15 careers that map well to psychology majors

Career mapping is about taking a proactive approach to your professional journey by identifying career options, the skills required, and the best path to get where you want to be. For psychology majors, career mapping is especially useful because this field opens doors to a wide range of industries, from mental health and social services to business, education, and research. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities.

With a psychology degree, you might start in roles like case manager, human resources specialist, market research analyst, or behavioral health technician. If you’re interested in clinical work, you’ll likely need a master’s or doctorate to become a licensed counselor, psychologist, or therapist. Other options include industrial-organizational psychology, where professionals apply psychological principles to workplace dynamics, or forensic psychology, which intersects with the legal system. Career mapping helps you figure out which direction aligns with your interests and what additional education, certifications, or experience you’ll need to move forward. It’s not just about landing a job—it’s about building a fulfilling career that makes the most of your skills and passions.

We recently reached out to 15 hiring experts to help us discover the diverse career paths available to psychology majors. This comprehensive guide explores a range of opportunities from peer support to research roles, providing a roadmap for those seeking meaningful work in the field. Delve into the experiences of professionals who have forged successful careers, offering practical advice and inspiration for the next generation of psychology enthusiasts.

• Work as a Peer Support Specialist
• Pursue a Career in Coaching
• Become a Research Assistant
• Take on a Behavioral Health Support Role
• Consider a Rehabilitation Specialist Role
• Explore Marketing Analyst Positions
• Gain Experience in Psychology-Related Fields
• Lead as a Peer Support Mentor
• Work as a Peer Counselor
• Start as a Crisis Hotline Counselor
• Specialize as a Trauma or Addiction Therapist
• Become a Mental Health Case Manager
• Explore Diverse Career Paths
• Work as a Behavioral Health Technician
• Pursue Case Management

Work as a Peer Support Specialist

I think one great job for a college student majoring in psychology is working as a peer support specialist or mental health advocate on campus or in local organizations. When I was in college studying psychology, I worked in a similar role, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences. It gave me hands-on exposure to listening, problem-solving, and supporting others—skills directly tied to my studies and future career.

What’s amazing about this job is that it allows students to connect with peers, help normalize conversations around mental health, and make a tangible impact. It also reinforced my understanding of empathy, communication, and maintaining boundaries, which are essential in psychology-related fields.

These roles often offer flexible hours, making them perfect for balancing work and school. Plus, they give students a chance to explore whether they’d like to pursue counseling, social work, or other mental health professions.

Nick Bach, Owner and Psychologist, Grace Psychological Services, LLC

Pursue a Career in Coaching

Coaching can be a great career path for a psychology graduate. In this role, knowledge of psychological theories, human behavior, and emotional intelligence is leveraged to assist clients in overcoming career roadblocks and improving their personal performance. In today’s world, many people reach a point where they feel stuck in life and work, but they may not necessarily require therapy. 

This is where a coach and their expertise in psychological concepts make an impact. By analyzing an individual’s values, strengths, and weaknesses and creating a psychological profile, a business coach can guide clients through self-discovery and goal-setting, enhancing both work performance and personal life. 

Coaching utilizes psychological techniques to foster mindset growth and help individuals break through self-imposed limitations. It provides the opportunity to support conscious development, focusing on growth beyond the professional scope—whether it’s improving self-esteem, refining leadership skills, or strengthening resilience. Using scientifically-backed strategies to empower clients to reach their potential makes business coaching a fulfilling career.

Nina Paczka, Career Expert & Community Manager, ResumeNow

Become a Research Assistant

For a college student majoring in Psychology, working as a research assistant can be an excellent fit. In my personal journey, curiosity and the desire to understand human behavior have been pivotal. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I’ve seen how research roles provide insights into various psychological theories and practices, which can lay a solid foundation for future practice or specialization.

During my academic years, the opportunity to engage in research allowed me to explore concepts that I now apply in therapy sessions, such as evidence-based approaches and understanding the neurobiology of relationships. Participating in such studies not only improves analytical skills but also offers a deep dive into subjects like Brainspotting and other therapeutic methods, which I use extensively in my work with clients experiencing anxiety and high-stress professions.

Moreover, being a research assistant fosters an environment to develop critical thinking and data analysis skills, as you collaborate with seasoned professionals in the field. This experience can translate into various roles, whether it’s in clinical settings or further academic pursuits, making it an invaluable first step for psychology majors.

