What kinds of things can you do (jobs/career) when you major and get a BA or BS in Psychology?

Question

For Psychology, what could I do after getting a BA or BS in psychology?

Personal experience or information/advice/opinions would be best!!!

Thanks a lot!!!

Answer 1

It really depends on what your interests and aspirations are. There are several careers available for BA and BS degrees in psychology. However, more doors open upon completion of graduate training (and behind those doors are higher pay rates).

Here are some examples of jobs that can be obtained with an undergraduate degree (list courtesy of Calvin College)

account officer
activity director
addiction counselor
admissions market analyst
admissions officer/recruiter
admissions public relations
director
adolescent care technician
adolescent chemical dependency
counselor
adoption worker
advertising trainee
advertising media specialist
advertiser-educator
affirmative action officer
agency representative
airline reservations clerk
alcohol counselor
arena and sports facility instructor
assistant youth coordinator
behavior analyst
behavior modification
branch manger
camp director/counselor
child management consultant
camp staff director
caretaker
case worker
chemical dependency counselor
child care counselor
child protection worker
circulation manager
college admissions representative
community correctional service
worker
community outreach coordinator
community service coordinator
consultant
counselor aide
counselor/therapist
county personnel officer
customer relations
daily living aide
day-care aide
deputy juvenile probation officer
director of activity and recreation
director of alumni relations
director of day-care center
director of human services
director of education
director of family planning`
director of youth service bureau
educational salesperson
educational textbook representative
employment interviewer
employment counselor
foster home parent
group home coordinator
group home counselor
group home parents
guidance counselor
head of fund raising
house parent
house parent (drug treatment center)
human relations director
human services technician
infant stimulation teacher
instructional assistant
(institution for mentally retarded)
instructor-handicapped
adult program
insurance agent
investigator
juvenile court worker
juvenile justice planner
juvenile prevention program coordinator
line supervisor
management specialist
management trainee
marketing manager
marketing representative
marketing researcher
mental health program director
mental retardation professional
neighborhood worker
nursing home worker
office supervisor
operations coordinator
parent educator
park and recreation director
parole/probation officer
personnel analyst
personnel manager
placement specialist
private school representative
private tutor
probation officer
police training coordinator
psychology technician
psychiatric aide
psychometrist
public relations director
recreation leadership
rehabilitation aide
rehabilitation worker
research analyst/planner
research assistant
research caretaker
residential director
resource developer
retail manager
sales representative
secretary
security officer
social service director
social service supervisor
social studies teacher
special education worker
statistical assistant
substance abuse attendant
training and staff development
trainer-coordinator
vocational counselor
welfare eligibility examiner
youth activities coordinator
youth worker

For further information I suggest reading

Morgan, B. L. & Korschgen, A.J. (1998). Majoring in Psychology: Career Options for Psychology Undergraduates. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Answer 2

Long story short, you have your work cut out for you if you want to try to make a fruitful career out of just a psych BA. The exhaustive list above looks promising, but you should see the salaries attached to such jobs. A lot of them could barely sustain an existence above the poverty line.

Plan on grad school in some area of psychology or social work, or whatever else might align more specifically with your interests.

Answer 3

should u think of a career or interest and then think of how to get that job, which major to take...instead of the other way around..?
are u not starting off on the wrong foot to begin with..?

sorry....my comment/question is not helpful

Answer 4

Well plan on working in THE most fulfilling career possible!
Yeah, and then plan on doing it on a small budget.........but you'll be happy!