Whether you want to help people, study behavior, lead teams, or explore the connection between humans and technology, an RIT psychology degree can open the door to fascinating and diverse career paths.
Psychology is one of the most versatile college majors. It builds an understanding of what drives behavior as well as in-demand skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. Highly sought by employers, these skills apply to many industries, especially in careers that involve human services, understanding decision-making, and solving complex problems.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology sets the stage for careers in mental health, healthcare, business, marketing, human resources, education, criminal justice, social services, and more. It also can be the first step toward earning a master’s or advanced degree, which can qualify you for roles such as psychologist, counselor, researcher, and more.
Psychology Career Pathways
Six Jobs Where a Psychology Degree Gives You a Real Edge
Human Resources Specialist
In job roles such as HR assistant, recruiter, talent coordinator, you would help organizations find, hire, support, and retain employees. This often entails managing job postings, screening applicants and coordinating interviews, and supporting the onboarding and training of new employees.
Additionally, HR professionals foster positive workplace cultures and ensure compliance with workplace policies and employment laws.
User Experience (UX) or Technology Usability Research Assistant
Understanding how humans interact with technology is key to developing solutions that people will actually use and benefit from. A psychology bachelor’s provides a foundation for understanding behavior, cognition, and motivation that can help tech developers succeed in all types of industries from healthcare or manufacturing to artificial intelligence and business.
Research Assistant, Psychology
Research centers, hospitals, and universities need research assistants who can help design, organize, and conduct research studies. This often includes recruiting participants, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining lab spaces and equipment, and ensuring ethical compliance.
Entry level research assistants collaborate with senior researchers and contribute to reports, publications, and presentations in fields like psychology.
Social and Community Service Manager
Working to improve programs and services that support individuals, families, and communities, social and community service managers are employed by a wide range of organizations including nonprofit organizations; hospitals and healthcare systems; mental health agencies; schools and universities; community centers; local, state, or federal government agencies; and social service organizations.
Professionals with a psychology background can be especially valuable because they understand human behavior, which can help build trust with diverse populations and better support people facing difficult life challenges.
Criminal Justice/Corrections Specialist
Combining a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor or double major in criminal justice or related areas develops a strong understanding of both human behavior and the justice system—a strong foundation for careers in law enforcement support, forensic mental health services, rehabilitation programs, social services, and nonprofit or government agencies focused on public safety and community wellbeing.
Examples of roles for bachelor’s degree holders include probation or parole officer, juvenile case worker, victim advocate, correctional treatment specialist, behavioral health technician, court liaison, crisis intervention specialist, or community outreach coordinator.
Marketing Specialist
Understanding human behavior, motivation, decision-making, and communication is key to effective marketing. Your psychology degree will build marketable strengths in areas related to consumer behavior, audience research, communication strategy, and understanding what influences people’s choices.
A psychology background can also provide a strong foundation for advanced careers in marketing research, brand strategy, user experience (UX) research, advertising, or organizational communication.
Thinking of Earning a Master’s or Advanced Degree?
A psychology bachelor’s degree can be a launch pad to many different careers, and RIT grads are highly successful in landing a spot in graduate programs within RIT and around the world. Your RIT advisors will work with you to identify which type of advanced degree best fits your goals, so you can prepare for careers such as:
- Attorney/Legal Professional: 3+3 Law leading to a J.D.
- Educator, Teacher, or Professor (4+1 Teaching Partnership Programs leading to M.S. Ed.)
- Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D./Psy.D.)
- Mental Health Therapist (M.A./M.S. counseling)
- Social Worker (M.S.W.)
- School Counselor (M.A. or M.S. school counseling)
- School Psychologist (Ed.S. or doctorate)
- and more!
Median salary and job outlook data are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for occupations aligned with the career pathways shown here.