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Careers in Psychology

Many employers respect a degree in psychology because it says the graduate has studied human behavior in ways that other degrees may not offer. The Shippensburg University Psychology Department provides its students with both a well-rounded education and the opportunity to explore specific areas of psychology in which they have a special interest. Graduate education is a process of further refinement during which students become increasingly more proficient in and knowledgeable of an area of psychological specialization. 

Many employers respect a bachelor’s degree in psychology because it says the graduate has studied human behavior in ways that other degrees may not offer. The bachelor’s degree also qualifies graduates for many entry-level positions in mental health services. It is also true, though, that when individuals go on to earn postgraduate degrees they typically increase their earning power.

Read about some of our talented alumni working in the Applied Behavior Analysis field.

Persons with degrees in psychology are employed in a wide variety of roles, including the following:

  • Clinicians, counselors, and human service workers
  • School psychologists, researchers, and academic psychologists
  • Industrial and organizational psychologists
  • Human factors engineers
  • Forensic psychologists

Clinical and Helping Services Careers

Many undergraduate students major in psychology with the plan of pursuing a career in a helping profession. There are various post-graduate paths that may lead to a career in a mental health-related field, but it can be difficult for students to determine the path that will be the best fit for them. Visit our helping professions page to explore some of the different options for graduate study and view a few external resources that can aid in making these graduate school and career decisions.

-Salary data from Glassdoor

Psychology Career Categories and Roles

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Animal Trainer - $35,859

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Public Relations Specialist - $52,039
  • Real Estate Broker - $80,882*
  • Training and Development Specialist - $60,259
  • Human Resources Specialist - $57,404
  • Compensation/Benefits and Job Analysis Specialist - $56,171
  • Market Research Analyst - $60,280
  • Management Analyst - $81,541*

*Indicates possible need for certifications or credentials in addition to a Bachelor's Degree

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Admissions Representative - $46,404
  • Education Administrators, Preschool Center - $38,808

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • FBI Special Agent - $144,552*
  • Military Research Analyst - $66,846
  • Lobbyist - $82,004

*Indicates possible need for certifications or credentials in addition to a Bachelor's Degree

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Child Care Worker - $28,993
  • Therapeutic Support Staff - $34,288
  • Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist - $45,257*
  • Social/Human Service Assistant - $39,597
  • Substance Abuse Counselor - $51,289
  • Family Services Counselor - $36,172
  • Health Educator/Community Health Worker - $44,320*
  • Social/Community Service Manager - $62,049

*Indicates possible need for certifications or credentials in addition to a Bachelor's Degree

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Correctional Officer/Bailiff - $42,103
  • Probation Officer - $45,380
  • Arbitrator/Mediator - $70,148
  • Police Officer/Detective - $80,885

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Advertising Sales Agent - $57,812*
  • Technical Writer - $68,555

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Data Entry Keyer - $32,419
  • Social Science Research Assistant - $64,563
  • Survey Research - $58,343
  • Test Developer - $55,509

These are careers psychology students can find themselves in. Dollar amounts represent median salaries.

  • Quality Assurance Specialist - $55,269
  • Database Administrator - $83,700
  • User Experience Designer - $77,054

Contact the Department of Psychology

203 Wright Hall 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: 717-477-1657