What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology? A Guide to Potential Career Paths

A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at CTU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

According to the 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) report, in 2022 (the most recent year for which data are available), psychology ranked among the top five most common fields of degree held by those aged 25 and over—second only to the field of business management and administration.1

Over 143,000 bachelor’s degrees in psychology were awarded in 2024 alone, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).2 And, as reported by the National Clearinghouse Research Center, 1.9 million learners earned a bachelor’s degree as their highest undergraduate award in the 2023–2024 academic year.3

Perhaps it is the perceived versatility of a psychology degree that makes such programs so popular: while a Bachelor of Science in Psychology could help you prepare for graduate school and a psychology or counseling career path, it could also help to unlock new doors that you might not expect.

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In this article, we explore various transferable skills that may be developed in a psychology degree program, as well as potential career fields and career paths other than psychology/counseling that psychology majors might consider. We also discuss the advantages of pursuing an online bachelor’s degree program in psychology at Colorado Technical University and offer some “food for thought” for anyone interested in taking their knowledge to the next level by pursuing a psychology graduate degree.

What Skills Are Developed in a Psychology Degree Program?

According to the American Psychological Association, psychology degree programs can help students develop numerous skills that are valued by employers, including:4

  • Analytical thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Oral and written communication
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration
  • Inclusivity
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Service orientation
  • Flexibility/adaptability to new systems (computer platforms, operating systems, software)

A great feature of this psychology skillset is that it can be transferable to a range of job roles, industries and scenarios. For example: Analytical thinking is useful in solving problems and planning for contingencies. Adaptability can help you to successfully navigate challenges in the event that even your contingency-planning fails. Collaboration skills can facilitate teamwork and encourage the sharing of new ideas, while inclusivity awareness can help to foster a culturally sensitive and respectful workplace environment.

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Potential Career Fields for Psychology Majors

Just because you hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology doesn’t mean that you are limited to pursuing only those opportunities falling squarely in the psychology field. The reality is quite the opposite. A psychology degree is a versatile degree with widespread relevance.

Marketing and Sales: Consumer psychology is “the branch of psychology that studies the behavior of individuals as consumers and the marketing and communication techniques used to influence consumer decisions.”5 Marketers and salespeople who understand consumer motivations, emotions and decision-making can design targeted strategic campaigns and pitches to improve sales and increase customer satisfaction. Psychology degree programs may include courses on sales and marketing as well as on consumer behavior.

Human Resources: Industrial-organizational psychology, or I/O psychology, involves the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace—more specifically, it applies principles derived from individual, group and organizational behavior to solving problems in work settings.6 Human resources (HR) professionals with an understanding of organizational behavior may be able to apply that knowledge to various personnel-related issues, such as employee training and development, or employee recruitment, retention and satisfaction. Bachelor’s degree in psychology programs can include courses on organizational communication, organizational psychology/behavior, and adult training and development. CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology—Organizational Behavior online degree program offers an opportunity to study real-world applications of human behavior theories and concepts in the workplace.

Social Services: Social services is an umbrella term for “services provided by government and nongovernment agencies and organizations to improve the social welfare of those in need, including people with lower income, illness or disability; older adults; and children.”7 Psychology can play a role in social services in different ways. For example, community psychology—a type of social psychology that “focus[es] on understanding individuals within their social, cultural, and environmental contexts, [and] emphasize[s] the importance of community dynamics in mental health and well-being”—“has played a major role in sensitizing human-services professionals to the need for services oriented toward prevention.”8 Understanding community psychology principles could help social services professionals in putting together diverse coalitions that represent the interests of the larger community, or it could help them in advocating on behalf of underserved communities. Courses on community psychology and diversity can expose psychology majors to the fundamentals of this branch of psychology.

Education: Pursuing a psychology degree program could help learners develop skills relevant to various roles in the education field. Admissions advisors interviewing potential college applicants may be able to utilize different recruitment and interviewing techniques studied in their psychology degree program to conduct more effective interviews. Academic advisors, whose main priority is to create effective and achievable academic roadmaps for students,9 may be able to utilize their knowledge of motivation, emotion and stress-management strategies grounded in psychological principles to help support and guide students on their educational journeys.

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What Potential Career Paths Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

If you wish to pursue a clinical career in psychology with only a bachelor’s degree-level education, your options may be limited. That’s because psychologists and other types of mental health therapists and counselors often need a graduate degree in psychology (and state licensure) to practice.10 But there are various other career paths that may be a good fit for someone who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Here are a few examples:

Psychiatric Technician or Aide

Overview: Psychiatric technicians and aides care for those with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities.11

BLS Projected Job Growth: Employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034.11

Typical Duties:

  • Technicians—Listen to patient concerns; observe patient behavior and report changes to medical staff; lead patients in therapeutic and recreational activities; provide medications and treatments (following instructions from doctors), monitor vital signs; assist with daily living activities; assist with patient intake and discharge.11
  • Aides—Monitor patient behavior; escort patients within a facility; assist patients with daily living activities; participate in patient recreational activities.11

Education & Licensure: Technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate. Aides typically need a high school diploma. Some states require psychiatric technicians to be licensed.11

Applicable Psychology Skills: Compassion, interpersonal11

Social and Community Service Manager

Overview: Social and community service managers oversee programs and organizations that promote the well-being of the public. They may focus on a particular demographic (e.g., children, people experiencing homelessness, seniors, veterans) or those experiencing particular challenges (substance abuse, mental health issues, chronic hunger).12

