What Jobs Can You Get With a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree can lead to many careers, including psychologist, counselor, and therapist positions. Depending on your degree level, you can pursue entry-level roles or clinical and specialist licensure and careers.

Explore the different professional opportunities available to you with a psychology degree, and chart a path to your dream career.

A bachelor’s in psychology lays the foundation for careers in healthcare, social services, and education. While many graduates go on to further their learning in a graduate program, the following careers are some of the options available to those with a bachelor’s degree.

The field of substance use and addiction counseling involves helping people modify their behaviors, providing tips for managing triggers, and counseling those with addiction challenges. Counselors develop treatment plans, help clients access resources, and run outreach programs.

The requirements for addiction counselors vary by state and organization, but a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement. While not mandatory, certification may also help with employment. The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, for example, offers several useful credentials.

Assistant behavior analysts work with their superiors to develop techniques and programs for managing behavior-based challenges. These analysts work in education, healthcare, and social service environments, helping children, families, and adults dealing with behavior issues.

Assistant behavior analysts usually need a bachelor’s degree at minimum, but a master’s degree and certification like the board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA) from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board may be required for some positions.

Correctional treatment specialists analyze and develop rehabilitation plans for probationers and parolees in the correctional system. They work with inmates, probation officers, mental health specialists, and other legal professionals to create and monitor programs to help rehabilitate people.

Correctional treatment specialists usually need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. They also typically need to complete a government-sponsored training program.

A master’s in psychology opens the door to various careers in counseling and therapy. Graduates work in schools, mental health clinics, private practices, and businesses. With a graduate degree, you can qualify for different certifications and state licenses and lay the groundwork for a doctorate.

Behavior analysts assess behavioral challenges and environments to develop therapy plans and introduce changes to the surroundings. Most professionals in this space work with people with autism in schools and mental health clinics, though they can also work in hospitals and private organizations.

To practice independently in most states, behavior analysts need a master’s degree and board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certification.

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to improve workplace conditions and fix internal issues. They conduct research, develop training programs, and advise on policy to improve organizational culture, morale, and structure.

Many positions in this field require a master’s in industrial-organizational psychology, though a doctorate may be required by some organizations.

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) help individuals, couples, and families address emotional challenges and relationship issues. They apply psychotherapeutic techniques and psychological fundamentals to counsel and help clients improve communication.

Practicing MFTs need a master’s degree in psychology or marriage and family therapy, plus clinical experience, a passing score on a national exam, and state licensure.

Mental health counselors support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional issues. They provide individual and group counseling, develop treatment techniques and plans, and connect clients to other mental health specialists and resources.

Most mental health counselors need a master’s in counseling or psychology, plus supervised clinical hours, a passing score on a national certification exam, and state licensure.

Rehabilitation counselors help people with mental, developmental, and physical disabilities manage their daily responsibilities and live independently. They may work in private clinics and organizations, hospitals, schools, or government agencies.

Rehabilitation counselors need a master’s degree in psychology or counseling at a minimum. They also need professional certification, such as the certified rehabilitation counselor from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, plus state licensure.

School counselors provide guidance, career advice, and support for students at various education levels. They help students plan for college, develop useful skills, and manage their emotional issues. Some specialize in dealing with mental health, college advising, or career coaching.

Most school counselors need a master’s degree in counseling or psychology, plus supervised clinical experience and certification and/or licensure.

School psychologists support students dealing with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. They work with the students, their families, and the school system to implement performance plans and other interventions that they research and design.

School psychologists need at least a master’s or specialist degree in school psychology, plus certification and licensure. Some organizations and positions, however, require a doctorate.

As the terminal degree in the field, adoctorate in psychology, such as a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.), qualifies you for most psychology careers and licenses. You can pursue roles in clinical psychology, counseling, therapy, and research in settings such as clinical, academic, and research organizations.

Here are some of the top roles available after completing your Psy.D. or Ph.D. program.

Clinical and counseling psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. These professionals offer counseling and psychotherapy, run diagnostic tests, and design behavior modification plans.

In order to practice independently, clinical psychologists need a doctoral degree in clinical psychology plus state licensure. Certification, such as an optional credential from the American Board of Professional Psychology, can be helpful for professionals as well.

Research psychologists design and conduct studies that investigate how and why people think, feel, and behave in various settings and conditions. They work in universities, private firms, and government agencies, and their work can influence policy, education, and therapeutic practices.

Research psychologists usually need a doctorate in psychology at minimum, plus extensive research experience and analytical skills.