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What You Can Do with a Psychology Degree

Written by Nicole Krempasky on Tuesday, 31 January 2023. Posted in Career

Profile view of a human brain, in shades of purple and blue, on a purple and blue gradient background.

When people think about a degree in psychology, they assume you have to earn at least a master’s degree to turn an education into a career. The idea of a time and financial commitment that large can be a big deterrent from pursuing what you’re interested in. While there are certain jobs you can only do with an advanced degree, such as a psychologist, there are plenty of career options for those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Do you need to go to grad school with a psychology degree?

If you have plans to become a psychologist, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree. If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you will need to earn a doctorate. However, there are other jobs you can do with a bachelor’s degree.

Jobs you can get with a psychology bachelor’s degree

Staffing recruiter (Average salary $46,220)

Staffing recruiters work for companies within their human resources departments. They assist with finding and hiring new talent that best fits the open position available and the company. A psychology degree provides a great foundation in understanding people, their behaviors, and their motivations.

Probation officer (Average salary: $46,240)

To become a probation officer, you will need a bachelor’s degree. While there’s a range of majors that can be applied to this career, a psychology degree can be extremely helpful in providing you with foundational knowledge that can help you, and your community, throughout your career. A background in psychology can help you better understand peoples’ motivations, as well as complex social issues that affect individuals and their circumstances.

Therapeutic staff support (Average salary: $35,978)

Another option for putting your psychology degree to good use is working as therapeutic staff support, commonly referred to as a TSS. Sometimes referred to as behavioral health technicians, TSS workers provide one-on-one help to individuals with mental health diagnoses, focusing on social, behavioral, and emotional areas of concern. Their duties include crisis intervention techniques, behavioral reinforcements, and emotional support for adults or children, as indicated in a treatment plan from licensed counselors and social workers.

Tip: many people find online degrees, like an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, are great ways to learn new skills or start a new career while still working or caring for family.

Read more: How Ashworth students used online school to earn diplomas and start new careers, jobs

Do you need to get a four-year psychology degree?

While a bachelor’s degree can provide you with more career options in the psychology field, it is possible to start a job in the field with an associate degree. Salaries will tend to be lower depending on the role and location, but it can provide a good pathway for those who aren’t quite sure of which career path they’d like to take while offering the ability to gain valuable work experience.

Jobs you can get with associate degree in psychology

Research assistant (Average salary: $40,000)

As a research assistant, you’ll help scientists, professors, or even businesses conduct research and experimentation on various topics. An invaluable asset to the team, they interview people, monitor study participants, and collect observations. They are also tasked with inputting and storing collected data.

Social and Human Services assistant (Average salary: $35,960)

Social and human services assistants help social work and social services professionals manage their caseloads. They may assist clients with completing paperwork for benefits, like Medicaid and WIC, as well as find and coordinate daily care assistance. They can also be tasked with reviewing cases to ensure clients are receiving the services for which they’re qualified.

Psychiatric technician (Average salary: $33,140)

Psychiatric technicians help to care for individuals with mental health illnesses and disabilities. Working in both clinical and hospital settings, their duties often include monitoring vital signs and assisting with bathing and eating. They work closely with doctors and counselors to assess patient progress status. It’s important to note, though, that you should check your state’s qualification requirements, as licensure is needed in some.

Tip: If you’re curious about entering the psychology field but aren’t yet ready to make the time and financial commitment to a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree in psychology is a great place to start.

Read more: 2020 Graduate of the Year: Dorothy Dilworth

Is a psychology degree worth it?

If you have a keen interest in the human mind and what motivates us, or perhaps an interest in helping others, a psychology degree could be very worthwhile. It can form a strong foundation for a wide variety of careers, as well as a path towards furthering your education should you choose.

Psych yourself up with Ashworth

Excited to start your journey in the field of psychology? Ashworth offers affordable tuition rates and transfer credits to help you get the education you deserve. Enroll online today or call an Admissions Advisor at 1-800-957-5412 to get started.

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