What you’ll learn as a psychology major
Psychology is a comprehensive field that covers a wide range of studies from counseling and social services to forensic and neuropsychology. As a psychology major, you’ll gain a deep understanding of human behavior, mental processes and interactions. In your courses, you’ll cover topics such as neuroscience and memory to personality and interpersonal relationships.
Earning a bachelor’s degree is a foundational step when pursuing a career or graduate studies in the field of psychology. “Studying psychology supports you in gaining a better understanding of human behavior,” noted Dr. Sarah Gavac, an assistant teaching professor for Arizona State University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “You’ll develop and hone your critical thinking skills, which are essential for numerous jobs and industries including those related to education, research, mental health services and policy making.”
“By studying psychology, you gain an understanding of the responsibility in conducting research and communicating about science,” noted Dr. Gavac. “Learning about ethics can also support you in thinking through situations in different ways.”
The differences between a BA and BS in psychology
A Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in psychology share many similarities, both equipping you with core psychology concepts, research skills and opportunities for career advancement or graduate studies after graduation.
- The BA program provides a broader view of the field, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore various disciplines within psychology through elective courses. This program is most valuable to those considering a psychology career that is more practice-oriented, such as teaching, social work or counseling.
- The BS program is more research-oriented and takes a quantitative approach to studying psychology. You’ll complete additional higher-level courses in science, statistics and math, compared to the BA program. Upon graduating, you might explore careers in psychological research, clinical research, legal policy research and more.
An array of opportunities: The jobs you could get with a bachelor’s in psychology
Completing a bachelor’s in psychology can lead to a variety of careers related to mental health, social services, counseling, neuroscience and more. Understanding the fundamentals of how humans think and process emotions also prepares you for unrelated fields such as law or business. Common career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Marriage and family therapist
- Marriage and family therapists focus on diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders that impact close relationships such as parents, marriages and other family dynamics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 16% between 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Mental health counselor
- Mental health counselors focus on helping those suffering from a range of issues that impact the mental state including addiction, alcoholism, depression and other mental illnesses. The BLS shows the projected job growth for this position between 2023-2033 is 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Probation officer
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists help rehabilitate individuals who are either in custody, under probation or have parole supervision. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for this role was $61,800 in 2023.
Social services manager
- Social services managers oversee programs and organizations that promote public well-being within nonprofit organizations, social service companies or government agencies. The median annual salary for these professionals, according to the BLS, was $77,030 in 2023 and the projected growth rate for the role is 8% over the coming decade, which is faster than average.
Social worker
- Social workers help individuals, families and communities overcome challenges by providing the resources they need to improve their quality of life. These professionals may work in schools, child welfare facilities, human services agencies and more. According to the BLS, the job growth for social workers is 7% from 2023 to 2033.
Earn your bachelor’s in psychology with ASU Online
Bachelor of Arts in psychology
- Our BA program covers topics such as learning and motivation, statistics and brain function. Upon graduating, you’ll have the skills needed for careers in psychological treatment, business, law, social services and more.
Bachelor of Science in psychology
- Our BS program explores the practical and theoretical implications of psychology while completing advanced courses in math, science and statistics. After graduation, you’ll be ready to pursue research-based positions, management roles or graduate studies.
Additionally, both of these programs can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program with a Master of Science in psychology. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree.