salary of a phd in psychology

Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary in the United States

Psychologist - ph.d. salary.

How much does a Psychologist - Ph.D. make in the United States? The average Psychologist - Ph.D. salary in the United States is $115,454 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $104,960 and $128,302 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Cotler Healthcare - Fort Myers, FL

Clinical Psychologist

Senior Care Therapy - Howell Township, NJ

Mental Health Counselor, LMFT, LCSW, Ph.D

Stepping Forward Counseling Center - Irvine, CA

Clinical Psychologist, Specialization in Testing & Assessment

Bloom Testing Associates - Kansas City, MO

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What skills does a Psychologist - Ph.D. need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Leadership: Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.

CPA: A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.

Psychological Evaluations: A psychological evaluation may consist of a series of formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests as well as clinical interviews designed to identify and describe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.

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Job Description for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Psychologist - Ph.D. evaluates patients for mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, and determines the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Being a Psychologist - Ph.D. uses talk therapy to treat patient illness or distress, cannot prescribe medication. Requires a PhD in clinical psychology. Additionally, Psychologist - Ph.D. requires a valid state license to practice. Typically reports to a medical director. The Psychologist - Ph.D. works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Psychologist - Ph.D. typically requires 10+ years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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Psychologist - Ph.D. Pay Difference by Location

Psychologist - Ph.D. salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Psychologist - Ph.D., the highest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in Miami, FL, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Psychologist Salary Info: The 9 Highest Paying Careers

Which psychology jobs pay the best salary?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Psychology can be a high-paying job, but it is important to recognize that there is tremendous diversity among psychology professions, and  salaries and yearly earnings are just as varied. In a struggling economy, many students have turned their interest toward some of the highest-paying careers in psychology. The highest-paying psychologist career salaries average around $167,000.

While many psychology careers have a higher-than-average yearly salary, it is important to remember that actual income depends upon various factors, including geographic location, employment sector, educational background, and years of experience.

Learn more about some of the highest-paying psychology careers, the typical salaries for such professions, and the educational requirements for entering these fields.

Psychiatrist

Average Salary:  $216,090 per year

Educational Requirements:  Considered a medical career, psychiatry is significantly tied to the study and application of psychology. Approximately eight years of post-undergraduate study. After earning a bachelor's degree, aspiring psychiatrists must graduate from medical school and then complete a four-year residency.

Psychiatry is one of the highest-paying fields tied to psychology. However, salaries can vary considerably within this field depending upon your specialty area , where you are employed, and the type of work you perform.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Average Salary: $105,310

Educational Requirements: In most cases, a master's degree in psychology is the minimum training required, although having a doctorate degree may be to your advantage. While there are opportunities available at the master's degree level, earning a doctorate degree in industrial-organizational psychology offers greater opportunities and higher salaries.

Industrial-organizational psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to tackle workplace issues. Increasing worker productivity, selecting the best employees for particular jobs, and developing market research surveys are just a few things that an industrial-organizational psychologist might do.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that I/O psychologists in the scientific research and development industry earned an average annual wage of $122,660. Those employed at colleges, universities, and professional schools earned an average of $110,070.

According to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology , the average salary for a doctorate-level consultant was $167,000.

Neuropsychologist

Average Salary: $90,460 per year

Educational Requirements: A doctorate degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology is needed to work in this field.

Neuropsychologists specialize in the study of the brain and cognitive science.   People who work in this field often perform cognitive tests, run brain scans, assess people suffering from brain injury, and study how drugs impact the nervous system. They may work at colleges and universities, hospitals, research centers, mental health clinics, and pharmaceutical labs.

Clinical Psychologist

Average Salary: $81,330 per year

Educational Requirements: In most states, clinical psychologists must have a doctorate degree in psychology. In addition to this education, they must also complete one to two years of supervised residency and pass state licensing exams in order to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.

Clinical psychologists are trained in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illness. This is also the largest area of employment within psychology. Clinical psychologists work in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that in May 2019, those employed in individual and family services earned an average of $85,140. Those employed in the offices of other health practitioners earned an average of $100,300 per year.

Engineering Psychologist

Average Salary: $79,818 per year

Educational Requirements: Entry-level positions require a master's degree, but those with a doctorate will find greater employment opportunities and better salaries.

Engineering psychologists work to improve the design of systems, operations, and equipment in order to increase efficiency, improve productivity, and minimize injury. As with other specialty areas of psychology, the area of employment plays a major role in determining salary. Engineering psychologists who work in the private sector earn considerably more than those employed in university settings.