BLS Projected Job Growth: Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.12

Typical Duties: Collaborate with community members to identify needed programs and services; oversee program administration; analyze data to gauge program effectiveness; identify and implement improvements to programs/services; perform community outreach activities; write proposals to solicit funding; recruit, hire, train and supervise staff.12

Education & Licensure: A bachelor’s degree is typically required, though some roles require a master’s degree. Relevant work experience is also typically required.12

Applicable Psychology Skills: Analytical, communication, managerial, problem-solving12

Rehabilitation Specialist

Overview: Rehabilitation specialists, or rehabilitation counselors, help people with disabilities develop strategies to manage the effects of their disabilities on employment or independent living.13

BLS Projected Job Growth: Employment of rehabilitation counselors is projected to grow 1% from 2024 to 2034.13

Typical Duties: Provide individual and group counseling; develop client rehabilitation plans and adjust them based on client progress, consulting with healthcare professionals as needed; connect clients with social or medical services; educate others on the needs of people with disabilities and laws protecting their rights; advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to live in the community and choose their employment.13

Education & Licensure: Typically, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field is needed to enter the occupation; however, some employers may hire those who hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, health or social services. Rehabilitation specialists who hold only a bachelor’s degree may be limited in the services they are allowed to provide. Licensing and certification requirements may vary by state or role.13

Applicable Psychology Skills: Communication, compassion, critical-thinking, interpersonal, listening13

Market Research Analyst

Overview: Market research analysts assess potential sales of a product or service, helping companies understand what products or services people want, who will buy them and what they will pay for them.14

BLS Projected Job Growth: Employment of market research analysts is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034.14

Typical Duties: Monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends; assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns/strategies; develop data-collecting methods and then analyze the data using statistical methods; gather data on consumers and competitors.14

Education & Licensure: Market research analysts typically must hold a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related business, communications or social science field. Courses in statistics, research methods, marketing, economics or consumer behavior are helpful.15 (Such courses may be required in undergraduate psychology degree programs.)

Applicable Psychology Skills: Analytical, communication, critical-thinking14

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Advantages of an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Psychology

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree program in psychology online at CTU offers various advantages over traditional programs while providing the same level of academic rigor.

CTU’s online degree programs give working adult learners the flexibility needed to focus on their studies and coursework when it is convenient for them. CTU Mobile and the Virtual Classroom make it possible to complete reading assignments, access course resources, track progress, view grades and more—any time, any day of the week. Live chats and class discussion boards help to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing, while CTU intellipath® helps to make the learning experience more personalized, effective and efficient.

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Planning Your Next Steps: Advanced Study and Specialization Options

As you get close to completing your bachelor’s degree in psychology program, or as you progress in your career path, you may start to consider whether advancing your education by pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology is right for you.

While a graduate level psychology degree may not be strictly required for the career paths featured above, holding at least a master’s degree in psychology is typically required to pursue a psychologist career path. Clinical and counseling psychologists typically need to hold a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD. Industrial-organizational psychologists typically need to hold a master’s degree.10

Other specialties, such as school psychology, forensic psychology and neuropsychology, may have their own unique/additional requirements, so thoroughly researching the field and your state’s requirements is advised.

Note that most aspiring psychologists must also complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience, such as an internship or postdoctoral training, to qualify for licensure. Most states require anyone using the title “psychologist” to obtain licensure. And every state requires that clinical and counseling psychologists obtain licensure.10

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Start Your Journey with a Psychology Degree from CTU

So, what can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Quite a lot, it turns out. Whether you plan to pursue a graduate degree to become a psychologist or counselor down the line or prefer to seek out opportunities in a different field straight out of college, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSPSYCH) online degree program can help you to get you started on your path.

Explore our BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology—Organizational Behavior online degree programs today, or request more information.

Colorado Technical University cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2203761 03/2026

1 Kevin McElrath, “Field of Bachelor’s Degree in the United States: 2022 (Report Number ACS-59)” (July 9, 2025), U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2025/acs/acs-59.html.
2 American Psychological Association (APA), “CWS Data Tool: Degrees in Psychology,” (updated Jan. 2026) https://www.apa.org/workforce/data-tools/degrees-psychology.
3 National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, “Undergraduate Degree Earners, Academic Year 2023–24” (Apr. 10, 2025), https://nscresearchcenter.org/undergraduate-degree-earners/.
4 K. Z. Naufel et al., “The Skillful Psychology Student: Prepared for Success in the 21st Century Workplace” (2018), https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/transferable-skills.pdf.
5 American Psychological Association (APA), “consumer psychology,” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/consumer-psychology (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
6 American Psychological Association (APA), “Industrial and Organizational Psychology” (updated May 2022) https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/industrial.
7 American Psychological Association (APA), “social services,” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/social-services.
8 Bruce E. Bailey, “Community Psychology,” EBSCO Research (2024), https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/psychology/community-psychology.
9 American College of Education (ACE), “Career Guide: Academic Advisor,” https://ace.edu/student-success/career-guides/academic-advisor/ (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
10 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Psychologists,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
11 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Psychiatric Technicians and Aides,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
12 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Social and Community Service Managers,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
13 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Rehabilitation Counselors,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).
14 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Market Research Analysts,” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (last visited Mar. 6, 2026).