8 Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology to Seriously Consider

Psychology is the study of the human mind and human behavior. If you’ve always been intrigued about why people think and behave as they do, you may be interested in a career in psychology.

One way to get started is to earn your Bachelor of Arts or BA in psychology. This undergraduate degree can help prepare you to work in this field. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, here are a few options you have for careers with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

1. Child Welfare or Placement Caseworker

Child welfare professionals are tasked with ensuring that children live in safe environments. This may involve investigating claims of abuse or neglect, in addition to inspecting homes for cleanliness, adequate food, and other aspects of a safe living environment. If any concerns exist, you may be required to remove the child from the home and place them elsewhere, working with the family to resolve the situation so the child can ultimately return home (if possible).

2. Substance Abuse Counselor

Another career with a bachelor's degree in psychology is substance abuse counselor. In this role, you would work with people who have issues with alcohol and/or drugs, providing them with the tools they need to overcome their substance use issues. You would help them identify their triggers, for instance, also helping them find ways to cope with their emotions without alcohol or drugs.

3. Corrections Officer

Corrections officers are responsible for making sure our jails and prisons are safe, and that the prisoners are safe while in them. Having a BA in psychology assists with this by helping you understand the criminal mind and how it works. You can also implement various psychological strategies to de-escalate situations and keep order within the correctional institution.

4. Probation or Parole Officer

If you have an interest in criminal justice, another option is to use your BA in psychology as a probation or parole officer. Both positions involve monitoring someone who has been convicted of a crime, making sure they stick to the terms that the court has set (such as random drug testing, having a job, or living in a certain location). This ensures that the terms of probation or parole are being met while also helping the probationer or parolee become a contributing member of society.

5. Job Analyst

Maybe you’d like to take your interest in the human mind and behavior and apply it to the job market. One career with a bachelor's degree in psychology that combines both is job analyst. A job analyst collects and interprets information about an organization’s job roles or descriptions. Typically, this type of professional works within the company’s human resources (HR) department, assisting with the hiring and retention of top talent by helping this team understand more about the type of people who would be good fits for available positions.

6. Personnel Recruiter

Some companies rely on interested applicants to find open job posts, then apply for the position. Others use a personnel recruiter. A personnel recruiter actively seeks out people who have the experience and education needed to fill a specific job opening. Having a BA in psychology assists you with this because you would have a better understanding of what may compel someone to want to work for a specific business. You could also use various strategies to create a stronger appeal, stoking their desire to learn more about or apply for the job.

7. Public Relations Representative

Public relations is a field centered around creating and maintaining a positive image. As a public relations representative, you could use your BA in psychology to help your clients develop and sustain a reputation that is positive in the public eye. Someone in this type of role might work with individuals, groups, or businesses. The end goal is the same: help others see your client in a good light.

8. Research Assistant

Research helps us learn more about a particular topic. You can aid in this process by being a research assistant. This career with a bachelor’s degree in psychology involves helping researchers find the information they seek, manage the data they collect, or assist with the analysis of their findings. This is a great way to use your BA in psychology if you have an inquiring mind and want to help advance the field as a whole.

Ready to Get Your BA in Psychology?

If one of these careers sounds interesting and you still need your degree, Saint Leo University offers a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This four-year, 120-credit hour program covers topics such as abnormal psychology, social psychology, and the psychology of learning.

When you get your BA in psychology from Saint Leo, you also get to choose an area of specialization. Your options include clinical psychology or counseling, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, or general studies. This enables you to select the one that is best aligned with your interests and career goals.

Ready to get started on your career with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Leo? You can read about the program in our university catalog, request information online, or contact admissions to learn more.