Counseling Psychologist

Average Salary: $72,540 per year

Educational Requirements: A PhD, PsyD , or EdD degree is required to become a counseling psychologist.

Counseling psychologists perform many of the same tasks as clinical psychologists such as offering psychotherapy and mental health treatment, but they typically work with clients suffering from less severe forms of mental illness.

While mental health is one of the largest areas within counseling psychology, some people in this field opt to conduct research. They also teach university courses or provide vocational counseling.

Forensic Psychologist

Average Salary: $59,440

Educational Requirements: While there are some jobs available with a master's degree, you will typically need a doctorate degree in clinical, counseling, or forensic psychology.

Forensic psychologists deal with psychological issues related to the law. Some of the duties that a professional in this field might perform include developing psychological profiles of criminals, dealing with child custody issues, investigating child abuse, providing expert testimony, preparing witnesses to testify in court, and offering training to law enforcement.

School Psychologist

Average Salary: $58,360

Educational Requirements: Most states require completing a 60-credit school psychology specialist program, which leads to a master's or EdS degree. Approximately 32% of school psychologists hold a PhD , PsyD, or EdD degree.

School psychologists work within the educational system to diagnose and treat behavior and learning problems in children. They often collaborate with other professionals, including teachers and doctors as well as parents, to help kids overcome social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in this field are expected to grow by approximately 10% over the next decade.

Sports Psychologist

Average Salary:  $55,000 per year

Educational Requirements:  Most jobs require a master's or doctorate degree in sports psychology or in related areas such as clinical or counseling psychology. Sports psychologists  are interested in the psychological components of sports and athletics.  

Professionals in this field often focus on topics such as  motivation  and athletic performance. They utlizie their knowledge of psychology to help athletes perform better or to help people recover from sports injuries.

While salaries for sports psychologists typically range between $60,000 and $80,000, those working with professional athletes often earn over six figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

While specific salaries vary depending on factors including experience and location, psychiatry tends to be the highest-paying psychology-related career.

They can! However, it is important to recognize that individual salaries vary a great deal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists is $81,040. However, the lowest paid 10% made less than $47,850 per year. Your own salary may depend on factors such as your specialty, training, experience, area of employment, and geographic location.

Psychology can be a good career if it is suited to your interests and goals. The field is expected to experience modest growth in the coming year, and there are always opportunities for growth depending on where your interests lie. The growing need for mental health services and an aging population means that there will be a need for trained psychologists.

A Word From Verywell

Choosing a career is a big decision, and the salary is just one of many factors you need to consider. Money is an important component, but factors such as job outlook and quality of life are also essential.

So is becoming a psychologist worth it? Only you can decide. Think about how a particular career may suit your personality and goals in life before committing. In the end, the best job for you is the one you will enjoy the most and fulfills your personal and professional needs.

Zavlin D, Jubbal KT, Noé JG, Gansbacher B. A comparison of medical education in Germany and the United States: from applying to medical school to the beginnings of residency. Ger Med Sci. 2017;15:Doc15. doi:10.3205/000256

Torpey E. Business careers with high pay.  Career Outlook,  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016.

Kossek EE, Baltes BB, Matthews RA. How Work-Family Research Can Finally Have an Impact in Organizations. Ind Organ Psychol . 2011;4(3):352-369. doi:10.1111/j.1754-9434.2011.01353.x

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational employment and wages, May 2021: 19-3032 industrial-organizational psychologists .

Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The SIOP income and employment report is here !

Harvey PD. Clinical applications of neuropsychological assessment. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012;14(1):91-9.

Wahass SH. The role of psychologists in health care delivery. J Family Community Med. 2005;12(2):63-70.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational employment and wages, May 2019: 19-3031 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists .

Iudici A, Salvini A, Faccio E, Castelnuovo G. The clinical assessment in the legal field: An empirical study of bias and limitations in forensic expertise. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1831. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01831

Burrow-sanchez J, Call ME, Adolphson SL, Hawken LS. School psychologists' perceived competence and training needs for student substance abuse*. J Sch Health. 2009;79(6):269-76. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2009.00409.x

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists: Job outlook . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Röthlin P, Birrer D, Horvath S, Grosse holtforth M. Psychological skills training and a mindfulness-based intervention to enhance functional athletic performance: design of a randomized controlled trial using ambulatory assessment. BMC Psychol. 2016;4(1):39. doi:10.1186/s40359-016-0147-y

American Psychological Association. Hot careers: Sports psychology .

