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Psychology is one of the most popular college majors.This is no surprise since thestudy of the human mind and behaviorfascinates many. And once you’ve earned a bachelor’s in psychology, numerous jobs are open to you—even some that seem to have nothing to do with this field.Yes, you may have more career options with apsychology master’s or doctorate. However, there are still many entry-level options for college graduates with a 4-year degree. Here are some bachelor’s in psychology job options to consider.
Psychology is one of the most popular college majors.This is no surprise since thestudy of the human mind and behaviorfascinates many. And once you’ve earned a bachelor’s in psychology, numerous jobs are open to you—even some that seem to have nothing to do with this field.
Yes, you may have more career options with apsychology master’s or doctorate. However, there are still many entry-level options for college graduates with a 4-year degree. Here are some bachelor’s in psychology job options to consider.
1Advertising or Marketing ManagerHinterhaus Productions / Getty ImagesThescience of persuasionis a major topic in psychology, which is why advertising or marketing is often an ideal job field for people with a bachelor’s degree. Individuals in this field often research the target audience for a product or message,and then develop advertising materials based on what was found.If you are interested in a career in marketing or advertising, look for ways to gain practical experience now. Internships are an excellent way to get hands-on experience, find professional mentors, and build networking relationships in your chosen field.
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Advertising or Marketing ManagerHinterhaus Productions / Getty ImagesThescience of persuasionis a major topic in psychology, which is why advertising or marketing is often an ideal job field for people with a bachelor’s degree. Individuals in this field often research the target audience for a product or message,and then develop advertising materials based on what was found.If you are interested in a career in marketing or advertising, look for ways to gain practical experience now. Internships are an excellent way to get hands-on experience, find professional mentors, and build networking relationships in your chosen field.
Advertising or Marketing Manager
Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images
Thescience of persuasionis a major topic in psychology, which is why advertising or marketing is often an ideal job field for people with a bachelor’s degree. Individuals in this field often research the target audience for a product or message,and then develop advertising materials based on what was found.
If you are interested in a career in marketing or advertising, look for ways to gain practical experience now. Internships are an excellent way to get hands-on experience, find professional mentors, and build networking relationships in your chosen field.
2Sales RepresentativeUndergraduate psychology programshelp students acquire a wide range of interpersonal skills. Understanding how to determine and then meet a client’s needs is valuable in sales and marketing positions. Employers value skills such as the ability to speak well and communicate effectively.If you are interested in working in sales, take classes that will improve your understanding of people and human behavior. Courses insocial psychology,personality psychology, and communications can be especially beneficial.
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Sales RepresentativeUndergraduate psychology programshelp students acquire a wide range of interpersonal skills. Understanding how to determine and then meet a client’s needs is valuable in sales and marketing positions. Employers value skills such as the ability to speak well and communicate effectively.If you are interested in working in sales, take classes that will improve your understanding of people and human behavior. Courses insocial psychology,personality psychology, and communications can be especially beneficial.
Sales Representative
Undergraduate psychology programshelp students acquire a wide range of interpersonal skills. Understanding how to determine and then meet a client’s needs is valuable in sales and marketing positions. Employers value skills such as the ability to speak well and communicate effectively.
If you are interested in working in sales, take classes that will improve your understanding of people and human behavior. Courses insocial psychology,personality psychology, and communications can be especially beneficial.
3Psychiatric Technician or Partial Care WorkerMany people with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find jobs in the field of health and human services. These jobs allow psychology majors to pursue a career in psychology without a graduate degree, or to gain experience prior to enrolling in a graduate degree program.Bachelor’s in psychology jobs in this category include:Case managerMental health technicianPsychiatric technicianRehabilitation specialistSocial work assistantPartial care workerThese workers aid clients in inpatient and outpatient settings who have a variety of mental health concerns. In most cases, people in these jobs work under the supervision and guidance of a licensedclinical psychologistorsocial worker.Job duties involve helping patients with basic daily needs, teaching life skills, conducting applied therapy sessions, and performing related case management tasks.
