A bachelor’s degree in psychology is often perceived as a steppingstone to advanced studies or a career in clinical psychology. However, the vast majority—approximately 75%—of psychology graduates immediately enter the workforce after receiving their degree, highlighting the broad applicability and value of a degree in psychology. 

The versatility of a psychology degree 

Psychology majors gain a deep understanding of human behavior. They learn to analyze, interpret and apply data in valuable ways across various fields. This versatility makes a psychology degree one of the most adaptable undergraduate programs available. The skills developed—critical thinking, communication, and a solid grasp of research methods—are highly sought in many professions. 

Possible jobs with a bachelor’s degree in psychology 

According to Carolynn Kohn, chair of University of the Pacific’s Department of Psychology, students with a psychology degree often pursue careers in human resources, business, marketing and social work. “Many psychology majors don’t necessarily become psychologists but instead apply the knowledge of human behavior to industries like business, education and health services,” she explains. “These fields value skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and understanding human dynamics.” 

Let’s delve deeper into some of the career paths where a psychology degree can serve as a strong foundation: 

• Business: Understanding human behavior is a critical advantage in the business world. Psychology graduates often excel in roles like management, where they can apply motivation, leadership and organizational behavior principles to lead teams and manage projects effectively. They may also thrive in sales, where understanding consumer psychology helps employees identify customer needs and drive sales strategies. 
• Marketing/PR: Marketing and public relations professionals must craft messages that resonate with their target audiences. A background in psychology provides insights into the cognitive and emotional triggers that influence consumer decisions. This knowledge is key in developing campaigns that effectively capture attention, build brand loyalty and influence purchasing behavior. 
• Journalism: Journalists with a psychology degree bring a unique perspective to their work. Whether covering human interest stories, investigative reporting or writing about mental health, these professionals can draw on their understanding of psychological principles to create compelling and empathetic narratives that engage readers on a deeper level. 
• User experience (UX) design: UX design is increasingly common, and psychology majors are well-suited for this career. By applying their knowledge of cognitive processes and human behavior, they can design user interfaces that are intuitive, accessible and enjoyable to use. Understanding how people interact with technology allows designers to create products that meet users’ needs and expectations. 
• Human resources: Psychology graduates are ideally positioned to work in human resources, where they can apply their skills in understanding interpersonal dynamics, conflict resolution and organizational behavior. HR professionals with a psychology background are adept at managing employee relations, conducting compelling interviews and designing training programs that enhance employee performance and satisfaction. 
• Mental health and counseling: While a career as a licensed counselor or therapist requires additional graduate-level education, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is the first step. Graduates can work in supportive roles such as case managers, mental health advocates or psychiatric aides, where they can gain valuable experience before pursuing further qualifications. 
• Speech-language pathology: Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who have communication disorders. A psychology background benefits people in this field, providing a solid cognitive and developmental psychology foundation. While this career requires additional specialized education, a psychology degree is an excellent starting point. 
• Social work: Social workers often help individuals and communities navigate health, relationships and challenges in social systems. A psychology degree equips graduates with the empathy, communication skills and understanding of human behavior necessary to succeed in social work. They may work in child welfare, family services or community outreach. 
• Law: The legal field highly values the analytical skills and understanding of human behavior gained through a psychology degree. Whether pursuing careers as lawyers, paralegals or consultants, psychology graduates can apply their knowledge to cases involving mental health, family law or criminal behavior. Analyzing motives and predicting behavior is particularly useful in courtroom settings. 
• Teaching: Psychology graduates can also find rewarding careers in education. They can teach at the high school level with additional certification, offering psychology, social studies or even health courses. Their understanding of learning processes and developmental stages is particularly beneficial in crafting effective teaching strategies. 
• Academic and career counseling: Academic and career counselors guide students through their educational journeys and help them make informed decisions about their futures. Psychology majors are well-equipped for this role, possessing the interpersonal and analytical skills to assess students’ strengths and interests and provide tailored advice. 
• Politics/Public administration: Understanding the motivations and behaviors of individuals and groups is essential in government and public administration. Psychology graduates can contribute to policy development, public relations and community outreach by applying their knowledge of social psychology and behavioral science. Their ability to analyze public opinion and design interventions makes them valuable assets in this field. 

The psychology program at Pacific: A pathway to success 

Pacific’s undergraduate psychology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a variety of careers. The program’s unique three-year option allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. This option particularly benefits students eager to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies sooner. In addition to saving time, this pathway can also reduce the overall cost of education, making it a wise financial choice. 

Pacific also offers opportunities for students to engage in research, internships and service learning. These experiences enhance students’ understanding of psychological concepts and help them build a strong resume and professional network. The program’s faculty is committed to supporting student’s academic and career goals by providing personalized guidance and mentorship. 

Kohn advises students to explore as much as possible through internships, research opportunities and volunteer work. “Explore, volunteer, do internships, get any applied or practical experience. Each time you do that, write down specific aspects you enjoyed and didn’t enjoy. This helps students learn more about what they do and don’t want to pursue,” she says. “Coursework rarely provides this information, so practical experience is key.” 