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

What Salary Can I Expect With a PhD in Psychology?

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What Qualifications Are Needed to Be a Forensic Psychologist?

Do pharmacists make a lot more than psychologists, how much does a sociologist make.

• What Are the Starting Salaries of Psychologists?
• The Path to Being a Sociologist

With a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), you may have employment options in academia, research and direct client services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earned a median 2020income of ​ $82,180 ​ per year. Median income means that half in the profession earned more, while half earned less. As with most jobs, the doctorate in psychology salary varies according to a number of factors, including job responsibilities, employer and geographic location.

Ph.D. versus Psy.D.

There are two types of doctoral degrees that can be earned in psychology. The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.), which typically requires 5 to 7 years of study beyond the bachelor's degree, puts greater emphasis on research. The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree puts greater emphasis on clinical practice. Degree candidates undertake 4 to 6 years of studies and must also complete a year of supervised clinical work. You can look on the website of the American Psychological Association to search Psy.D. and Ph.D. psychology programs to find one right for you.

Direct Human Services

Employment website ZipRecruiter reported a salary range for doctoral-level psychologists providing direct human services between ​ $37,500 ​ to ​ $153,000 ​. Average earnings were ​ $103,494 ​ as of July 2021. Cities where holders of the PsyD degree reported highest earnings included the following:

• Sunnyvale, CA: ​ $126,305 ​
• Santa Cruz, CA: ​ $125,603 ​
• Santa Rosa, CA: ​ $122,228 ​
• Williston, ND: ​ $120,045 ​
• Manhattan, NY: ​ $119,730 ​
• Barnstable Town, MA: ​ $119,030 ​
• Cambridge, MA: ​ $118,392 ​
• Arlington, VA: ​ $117,582 ​
• Dickinson, ND: ​ $116,863 ​
• Ketchikan, AK: ​ $116,428 ​

Ph.D. in Psychology Salaries

According to the employment website Salary, an individual with a Ph.D. in Psychology earned a median of ​ $106,111 ​ as of August 2021. Pay typically ranged from ​ $95,477 ​ to ​ $119,166 ​, with the top 10 percent earning ​ $131,052 ​. As with Psy.D. positions, geographic locations affect earnings. Psychologists in the San Francisco area earned about 25 percent more than the national average. New York City psychologists earned about 20 percent above the average. Boston-based psychologists earned 12.7 percent above average. In Miami, FL, however, psychologists typically earned 2.6 percent less than the national average.

Education Positions

ZipRecruiter maintains a state-by-state list of salaries for psychology professors. On average, earnings were highest in Massachusetts (​ $67,885 ​), Hawaii (​ $67,232 ​), Connecticut (​ $66,853 ​), Rhode Island (​ $64,766 ​) and Washington (​ $64,027 ​). Salaries in academia depend on the institution, and whether the individual is a full-time, tenured professor. Lowest average salaries were reported in Georgia (​ $51,424 ​), New Mexico (​ $50,239 ​), Alabama (​ $50,221 ​), North Carolina (​ $49,346 ​) and Florida (​ $48,468 ​).

Cost of Living Across the U.S.

When looking at a doctorate in philosophy salary, consider where the job is located. Use a cost of living calculator, such as the free calculator at NerdWallet , to find out what you need to earn to maintain your standard of living if you moved to another place. For example, if you earned ​ $118,392 ​ in Boston, MA, you'd need to earn ​ $157,830 ​ to maintain your standard of living in San Francisco, where the cost of living is 35 percent higher. However, if you moved from Boston to Madison, WI, you'd only have to earn ​ $84,476 ​ because the cost of living is 29 percent lower.

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychologists
• American Psychological Association: APA Accredited Programs
• Salary: Psychologist PhD Salary in the United States
• NerdWallet: Cost of Living Calculator

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Highest paid jobs in psychology and how to get them

Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in the UK yet studies have found that it has one of the lowest returns in terms of annual earnings , similar to that of philosophy.

This is down to the fact that it takes years, and several post-graduate steps, to get registered in one of the protected professional areas such as clinical, counselling, forensic, occupational or health psychology.

In terms of general earnings, psychologists land somewhere between nurses and doctors.

In 2020 the Nuffield Trust found that on average, around one in eight ‘psychologist’ vacancies were at the higher Agenda for Change bandings, ie Band 8b and above. However, the study also described a large variation in the earnings and career progression of psychologists.