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Psychiatric Technician or Partial Care WorkerMany people with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find jobs in the field of health and human services. These jobs allow psychology majors to pursue a career in psychology without a graduate degree, or to gain experience prior to enrolling in a graduate degree program.Bachelor’s in psychology jobs in this category include:Case managerMental health technicianPsychiatric technicianRehabilitation specialistSocial work assistantPartial care workerThese workers aid clients in inpatient and outpatient settings who have a variety of mental health concerns. In most cases, people in these jobs work under the supervision and guidance of a licensedclinical psychologistorsocial worker.Job duties involve helping patients with basic daily needs, teaching life skills, conducting applied therapy sessions, and performing related case management tasks.
Psychiatric Technician or Partial Care Worker
Many people with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find jobs in the field of health and human services. These jobs allow psychology majors to pursue a career in psychology without a graduate degree, or to gain experience prior to enrolling in a graduate degree program.
Bachelor’s in psychology jobs in this category include:
These workers aid clients in inpatient and outpatient settings who have a variety of mental health concerns. In most cases, people in these jobs work under the supervision and guidance of a licensedclinical psychologistorsocial worker.
Job duties involve helping patients with basic daily needs, teaching life skills, conducting applied therapy sessions, and performing related case management tasks.
4Career CounselorIf you enjoy helping people discover their potential, working as a career counselor can be a fulfilling choice. This job often involves helping people select a career, assisting those in the process of changing careers, or providing vocational rehabilitation to individualsreturning to the workforce.Some psychology majors in a career counseling role choose to work specifically with adults with disabilities. They assist with skills training, job search help, on-the-job training, and regular workplace supervision.
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Career CounselorIf you enjoy helping people discover their potential, working as a career counselor can be a fulfilling choice. This job often involves helping people select a career, assisting those in the process of changing careers, or providing vocational rehabilitation to individualsreturning to the workforce.Some psychology majors in a career counseling role choose to work specifically with adults with disabilities. They assist with skills training, job search help, on-the-job training, and regular workplace supervision.
Career Counselor
If you enjoy helping people discover their potential, working as a career counselor can be a fulfilling choice. This job often involves helping people select a career, assisting those in the process of changing careers, or providing vocational rehabilitation to individualsreturning to the workforce.
Some psychology majors in a career counseling role choose to work specifically with adults with disabilities. They assist with skills training, job search help, on-the-job training, and regular workplace supervision.
5WriterTetra Images / Getty ImagesEarning a bachelor’s degree in psychology generally requires a great deal of writing. After graduation, you could put those communication skills to work as a writer.There are a variety of writing-focused bachelor’s in psychology jobs one can do. They include becoming a technical writer, advertising copywriter, or newspaper reporter.They all benefit from a psychology background.
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WriterTetra Images / Getty ImagesEarning a bachelor’s degree in psychology generally requires a great deal of writing. After graduation, you could put those communication skills to work as a writer.There are a variety of writing-focused bachelor’s in psychology jobs one can do. They include becoming a technical writer, advertising copywriter, or newspaper reporter.They all benefit from a psychology background.
Writer
Tetra Images / Getty Images
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology generally requires a great deal of writing. After graduation, you could put those communication skills to work as a writer.
There are a variety of writing-focused bachelor’s in psychology jobs one can do. They include becoming a technical writer, advertising copywriter, or newspaper reporter.They all benefit from a psychology background.
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Probation and Parole Officer
These professionals supervise offenders in home, work, and school settings to track behaviors. They also make recommendations to the courts and coordinate services withdrug treatment professionals.
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Market Researcher
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Childcare Worker
Billy Hustace / Getty Images
You might consider working in a childcare center, preschool, or after-school program. You may even open your own childcare center or home-based childcare business.