For students interested in pursuing graduate studies, Pacific’s psychology program offers a solid foundation in research methods, statistics and psychological theory. Graduates are well-prepared to succeed in competitive clinical psychology, counseling, developmental, social, experimental, social work and neuroscience graduate programs. 

“Our students graduate with valuable research and applied experience, which enriches their education at Pacific and greatly increases their attractiveness as future employees, graduate students or professional school students,” explains Kohn. 

Success stories: Psychology majors making a difference

Pacific psychology majors have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Some, who participated in the Pacific Legal Scholars Program leveraged their degrees to make a difference in the legal field. Others have found fulfillment in global health initiatives, such as the transformative internship experience of a psychology and speech-language pathology student in the Dominican Republic. These stories demonstrate the wide-ranging impact that a psychology degree can have. 

Building a career with a psychology degree 

Building a successful career with a psychology degree often involves a combination of education, applied experience and networking. Here are some steps you can take to enhance your career prospects: 

• Engage in internships and volunteer work: Practical experience is crucial in applying psychological principles to real-world problems. Internships and volunteer positions provide hands-on experience and can help clarify career goals. 
• Pursue additional certifications or education: Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue further education or certifications. For example, counseling, social work or speech-language pathology careers often require advanced degrees. 
• Network actively: Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations and connect with alums to build a network supporting your career development. 
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest research and trends in psychology and related fields. This knowledge will make you a competitive candidate and help you identify emerging opportunities. 
• Seek mentorship: Building relationships with faculty and professionals in your desired field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career path.

The future of psychology careers

he field of psychology is constantly evolving, with new research and technological advancements opening even more career opportunities. For example, the growing field of artificial intelligence and machine learning has created a demand for professionals who understand human behavior and can apply this knowledge to develop user-centered technologies. 

As mental health becomes an increasingly important global issue, the demand for psychology professionals is expected to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in psychology-related fields is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. This growth is driven by an increased awareness of mental health issues and a greater emphasis on preventive care.  

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health, leading to increased investment in mental health services and research. This movement will likely create new opportunities for psychology graduates in telehealth, mental health policy and digital mental health tools. 

Senior Devin Thompson’s passion for psychological research has flourished under the mentorship of Pacific faculty. With the help of Professor Carla Strickland-Hughes of the psychology department, Devin has navigated the launch of his research project and gained valuable professional connections along the way. 

Sparking an idea: Expanding on existing ageism research

“I started working with Professor Strickland-Hughes my freshman year. I’ve been in her lab ever since,” Devin said. “Sometime during that first project, I heard about the opportunity for psych majors to get a psychology honors degree. To accomplish that, you must conduct your own study and then present it at a conference, so I brought up this idea to Professor Strickland-Hughes and we started working together.” 

Devin’s project explores psychological reactions of people who face ageism and expands on research completed originally by social psychologist Alison Chasteen of the University of Toronto—a professional connection of Strickland-Hughes’s. 

In order to begin the research project, Devin had to present his thesis to a self-assembled committee of researchers. “I invited Dr. Strickland-Hughes, Dr. McDaniel from the speech-language pathology department and Dr. Alison Chasteen, who actually Zoomed in from Canada for my thesis defense.” 

Despite initially feeling nervous to present to Chasteen, Devin said that her feedback was valuable and helped him launch the project with confidence.  

“I was like, ‘What if I read her work wrong or something?’ But it went really well,” he said. “She was super supportive, and I still email her if I have any questions in the process. So, she’s been a great connection to have and I’m really grateful.” 

Gaining momentum through financial and professional support

“Devin’s work is possible only because he has support from all across campus,” Strickland-Hughes said.  

From financial aid to professional mentorship, Devin’s support system continues to push him toward success. In addition to benefiting from the Powell Scholars program, which provides funding for his research, Devin has grown professionally as a member of Pacific’s First-Year Honors program. Within the psychology department, Devin receives impactful support from his lab colleagues, who gather regularly to discuss their independent projects, and Strickland-Hughes. 

“Working with Dr. Stickland-Hughes, she’s been a great mentor,” Devin said. “She’s guiding me along the way and she’s giving me freedom to make my own mistakes and learn, which has been beneficial. It’s going to help me not only as I prepare for graduate school but for the rest of my career.” 

Devin is one of four students participating in Strickland-Hughes’s research lab. The others include Emma Garber, Jessica Lacap and Megan Carmichael. Megan plans to present her own research, also a study of ageism, at the 2024 meeting of the American Psychological Association. 

Paving the way for graduate opportunities

Devin’s goals after graduation involve furthering his academic career. He is preparing to apply for master’s and doctoral programs.  

“Being at Pacific, I’ve been exposed to a lot of different elements of psychology and all that entails, and I realized I have a big passion for research.” Devin said. “Looking back, I’m really glad I chose this major.”