Here we outline five characteristics which the research showed were associated with higher earnings in psychology.

1. Take the jump into leadership

Traditionally those outside of clinical psychology have had limited opportunities to progress into senior leadership positions, but as the NHS continues to expand its psychological therapies workforce more of these roles are becoming available.

In some NHS Trusts now, it is not uncommon to find a Head of Psychological Services supported by heads of psychological specialties as well as consultant psychology leads in a range of specialties.

While these roles are at the highest AfC bandings, it often means less contact with patients or clients and more strategic work in areas such as workforce planning, budgeting and service delivery. Some roles may also require further qualifications such as health psychology.

2. Shift to the private sector

The Nuffield study found career progression for psychologists in the NHS appeared to stagnate at senior levels and a significant proportion were moving into the private sector at this stage.

This could mean working for private companies or becoming self-employed.

For some specialties, such as occupational psychology, most of the work will be in the private sector anyway – working for large companies in HR or change management.

The private sector is unpredictable when it comes to salaries and these will depend on the size of the company and the role. For example, a ‘performance psychologist’ role for a major investment bank or elite sports team might offer a generous bonus if outcomes can be linked to improved financial performance.

3. Find the sectors with shortages

Specialisms experiencing acute shortages and backlogs in the system, such as child and adolescent mental health, are seeing a knock-on impact on pay.

Educational psychologists (EPs), for example, can earn between £45,000 and £70,000 per annum working for a council (depending on experience), but in some parts of the country self-employed EPs are being paid between £500 - £1,000 per day to undertake assessments.

Within the NHS, many Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are offering applicants a 15% additional payment on top of the banding rate or a fast-track into more senior roles. Similarly, self-employed child counselling or specialist clinical psychologists can earn between £120 - £250 per hour.

However, it’s worth noting that areas with acute shortages means the work is likely to be highly pressured and stressful.

While becoming self-employed can mean higher pay rates and increased flexibility, the downsides include losing holiday and sick pay, funding your own continuing professional development (CPD) or training and increased administration around tax and accounting. It can also be a lonelier working existence without the support of a team around you.

4. Move to Scotland or London

The Nuffield Trust study found that more job postings for psychologists were at the higher pay grades (Band 8b and above) in Scotland in 2020 than in the other nations. This finding was consistent with a previous audit conducted in 2018.

Researchers also found there were more psychology jobs available in London, as a proportion of all staff, than the rest of the UK (about 50% more). This might be because of the large number of teaching and specialist hospitals in the capital.

5. Be a man

Okay, so this isn’t a career choice per se, but according to the Nuffield Trust study men are less likely than women to pursue a career in psychology, but those who do tend to get paid more than their female counterparts. Around one in six of the NHS psychological workforce are male, but 46% of them are in Band 8 or 9 roles compared with 41% of women.

Where possible salaries mentioned in this article have been updated in line with current jobs postings (March 2024).

Further reading

For more information on the different branches of psychology, training requirements and average salary levels read the Complete Guide to becoming a Psychologist .

The Nuffield Trust. The right track: Participation and progression in psychology career paths, 2021.

Department of Education research report. The relative labour market: returns to different degrees, June 2018.

Psychological Professions Workforce Plan for England 2023/24.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. National specialist shortage having profound impact on children with SEND and their families. Press release, February 2024.

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• PsyD vs PhD

Salary Outlook Ph.D in Counseling Psychology

In most areas of study, a doctoral degree is the highest possible level of achievement in academics. For those studying counseling psychology, this could mean getting a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, or it could mean earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

While the degrees generally have different basic philosophies, very often, the end result is the same, and this generally is true for those pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. In comparison to other types of psychology degrees, counseling psychology is heavily focused on the practice of counseling others to help them cope with day-to-day struggles.

What are the degree options for counseling psychology students and what types of salaries can they expect to earn at the professional level?

Counseling Psychology Doctorate Options

The right degree option can make all the difference. That’s because, while doctoral programs in psychology can be quite similar between Ph.D. and Psy.D. tracks, the basic design of the coursework and academic focus are usually different in a few key ways.

Generally, people who pursue a Ph.D. in a field of psychology, including counseling psychology, do so because they want to engage in detailed study and academic research into the field. On the other hand, those who are considering a Psy.D. degree may be more inclined to careers in psychology where they practice counseling psychology one-on-one with patients or clients. Of course, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and it’s definitely true that qualified people with either type of degree can cross over and have successful careers with a variety of daily tasks.

