The above question is one that I certainly raised as an undergraduate, despite my confidence that I would enjoy my major. Family and strangers also felt compelled to ask where I thought my psychology major would lead me in life. Now, more than ever, I believe that psychology can provide an excellent foundation for many careers.
First, I encourage you to evaluate if the major is a good fit for you. Consider that psychology is a science. As such, you will be required to complete courses in neuroscience, statistics, and research methods. Also, keep in mind that many of the career options directly related to the study of psychology require education beyond a Bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs typically have rigorous admissions standards and are quite competitive.
Let’s say that you have already confirmed that psychology is the major for you. Baylor’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has information on their website regarding a multitude of relevant career possibilities. The site includes recommendations of specific psychology courses that could be most useful for students on various career tracks. There is also a section dedicated to careers for students who do not continue their education beyond the undergraduate degree.
Some additional sources of ideas are:
- Meet the Majors podcast for Psychology (scroll down after following the link)
- What Can I Do with a Major in… (University of North Carolina-Wilmington)
- Baylor’s Career Counseling process (individualized for your unique needs)