Why a BS in Psychology Is a Versatile Degree

Psychology has long been a highly popular choice for a degree program—in fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, psychology is the fourth most popular among college majors, with more than 100,000 bachelor’s degrees granted in the subject each year1—and not necessarily because psych majors plan to become practicing psychologists.

Although a bachelor’s degree in psychology is helpful for a future career in mental health, the degree also provides an excellent foundation for a variety of occupations.

It’s Relevant to Everyone and Helps Develop Soft Skills

Psychology, the study of human behavior, helps us better understand ourselves and others. This background can prove to be relevant for many careers.

And, while psychology graduates have a solid background in sought-after hard skills such as research and statistics, a bachelor’s degree in psychology also helps develop one’s soft skills, or people skills. These include the ability to communicate well and think critically and analytically.2 Employers value soft skills, including empathy, adaptability, and resilience.

It’s Excellent Preparation for Graduate and Professional Studies

While a BS in Psychology is great preparation for advanced studies in the discipline, it’s also a relevant precursor to advanced degrees in many related fields, including education, social work, law, medicine, and the life sciences. Because psychology graduates are often skilled in analyzing data and relaying complex information, the degree proves to be excellent preparation for graduate work, including doctoral-level studies.

It Provides a Solid Foundation for a Variety of Occupations

If you think that a degree in psychology is only appropriate for someone who plans to become a psychologist or attend graduate school, think again. For example, in teaching, it’s important to understand the motivation of children and teens. In marketing or advertising, understanding human behavior is helpful to determine how consumers make purchasing decisions. Since psychology focuses on human behavior and the ability to analyze it, it’s relevant to a variety of occupations. BS in Psychology graduates can find work in areas such as:

• Business and entrepreneurship
• Criminal justice and law
• Education
• Government and politics
• Marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales
• Product innovation and design
• Research
• Sports management
• Technology
• Human resources
• Healthcare and social services

There Are Many Options for Specialization

For those who choose a career path in psychology with a BS degree, there are many areas in which to specialize based on your interests. These include:

• Addiction
• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Psychology
• Human Services
• Workplace Psychology

Or, you can pursue a concentration in General Psychology to gain a broad understanding of psychological theories and practices, relevant for a number of career options. At Walden University, there is also the Accelerate into Master’s (AIM) option, which gives you a head start on your master’s degree at Walden in a variety of AIM-eligible programs of study, reducing the time and cost it would take to pursue each degree independently.

Consider a BS in Psychology from Walden University

As a psychology student at Walden, you’ll study the fascinating world of human behavior while building a solid foundation for multiple career paths. Walden’s psychology curriculum—which is aligned with the American Psychological Association (APA) Undergraduate Psychology 2.0 standards—prepares its graduates to become advocates for social change. Other program highlights include flexible study options and individual guidance from faculty coaches.

A psychology degree has the potential to open up a variety of opportunities and can also enrich your personal life by deepening your understanding of human relationships and motivations. If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s in psychology, consider the flexibility of an online program at an experienced university that makes it possible to earn a degree while also managing professional and family responsibilities. For more than 50 years, Walden University has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality degree programs to working professionals.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, including the BS in Psychology. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37
²Source: www.degreequery.com/hidden-benefits-degree-psychology/

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

Note on Licensure: The BS in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.