Do you feel drawn to learning more about the mind? If so, you may want to consider several careers with a psychology degree, including some unique choices.
Many people choose a traditional role in psychology, like a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor. However, several unique careers also require a psychology degree, either graduate or undergraduate.
These careers may not include sitting down and talking through problems, handing out medications, and counseling family members. They may offer a completely different approach to studying the mind’s inner workings.
Unique careers with a psychology degree
More so than studying the mind, psychology looks at human behavior. That is a more accurate definition, to be honest. With this being said, psychology degrees can range from addiction treatment to understanding how psychological aspects affect the physical health of an individual.
So, if you’re not interested in traditional career choices, there are many unique choices for careers with a psychology degree.
1. Researcher
When doing proper research, especially in professional aspects, a background in psychology is needed. Understanding the available information and the ideas behind the information helps determine whether a hypothesis is true or not.
Careers with a psychology degree often require the collection and analysis of answers within the context of location, period, and social group. All these factors work together in the mind to create a more accurate picture. While this seems like a fairly simple career choice, it is extraordinarily unique and fulfilling.
Researchers average around $80,000 per year.
2. Special Education Teacher
Among all the careers with a psychology degree, a special education teacher is one of the most helpful and rewarding choices. This job option includes working with physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged students, or anyone who needs an alternate approach to learning.
You can see where understanding human behavior is a central function of this career choice. Although special education students may struggle with learning, a psychology background can help them learn in different ways that prove successful.
Yearly earnings in this career field average around $65,000.
3. Marketing Researcher
I learned in a marketing class that understanding your audience, who they are, and what they want, is the key to being successful. I believe this is true.
So, with that understanding, it’s easy to see where a degree in psychology would come in handy. From discovering your target to guiding them through the sales funnel, psychology plays a role in the entire process.
A career in marketing research averages around $80,000 annually.
4. Forensic Psychologist
A degree in forensic psychology requires a master’s degree in psychology and a minor in forensics. This combination allows you to assess individuals within the legal system, including conducting interviews, to determine their ability to stand trial. It also includes consulting with law enforcement about the traits and characteristics of a pursued criminal.
For example, possible leads in cases depending on criminal profiles. Forensic psychologists also serve as important character witnesses in trials. If you’re considering pursuing an online degree in forensic psychology, do your research first. To ensure you receive the most from your studies, research APA-accredited PsyD programs.
Careers in forensic psychology average around $100,000 per year.
5. Laboratory Assistant
A bachelor’s level of education is all it takes to become a laboratory assistant. This may be one of the most fascinating careers with a psychology degree. With psychology research, more advanced workers need assistants to help with the psychological aspects of studies.
Assistants in this line of work often help with interviewing potential subjects for studies, helping with the details of the studies, or analyzing the findings. Laboratory assistants also write reports on research findings.
This job can bring in between $34,000 to $70,000 per year.
6. Writer
The preparation needed for both graduate and undergraduate requirements benefits the prospective writer. Any psychology degree requires writing and research, which is foundational.
There are unlimited possibilities in writing, including publishing, self-publishing, and works in ebook format. Considering there is a wide variety of jobs available for writers, this means a wide variety of salaries.
A writer’s pay can vary between $40,000 and $150,000 per year.
7. Art Therapist
With an education in psychology and a love for creativity, you can help people overcome mental and behavioral obstacles. This was a career field that I wanted to explore myself as I navigated my past traumatic experiences through art and writing.
A career in art therapy provides you with the opportunity to help others deal with crises and develop their self-worth. And you don’t have to be an amazing artist yourself to work in this field, just have a desire to think outside of the box with innovative psychology.
The average salary of an art therapist is somewhere around $65,000.
There are so many careers with a psychology degree!
If you love psychology like me, then I’m sure this list provides a fresh and interesting perspective for your future. A degree in psychology doesn’t just mean training to become a psychiatrist, oh no.
If you think about it, a majority of career choices benefit from understanding how we behave and think as human beings. So, open your mind and explore the vast career choices with a psychology degree. You might be surprised by what you learn.