SEE ALSO: 5+ Online PhD in Counseling Psychology Programs

Often, the choice comes down to which programs are available where the student lives, and Ph.D. programs, in general, are slightly more common than Psy.D. degree tracks, though this is changing as the Psy.D. gains credibility in the industry.

Still, for students who want to have the broadest possible career options, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology may help provide that.

Counseling Psychology PhD Career Tracks

With a Ph.D., a wide range of possible career paths become available, and for those studying counseling psychology, that’s definitely the case. While a career as a counseling psychologist , perhaps the most obvious related job title, is certainly possible, it’s far from the only possible occupation an individual could pursue after earning their Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

SEE ALSO: How to Become a Counseling Psychologist

Let’s take a look at just a few of the possibilities:

• Psychology Professor
• School Counselor
• Career Counselor
• Research Director
• Mental Health Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Substance Abuse Counselor

Counseling psychology programs tend to focus more heavily on helping individuals who don’t have major psychiatric or behavioral health disorders, and so career tracks will lean more heavily in that direction when it comes to jobs with a clinical component.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology Salary Overview

Statistically speaking, the mere presence of a Ph.D. greatly boosts a person’s potential earnings. In fact, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the average Ph.D. graduate makes about double their high school graduate counterparts.

SEE ALSO: Clinical vs. Counseling Psychology Degree Differences

To understand the income potential for Ph.D. graduates in the counseling psychology field, we calculated an average annual income rate for a total of five jobs for which national data is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Here’s a look at the counseling psychology jobs we studied:

• School and Career Counselor
• College Professor

California has the highest average annual salary across the five counseling psychology Ph.D. jobs we examined, followed closely by New Jersey. D.C., New York and Oregon round out the top five. The average annual income rate in West Virginia was by far the lowest.

Average annual counseling psychology Ph.D. salary by state

Counseling psychologists have the highest annual average salary rate across the five jobs, with an average amount of about $81,000. Considering all five jobs, the overall average is just under $80,000, while salary rates for Counselors, which includes any counselors not classified elsewhere, are the lowest at just over $48,000.

Average annual U.S. salary, selected counseling psychology Ph.D. jobs

The next several years are expected to bring a veritable boom in counseling psychology employment. According to U.S. Department of Labor data , the five counseling jobs we studied will see their ranks expand by about 33% in Utah, the highest rate in the country. Four other states are expected to see counseling psychology jobs grow by more than one-quarter — New York, Georgia, Nevada and Colorado. Alaska’s 3.8% growth rate projection is the lowest.

Average projected growth in counseling psychology PhD job openings by state, 2018-2028

The five selected jobs should see average growth of just under 14% through 2028, with openings for Marriage and Family Therapists rising at the quickest rate (22.4%) and jobs for School and Career Counselors climbing at the slowest rate (8.4%).

Average U.S. projected growth in counseling psychology Ph.D. job openings, 2018-2028

As Americans increasingly accept the need to seek help coping with the stresses of their lives and relationships, it’s more and more likely that they’ll turn to professional counselors for help. For psychology students weighing their doctoral options, earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology can open doors, both professionally and personally.

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Your guide to exploring career paths with a psychology degree

Intrigued by the complexities of the human mind? A psychology degree offers a unique opportunity for a deeper understanding of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

This fascinating field not only satisfies your intellectual curiosity but also equips you with valuable skills for a variety of career paths.

What careers can you pursue with a psychology degree?

The traditional image of a psychologist working in a clinical setting is just one facet of this dynamic field. These specific traditional career paths require furthering your education with advanced degrees in order to practice.

• Clinical psychologists: Standing at the forefront of mental health care, they assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using various therapeutic approaches. A doctoral degree and state licensure are mandatory for this path. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data indicates a median salary of $85,330 for this role.
• Counseling psychologists:  Providing guidance and support to individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges, requires a master's degree and state licensure. Their expertise extends to various settings such as schools, community agencies, and private practice.
• Industrial-organizational psychologists:  These specialists apply psychological principles to improve the workplace. They apply their knowledge to enhance employee performance, improve workplace dynamics, and foster a thriving organizational culture. Typically, a master's or doctoral degree is required.

