Edgewood College
  Psychology Department

What can I do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

"I love that I got a psychology degree. It opened the door to work as
a preschool teacher, then a juvenile court counselor, and now a college advisor."
(From Edgewood College 2007 Psychology Alumni Survey)

When you're in college, the first question asked is "What's your major?"  If your reply is psychology, the next comment you might hear could be some variation of "What! Psychology?  You can't do anything with a major in psychology!  You'll have to go to graduate school."  

As psychology majors we heard the same thing, and now as faculty members we still hear these comments.  Interestingly, they are usually from people who don't know a thing about the field beyond what they may have learned in an introductory class.  Or better -- their source is "that's what I've heard."  If you are a psychology major, you know better than to believe "what you hear."  If you're interested, take heart; there are many interesting careers that a degree in psychology prepares you for.  It is as valued as any liberal arts degree and you have the advantage of some training in research!

Yes, if you want to be a psychologist, you need to go to graduate school (click on this link for more).  The links below are to help you make an informed decision about your major and about your career options, find out how you can use a bachelor's degree in psychology, and more.

Psi Chi: I'm Getting My Bachelor's Degree in Psychology -- What Can I Do With It?
APA: What Can I Do with a Degree in Psychology?
Entry-Level Positions Obtained by Psychology Majors

U. of Texas: What Can I Do With a Major in Psychology?
Western KY University: Career Decision tree for Psychology Students
A Student's Guide To Careers In The Helping Professions
Occupations of Interest to Psychology Majors

Marky Lloyd's Careers in Psychology Website
Occupational Outlook Handbook (Look up any career!)
APA Survey Results on psychologist salaries