The world is putting a renewed focus on mental health, and the need for psychologists in various areas is growing. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a great foundation for developing your career in the field, and with the many possible combinations of majors, minors, and skills, you can tailor your own path.
We’ve outlined what a major in psychology equips you with, and some of the traditional and non-traditional career pathways you can take.
What do you learn in a psychology major?
A modern psychology curriculum, such as the one at AUBG, is grounded both in tradition, covering cognitive, social, and developmental theory, as well as in the latest developments in the field.
“The Psychology major at AUBG equips students with valuable insights into human behavior and mental processes that can benefit students in virtually any profession,” said Dr. Matthew Whoolery, Professor in Psychology.
A career in psychology requires a range of soft skills such as empathy, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking – all of which are cultivated through AUBG’s liberal arts model, and, thankfully, still cannot be replaced by AI.
“By understanding how people think, feel, and interact, our graduates excel in fields ranging from business and education to healthcare and journalism, where human relationships are central to success,” Professor Whoolery said.
A psychology degree also establishes a strong foundation for those pursuing graduate education and subsequent careers in more specialized fields.
“Our curriculum prepares students for graduate study in clinical psychology, counseling, research, industrial-organizational, and other sub-fields, opening pathways to becoming licensed practitioners, researchers, or consultants.”
Is psychology a good major?
One of the main reasons to pursue a degree in psychology is how rewarding the career can be. In fact, a CareerExplorer survey found that psychologists rate their job satisfaction at 3.5 out of 5 stars, placing the profession in the top 32% of all careers for overall happiness.
It is also a career with great job prospects. With nearly 14% of the global population experiencing some form of mental health disorder, which is about one in eight people, psychologists are in high demand. In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth for psychologists to rise by 6–8% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment outlook for psychologists
The job market for psychologists is strong. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that there is a severe shortage of qualified professionals and projects that demand for psychological services will outpace supply through 2030.
To meet the demand-supply shortage for specialists, psychologists need to be aligned with current job market trends. These include the ability to serve diverse populations, bilingual training, interdisciplinary approaches, and technology integration.
Paths in psychology
Psychology, which literally means “the study of the mind,” has largely evolved since becoming a formal scientific discipline in 1879. Today, the field encompasses both traditional roles, as well as new emerging careers which often combine several disciplines and integrate technology.
Here are some of the career paths you can explore with a psychology major, and what majors/minors would be the most complimentary.
Clinical and counseling careers
The most popular career path for psychology graduates is working as a clinical psychologist, counselor, or therapist. This opens many doors, as you can specialize in various areas such as child psychology, behavioral psychology, marriage and family therapy, health psychology, or military psychology.
These roles often require a master’s or doctoral degree, along with professional licensing.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: social work, counseling, public health, neuroscience
AI psychology and ethics
As the field continues to grow, the need to monitor and consult on our relationships with AI technologies also increases.
Professionals can focus on AI ethics, ensuring AI systems are developed and used responsibly in roles such as risk assessment, technology development, teaching, or consulting.
They can also work in AI psychology, which focuses on studying the psychological aspects of human-AI interaction. Opportunities exist in academic research, technology development, and UX research.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: computer science, philosophy, machine learning, law, cybersecurity
Digital mental health (telehealth) & wellness technology
Since the pandemic, digital health has become mainstream. Telehealth apps offer clients on-the-go consultations, while tech-forward wellness platforms provide customized programs. There are also tools and wearable devices designed to monitor stress levels and support mental health.
The expertise of psychologists is incredibly valuable in the rising health tech industry, and professional who have both the behavioral knowledge and tech skills will have a significant advantage. Roles include product development and management, content creation for wellness platforms, consultancy, and research for emerging technologies.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: computer science, UX design, information systems, public health, biomedical engineering
Careers in politics and public policy
Politics also represents a broad arena for psychology majors to find rewarding work.
Ketevan Chincharadze (‘19), a Policy Advisor at the Aspen Institute and the first AUBG student to graduate with a major in psychology, said in an interview:
“Studying psychology at AUBG has equipped me with a deeper understanding of human motivations and decision-making processes, which is crucial when engaging with Members of Congress, colleagues, or other stakeholders.
“Psychology has also empowered me to approach complex political challenges with a nuanced perspective, recognizing the interplay between individual peculiarities and broader theories,” she added.
Graduates can pursue careers as policymakers and advisors, political scientists, campaign managers, professors, and more.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: political science and international relations, public policy, sociology, business administration, campaign management
Organizational psychology & Human Resources
The way companies are treating their employees is changing rapidly. New company perks factor in an enhanced focus on wellbeing.
Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists are in high demand, as they can counsel employees, improve workplace environments, and work as consultants to develop initiatives, solutions, and policies that enhance company culture.
Recently, there has been growing interest in how technology and remote work affects employees, as well as how to create more inclusive workplace environments.
While a master’s or doctoral degree is recommended, certain HR, people and culture, and leadership coaching roles can be pursued without graduate education.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: business administration, human resource management, organizational leadership, sociology
User Experience (UX) and human-centered design
Companies today prioritize creating products, platforms, and websites that are user-first. They need psychologists who can evaluate human behavior, cognition, and perception to create intuitive and user-friendly solutions.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: UX design, computer science, graphic design, information systems
Marketing, consumer behavior, and advertising
Psychology majors make for excellent marketers, as they can analyze consumer behavior, predict trends, and create tailored campaigns. Their ability to get under consumers’ skin makes them ideal for crafting persuasive messages that connect emotionally.
Performance marketing roles are also suitable for psychology graduates, as they can find links between engagement metrics, demographic statistics, and psychological factors.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: data analytics, integrated marketing communications, journalism and mass communication
Cyberpsychology
As we spend more time interacting with technology, the need to understand the psychological effects of digital environments is increasing. Cyberpsychologists study topics like online behavior, social media impact, and virtual identity formation, and work as behavior analysts, digital wellbeing specialists, researchers and professors, and in cybersecurity.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: data science, computer science, information systems, journalism and mass communication
Community and nonprofit work
Many psychology graduates find meaningful work in nonprofit organizations, supporting diverse communities. You can run programs, manage volunteers, or design initiatives to improve wellbeing in underprivileged communities.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: social work, public policy, nonprofit management, sociology
Journalism and publishing careers
Psychologists can build regarding careers in journalism and publishing, leveraging their expert knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to connect with audiences.
They can work as technical or psychology-focused journalists, or branch out into content creation, editing, publishing, and even public relations.
Media psychologists are also in demand, as the effects of media consumption become more evident. Their role is to explore how media affects people and develop strategies and solutions.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: journalism and mass communication, literature, creative writing, editing, integrated marketing communications
Environmental psychology
The field of environmental psychology is growing as climate concerns rise. Professionals in this area are specifically interested in how our surroundings, including urban spaces and natural landscapes, affect human behavior and wellbeing.
You can find suitable roles in sustainability, urban design, architecture, and policy-making.
Compatible skills and majors/minors: sustainability studies, urban planning and sustainable design, architecture, project management
A career in psychology can be incredibly rewarding and meaningful, and as the demand for psychologists keeps growing, you can explore what unique or more traditional path you want to take with this major.
