Careers to Pursue With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Choosing a degree program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your academic and professional journey. If you’re considering a Bachelor’s in Psychology, you might wonder about different careers that can fit your interests. Fortunately, this broad field of study can lead to many different opportunities that aren’t limited to counseling or therapist positions.

Through NMSU Global Campus, prospective students have various options in the field of psychology. Our online campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – giving you the chance to explore different paths and learning outcomes based on these two degree pathways.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of psychology and versatile outcomes that can position you for a job that appeals to your interests and career goals.

Earn Your Undergraduate Psychology Degree 100% Online Through Two Distinct Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or Psychology?

A bachelor’s in psychology opens up numerous career opportunities in mental health, human resources, marketing, and more. Our program emphasizes hands-on experience and practical skills, preparing you for real-world challenges.

Contrary to popular belief, not all graduates with a degree in psychology will move on to pursue a career in counseling or a related field. That’s not surprising, considering it’s one of the most popular degree options for adult learners earning their bachelor’s.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), as of 2019, only 14 percent of psychology bachelor’s degree holders went on to earn a graduate degree in psychology.

So what exactly are students doing with a bachelor’s degree in psychology?

The exciting thing about pursuing a psychology degree is that the invaluable skills you learn in it can be applied to almost any career field. In a psychology program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas and specialties, but popular career options for psychology majors – based on APA findings – typically include:

• Sales (20%)
• Professional Services (17%)
• Management or Supervisor Roles (16%)
• Teaching (11%)
• Accounting/Finance (9%)
• Employee Relationships or HR (5%)
• Research (3%)

Those who go on to expand their specialty in psychology with a master’s degree will eventually work in professional services aligned with psychology, such as healthcare, counseling, financial services, and legal services.

Best Options for Jobs After Earning Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

If you’re considering a psychology degree from NMSU Global Campus, our two distinct program offerings have similarities and major differences that may appeal to your interests. With a counseling and community psychology degree, students focus on a broader application of psychology skill training as it applies to community involvement, including:

• Understanding human behavior
• Developing multicultural awareness
• Case management

This program is designed for students to double major, and it makes it easy to integrate elective coursework that moves you toward licensure as a Substance Abuse Associate. While the degree still offers broad foundational knowledge in psychology, most graduates seek to explore opportunities as a:

• Behavioral Health Technician
• Community Case Worker
• Mental Health Paraprofessional
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Social and Community Service Manager
• Social and Community Human Service Assistant

On the other hand, the program for a degree in psychology offers students an in-depth focus on and specialty skill-building in the human mind. The degree is still very versatile as you build on problem-solving skills while developing interpersonal and writing skills that you will need to succeed in nearly any profession. Our graduates are successful in many fields, including:

• Business
• Counseling
• Education
• Government
• Law and Criminal Justice
• Psychiatry
• Research
• Social Work

In summary, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can help you pursue nearly any career outcome. The Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology more closely aligns with students who wish to explore higher education and master’s degree options in the field of counseling and psychology.

Is Psychology and Counseling the Same? What Are the Major Differences?

Counseling generally focuses on helping individuals manage and overcome specific life challenges or psychological issues through various therapeutic techniques. Counselors often work with clients on practical strategies to cope with stress, relationship issues, or transitions in life.

On the other hand, psychology encompasses a broader range of study, including the scientific study of behavior, mental processes, and the underlying physiological and cognitive mechanisms. Psychologists typically engage in research, conduct psychological assessments, or treat a wide spectrum of mental health disorders using evidence-based practices.

Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology Worth It?

At NMSU Global Campus, students have the opportunity to explore these fields through our two distinct programs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and applications. Students in this program can expect to study a wide range of topics, from developmental to social psychology, preparing them for diverse career paths in mental health, human services, or further academic study. This program emphasizes a broad understanding of psychological principles and their application in various contexts.