Child Psychology and Child Development
9Research AssistantIf you have an interest in research andexperimental psychology, working as a laboratory assistant could be a great way to put your bachelor’s degree to work. Settings that employ psychology lab assistants include university psychology programs, government agencies, and businesses that study human behavior.If this kind of job interests you, you can gain valuable research experience while still an undergrad. Sign up for a research assistant position at your universityor consider taking an internship in a psych lab.
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Research AssistantIf you have an interest in research andexperimental psychology, working as a laboratory assistant could be a great way to put your bachelor’s degree to work. Settings that employ psychology lab assistants include university psychology programs, government agencies, and businesses that study human behavior.If this kind of job interests you, you can gain valuable research experience while still an undergrad. Sign up for a research assistant position at your universityor consider taking an internship in a psych lab.
Research Assistant
If you have an interest in research andexperimental psychology, working as a laboratory assistant could be a great way to put your bachelor’s degree to work. Settings that employ psychology lab assistants include university psychology programs, government agencies, and businesses that study human behavior.
If this kind of job interests you, you can gain valuable research experience while still an undergrad. Sign up for a research assistant position at your universityor consider taking an internship in a psych lab.
10Social Service SpecialistIndividuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can also find job opportunities working in the social services sector for government agencies or non-profits. These positions might entail helping individuals locate psychological resources in their community, providing counseling services directly to clients, and other types of case management services.Important skills for those working in the social service field include the ability to assess client needs, keep thorough and accurate records,express empathyand care, and act as advocates for clients.
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Social Service SpecialistIndividuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can also find job opportunities working in the social services sector for government agencies or non-profits. These positions might entail helping individuals locate psychological resources in their community, providing counseling services directly to clients, and other types of case management services.Important skills for those working in the social service field include the ability to assess client needs, keep thorough and accurate records,express empathyand care, and act as advocates for clients.
Social Service Specialist
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can also find job opportunities working in the social services sector for government agencies or non-profits. These positions might entail helping individuals locate psychological resources in their community, providing counseling services directly to clients, and other types of case management services.
Important skills for those working in the social service field include the ability to assess client needs, keep thorough and accurate records,express empathyand care, and act as advocates for clients.
11TeacherHero Images / Getty ImagesEarn a teaching certificate along with your bachelor’s degree in psychology and you can become a teacher. Some graduates opt to apply their knowledge of psychology indirectly as an elementary or middle-school teacher, while others may choose to teach psychology at the high school level.If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you might be able to enroll in an accredited teacher education program to earn a teaching certificate in your state.Contact your state’s board of education to learn more about the requirements and any alternative routes to becoming a credentialed teacher that might be available.Another option is to work as a paraprofessional, in which you assist a teacher in a classroom or serve as a one-on-one aide to a student with special needs. These positions do not require a master’s degree or teaching certificate.
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TeacherHero Images / Getty ImagesEarn a teaching certificate along with your bachelor’s degree in psychology and you can become a teacher. Some graduates opt to apply their knowledge of psychology indirectly as an elementary or middle-school teacher, while others may choose to teach psychology at the high school level.If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you might be able to enroll in an accredited teacher education program to earn a teaching certificate in your state.Contact your state’s board of education to learn more about the requirements and any alternative routes to becoming a credentialed teacher that might be available.Another option is to work as a paraprofessional, in which you assist a teacher in a classroom or serve as a one-on-one aide to a student with special needs. These positions do not require a master’s degree or teaching certificate.
Teacher
Hero Images / Getty Images
Earn a teaching certificate along with your bachelor’s degree in psychology and you can become a teacher. Some graduates opt to apply their knowledge of psychology indirectly as an elementary or middle-school teacher, while others may choose to teach psychology at the high school level.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you might be able to enroll in an accredited teacher education program to earn a teaching certificate in your state.Contact your state’s board of education to learn more about the requirements and any alternative routes to becoming a credentialed teacher that might be available.
