think, feel, behave, and mentally develop.  Read on to learn how earning a degree in the interesting and varied field of psychology can pave the way for unique and specialized professional growth. 

Understanding a Psychology Degree

College students venturing into psychology will find that a psychology degree program covers numerous fascinating topics. They’ll learn about the prevailing theories of psychology and its rich history, explore the neurological foundations of personality, discover how mental health conditions are diagnosed and treated, and gain insights into the mechanisms driving substance abuse and addiction. WGU’s psychology bachelor’s degree program includes courses in social psychology, health equity, consumer behavior, psychopathology, industrial and organizational psychology, and other career-aligned subjects. Whether you’re an aspiring therapist or have another psychology career option in mind, a psychology degree can provide a comprehensive educational foundation.  

The Basics of a Psychology Degree 

Students earning a bachelor’s in psychology learn about fundamental psychological principles and theories and explore their various applications. A bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year program, but WGU’s competency-based structure allows many students to graduate in less than four years. Beyond the undergraduate level, a master’s degree delves into advanced concepts and includes specialized coursework to facilitate a deeper understanding of the field. A doctoral degree such as a Ph.D. or PsyD typically involves intensive study of a particular domain of psychology as well as clinical training. 

Specializations in Psychology 

Psychology encompasses a broad spectrum of specializations and career options. For example, clinical psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder.  Counseling psychology centers on therapeutic interventions that help people cope with life challenges. And industrial-organizational psychology applies psychological principles to the workplace to optimize professional environments. These specializations only scratch the surface of the multitude of pathways available within psychology. 

It is important to note that if pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist, a doctorate degree is required. 

Career Paths with a Psychology Degree 

While many psychology students enter professions that see them working directly with patients, this is far from the only career path available to them. Other options include academia, criminal justice, marketing, sales, human resources, social work, and various other industries. The study of human behavior applies to most work environments, providing a versatile foundation for individuals navigating the professional world. 

If aspiring to work with patients, an undergraduate degree alone is not sufficient. Other certifications are often required depending on the career of choice. An undergraduate degree in psychology does not lead to licensure or the ability to diagnose patients, however, provides a foundation for further education in the field of psychology.

Clinical and Counseling Roles 

A degree in psychology can be the starting point of a rewarding career that positively impacts others through clinical or counseling work. Remember, a bachelor's degree in psychology does not provide licensure and the required certification to work as a clinical psychologist or diagnose patients. However, an undergraduate degree in psychology can prepare you for further education, such as a master's degree or doctorate degree, to further your educate and pursue various careers in psychology. Some potential career options (requiring further education) in this specialization include: 

• Clinical psychologist. Professionals in this field conduct assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and provide therapy to help individuals live happier, healthier lives. You’ll need a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree to become a clinical psychologist. Typically, psychologists work in hospitals, mental health facilities, and research institutions. 
• Counseling psychologist. While clinical psychology focuses on psychopathology, counseling psychology prioritizes the development of healthy coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.  Counseling psychologists typically hold a PsyD and work in therapy clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. 
• Licensed professional counselor (LPC). LPCs provide counseling and therapy to help individuals improve their emotional well-being. They must pass a licensure exam to practice and often work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions.
• Psychiatrist. Because they undergo extensive medical training, psychiatrists are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. You need a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and a medical license to be a psychiatrist. 
• Marriage and family therapist (MFT). Primarily working with couples and families, MFTs specialize in relational and family dynamics. They help clients improve their relationships through psychotherapy sessions, effective communication, and active listening.
• Behavior technician. Behavior technicians implement behavior intervention plans in schools, residential facilities, and clinics. The necessary qualifications for this role typically include an undergraduate psychology degree, certification, or applied behavior analysis training, depending on the employer.
• Psychiatric technician. Psychiatric technicians often work in hospitals and residential facilities to care for individuals with mental health or developmental conditions. While some employers require only a high school diploma for this position, others prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. 

