Many are drawn to studying psychology because it can lead to a career devoted to the mental and emotional well-being of others. The psychology degree curriculum spans the social and natural sciences to explore human behavior, including feelings, motives and thoughts, addressing both neuroscience and group dynamics.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology gives graduates a foundation that can lead to a wide range of professions working with clients to manage their mental, behavioral or emotional issues. Find out what you can do with a psychology degree and what a typical bachelor’s degree in psychology entails.
What Do Psychology Majors Study?
In an undergraduate psychology degree program, students study the mind, behavior and human experience. Coursework typically includes general psychology, the history of the science and how to effectively conduct research.
Through core courses focusing on experimental psychology and statistical methods, students build upon their understanding and application of basic psychology. Coursework covering behavior genetics and childhood development provides insight into human behavioral patterns and social issues. Also, electives offer the opportunity for students to focus their studies in areas such as abnormal psychology or neuroscience.
Careers for Psychology Degree Graduates
Psychology graduates can apply their degree to many different career paths. Below are some popular choices that apply the interpersonal and behavioral management skills that undergraduate psychology programs offer, including 2024 median salaries and job outlook information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Human Resources Specialist
Graduates interested in personnel management can apply their psychology degrees to work as human resources specialists. The skills they develop in behavioral management and conflict resolution while earning a psychology degree can be invaluable when working with teams of individuals with differing personalities and ensuring the health and safety of an organization’s staff.
- Human resources specialist salary: $72,910
- Job outlook: 6% increase between 2024 and 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors offer mental and emotional support and guidance to individuals who are dealing with substance use and addiction. They may work with clients to create treatment and coping plans, as well as to assess the plans’ efficacy and the clients’ overall well-being. Thorough evaluation helps substance use counselors reassess and develop their treatment plans to best cater to their clients’ needs and goals.
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselor salary: $59,190
- Job outlook: 17% increase between 2024 and 2034 — much higher than the average for all occupations
Social Worker
Social workers support individuals, families or groups coping with mental, behavioral or material issues in their everyday lives. They can advocate for their clients both by connecting them with resources and by collaborating with policymakers to improve social services and accessibility. Becoming a licensed clinical social worker requires a Master of Social Work, supervised clinical hours and state licensure.
- Social worker salary: $61,330
- Job outlook: 6% increase between 2024 and 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations
School Counselor
School counselors work with students to achieve academic goals and overcome school-related challenges. Working in elementary, middle and high schools, these professionals meet with students to help them manage social, behavioral or learning obstacles. They also work with students to create academic plans and explore college and career options. School counselors in public school systems typically need to have earned a master’s degree in counseling or psychology to gain state licensure.
- School and career counselor and advisor salary: $65,140
- Job outlook: 4% increase between 2024 and 2034 — about the same as for all occupations
Social and Human Service Assistant
- Social and human service assistant salary: $45,120
- Job outlook: 6% increase between 2024 and 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations
Pursue a Psychology Career With the University at Albany
A psychology degree can open the door to various meaningful, impactful careers. Psychology students establish a rich understanding of human behavioral patterns that prepares them to serve vulnerable communities and work with individuals with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders to improve their well-being.
The University at Albany’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program explores both theoretical and applied behavioral studies. It provides students with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom through their own research, with the option to work alongside faculty members on larger research projects in behavioral neuroscience, industrial-organizational, cognitive, clinical and social-personality psychology.
With both online and in-person options, the program’s flexible schedule is designed to accommodate students’ needs. Explore all that UAlbany’s holistic program has to offer, and discover what you can do with a psychology degree today.
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