Amidst rapid change in higher education, the popularity of psychology undergraduate programs has remained steady — and there’s good reason for its staying power. Northwest Missouri State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career paths.
While the American Psychological Association notes that the majority of psychology graduates will not pursue a career as a psychologist, students understand that they will acquire the research, writing and management skills they need to establish themselves in the industry of their choice. Northwest graduates are prepared to use their analytical skills and psychological understanding of human behavior to succeed in positions such as market research analysts, sales leaders and addictions counseling.
Value of Transferable Skills
Between 2012 and 2021, the number of psychology bachelor’s degrees awarded to graduates increased by 16%, according to data collected by the American Psychological Association. That growth reflects the rising value of a degree in psychology for an evolving economy that rewards students who invest in skills that can be used across sectors, including healthcare, government, human services and business. Hiring managers in those industries appreciate psychology graduates’ training in the scientific method and their ability to conduct objective research, analyze data and explain their findings clearly and succinctly.
Throughout their literature, the APA highlights how psychology students develop skills in five categories: cognitive, communication, personal, social and technological. Because psychology coursework focuses heavily on human behavior and interpersonal relationships, graduates develop the ability to solve complex problems and approach challenges with creativity. Their cognitive abilities, especially when it comes to decision-making and logic, enable them to consider all possible outcomes and plan for potential pitfalls. Graduates also develop oral and written communication skills that make it easier for their colleagues and managers to understand how they arrive at those conclusions.
Psychology graduates possess a deeper understanding of how to navigate the personal and social aspects of work, developing collaboration and self-regulation skills necessary to complete tasks with little supervision. Their academic research allows them to navigate cultural and individual differences by displaying empathy and fostering a team’s unity around a shared vision. On the technological side, psychology graduates also have a familiarity with research software and can adapt to new platforms as they enter new positions.
The coursework in Northwest Missouri State’s B.S. in Psychology program delves deeply into these topics and their applications in the workplace. By the time students complete the Psychology at Work course, they will understand how to apply psychological concepts to personnel selection and placement, performance evaluations, stress management, and motivation. Regardless of the industry they enter, graduates gain the tools necessary to navigate workplace dynamics and advance in their profession.
Jobs You Can Get With a Psychology Degree
The job opportunities for psychology graduates are endless. As the APA points out, many individuals find employment in administrative support, public affairs, health, computer programming, business and education. Upon graduation from a psychology program, professionals often find themselves drawn to healthcare and the opportunity to directly support people with mental disorders. Indeed describes their potential job options as ranging from patient care coordinators and psychiatric aides to case managers, rehabilitation specialists and wellness coaches tasked with helping patients implement their treatment plans.
Career options also extend to human services, where psychology graduates work as childcare providers, social services specialists, child welfare advocates and case managers. These jobs are often located within government agencies, which offer opportunities for growth in positions like department coordinators or policy analysts. Still other graduates invest in creative pursuits, becoming marketers, writers or content specialists.
Many professionals with a B.S. in Psychology decide to pursue further education and specialize in a specific area, according to Indeed. Those with a passion for helping people struggling with substance abuse often specialize in addiction psychology, where they learn the causes of addiction and techniques for counseling people in recovery. They can go on to careers as counselors or patient advocates.
Others choose to study organizational psychology, preparing them for roles as human resources leaders, shaping the hiring process and enhancing productivity. While each program varies depending on the specialization, master’s and Ph.D. students will frequently complete internship work that provides them with real-world experience upon entering full-time positions.
Pursue a Variety of Career Paths With Northwest Missouri State
Examining potential career paths is embedded into Northwest Missouri State’s B.S. in Psychology online program. The Career Paths and Preparations course gives students a chance to develop a tentative career plan as they explore their interests, skills and values.
By the time they earn their degree, Northwest students know how to forge their own path. Whether in their future careers and educational opportunities, graduates are ready for the next step.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program.
