If you’re considering getting a degree in psychology, then you’re probably wondering what career options this field could provide.
Psychology is a field that’s constantly changing and evolving. That means the careers within this field are countless and will continue to develop as the science of psychology progresses. Exploring the vast potential of psychology is an excellent way to learn more about the field and decide if it could be the right career path.
Choosing a Psychology Degree
Psychology degrees are incredibly versatile.
Choosing a career in psychology means opening yourself up to a variety of possibilities. Before you pick a specialized career within the field, consider what you’re passionate about. Do you like being in an office environment? Do you enjoy having individual conversations or do you prefer a group setting? Are you looking to be involved in research?
Answering those questions is a great way to narrow down your career search and identify specific areas within the field of psychology that may interest you.
Career Options
It can be overwhelming to think about the different careers available to those with a career in psychology.
Psychology is a unique field in that it requires a large variety of skills, such as writing, researching and public speaking. If you enjoy building a comprehensive skill set, then psychology might be the perfect choice for you.
Let’s dive into some job possibilities if you choose a psychology degree.
Mental Health Counselor
Most people think of psychotherapy when they think of psychology. This is a great choice if you enjoy providing support and having deep conversations.
There’s a lot of room for growth and variety within therapy. Utilizing various therapeutic approaches can allow you to better reach your clients and provide them with effective, lasting treatment.
Teaching
If you’re passionate about education, then teaching might be the right choice for you. If you want to teach at the university level, you will most likely need to get a doctorate. However, teaching at other levels most likely won’t require the same degree.
Teaching is an excellent way to further the field of psychology and make true change.
Cognitive Psychology
As a cognitive psychologist, you can work to answer important questions about the brain. Cognitive psychologists are often found researching but you can also teach and work in clinical settings. Cognitive psychology is a niche that’s not going away.
Read more: Scientists Reveal Which Brain Regions Regulate Movement
Researcher
With plenty to research in the psychology field, this career option is stable.
If you’re interested in asking important questions and doing the work to get proven answers, then research might be the right choice for you. This is a great choice if you enjoy writing and critical thinking, as publishing findings is a fundamental part of a researcher’s role.
Marketing
Many people don’t realize just how valuable a psychology degree can be within the marketing field. However, if you enjoy understanding thinking patterns and motivations, those skills can be extremely useful when it comes to selling and branding.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is the perfect fit if you are interested in law enforcement and criminal justice.
If you want to become a forensic psychologist, you should plan on getting your doctorate. Forensic psychology can be an incredibly lucrative career, but it often requires years of experience.
Health Psychology
The medical field intersects with psychology for health psychologists. In this path, you can work with patients to help them optimize their wellness and live healthier lives.
It’s likely that the popularity of health psychology will continue to grow, making this an exciting career choice. In the health psychology field, you may collaborate with doctors, nurses, and mental health practitioners to provide their patients with a comprehensive level of support.
Enrolling in Psychology
There are many different career options available in psychology and it can feel overwhelming at times. A great way to narrow down your options is to begin by taking some general psychology classes and seeing if any topics pique your interest. Psychology careers continue to provide unique opportunities, so it’s never too late to pursue your interests and contribute to this continually evolving field.
