Finding Careers In Psychology With A Bachelor's Degree

Psychology is an diverse and evolving field where you can learn about why human beings do the things they do and find out how to help others. You may think that you need a master's degree or above to have a successful career in the world of psychology, but that isn't necessarily the case. There are many psychology careers that you can find with a bachelor's degree that may offer fulfillment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top career routes for those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as how you can seek guidance as you make a decision.

Career Paths With A Bachelor's In Psychology

Careers that require a psychology degree are in high demand, depending on the industry, and can vary wildly in terms of their focus. Many people with a bachelor's degree in psychology graduate and look for jobs in human services, counseling, and more. They may want to provide career counseling, or they could work for a non-profit organization servicing people who have needs for psychological services or something similar.

Below, we take a look at some of the most common career paths that professionals with a degree in psychology take. This list is not exhaustive, so if nothing seems interesting, it can be a good idea to do some research of your own to discover which career options might be the best fit for your skills and preferences. 

Mental Health Professionals

Many people who enter the field of psychology do so with the hopes of one day becoming a mental health professional of some sort. Becoming a counselor or therapist is perhaps one of the most obvious career options for psychology students, but there are other opportunities to do this kind of work, too.

With so many different types of therapy available to patients nowadays, there are also lots of options for professionals to pursue, too. You might opt to become a couples counselor, a grief counselor, or even develop a specialization in an area like art or music therapy. 

Careers as a mental health professional generally involve working one-on-one with patients to help them understand their needs. You may also help them develop solutions for obstacles they face, work through tough times, and discover new ways to connect with themselves and others.

Human Services Workers And Case Managers

Case managers assist clients with getting their basic life needs to be met. They also can help clients by empowering them to use their strengths and succeed at their life goals. When you work as a case manager, you're most likely working in social services to help others identify and meet their needs. You may work with clients with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or other health concerns. Much of this line of work involves helping connect people with the resources they may need, like vocational training or mental health services. 

A case manager may work in a welfare-to-work program and will likely often collaborate with vocational rehabilitation counselors and facilities. To be a case manager, you generally need to have critical thinking skills, and it's advantageous to have a degree in psychology because you'll understand human behavior and the needs of your clients.

Working With Children

Those who are interested in developmental psychology might find working with children to be incredibly fulfilling and engaging. You may work with children who live with developmental disorders, learning disorders, mental health disorders, and other potential challenges. Exact roles and responsibilities can vary depending on where you choose to work, but helping children understand their options for navigating life will likely be your main focus.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Vocational rehabilitation often involves working with clients who may face challenges that have affected their ability to work. Whether it be because of a mental health disorder or not, many people struggle to find work that they can perform consistently and that they enjoy. Regardless of the type of health concerns your clients have, you can help them receive job training and refer them to agencies for job placement. 

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you can work in the realm of vocational rehabilitation services to become someone who helps others fulfill career goals and gain independence. Studies show that vocational rehabilitation services are helpful for people living with disabilities who are looking to find work, so you can rest assured that you're making a difference if you choose to pursue this career path.

Becoming A Teacher

Teachers help educate the future leaders of the world. As a teacher, you can educate young people on how to empower themselves and embrace their strengths. Make sure to check the requirements for teachers in your state to see what options are available to you. 

You may be qualified work in a variety of positions at an elementary, middle, or high school with a bachelor's in psychology (including a teaching position depending on your state), and with your knowledge of human behavior, you'll likely be empathetic, compassionate, and kind to the students that you work with. You can be a part of creating a positive learning environment and a sense of community, which is often essential for student success. Plus, teaching psychology or similar subjects to students gives you the chance to directly apply your knowledge and inspire others to pursue the same field themselves. 

Writing

Writing is often thought of as a skill rather than career path but being a writer and someone with a degree in psychology can take you far. Likewise, you might write books about human behavior, or you could be drawn to writing realistic novels about people who have mental health conditions to raise awareness. 

There are many opportunities to write for established publications if you have expertise in human behavior. It's also advantageous if you have personal experience with mental health issues or mental illness because you can offer a special perspective and add to the conversation as not only someone with knowledge in the field but as someone who has a personal understanding of these issues.

Getting Help For Yourself

It can be extremely important to remember to take care of your mental health as you navigate career decisions. One of the ways you can take care of yourself is to see a therapist for some outside perspective and support. Online therapy makes it easier than ever to speak to someone who can help you make major life decisions. You can work with a therapist from the comfort of your home or wherever else is convenient, which can help save you time, energy, and money. 

Research has demonstrated that online therapy can be just effective as in-person therapy for treating mental health symptoms, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your care. Online therapy may offer you the chance to talk to someone about your goals, your fears, and your experiences within the field of psychology so that you can make a choice that’s right for you.

Takeaway

There are lots of options when it comes to finding a career in psychology, so many that it can be more helpful to focus on what your goals are rather than what you studied. Many careers in psychology involve working with others, but less conventional options, like writing, are also available. Working with a mental health professional can help you make a decision that feels right and sets you on a path toward success.