Research and Academic Careers 

For those interested in delving deep into the study of human behavior, there are also many career opportunities in research and educational institutions, including: 

• Psychology professor. Psychology professors teach college courses. While some institutions may hire psychology professors with master’s degrees, a Ph.D. is typically required to instruct at this level.
• Academic advisor. Advisors help students with educational goals, schedules, and stress management, steering them toward academic success.
• Guidance counselor. Operating in educational settings, school counselors support students with both academic and personal concerns. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to foster scholastic achievement and psychological well-being. WGU offers a counseling program for those interested in this career. 
• Research assistant. Conducting interviews, collecting and organizing data, and preparing Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications can all be part of a research assistant’s daily responsibilities. They often work for universities and research institutions. 
• Educational psychologist. By studying how people acquire and retain information, educational psychologists play a crucial role in enhancing academic achievement in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools. A PhD is required to become an educational psychologist.

Applied Psychology in the Workforce 

A psychological understanding of human thought and behavior can be applied to a variety of professions and industries, including healthcare, market research, organizational development, and even sales. Consider the following examples:

• Patient navigator. Also called patient advocates, patient navigators support individuals throughout their healthcare journeys, providing guidance, practical assistance, and encouragement. 
• Social services specialist. By connecting their clients to public services and resources, social services specialists empower individuals facing challenges and help build thriving communities. 
• Market research analyst. Market research analysts collect and analyze data to gain insights into marketing strategies and techniques. They provide recommendations to businesses on how to improve their marketing efforts.
• User researcher. Focused on understanding customer behaviors and preferences, user researchers help companies tailor their products and services to optimize the user experience.
• Sales manager. Sales managers leverage a deep understanding of buying behavior and sales methodologies to develop effective strategies that increase business revenue. 
• Organizational development specialist. These professionals use principles of psychology to optimize human resources, management, and marketing in various organizations.

Unique and Emerging Career Opportunities 

If you earn a psychology degree, you can also pursue a variety of nontraditional and emerging professions. For example, as an environmental psychologist, a doctorate degree is required and you might study the psychological effects of climate change or partner with urban planners and designers to develop environments that foster mental and physical well-being. In the field of forensic psychology, a master's degree is required and you can collaborate with legal experts to provide insights into mental health issues in legal cases. If you’re passionate about sports, you may consider pursuing a doctorate degree and becoming a sports psychologist who studies the correlation between cognitive science and athletic performance. 

Navigating the Job Market with a Psychology Degree 

People with an undergraduate degree in psychology frequently start their professional journeys in entry-level jobs. This initial phase allows them to gain practical experience and knowledge before choosing their long-term career path. The versatility of a psychology degree can equip you with a diverse skill set applicable to a wide range of professions, ensuring a variety of job options upon graduation. Whether you choose to pursue clinical roles, research positions, or jobs like social services or user research, the adaptable nature of your psychology degree can help you navigate the job market with confidence.

Building Experience and Networking 

Interning and volunteering can provide hands-on experience that prepares you for a flourishing psychology career. By acquiring an internship or volunteer position, you’ll be able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing your understanding and practical skill set. Networking is also essential to success in the field of psychology. Building your professional network can help you learn about career options in various specializations and connect with established professionals who can offer valuable insights. The American Psychological Association (APA) and other organizations provide networking opportunities for those who want to expand their professional circles and learn from others.

Crafting Your Path: Studies and Employment 

Earning a B.S. in Psychology can be the beginning of a robust, satisfying career trajectory. Some jobs for psychology majors require only a bachelor’s degree, while others require a master’s degree or doctorate. If you plan to earn a psychology degree, it's essential to consider how you’ll balance your career goals with personal and financial considerations. At WGU, our degree programs are affordable, online, and competency based. This means that you can advance as soon as you demonstrate mastery of the material, potentially saving time and money. Our B.S. in Psychology degree program provides the flexibility working adults need to fulfill personal and professional obligations while earning their degree. Apply today!