Another option is to work as a paraprofessional, in which you assist a teacher in a classroom or serve as a one-on-one aide to a student with special needs. These positions do not require a master’s degree or teaching certificate.
Prepare for a Job With a Bachelor’s in PsychologyThere are several ways to maximize your potential and get the most out of your psychology degree. During your undergraduate years, take courses that will help you later in the job market. Employers often value skills such as:CreativityCritical thinkingEffective written communicationKnowledge of organizational andgroup behaviorOne-on-one and small-group communicationUnderstanding of individual human behaviorThejob outlook for psychologistsis promising as these positions are expected to grow at a “faster than average rate” over the next decade. The need for psychological services in hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and mental health centers is expected to drive this growth.TakeawaysThere are plenty of bachelor’s in psychology jobs available if you know where to look. Take advantage of the job resources available through your university. Many schools host job fairs and have designated career resources centered on helping students and alumni look for work.Frequently Asked QuestionsWith an associate’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for several entry-level jobs (although some may require additional training). Possibilities include:Social services assistantPsychiatric technicianMental health advocateHome care aideTeacher’s aide/paraprofessionalChildcare worker or youth counselorPolice officer or corrections officerResearch assistantLearn More:5 Types of Psychology DegreesWith a social psychology degree, jobs in social services, human resources, or marketing may be a good option. People with bachelor’s degrees will likely start in entry-level jobs, such as human resources assistant.Learn More:What Is a Social Psychologist?A graduate degree is essential for some jobs in mental health, such as counselor or therapist. However, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can work in the mental health field as a behavioral or psychiatric technician, care worker, rehab specialist, or social services assistant. In these roles, you would work directly with clients but be under the supervision and guidance of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.As an undergraduate studying psychology, you may have the opportunity to work as a research or teaching assistant. This is an excellent option if you plan to pursue a graduate degree.If you think you will enter the job market once you earn your bachelor’s degree, look for jobs or internships that allow you to gain experience in your chosen field. That might mean coaching, mentoring, or caring for kids if you are interested in education; working for the human resources department in a business; or working in a retail store if you are interested in sales.Which Psychology Career Is Right for You?
Prepare for a Job With a Bachelor’s in Psychology
There are several ways to maximize your potential and get the most out of your psychology degree. During your undergraduate years, take courses that will help you later in the job market. Employers often value skills such as:
Thejob outlook for psychologistsis promising as these positions are expected to grow at a “faster than average rate” over the next decade. The need for psychological services in hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and mental health centers is expected to drive this growth.
Takeaways
There are plenty of bachelor’s in psychology jobs available if you know where to look. Take advantage of the job resources available through your university. Many schools host job fairs and have designated career resources centered on helping students and alumni look for work.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWith an associate’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for several entry-level jobs (although some may require additional training). Possibilities include:Social services assistantPsychiatric technicianMental health advocateHome care aideTeacher’s aide/paraprofessionalChildcare worker or youth counselorPolice officer or corrections officerResearch assistantLearn More:5 Types of Psychology DegreesWith a social psychology degree, jobs in social services, human resources, or marketing may be a good option. People with bachelor’s degrees will likely start in entry-level jobs, such as human resources assistant.Learn More:What Is a Social Psychologist?A graduate degree is essential for some jobs in mental health, such as counselor or therapist. However, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can work in the mental health field as a behavioral or psychiatric technician, care worker, rehab specialist, or social services assistant. In these roles, you would work directly with clients but be under the supervision and guidance of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.As an undergraduate studying psychology, you may have the opportunity to work as a research or teaching assistant. This is an excellent option if you plan to pursue a graduate degree.If you think you will enter the job market once you earn your bachelor’s degree, look for jobs or internships that allow you to gain experience in your chosen field. That might mean coaching, mentoring, or caring for kids if you are interested in education; working for the human resources department in a business; or working in a retail store if you are interested in sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
With an associate’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for several entry-level jobs (although some may require additional training). Possibilities include:Social services assistantPsychiatric technicianMental health advocateHome care aideTeacher’s aide/paraprofessionalChildcare worker or youth counselorPolice officer or corrections officerResearch assistantLearn More:5 Types of Psychology Degrees
With an associate’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for several entry-level jobs (although some may require additional training). Possibilities include:Social services assistantPsychiatric technicianMental health advocateHome care aideTeacher’s aide/paraprofessionalChildcare worker or youth counselorPolice officer or corrections officerResearch assistant
With an associate’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for several entry-level jobs (although some may require additional training). Possibilities include:
Learn More:5 Types of Psychology Degrees
With a social psychology degree, jobs in social services, human resources, or marketing may be a good option. People with bachelor’s degrees will likely start in entry-level jobs, such as human resources assistant.Learn More:What Is a Social Psychologist?
