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What can you do with a Psychology Degree? This is a common question by those interested in the field of mental health and scientific study. While many people associate this type of degree with psychologists and psychiatrists, there are actually a number of professions that require varying levels of degrees in the field of psychology. Some jobs require only a bachelor’s degree in psychology, while others may require a master’s or even a doctorate. Typically the average pay scale for these positions rises with the level of education.

While you may be fascinated with how the mind works and other aspects of the field of psychology, to ensure that you are better prepared for a career path after college, it is important to look at the duties and responsibilities of each career path, the job outlook and salary for each position, and the amount of education and coursework you will need to succeed in your chosen field.

Jobs You Can Get with a Psychology Degree

The good news is that for graduates, or students pursuing a degree in psychology, the career outlook is promising due to the many positions that are available in that field. The most significant variations between positions will have to do with the required level of education.

Psychology Careers for Those With a Bachelor’s Degree

An undergraduate degree in psychology can provide you with a number of job options, but working one-on-one with patients is not one of them. To work with individuals, you will need to possess a graduate degree before obtaining your license. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to help others with only a bachelor’s degree. For example, you could wind up:

  • Leading group counseling sessions under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
  • Researching behavior patterns and mental health diseases under the supervision of a psychologist or professor.
  • Working with educators on child development.

Here’s a look at a few of the careers you could pursue with a BS in Psychology: 

Social Workers

A popular career choice for those who have a bachelor’s in Psychology and are looking to help others are social workers. A social worker’s primary responsibilities are to help families and individuals with housing, food, and employment services. While it would require a master’s degree if you wish to work one-on-one with clients, there is still much you can do in the field without one.

  • Average annual salary: $50,470
  • Average per hour rate: $24.26
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 11%

Health Education

Health educators fill many roles when it comes to the focus of physical and mental health. Their job is to not only promote health and wellness in the community, but to also provide instruction on how to maintain wellness.

  • Average annual salary: $46,910
  • Average per hour rate: $22.55
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 11%

Probation Officers and Correctional Specialists

Both probation officers and correctional specialists work together to help rehabilitate offenders that are in some phases of the correctional system, whether in jail, on probation, or on parole.

  • Average annual salary: $54,290
  • Average per hour rate: $26.10
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 3%

Psychiatric Aides and Technicians

Both psychiatric aides and technicians work with patients who are mentally disabled to be able to achieve the best quality of life possible. Positions are often available in mental health residential facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

  • Average annual salary: $32,020
  • Average per hour rate: $15.40
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 12%

Psychology Jobs You Can Get With a Graduate Degree

When you obtain a master’s or doctorate in Psychology, you will have a number of opportunities open to you, especially those which require one-on-one interaction. Below are some of the top jobs in the psychology field that you can apply for with graduate degrees and proper licensing.

Neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist is a specialist in the study of the brain and its relation to cognitive function. They will be responsible for running and evaluating scans for those with brain injuries and researching how certain drugs can affect the nervous system. A doctorate is required for this position. Opportunities for employment as a neuropsychologist can be found in places such as research centers, universities, pharmaceutical labs, and hospitals.

Clinical Psychologist

The steps to become a psychologist include obtaining a doctorate degree, completing a residency, and successfully passing your state licensing exams. This job is often performed in mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They work one-on-one with patients to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. This is one of the largest and fastest-growing job positions in the field of psychiatry.

  • Average annual salary: $81,160
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 14%

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists work in the legal field developing psychological profiles of criminals, making assessments in child custody cases, providing expert testimony in cases, and providing training to law enforcement officials. This career will require a doctorate in a related field such as clinical counseling or forensic psychology.

  • Average annual salary: $59,440
  • Projected job growth over the next ten years: 19% 

Steps Toward Working in the Field of Psychology

What you need to do in order to obtain employment in the field of psychology largely has to do with the field you plan to pursue. But every pathway starts with a bachelor’s degree. Once obtained, you may need to complete further education, such as a master’s or doctorate. Certain positions may also require residencies and successful completion of licensing exams to practice.

You can begin your journey to a successful career in the field of psychology by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Post University. Want to know the answer to the question, what can you do with a degree in psychology? Call or email Post today to find out more about the psychology degree programs available.