What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree? Career Paths for Psych Majors

If you’ve recently graduated with a psychology degree or are thinking about switching careers, you may be wondering: what can you do with a psychology degree? The answer: a lot more than you might expect.

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors in the U.S. In 2021–2022 alone, nearly 130,000 students earned psychology bachelor’s degrees. While some go on to become therapists or psychologists (often requiring graduate school), the majority pursue diverse careers in areas like business, healthcare, education, tech, and human services.

This guide will explore:

• Career paths you can take with a bachelor’s in psychology

• Skills that make psychology majors marketable

• Tips for transitioning into a rewarding career

Why Is a Psychology Degree So Versatile?

Your psychology degree equips you with unique skills that are valuable across many industries, including:

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills – You understand how to empathize and communicate effectively.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Psychology training helps you evaluate data and human behavior logically.

• Research & Data Analysis – Experience with statistics and research methods can translate to fields like market research or UX.

• Understanding Human Behavior – Insight into what motivates people makes you valuable in HR, marketing, education, and more.

This broad skill set explains why psychology grads are found in so many fields. Let’s dive into the top career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s in psychology.

1. Careers in Mental Health and Counseling

While becoming a licensed psychologist usually requires a graduate degree, there are many impactful roles available at the bachelor’s level:

• Behavioral Health Technician – Support patients in clinical or hospital settings.

• Case Manager or Case Worker – Coordinate care for clients with mental health or social service needs.

• Counselor’s Aide – Provide frontline support in residential programs or crisis centers.

• Rehabilitation Specialist – Help clients adapt and thrive after injuries or cognitive setbacks.

• Behavioral Therapist (ABA) – Often working with children with autism.

Tip: Volunteer at hotlines or pursue certifications (like CADC for addiction counseling) to boost your qualifications.

2. Social and Human Services Roles

If your passion lies in community work or advocacy, consider:

• Community Outreach Coordinator

• Social Services Assistant

• Child Advocate or Family Support Specialist

• Social Services Case Manager

• Nonprofit or Advocacy Roles

Psychology knowledge about behavior and social dynamics is especially helpful here.

3. Business and Human Resources Careers

Surprisingly, many psychology grads thrive in business. In fact, 15% of U.S. managers hold psychology degrees.

Key roles include:

• Human Resources Coordinator

• Talent Acquisition Specialist

• Training & Development Coordinator

• Project Manager or Team Lead

• Business Analyst or Product Manager

Tip: Emphasize people skills, motivation theory, and data analysis from your psych training when applying.

4. Marketing and Consumer Insights

Wondering what can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology outside of clinical work? Marketing is a perfect fit for understanding what makes people tick.

Opportunities include:

• Market Research Analyst

• Marketing Coordinator

• Sales Representative

• Consumer Insights Analyst

• Public Relations or Communications Roles

Tip: Learn digital marketing tools like Google Analytics and SEO to complement your psych degree.

5. UX Research and Design

User Experience (UX) roles are growing fast and well-suited for psychology grads:

• UX Researcher – Conduct usability testing and behavioral research.

• UX Designer – Use cognitive psychology principles to improve interface design.

Tip: A short bootcamp or certification can provide the design or research tools needed for these roles.

6. Education and Coaching Roles

Use your knowledge to help others learn and grow:

• Teacher (with certification)

• Academic Advisor

• Career Coach or Counselor

• Training & Development Specialist

• Health or Life Coach

These roles let you apply developmental and counseling psychology in real-world learning environments.

7. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

For those interested in justice and behavior, psychology can open doors in:

• Police Officer or Detective

• Probation or Parole Officer

• Corrections Counselor

• Victim Advocate

• Legal Assistant or Paralegal

You may also explore roles in forensic psychology or behavior analysis with additional credentials.

Aligning Your Career Path with Your Strengths

Ask yourself:

• What psychology courses or projects excited you most?

• Are you a data lover or a natural helper?

• What values matter most—security, creativity, service?

• Are you planning to pursue graduate education?

Reflecting on these can help narrow your options to those that best align with your goals.

Tips for Breaking into Your Chosen Career

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize research, communication, data analysis, and empathy.

• Use Internships & Volunteering: Even unpaid roles build your resume.

• Network Actively: Connect with alumni, attend industry meetups, and seek mentors.

• Consider Certifications: Look into short courses that complement your goals.

• Tailor Each Application: Customize resumes and cover letters to show how your psychology degree fits the role.

Conclusion: Your Psychology Degree Is a Launchpad

So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Just about anything that involves people, analysis, and communication.

Whether you pursue a career in business, mental health, education, marketing, or criminal justice, your background in psychology is a strong foundation. Stay curious, stay intentional, and trust that your degree can lead to a fulfilling, meaningful career path.

Want more career advice and professional development tips? Join PathWise today!

Sources:

• American Psychological Association & Psychology.org – Data on psychology graduates and career outcomes​psychology.org​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – Alternate careers for psychology majors (business, HR, social services, etc.)​psychology.org​psychology.org​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – Advice on transferable skills and gaining experience​psychology.org​psychology.org

• BestColleges (Evan Castillo, 2025) – Trends in psychology majors and their popularity​bestcolleges.com​bestcolleges.com

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Field of degree: Psychology (employment and median wage)​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – How psychology skills (e.g., emotional intelligence) translate to the workplace​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – Roles in marketing, UX, HR suited for psych majors​psychology.org​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – Psych majors in social services and education statistics​psychology.org​psychology.org

• Psychology.org – Psych majors in criminal justice and advocacy​psychology.org​psychology.org