Alternative careers for psychology majors

The versatility of a psychology degree extends far beyond clinical practice. The American Psychological Association reported over half (57 percent) of psychology graduates directly enter the workforce upon graduation, and do not require advanced degrees. Graduates can leverage their acquired skills in various fulfilling careers:

• Human resources:  Understanding human behavior and motivation proves invaluable in HR roles like talent acquisition, training, and organizational development.
• Market research:  The research and analytical skills honed during psychology studies can be effectively applied to analyze consumer behavior and data for informed business decisions.
• Social services:  Psychology graduates can make a significant contribution by supporting individuals and communities facing challenges, advocating for social justice, and promoting mental health awareness.
• Education:  Shaping future minds, conducting research, and supporting student success are viable and rewarding career paths within the educational system.
• Business and management:  Understanding human behavior allows graduates to enhance organizational effectiveness, improve employee engagement, and foster a positive work environment.

The future of psychology

People in the field of psychology are constantly pushing cultural and intellectual boundaries, creating exciting new opportunities:

• The growing demand for mental health services:  Areas like corporate wellness, community mental health programs, and online counseling are experiencing a surge in demand, creating promising career prospects for psychology majors.
• Championing diversity and inclusion:  Specializations are emerging in multicultural counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health, and social justice advocacy, catering to the need for culturally competent and socially responsible psychologists.
• The rise of positive psychology:   This approach focuses on fostering well-being and resilience, opening doors to promoting thriving individuals and communities through preventive mental health interventions, and cultivating positive emotions, relationships, and achievements.

Strategies for success in a psychology career

Equipping yourself with the right tools is crucial for navigating your career path:

• Gain practical experience:  Seek internships in relevant settings to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and establish valuable connections within the field.
• Network with professionals:  Actively participate in industry events, conferences, and online communities to connect with established professionals and gain insights into the field.
• Embrace continuous learning:  Pursue relevant certifications, attend workshops, and consider enrolling in psychology online degree programs to stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices.

Pursuing a psychology bachelor’s degree with OHIO online

So now that you know the strategies for success, you may be asking, 'Do you need a psychology degree to do some of these careers?' While it depends on the specific career path, having a psychology degree can significantly enhance your opportunities and open new ones you may not have considered.

Now you might be thinking, can you really get a quality psychology degree online?

That's where Ohio University's Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program steps in. Ranked as the best in Ohio and tied for 34th in the nation by U.S. News, our program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills employers are actively seeking.

A program designed to fit your life

• Course schedule:  Classes commence three times a year in the Fall, Spring, and summer semesters, allowing you to tailor your academic journey to your preferences.
• Credit hours:  Earning a bachelor's degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours. You can leverage previously earned college credits towards the degree, potentially reducing the overall program duration.
• Financial considerations:  Ohio University offers affordable tuition rates with financial aid options available to eligible students.

From start to finish: OHIO is by your side

Whether you are looking for an entry-level career in psychology or aiming to propel yourself towards career advancement, a BS psychology degree online equips you with the versatility for a wide range of fulfilling careers. Visit the OHIO University online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology website to learn more about the program, explore course options, and connect with an admissions advisor.

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Dr. Tasmia Hai, ECP, Recipient of 2024 IMPaCT Salary Award

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Dr. Tasmia Hai , Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, is a recipient of 2024 IMPaCT Salary Award .

The funding for this project is provided by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research's 'Increasing Capacity for Maternal and Paediatric Clinical Trials' (IMPaCT), a Clinical Trials Training Platform. It will support training on how to design, conduct and communicate about clinical trials in children.

Dr. Hai's project, HOPE (Helping Our Parents and children Excel) Trial: Family Intervention for Immigrants with Preschool Children, will specifically support immigrant parents and children by offering a family-focused and culturally-based intervention that will empower parents and ultimately improve the well-being and life trajectories of vulnerable children.

As an immigrant person of colour, Dr. Hai hopes to bring a voice to immigrant families and children, many of whom are experiencing complex societal pressures. Through the IMPaCT program's curriculum, mentorship and networking opportunities, Dr, Hai will be better equipped to lead impactful research projects that improve healthcare outcomes for these underserved populations.

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Department and University Information

• McGill University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Simon Fraser University
• Technische Universität Wien
• University of Hawaii
• University of Oxford
• University of Toronto
• Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines
• Oxford Learning Institute
• Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, Toronto
• Department of Education, Oxford
• Institute of Software Technology and Interactive Systems, Vienna
• Integrated Studies in Education, Montreal
• Jiao Tong Graduate School of Education, Shanghai
• Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii
• European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI)-SIG 24
• American Educational Research Association (AERA)-SIG 168