What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Psychiatric technicians work with physicians or other health care practitioners to care for patients with mental/emotional challenges. They may assist with rehabilitation and treatment programs, such as helping with personal hygiene and administering medications. Psychiatric technicians monitor patients and report to medical staff.

Social and human service assistants work in the fields of psychology, rehabilitation, and social work to help other providers support their patients and clients. They aid clients in applying for benefits and services, and they participate in programs that treat and prevent problems, such as substance abuse, dependent care, and disabilities.

Recreational therapists work with recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They use tools — such as crafting, dance, sports, and community outings — to improve patients' physical health while allowing them to find motivation and comfort through socialization. Recreational therapists also use community resources to help patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and support for their patients, who need help recovering from addiction, coping with stress, and improving their personal relationships. They may help clients re-establish themselves in the workforce and care for themselves at home.

School psychologists work with students, teachers, and parents to foster development and encourage academic success. Often, school psychologists teach students and parents about topics like bullying, drug use, and behavioral challenges. They may also counsel students, provide a support system, and keep the administration up-to-date with current research.

Industrial-organizational psychologists are qualified trainers, facilitators, assessors, and coaches. They may conduct research and work with HR departments, acting as consultants to increase employee productivity, develop screening procedures, and improve workplace quality. They may work in research or academia to evaluate methodologies and practices that interfere with an organization’s performance.

Clinical psychologists use observation, testing, and communication to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. They help patients understand their challenges and can provide individual or group counseling. Clinical psychologists also design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel to create individualized treatment plans.

Social workers are knowledgeable about resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and health care, and their chief role is to assist their clients in accessing these resources. They respond to crisis situations, such as child abuse and mental health emergencies. Social workers also advocate for their clients. They can work on the local, state, and national levels.

Clinical neuropsychologists diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems and developmental disorders. They study issues, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, and learning disabilities. They also recommend treatment and evaluate neurosurgical procedures.

Market research analysts collect data and information through interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups to understand their customers and increase potential sales. They use their psychology skills to understand their target consumers. Then, they develop advertising campaigns, sales plans, and promotions that will best accomplish the goals of their organizations.

HR specialists recruit job applicants, monitor employee relations, and handle benefits. Because of how closely HR specialists work with applicants and employees, psychology skills are critical. People may be nervous or upset when they approach HR specialists for assistance, so knowing how to effectively communicate and help employees work through their problems is a substantial part of the job. Training new employees and solving conflicts requires a well-informed understanding of people.

Technical writers work with computer engineers, software developers, and product developers to create instruction manuals, how-to guides, and other support documents for their products. Knowing how users and customers process information and interact with technical content helps organizations make sure they’re communicating clearly and effectively. A psychology degree provides research skills, an understanding of learning processes, and the writing skills to succeed in the field of technical writing.

Advertising managers use psychology to develop marketing strategies for their organization's products or services. They may serve as liaisons between clients and agencies, which requires the ability to understand what people want and translate this need into a product or process. Advertising managers perform market research studies and analyze their findings to best approach customers and business opportunities.