The mental health crisis is getting worse each year. Thankfully, there’s been a big increase in the awareness and the insights people are now gaining about mental health.
Because of this growing need and awareness, more people are interested in getting a psychology degree.
What Is Psychology?
But first, what exactly is psychology? Psychology pertains to the study of the human mind and behavior. Psychology is not just about treatment for mental health illnesses.
It also focuses on studying the human mind and emotion and how it will react to certain things. For instance, the difference between how a person functions when working under stress and not.
If understanding how the human mind works and what makes people tick interests you, you may want to consider a career in psychology.
What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?
If you are thinking about getting that psych degree, you may be wondering about what can you do with a psychology degree? What kind of career opportunities do those with a degree have in this field.
It Depends on the Degree You Get
You do not necessarily need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. when studying a psychology program to get a good job. You can also start a career related to psychology with a bachelor’s degree.
However, if your goal is to be a clinical and mental health counselor, social worker, or school counselor, you will need a master’s degree to qualify. If you want to be a licensed psychologist, you will surely need either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.
Career Options For Those With a Psychology Degree
Some psychology graduates end up being professional psychologists. However, some choose to work in related fields. Aside from being a professional psychologist, you could also choose to start a career in these fields if you have a psychology degree:
- Career and counseling services
- Human resources departments
- The local and national government
- Social services
- Social research organizations
- Schools
- Colleges
- Legal firms and organizations providing advice
- Police forces
- Media
Here are some jobs that you can land when you earn a psychology degree:
Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists often work with individuals, families, groups, couples, etc. They aim to help their clients/patients overcome various psychological issues such as relationship issues, addiction issues, emotional issues, etc.
Social worker
Social workers work with people who are going through difficult periods in life. They may work with people who have experienced abuse, victims of crime, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and more. Their role is to provide a safe space for their clients and support them to help improve their situations.
Educational-related careers
There are many opportunities in education for those with a psychology degree. Firstly, you can become a teacher/professor in psychology. But to do so, you will need a teaching qualification, and in tertiary education(colleges and universities), you will need a master’s degree or Ph.D.
On the other hand, you can also choose to be an educational psychologist. To do so, you will need a master’s degree as well as more training. Educational psychologists aim to be part of the development of young people in educational environments such as schools.
Sales / Advertising
You have to understand people to be good at sales and advertising. Knowing what makes people tick, understanding persuasion, having great communications skills are super important for this type of career. Getting a psychology degree will give you these skills and more to help you succeed in a sales and/or marketing position.
There are plenty of other options too. So, as you can see, getting a degree in psychology opens up all sorts of career options for you!
