Careers in Psychological Science

Why study psychology?

Students that follow the Career Readiness Pathway (CR Path) while earning their degree in Psychological Science will…

• Learn how to think—and reflect—like a psychologist.
  • You build analytical and problem solving skills and learn how to apply them to real world challenges involving people and behavior.
• Practice transferable skills that matter in any career.
  • Communication, teamwork, and critical thinking grow through use, feedback, and reflection across courses and experiences.
• Turn real world experience into real learning.
  • Internships, research, and applied projects pair hands on work with reflection so learning sticks and skills grow.
• Clearly explain your value to employers.
  • You learn how to articulate what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and why your psychology degree matters.
• Build career readiness over time—not in one class.
  • You develop knowledge, skills, real world experience, and mentoring across your entire psychology program, not just at graduation.

To learn more, check out this article, Career Readiness Pathway (CR Path): How a Degree in Psychology Answers the Stakeholder’s Call for Career Ready Students, authored by Dr. Caleb Bragg and Dr. Jim Conway. Bragg & Conway (2026).

What is the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) students can gain from a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science?

1. Social Perceptiveness and Inclusivity
   • Psychology students learn skills in working with diverse groups of people, being sensitive to individual and cultural differences, and creating inclusive environments.
2. Effective Communication (Written and Oral)
   • Psychological science involves translating theories and research findings into everyday language. Students learn to relate psychological concepts and research findings to practical situations and explain their usefulness to decision makers, learners, and others.
3. Data Analytics
   • Psychological science majors collect, organize, and analyze data to answer questions. Tools include descriptive and inferential statistics and analysis software. Students learn proficiency in communicating their findings.
4. Research Design
   • Psychology involves designing and carrying out research to answer theoretical and practical questions. Techniques include reading background literature, experimenting, surveying, and data collection.
5. Self-Regulation and Adaptability
   • Psychology students learn to understand themselves; manage their time and complete assigned tasks independently; and adjust successfully to change by responding proactively and flexibly, learning new skills and applying them in new situations.

To learn more about the KSAs, check out this document: Psychological Science KSAs.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science?

Psychology is a diverse field with a variety of career options. Some pathways are well known while others are less so. In general, a degree in psychology will provide a foundation for careers in different settings that draw on the study of the mind and behaviors. Listed are some of the areas of specialization and the type of work a graduate might pursue.

Social Services & Mental Health

• Behavioral Interventionist
• Case Manager or Case Worker
• Mental Health Technician/Specialist
• Probation and Parole Officer
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Youth Counselor

Research & Data Analysis

• Research Assistant
• Data Analyst
• Grant Writer
• Lab Assistant
• Lab Manager
• Lab Technician
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Technology Company Researcher

Education & Community

• Admissions Counselor
• Activity or Program Coordinator
• Career Counselor
• Community Health Worker
• Foundation or Non-Profit Organization Manager
• Program Manager or Director

Human Resources (HR), Business, & Marketing

• Advertising Assistant
• HR Assistant
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Relations Assistant
• Recruiting Coordinator
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Technical Writer
• Trainer for Workshops, Orientations, etc.