Lucrative Careers Undertaken with a Degree in Psychology, Unveiled
A psychology degree opens up a world of opportunities beyond traditional clinical practice. Here are some unique and non-traditional careers that require a psychology degree and offer different approaches to studying human behavior.
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist
I-O psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace issues, studying how human behavior affects employee performance and organizational dynamics. They design tools and methods to improve workplace environments, motivation, and productivity, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. I-O psychology blends business, psychology, and social science and is a growing, well-paid field requiring advanced degrees for higher roles.
Human Resources Specialist
Though more common, this role uses psychology to understand social dynamics and personalities within organizations. HR specialists apply psychology to recruitment, training, and employee development, often designing assessments and programs to enhance teamwork and compliance with regulations.
Market Research Analyst
This position involves analyzing consumer behavior and market trends by applying psychological insights to data about customers and competitors. It combines psychology with business and communications to forecast marketing effectiveness and product success.
Political Strategist
While less traditional, psychology degrees can prepare individuals to analyze voter behavior and social group dynamics, aiding in campaign strategy development. This role uses social psychology to study how people form attitudes and make decisions.
Technology Designer
This role focuses on designing user experiences and interfaces informed by psychological principles, especially cognitive and social psychology, to create intuitive and engaging technologies.
Forensic Psychologist
This career applies psychology to legal contexts, understanding criminal behavior and aiding in legal proceedings. It's a specialized, non-traditional use of psychology focusing on criminal justice. A master's degree in psychology and a minor in forensics is required for this role.
In addition to these, a psychology degree can lead to careers in addiction treatment and understanding psychological aspects affecting physical health. Researchers collect and analyze answers within the context of location, period, and social group, and average around $80,000 per year.
A bachelor's degree can lead to a career as a laboratory assistant in psychology research, with a salary range of $34,000 to $70,000 per year. Pursuing an online degree in forensic psychology can lead to careers with an average salary of $100,000 per year. To ensure the most from an online forensic psychology degree, research APA-accredited PsyD programs.
Moreover, a career as a special education teacher can be pursued with a psychology degree, working with students who have physical, mental, or emotional challenges and averaging around $65,000 yearly. A career as a writer can also be pursued with a psychology degree, with potential salaries ranging from $40,000 to $150,000 per year.
Art therapy is another career option with a psychology degree, focusing on helping people overcome mental and behavioral obstacles. The average salary for an art therapist is around $65,000. Marketing researchers with a psychology degree use their understanding of audiences to earn around $80,000 annually.
In conclusion, a psychology degree offers a wide range of career opportunities, reaching beyond traditional clinical practice. From understanding consumer behavior to aiding in legal proceedings, the versatility of a psychology degree is evident. Whether you choose to specialize in I-O psychology, become a human resources specialist, or pursue a career in forensic psychology, the field of psychology offers a wealth of opportunities for those interested in understanding and influencing human behavior.
- A psychology degree can lead to careers in education-and-self-development, such as becoming a special education teacher, working with students who have various challenges and earning an average salary of around $65,000 yearly.
- In the field of career-development, a psychology degree can prepare individuals to become human resources specialists, utilizing psychology to understand social dynamics and personalities within organizations, with potential earnings ranging from unspecified to around $80,000 annually.
- In the realm of skills-training and education-and-self-development, a psychology degree can also open doors to careers as writers, with potential salaries ranging from $40,000 to as high as $150,000 per year.
- For those interested in supporting mental health in an unconventional manner, art therapy offers a viable career path with a psychology degree. Art therapists help individuals overcome mental and behavioral obstacles, earning an average salary of approximately $65,000 annually.
