Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
If you have an interest in studying human cognition and behavior, an online psychology degree can enable you to work in a field that has many openings for new graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs as substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors will grow 23% by 2026. An online psychology degree is versatile. Graduates can find careers in business, nonprofits, education, and marketing and communications. This guide will explain what it takes to earn your online psychology degree and find the top programs.
What Is Psychology?
Psychology offers an education that covers many subdisciplines, like social, personality, clinical, developmental, and experimental psychology. The curriculum prepares students to think critically and develop strong analytical and research skills. Employers in every field need employees who understand human behaviors. The problem-solving skills that students develop in these programs apply to many different work environments, including schools and research labs.
Graduates with a psychology degree not only find jobs in social work and mental health, they also work in industries such as business, marketing, education, and nonprofits. Additionally, many students who earn a bachelor's degree in psychology pursue a graduate degree in psychology or another discipline at an accredited college.
What Can I Do with an Online Psychology Bachelor's Degree?
With an online psychology degree, graduates can land jobs in many sectors of the workforce. The analytical and research skills gained prepare graduates to find work in psychology and in industries that need experts in the study of human behavior. Below, you can find more information about the skills you will gain as a psychology graduate and your salary potential.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
An online psychology degree teaches students to comprehend the causes and effects of human behaviors. Students learn the basic principles and theories of psychology, which prepares them to earn a master's degree in psychology. With an online psychology degree, graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields. An online psychology program teaches students broad skills, including advanced written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and research methods. When they graduate, students can find work in social work, law enforcement, human and social service work, or in careers outside of psychology.
An online psychology degree teaches students indispensable skills, such as oral and written communication, which applies to jobs in marketing, business, and law. Online psychology programs also require students to study abnormal, social, cognition, healthy, and personality psychology. This broad curriculum affords psychology students many career options.
To specialize their skills, students can take a concentration or minor in business, education, or another field that aligns with their career goals. If students have an interest in business, they should take business electives and intern for a company that interests them. Having specialized skills and work experience gives psychology graduates an added advantage when they begin interviewing for jobs.
Careers and Salary Potential
An online psychology degree features a well-rounded curriculum that gives students a broad education in the study of human behavior. Psychology is relevant to many different fields and careers. Students who study psychology can work in nearly every industry, including marketing and education. Below, we've listed specific careers open to graduates and their salary potential.
- Education: Graduates with a psychology degree find work in education as career counselors or childcare workers. Those who pursue certification or licensure can become teachers at the elementary, junior high, or high school level.
- Health and Community Services: Psychology graduates work in health and community services, holding jobs as social workers, mental health technicians, and case managers. Graduates work in rehabs, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that provide services to senior citizens, children, or those with disabilities.
- Business: This field has opportunities for graduates who understand human behaviors. They work as sales representatives, human resource advisers, and job analysts.
- Marketing and Communications: Psychology students who want to pursue a career in marketing and communications land jobs as advertising sales representatives, technical writers, marketing researchers, and communication specialists. Graduates have an edge in this field since they understand how humans behave.
- Nonprofit: Nonprofit organizations make a difference in the lives of their communities. These organizations need psychology graduates who understand how to interact with people. Graduates work as fundraisers, volunteer coordinators, community organizers, and research assistants.
Research Analyst
Annual Median Salary: $63,230
Market research analysts work with companies to analyze people's habits when it comes to purchasing products. They collect data on consumers, watch market trends, and compile reports for clients. Candidates need a bachelor's degree and work experience.
Probation/Parole Officer
Annual Median Salary: $51,410
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists monitor people on probation or parole. They devise rehabilitation plans and conduct drug tests as needed. Probation officers may also help clients find work and resources.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Annual Median Salary: $43,300
These counselors help clients who are struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and behavioral problems by helping them access treatment and work through their issues. Many counselors devise treatment plans. It's common for these counselors to find work in hospitals, treatment centers, and outpatient centers.
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