With a social psychology degree, jobs in social services, human resources, or marketing may be a good option. People with bachelor’s degrees will likely start in entry-level jobs, such as human resources assistant.
Learn More:What Is a Social Psychologist?
A graduate degree is essential for some jobs in mental health, such as counselor or therapist. However, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can work in the mental health field as a behavioral or psychiatric technician, care worker, rehab specialist, or social services assistant. In these roles, you would work directly with clients but be under the supervision and guidance of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker.
As an undergraduate studying psychology, you may have the opportunity to work as a research or teaching assistant. This is an excellent option if you plan to pursue a graduate degree.If you think you will enter the job market once you earn your bachelor’s degree, look for jobs or internships that allow you to gain experience in your chosen field. That might mean coaching, mentoring, or caring for kids if you are interested in education; working for the human resources department in a business; or working in a retail store if you are interested in sales.
As an undergraduate studying psychology, you may have the opportunity to work as a research or teaching assistant. This is an excellent option if you plan to pursue a graduate degree.
If you think you will enter the job market once you earn your bachelor’s degree, look for jobs or internships that allow you to gain experience in your chosen field. That might mean coaching, mentoring, or caring for kids if you are interested in education; working for the human resources department in a business; or working in a retail store if you are interested in sales.
Which Psychology Career Is Right for You?
11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Education Statistics.Fast facts: Most popular majors.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What advertising, promotions, and marketing managers do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychiatric technician or aide.Occupational OutlookHandbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What school and career counselors and advisors do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Writers and authors.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What probation officers and correctional treatment specialists do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What market research analysts do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.Jones S.Research careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology: Academic research opportunities for psychology majors. American Psychological Association.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a human and social service assistants.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a high school teacher.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists: job outlook.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Education Statistics.Fast facts: Most popular majors.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What advertising, promotions, and marketing managers do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychiatric technician or aide.Occupational OutlookHandbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What school and career counselors and advisors do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Writers and authors.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What probation officers and correctional treatment specialists do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What market research analysts do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.Jones S.Research careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology: Academic research opportunities for psychology majors. American Psychological Association.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a human and social service assistants.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a high school teacher.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists: job outlook.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Education Statistics.Fast facts: Most popular majors.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What advertising, promotions, and marketing managers do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychiatric technician or aide.Occupational OutlookHandbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What school and career counselors and advisors do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Writers and authors.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What probation officers and correctional treatment specialists do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What market research analysts do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.Jones S.Research careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology: Academic research opportunities for psychology majors. American Psychological Association.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a human and social service assistants.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a high school teacher.Occupational Outlook Handbook.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists: job outlook.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
National Center for Education Statistics.Fast facts: Most popular majors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What advertising, promotions, and marketing managers do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a psychiatric technician or aide.Occupational OutlookHandbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What school and career counselors and advisors do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Writers and authors.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What probation officers and correctional treatment specialists do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.What market research analysts do.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Jones S.Research careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology: Academic research opportunities for psychology majors. American Psychological Association.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a human and social service assistants.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.How to become a high school teacher.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists: job outlook.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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