Are you curious about what makes people tick? Do you pass people on the street and wonder what they’re thinking? Are people always telling you that you’re a good listener? If so, then a degree in psychology may be right for you!
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology will give you a very well rounded education and prepare you for a variety of careers inside and outside the field of psychology.  Skills you’ll learn include critical thinking, research methods and statistical skills, effective verbal and written communication, ethics and values, among others.Â
The term “psychologist†is very protected and requires an advanced degree. According to the American Psychology Association (APA), “Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school.”
While you can’t work as a psychologist with only an undergraduate degree, “An undergraduate degree in psychology allows you to work as a technician in the field which gives you great exposure to areas in psychology that, with further education, would allow you to pursue a more advanced career,†says Dr. Diane Bryan, an accomplished psychologist and professor of psychology with American Public University. “As a technician, you could assist in running behavioral programs or even work in a youth detention center or halfway house. It really gives you a chance to explore the field and determine the area you are most interested in developing your career.â€
Studying psychology and learning how to interact with people can help you in a variety of people-facing careers and give you job skills that employers will value across many fields. In fact, only 25% of people who earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology go on to earn an advanced degree. The top occupations held by people with only a bachelor’s degree in psychology are: top and mid level managers, sales people, social workers, personnel and labor relations specialists, insurance or real estate professionals, marketing professionals, registered nurses, pharmacists, and accountants, according to Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology.
Many famous psychologists have left their mark on the world and changed the way we think about ourselves, and the world around us. People like Sigmund Freud (who founded psychoanalysis), Alfred Binet (who developed the first IQ test), B.F. Skinner (renowned for his studies in human behavior), and even Dr. Ruth (who needs no introduction!) have all contributed significantly to the field of psychology and have become household names.
According to Career Builder, the average salary for a psychologist is $73,000 per year and can range from $42,000 to $98,000 depending on the area you live in and the field of psychology you work in.Â
So whether you choose to pursue an advanced degree in psychology or not, the skills you learn while studying psychology are sure to benefit you in whatever field you choose!
For more information about psychology degree programs at American Public University, visit www.apu.apus.edu/psychology.
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