What can you do with a psychology degree?

You’re a psychology major, so your family and friends probably assume your goal is to get a job that involves counseling someone who’s reclining on a leather couch. You'll have to explain to them that psychology major jobs don't come with furniture requirements. In fact, that kind of work is only a small fraction of the jobs that need your skills.

We used internal data as well as info from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to track down 10 careers for psychology majors—couch not necessarily required.

Advertising manager

What you’d do: You might find it odd that advertising is in the realm of psychology degree jobs, but think about it: In the creative side of advertising, you can work as either a copywriter or art designer to create ad campaigns for brands. This is where your deep understanding of people and persuasion capabilities will come into play.
What you’d need: Your bachelor’s degree should be sufficient for a job in advertising.
What you’d make: $132,620 per year

Find advertising jobs on Monster.

Correctional treatment specialist

What you’d do: In this role, you would monitor and work with probationers and parolees to prevent them from committing new crimes.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is the baseline, but some employers may require you to pass oral, written and psychological exams.
What you’d make: $53,020 per year

Find correctional treatment specialist jobs on Monster.

Human resources manager

What you’d do: HR managers are responsible for recruiting, interviewing and hiring new workers at medium- and large-size companies. They deal with pay, benefits and discipline for current employees and serve as a link between management and staffers. Soft skills are at a premium in this role.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree and a few years of work experience are a realistic baseline for a manager position, although some positions may call for advanced degrees. Check out a sample resume for an HR professional.
What you’d make: $113,300 per year

Find human resources manager jobs on Monster.

Market research analyst

What you’d do: Ever wonder why fast food companies use the color red in their branding? Market research analysts can explain the logic behind these types of marketing tactics. In this role, you would help companies understand how the human mind works to determine what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree will get your foot in the door, but to advance your career, you may need a master’s degree.
What you’d make: $63,120 per year

Find marketing jobs on Monster.

Marriage and family therapist

What you’d do: When people think of psychology major jobs, they often think of therapists. Marriage and family therapists meet with couples, families and children who are dealing with relationship issues. And you don't have to do this in-person, either, as online therapy is growing in popularity. Therapists rely on listening and communication skills, patience and empathy to guide the people involved to solutions.
What you’d need: A master’s degree and professional licensing are required.
What you’d make: $50,090 per year

Find marriage and family therapist jobs on Monster.

Mediator and arbitrator

What you’d do: Arbitrators and mediators are called in, either by the legal system or corporations, as independent third parties to help settle an issue when the people directly involved can’t agree but the issue doesn’t rise to the level of going to court. This role requires a lot of listening, patience and negotiating skills.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is often sufficient, though post-grad certification programs could put you at an advantage.
What you’d make: $62,270 per year

Find mediator jobs and arbitrator jobs on Monster.

Organizational psychologist

What you’d do: Industrial/organizational psychologists (or I/O psychologists) consider aspects of a business—including group interactions, morale, work environments and organizational structures—as they seek to improve employee happiness, engagement and productivity, which in turn should improve business outcomes.
What you’d need: A master’s degree is usually the minimum, though some corporate employers may seek those with a doctorate.
What you’d make: $79,010 per year

Find organizational psychologist jobs on Monster.

Rehabilitation counselor

What you’d do: Rehab counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental or emotional disabilities not only live independently, but also overcome and manage the personal, social and psychological effects of their disability. Again, patience, listening and empathy will be needed to do this job.
What you’d need: A master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling is typically needed.
What you’d make: $ 35,630 per year

Find rehabilitation counselor jobs on Monster.

Sales

What you’d do: Sales representatives know how to work a room to make a sale. As a sales rep, your daily tasks would involve contacting—and possibly meeting with—customers, explaining product features and negotiating prices.
What you’d need: Your bachelor’s degree should be sufficient for a job in sales. Check out this sample resume for a sales professional.
What you’d make: $61,660 per year

Find sales jobs on Monster.

Social worker

What you’d do: Social workers help clients—some of who have mental health issues—improve their daily lives. They often serve as part of government agencies or with nonprofits and healthcare organizations. This is another role where patience, listening and empathy are emphasized.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is the starting point, although a master’s degree is generally expected for clinical social workers. Check out a sample resume for a social worker.
What you’d make: $49,470 per year

Find social worker jobs on Monster.

You can find even more related jobs and salaries for psychology majors on Monster. We can show you potential career paths and related salaries, whether you have a clinical psychology degree, counseling psychology degree, and much more.

Your career starts here

A psychology degree gives you a foot in the door in a number of industries. Whether you want to focus on mediation or therapy or beyond, hiring managers will be eager to seek out your skills. Want to help them find you? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to the types of psychology major jobs that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent directly to your inbox to cut down on time spent looking through ads. Let Monster help you kick-start an awesome career.