Are you wondering, “What can I do with a degree in psychology?” If so, you’re not alone. A degree in psychology offers a diverse range of career opportunities. Whether you are part of a team, managing employees, providing client services, or improving processes, the skills you develop in understanding human behavior will be invaluable across all workplaces.
[Response to what they would be doing after earning the ALM, Psychology, degree] “Operating my healthcare company and incorporating what I have learned in my psychology program to the mental and behavioral side of employee well-being.”
– Deborah Michel, ALM, Psychology 2022
The Value of a Psychology Degree
Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, the insights you gain are essential in today’s job market. With an ever-growing focus on employee well-being, client success, and interpersonal relationships, professionals who understand social, emotional, and cognitive functioning are needed in every industry.
The Master of Liberal Arts (ALM), Psychology program at Harvard Extension School (HES) has a rich history, awarding its first degree over 40 years ago. Students enter this program for various reasons and from diverse backgrounds. According to our Psychology Graduate Degree Fast Facts sheet, 24% of students enter the program to prepare for further graduate studies, 21% seek advancement in their current careers, 35% aim for a career change, and 20% pursue personal enrichment. With the option to choose electives and research projects, students can tailor their education to align with their interests—whether in neuroscience, mental health, addiction, sleep, wellness, or in other areas.
While the ALM in Psychology is not a clinical degree, already-licensed therapists may also enroll to deepen their knowledge and to focus on specific research areas, enhancing their application of data analysis and research skills to their work related to human behavior.
“I learned how to connect with individuals on a personal level, understanding their unique needs and helping them navigate their challenges. As I worked on my degree, I transitioned from working in the group home to meeting with individuals in the community, and eventually to supervising other community workers. This hands-on experience enriched my education and solidified my desire to work in psychology not only as an intellectual pursuit but also so that I can support people navigating mental health challenges.”
– Pam Smethurst, ALM, Psychology 2021
Diverse Career Opportunities
Graduates with a non-clinical psychology degree can find roles in a variety of sectors, including for-profit companies, nonprofits, higher education, hospitals, research centers, and government agencies. Alumni also choose to further their education, pursuing MSW, PhD, or PsyD degrees, while others integrate their psychology knowledge into existing roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
“HES has given me the extra tools needed for to expand my neuropsychological study capacities and the degree needed to advance my position in the team.”
– Diana Lee, ALM, Psychology 2024
Sample Roles
Here are just some of the potential career paths for psychology graduates, along with brief descriptions of each role:
- MSW, PhD or PsyD Student: Further academic pursuit in psychology.
- Human Resources Manager: Oversee employee relations and development
- Market Research Analyst: Analyze consumer behavior and trends
- Research Assistant: Support psychological research projects
- Family Resource Specialist: Provide resources and support to families. One alum shares her experience in this field
- Human or Social Services Assistant: Assist clients in accessing services
- Manager: Lead teams and projects within organizations
- Behavior Analyst: Apply behavioral principles to help individuals
- Clinical Trial Associate: Support clinical trials for new treatments
- Academic Advisor: Guide students in their academic paths
- Founder: Start your own business based on psychological principles
- Marketing Manager: Develop strategies based on consumer psychology.
- An alum shared her experience in a Career Path Spotlight on Psychology, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
- Teacher: Educate others about psychology concepts or incorporate new learnings into daily interactions in the classroom
- Crisis Counselor: Provide support in emergency situations
- Leadership Coach: Help individuals improve their leadership skills
- Training and Development Specialist: Help create, plan and run training programs
- Career Counselor or Coach: Assist others in their career exploration, development and planning
- Recovery Support Specialist: Help individuals in recovery processes with information and emotional support
- Case Management: Coordinate care for clients in need
- Recruitment Manager: Oversee hiring processes
- Wellness Coach: Promote mental and physical well-being
“Having completed my ALM in Psychology, I will be pursuing a career in Sports Psychology in collaboration with my law practice. I am in the process of incorporating a company… that will focus on mental performance training for elite athletes.”
– Jaswoop Grewal, ALM Psychology 2021
Preparing For Your Career
With so many career paths available, it’s important to consider your personal interests, values, skills, and the kind of impact you want to make. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your next career move:
- Self-Reflection: Identify the skills you want to use daily and the environments where you thrive.
- Connect with Others: Talk to fellow students, instructors, alumni and others in your field of interest to learn about their experiences, including through informational interviews.
- Research Organizations: Explore organizations aligned with your interests, create an initial target list, and reach out to employees in the types of roles you are exploring for informational meetings.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of webinars from the HES Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC) and other Harvard Extension School Career Services to learn about making career changes and professional development. Ask networking contacts about professional associations they belong to during informational interviews. Visit the websites of professional associations relevant to your path of interest for information on student memberships, salaries, career paths, state or country licensure requirements (if relevant to your field), news, and more.
- Prepare Your Materials: Tailor your application materials to each position and continue networking.
- Take Action: Set up job alerts from organization websites, apply to positions promptly, and follow up to demonstrate your interest.
“I worked in finance before having children. I wanted to understand children better and help them reach their maximum potential, and that’s why I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Psychology. Now that I have gained the knowledge, I will be putting it to use to help other parents and their children to build stronger relationships so that the next generation can become the best they can be.”
– Xingni Liu, ALM, Psychology 2024
Resources for Success
Harvard
- Psychology Graduate Degree Fast Facts
- Harvard Extension School (HES) Alumni Career Highlights
- Harvard Extension School Career Services
- Alumni Blog post: Re-entering Education and the Workforce After a Career Break – Pam Smethurst, ALM in Psychology
- Find more Student Stories on the Extension School website, including Pamela Wagner, an alumni with a master’s degree in psychology
- Explore Catalyst for information on some Harvard researchers
- For general advice on exploring graduate programs, read How to Choose a Graduate Program
- HES admitted degree candidates and degree alumni have access to the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), including Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences alumni advisors, Vault Guides and lists of Professional Associations through Firsthand. If you are a Harvard Extension School admitted degree candidate or a degree alum, sign up for an advising appointment via Crimson Careers to discuss your unique goals and interests
- Get involved in HES Clubs and HESA Societies and other groups relevant to your interests
- HES Psychology Degree Admissions & Degree Requirements
- HES Course Catalog: Psychology Admissions Courses
Additional
- What to Do with a Psychology Major: 8 Jobs You Should Consider (from The Muse)
- Idealist.org for a database of nonprofit organizations to explore, as well as job postings
- Higher Ed 360 for a list of college and university HR pages by location
- Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
- Search the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for details on specific job titles
- Professional Associations: Explore resources from organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Final Thoughts
“If you’re considering going back to school or making a career change, I encourage you to take that leap. Your past experiences and education can create a unique pathway to success, no matter where you start. Embrace your journey, seek out opportunities, and remember that it’s never too late to follow your passion.”
– Pam Smethurst, ALM, Psychology 2021
Explore your options and discover how a degree in psychology can shape your future!