Audrey Schoen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Audrey Schoen, LMFT

Take on a Behavioral Health Support Role

For a college student majoring in Psychology, working in a behavioral health support role can be a great fit. My own career started in diverse psychiatric settings, which provided a nuanced understanding of mental health and practical experience with various therapeutic approaches. This kind of role can deeply enrich your comprehension of psychological theories and their real-world applications.

In these environments, students can assist in group therapy sessions or help develop treatment plans, gaining insights into the intricacies of mental illnesses including eating disorders. For instance, working with athletes struggling with eating disorders in a therapeutic setting allowed me to apply psychology’s core principles in a meaningful way. It’s both fulfilling and invaluable for grasping the human aspects of psychology often overlooked in textbooks.

A position like this also offers a chance to practice essential skills like empathy, communication, and critical thinking, which are crucial in any psychological career. By immersing in real patient dynamics and collaborating with licensed professionals, you’ll be better prepared for advanced studies or future roles in mental health.

Katie Hevesi, Psychotherapist, Joywell Therapy

Consider a Rehabilitation Specialist Role

A degree in psychology opens doors to many career paths. One standout option I’d like to focus on is a rehabilitation specialist role, where students can support individuals navigating the challenges of probation or parole.

The job in question impacts not only the offenders but also contributes to the larger community. It involves developing tailored rehabilitation plans for probationers and parolees, offering guidance, and promoting personal growth. Knowledge of cognitive processes at different life cycle stages and a deep understanding of complex human behavior combined with empathy make a brilliant starting skill set for this job. Additionally, thanks to the highly developed analytical and critical thinking, rehabilitation specialists excel at inmate evaluation using questionnaires and psychological tests.

For psychology majors eager to make a tangible difference in the world, a career as a rehabilitation specialist can be a fulfilling way to put their education to meaningful use.

Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer

Explore Marketing Analyst Positions

Psychology majors looking to move outside academia may consider pursuing marketing analyst or market research analyst roles.

These positions require strong data and analytical skills, as well as an ability to track, interpret, and predict consumer behavior and decision-making processes. It has the added benefit of giving graduates access to a wide range of industries and regions—giving them greater flexibility in determining how they develop their careers.

Furthermore, as digital transformation leads more companies to pivot toward data-driven decision making, we’re likely to see strong growth in demand for analysts in the coming years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of market research analysts to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, notably faster than the average occupational growth rate.

In addition to enjoying a strong start to their career, the industry knowledge that market research analysts accrue in their first years of employment positions them to reach higher-paying positions in strategy or management.

Sebastian Morgan, Senior Content Specialist, CV Genius

Gain Experience in Psychology-Related Fields

In my opinion, any job that provides exposure to psychology-related fields is a good fit for a college student majoring in Psychology, even if the position itself doesn’t require a psychology degree. Jobs like behavioral technician, research assistant, peer mentor, or social services roles are excellent starting points.

The field of psychology is one where experience plays a crucial role in shaping a professional’s understanding and practice. While academic knowledge provides the foundation, much of what is learned comes through hands-on experiences. By working in a psychology-related setting, students can start to develop their skills, gain practical insights, and begin adjusting their perceptions based on real-world applications.

It’s also worth noting that both positive and challenging experiences are invaluable. Negative experiences, in particular, often teach resilience, mold character, and help students adopt the empathetic, adaptable mindset essential for success in psychology. The earlier students can immerse themselves in these environments, whether directly or indirectly related to psychology, the more they’ll grow and refine their approach to the field.

Charlotte Diaz, Junior Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant, Tykes and Teens

Lead as a Peer Support Mentor

For a college student majoring in Psychology, a role as a peer support leader or mentor can be incredibly valuable. Based on my coaching experience, I’ve seen how guiding others through personal challenges can directly apply and deepen one’s understanding of psychological principles. It equips students with interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy—all critical competencies in psychology.

Having overcome struggles with addiction and mental health, I know the transformative power of support and mentorship. As a peer support leader, a psychology major can offer real-time support, helping others navigate academic stress or personal issues, thus learning to handle diverse emotional and psychological scenarios. This role doesn’t just reinforce psychological theories but also builds resilience and leadership qualities.

Moreover, conducting workshops on emotional resilience or stress management can create a positive impact in the college community. I’ve used similar methods in my coaching practice, focusing on creating environments where people feel safe and supported. These experiences not only contribute to personal growth but also improve employability by showcasing practical skills in psychological support and community engagement.

Jason Plevell, Personal Coach, The Obstacle Remover

Work as a Peer Counselor

As a therapist, I recommend that a college student majoring in psychology consider working as a peer counselor or support group facilitator at their university or in a community organization. This role allows students to provide their peers with emotional support, guidance, and resources in a safe and supervised setting.

