Psychology is one of the most popular areas of study for undergraduate students. On average, 116,000 students per year earn their bachelor’s in Psychology. However, not all students who are interested in psychology want to continue on to graduate school. That poses the question, “What can you do with a BS in Psychology?” The good news is, there are numerous job prospects for graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Here are just a few options for students interested in joining the workforce right after college.
- Community Organizer
Community organizers are responsible for bringing community members together to solve social problems. This important position works at a grassroots level to create positive changes in vulnerable or otherwise underserved communities. If you’re interested in social justice, sociology, or other social services, this might be the perfect job for you. Community organizers can work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or for-profit companies. On average, the salary for this position is $69,600 per year and the field is expected to grow 17% in the next ten years.
- Criminal Investigator
While a bachelor’s degree is rarely required of police and detective applicants, those who do hold a degree have more job opportunities. Many federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, require interested applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology may also have a leg up when it comes to criminal investigation. After all, psychology courses help you understand human behavior – and what is criminal investigation if not trying to understand the actions and motivations of criminals? Law enforcement candidates may also be required to attend a training academy before becoming an officer of the law. Benefits depend on the department and position, however on the whole the field is expected to grow by 5% over the next ten years. The salary potential is also high, with criminal investigators earning an average of $86,940 annually.
- Human Resource Specialist
If you enjoy problem-solving, have strong communication skills, and are good at conflict management, being a human resource specialist might be a good choice. HR professionals recruit, screen, and place workers in positions within their company. They work closely with people, understanding employee behavior and satisfaction, and therefore utilize psychology in their field of work. The majority of human resource specialists work in an office, but some are required to travel to campuses in order to attract new applicants. Over the next decade, the field is expected to grow by 7%, making this a great job prospect for new graduates.
- Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers and early education professionals are among the most important educators that children will encounter. Research has shown that students who attend preschool are more prepared for kindergarten and elementary school than those who don’t. If you’re heavily invested in childhood development, preschool education may be a path to explore. Every state has its own requirements for education and certification. However, most preschool teachers hold at least an associate degree. All prospective preschool teachers must complete a student teaching internship, as well. Though the field is not growing quickly, there will always be a need for early childhood educators.
- Social Worker
Many students pursue a degree in psychology because they ultimately want to help people. Social work is a diverse field that allows individuals to do just that. Social workers can be employed in local government offices, hospitals, school districts, medical facilities, and community organizations. Clinical social workers are required to earn a master’s degree, however, there are many positions open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree. With a BS in Psychology, you can work with groups, community organizations, and policymakers to improve, develop, and advocate for services, policies, and programs that benefit the community on a macro level. This field is anticipated to grow by an average of 13% over the next ten years, depending on specialization.
- Technical Writer
Technical writers are highly prized for their ability to communicate complex and technical information. While many technical writers work with computer engineers and software developers, there is also a market for writers who understand scientific information. Some writers work freelance and are paid per writing assignment. However, many companies hire in-house writers and there are many marketing agencies that specifically create ad copy for clients in the medical or bio-research fields. Some technical writers even help write grant proposals for research institutions, making a background in psychology very helpful. The median salary for this career is $74,650 annually.
- Pursue an Advanced Degree
For students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology can act as a great precursor to a variety of graduate programs. Those can include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work, education, clinical psychology, experimental psychology, and law school. A Master of Science in Counseling, for example, is a popular option for students interested in becoming licensed professional counselors in a clinical setting, such as in the psychotherapy space.
A degree in psychology prepares graduates for success in a wide variety of professional careers. From law enforcement to human resources, those who hold a BS in Psychology are well equipped to make a difference in their community.
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