If you major in psychology, or you're thinking of declaring a psychology major, then you've probably had numerous family and friends asking if you're going to end up being a psychiatrist. While this can be an excellent career path, it's far from the only option for psychology majors after graduation.
Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the United States (it's presently ranked in the leading 10), and for good reason. It's a fascinating subject, and a bachelor's degree in psychology can act as a foundation for a range of different professions. Job outlook is assuring too-- about 19% job growth in these fields is gotten out of 2014-2024.
So what sort of career paths can you choose from as a psychology major? Here are just a few of the many amazing choices open to graduates.
A clinical psychologist is the first job that enters your mind for most people who are considering getting a degree in psychology. Clinical psychologists can focus on basic psychology and offer therapy for a series of patients, or they can concentrate on disciplines like neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, and even forensic psychology. Becoming a clinical psychologist needs students to complete a doctoral program (PhD), which can be highly competitive. Successful students can make a great living, however, and have the opportunity to make their clients' lives much easier and more fulfilling. It is necessary to comprehend the distinction in between a psychologist and a psychiatrist-- psychiatrists are medical professionals who can recommend medication and needs to finish MD training, while psychologists focus exclusively on psychiatric therapy.
Average income: $78,690
Counselors deal with patients in the same way that psychologists do, however they have a smaller scope of work, and are more limited in the tests and services they provide. It is much easier to end up being a counselor than a psychologist, due to the fact that counselors are required to finish a master's degree, however not a PhD. Psychological health counselors have a great outlook for work, due to the fact that numerous schools and organizations need individuals with this sort of training to assist students and at-risk people through common problems and refer them to more specific treatment if required. Counselors might deal with individuals on a variety of concerns, from anxiety to substance abuse to the unfavorable impact of discrimination.
Average wage: $46,124
Social work is a difficult field that can nonetheless be incredibly fulfilling. Social workers assist families and children to heal and cope with problems like domestic violence, which impacts about 1 in 4 ladies and 1 in 7 males at some point throughout their lifetime. The majority of social workers require a master's degree, and may operate in a variety of settings including schools, healthcare facilities, shelters, and kid well-being organizations. Lots of social workers likewise visit families in their homes, to evaluate living conditions, offer therapy, and examine compliance with court orders.
Mean Salary: $47,980
For individuals who are more thinking about applying psychology in a service setting, personnel (HR) management could be an excellent career course. Human resource supervisors are responsible for working with and terminations, resolving behavioral concerns within the workplace, and frequently administrative work such as handling advantages. Normally, securing an entry-level job after finishing a bachelor's degree is the first step in becoming an HR supervisor. After this, numerous HR assistants can move up in the ranks organically without additional education.
Median salary: $110,120
Though many people who are interested in marketing end up getting a degree because field, psychology can lay a strong structure for tasks in marketing. Marketing managers have to understand how individuals feel and think so they can strategize for marketing projects to increase brand awareness and sales. Marketing jobs can be entry level, but many companies wish to see a bachelor's degree and some presentation of marketing knowledge and interaction capabilities. Most people begin as a marketing assistant and work their way up.
Typical wage: $81,078
Though most people don't imagine becoming a parole officer, psychology graduates can be outstanding prospects for this role. Good parole officers deal with offenders to help them turn their lives around, get used to being back in society, and abide by the terms of their release, making it a potentially fulfilling career. They often make outstanding parole officers because psychology majors have a deep understanding of how people believe. A lot of positions require only a bachelor's degree, although federal parole officers should hold a master's degree.
Typical salary: $47,200