Before you choose a graduate program, it is important to consider your options and personal interests. If you’re thinking of pursuing graduate study outside of psychology consider some of the following alternative education paths for psychology majors.
Social Work
Social work is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of opportunity. Social workers help individuals and families overcome problems such as poverty, disability, domestic abuse, and addictions. Psychology majors interested in this career are well qualified for most Master's of Social Work programs.Master’s level social workers are in high demand in private practices, hospitals, government settings, police departments, nursing homes, and many more areas. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, social work careers are expected to grow faster than the average over the next decade. If you are interested in a highly rewarding career that allows you make a difference in people's lives, consider pursuing as Master’s degree in Social Work.
- Further Reading:
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Social Workers
Counseling
Counseling is a great option for those who want to work as marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or mental health counselors. Becoming a licensed counselor requires a master's degree plus at least two years of supervised experience. If you love working with people, consider programs in marriage and family counseling, school counseling, or mental health counseling.- Further Reading:
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Counselors
Academic Advising and Student Affairs
If you love college life, a career in academic advising or student affairs might be an excellent choice for you. Academic advisors help students choose classes, majors, internships and other important educational matters. They also deal with admissions decisions, financial aid, scholarships, and career placement. Some also teach undergraduate courses in study skills and student living. If you are interested in helping students find success in college, a graduate degree in academic advising or student affairs might be the perfect choice for you.- Further Reading:
Graduate Programs in Student Affairs
Education
There are a number of education programs where an undergraduate degree in psychology could be beneficial. Some psychology majors choose to become certified teachers and apply their knowledge of human behavior and learning directly in the classroom. Other programs such as educational psychology, school psychology, curriculum planning and educational assessment are all possible educational paths for undergraduate psychology majors.- Further Reading:
How Do I Become a Teacher?
Career Profile – School Psychology
Law and Criminal Justice
The understanding of human behavior and communication skills acquired during undergraduate study in psychology also provides excellent training for career in law and criminal justice. Some psychology majors opt for law school after graduation, while others choose to pursue careers in criminology or forensics.- Further Reading:
Career Profile – Forensic Psychology
Law School Admissions
Medicine and Health Sciences
Psychology majors with a strong interest in science might want to consider a career in medicine or the health sciences. While many pre-med students opt for undergraduate degrees in biology or chemistry, an undergraduate degree in psychology is also good preparation for a career in medicine. If you are considering future study in the health sciences, you can improve your chances of success by taking plenty of courses in science and math while you are an undergraduate. Potential educational paths include medical school or graduate study in occupational therapy or physical therapy.- Further Reading:
What to Major in for Medical School?
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Occupational Therapists