This position is an excellent fit for several reasons:

1. Practical Application of Psychology: It allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom—such as active listening, empathy, and problem-solving—in real-life interactions.
   
2. Skill Development: Peer counseling builds communication, emotional intelligence, and crisis management skills, which are essential in both clinical and non-clinical psychology careers.
   
3. Insight into Mental Health Needs: Working closely with peers offers an understanding of common mental health challenges faced by individuals, which is invaluable for a career in therapy or counseling.
   
4. Supervised Experience: Most peer counseling programs include training and oversight, ensuring that students learn best practices while staying within appropriate boundaries.

This type of job is not only a great stepping stone but also a meaningful way to support others while exploring potential career paths in psychology.

Ramya RS, Psychologist

Start as a Crisis Hotline Counselor

I believe working as a crisis hotline counselor is an incredible starting point for psychology students—I actually started my journey there during college. The training is thorough, the hours are flexible around classes, and you develop crucial active listening and crisis intervention skills that are valuable in any mental health career. Having supervised many psychology students in similar roles, I’ve seen how this experience helps them apply classroom concepts to real situations while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Caleb Simonyi-Gindele, Co-Founder, Therapevo Counselling Inc

Specialize as a Trauma or Addiction Therapist

A great job for a college student majoring in psychology is a therapist with a specific specialty in trauma or addiction.

Michelle Enjoli, Career Development Speaker and Coach, Michelle Enjoli International

Become a Mental Health Case Manager

An excellent job while majoring in psychology is one that will help you see firsthand the different career paths ahead. For example, a Mental Health Case Manager or Care Coordinator at a large mental health facility.

As a case manager, you’ll work alongside therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals, gaining insight into different roles. You’ll coordinate services like therapy, medication management, housing assistance, and more. You’ll gain knowledge about community resources and the systems that support individuals with mental health challenges. 

Case management skills are transferable to many psychology-related careers, making it a great way to determine your long-term goals. Many large mental health agencies provide training, supervision, and opportunities to transition into other roles, such as counseling or administrative leadership. This role offers broad exposure to the field of mental health, helping you identify your interests and potential career paths while gaining valuable experience.

Marisa Ronquillo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Insightful Roots Therapy

Explore Diverse Career Paths

College is a transformative phase in a student’s life, offering an excellent opportunity to explore diverse career paths and gain clarity about future aspirations. With a world of possibilities available, students can use this time to engage in meaningful experiences that help shape their professional journeys. 

One promising option is becoming a trainee teacher at the undergraduate level. This hands-on experience not only provides valuable teaching skills but also offers insights into the field of education and pedagogy. For those interested in healthcare or therapy, an observership at a clinic is an excellent way to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of specialized therapists and gain exposure to various therapeutic techniques. 

Students passionate about understanding human behavior can explore internships with organizations conducting research in psychology, sociology, or other behavioral sciences. These internships provide practical exposure to the field, allowing students to contribute to projects and understand the nuances of research work. 

Additionally, this period is ideal for personal research and self-reflection. Students can delve into career options or potential master’s degree programs to ensure their choices align with their long-term goals. Exploring different fields through internships, observerships, or part-time roles can help them make informed decisions about their future. By actively seeking these opportunities, college students can broaden their horizons, build valuable skills, and gain the clarity needed to make confident career choices.

Inderjeet Sokhi, School Counsellor, JBCN International School, Chembur

Work as a Behavioral Health Technician

One job that is an excellent fit for a college student majoring in Psychology is Behavioral Health Technician (BHT).

This role allows students to gain hands-on experience working with individuals who have mental health or behavioral challenges, which directly aligns with their academic studies.

As a BHT, they can apply psychological principles in real-world settings, such as assisting with therapeutic interventions, observing patient behavior, and supporting clinical teams.

This experience not only reinforces their coursework but also provides valuable insights into potential career paths in psychology, such as counseling or clinical work.

I’ve seen many psychology students and recent graduates thrive in this role, as it builds both their resume and their confidence in working with diverse populations.

Nathan Brunner, CEO, Salarship

Pursue Case Management

Case management is appropriate for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Helping individuals face challenging circumstances is a powerful way to make a difference. By connecting them with essential resources and providing unwavering support, you can become a vital advocate for their needs.

Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, Board certified Counseling Psychologist and Criminal Psychology consultant, Emergence Psychological Services/Dr. Jameca