In contrast, the Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology is more focused on the application of psychological principles to community and social issues. This program emphasizes understanding and addressing mental health and social challenges at a community level, preparing students to work in roles that involve community-based interventions, program development, and evaluation. 

Students can expect to gain practical skills in designing and implementing strategies to improve community well-being and addressing systemic issues that affect mental health.

Both programs offer valuable insights into human behavior but cater to different interests and career goals, allowing students to choose a path that best aligns with their aspirations and the type of impact they wish to make.

Job Outlook and Market Growth for Bachelors in Counseling or Psychology

The demand for psychology professionals is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in psychology-related fields is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is driven by an increasing awareness of mental health issues and the need for psychological services in schools, hospitals, and social service agencies. Graduates from the NMSU Global Campus psychology programs are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

Different Psychology-Specific Careers

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can pursue various career paths that align with your interests and strengths as they relate to the field of psychology. Here are some specific options in psychology:

Behavioral Health Technician

As a behavioral health technician, you support individuals grappling with mental health issues. Responsibilities may include direct care provision, treatment plan implementation, and therapeutic activity support. Salaries typically range from around $31,794 for entry-level positions, averaging $36,396 per year, and can reach up to $46,800 annually for experienced workers.​

Community Case Worker

Community case workers support individuals and families facing challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, or domestic violence. They conduct assessments, connect clients with community services, and advocate for their needs. Compensation varies, but the average salary is typically $42,881 per year.

Mental Health Paraprofessional

Mental health paraprofessionals assist licensed mental health professionals in delivering care and support to individuals with mental health conditions. Duties may include conducting intake assessments, facilitating group therapy sessions, and providing crisis intervention. Median pay is $53,710 annually.

Addiction Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities lead independent and fulfilling lives. Responsibilities include assessing clients’ abilities, developing rehabilitation plans, and coordinating support services. The average salary is approximately $46,820 annually.

Social and Community Service Manager

Social and community service managers oversee programs addressing social issues such as homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse. They manage staff, develop program budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. Salaries average $77,030 per year.

Social and Community Human Service Assistant

Human service assistants support social workers and other professionals, conducting client interviews, documenting case notes, and arranging client services. Compensation typically falls at a median of $41,410 annually.

Do I Need a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

The short answer is: it depends on your overall career goals and the specific field within psychology or counseling you are interested in. Here’s a general guide to help you determine if a master’s degree is necessary for your objectives:

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

If you aim to become a licensed clinical psychologist or counselor, a master’s degree is typically not enough on its own. Most states require a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology for licensure, along with supervised clinical experience. However, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone to a doctoral program and may qualify you for certain roles like mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or psychological associate, depending on your state’s regulations.

Applied Psychology

For careers in applied psychology fields such as industrial-organizational psychology, human resources, or community psychology, a master’s degree can be quite valuable. It can provide specialized skills and knowledge relevant to these roles, and many positions in these areas require or prefer candidates with advanced degrees.

Research and Academia

If you are interested in a career in research or teaching at a college level, a master’s degree can be a significant advantage. However, for tenure-track positions and advanced research roles, a doctoral degree is often preferred.

Personal and Professional Development

Even if a master’s degree is not a strict requirement for your chosen career, it can enhance your expertise, improve job prospects, and may lead to higher earning potential.

What Certifications Can I Earn With a Bachelor’s Only?

Several certifications can enhance your career prospects with just a bachelor’s in psychology. Here are a few notable certifications you might consider:

• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)
• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
• Human Resources Certifications
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Substance Abuse Counselor Certification
• Certified in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Mental Health First Aid

It’s important to research the specific requirements for each certification, as they often involve additional training, exams, and sometimes relevant work experience.

Start Your Counseling and Psychology Career at NMSU

At NMSU Global Campus, we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Our flexible, 100% online degree programs make balancing your studies with other commitments easy.

Start your journey today by exploring our Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and discover a world of opportunities.