The degree that *usually* means another degree
Every psych major has had a conversation with their parents and advisor that their bachelor’s in psychology won’t be a terminal degree, they’ll have to go back and do more school to get the job that they want. This is not entirely untrue; most psychology-based careers require a master’s or doctorate degree.
There are a few jobs that align with a bachelor’s in psychology, which you can pursue post-graduation, like behavioral therapy and medical assistantship, though these generally just require a high school diploma and some background in psychology.
Sadly, if you would like to use your bachelor’s in psychology consistently, you might want to go back and pursue further education. However, there is a wide variety of options you can choose from if you plan on going the mental health route in a therapy-based setting.
Many of these programs are only 2 years long if you’re a full-time student and provide plenty of financial aid. These programs also allow you to be an asynchronous part-time student if you work a full-time job.
If you’re hoping to stay in school for a little bit longer (to delay dreaded adulthood), some psychology graduate programs can take up to 7 years. There’s something for everyone, and as all psychology majors know, you can take up almost any field you want with this bachelor’s degree. Psychology is everything and everywhere. Here is a list of some common careers with their graduate degrees that people with a bachelor’s in psychology can consider pursuing:
1. Psychiatrist
This requires 4 years of medical school plus a 4-year (paid) residency in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can identify mental health conditions through assessment and provide intervention to patients, like therapy and medication. A key responsibility that psychiatrists have is writing prescriptions for medications and tracking patient progress in how effective the medications are. The average salary in America is $260,000.
2. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists pursue a PhD in psychology or a PsyD. Psychology PhDs are 5 to 7 years of research involving a stipend, whereas PsyDs are 4 to 5 years of coursework and clinical training, generally not compensated. A PhD might be the better route if you are planning to go into research or academia, while a PsyD has more of a focus on neuropsychological testing. They make $96,000 annually, though this varies heavily.
3. School Psychologist
This profession typically involves a master’s degree in school psychology, education, or another relevant field with programs that are about 2 years long. They are trained mental health professionals who work in the grade school system to support the development of students academically and emotionally. They can complete assessment, counseling, and intervention on students. School psychologists make $92,000 annually.
4. Psychiatric Social Worker
Psychiatric social workers work to provide mental health services for clients. They pursue a 2-year master of social work (in clinical or macro social work) where they learn about case management, advocacy, clinical practice, and policy work. They can also provide individualized and group therapy in inpatient and outpatient units of hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice offices. On average, they make $71,000 annually.
5. Counselor
Counselors earn a master’s in counseling, often clinical mental health counseling, which is about 2 years. These programs tackle daily mental health issues in counseling like substance misuse, couples counseling, children’s therapy, trauma-focused care, and more. They tend to work in a standard office setting and work one-on-one with clients, though they can also perform group counseling. Their average salary is $71,000.
Post Graduation For A Psychology Major
While having to further your time spent as a student after already pursuing higher education in psychology can feel exhausting and monotonous, you will find a field that suits your interests perfectly. Psychology is life, and you can work in realms ranging from the justice system to public health to nonprofit work to research. Think about how this is a chance to create a healthier psyche for future generations and grow your knowledge. Education is power!