Focus on Majors: Psychology

If you’re fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, a major in psychology might be the perfect fit. Psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how mental processes develop, how people make decisions, how relationships form, and how internal and external factors shape behavior over a lifetime.

Because psychology is grounded in scientific research, most programs begin with core classes in statistics, research methods, and experimental psychology. After building a foundation, students can explore the many concentrations the field offers. These include developmental psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Different colleges offer unique pathways. The University of Michigan is widely known for social psychology research, including studies on how social media influences self-esteem and relationships. UC San Diego offers exceptional options in behavioral neuroscience. John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the top choices for forensic psychology and corrections-based assessment. Purdue University and Colorado State University offer strong industrial-organizational psychology tracks, a rapidly growing field used heavily in human resources and workplace consulting. Tufts University is one of the only colleges with an undergraduate interdisciplinary engineering psychology major called Human Factors Psychology, perfect for students interested in the interaction between humans and technology.

Students interested in children and development might explore programs like the University of Minnesota, well known for its research in lifespan development. For students drawn to health-related psychology, George Mason offers a concentration in health psychology. 

Those interested in sport and performance psychology often look at Kent State or the University of South Carolina.

Psychology majors take courses that help them understand behavior across many contexts. Lab-based programs may include work with human or animal subjects, designing experiments, running studies, or analyzing data using advanced software. Other programs blend classroom learning with internships in hospitals, schools, nonprofit agencies, human resources departments, marketing firms, or criminal justice settings.

One of psychology’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Graduates can pursue careers in business, sales, marketing, human resources, education, social services, research, counseling, or organizational consulting. A growing need exists for psychology specialists in HR departments, where understanding motivation, communication, and workplace culture is essential.

For students who want to become therapists, there are multiple pathways after earning a bachelor's degree. Some continue to a doctoral program (PhD or PsyD) to become licensed psychologists. Others pursue a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy. With a master’s and supervised clinical hours, students can become licensed as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or a licensed professional counselor, depending on state requirements. These roles focus on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health and relationship challenges.

Whether a student dreams of supporting children, improving organizational culture, studying brain function, helping individuals in crisis, or conducting research, psychology provides a strong foundation. It’s a major that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of human behavior, qualities that translate into meaningful and impactful careers.

Career Paths for Psychology Majors:

· Business/Entrepreneur

· Clinical Psychologist

· Cognitive Psychologist 

· Criminal Investigator

· Developmental Psychologist

· Educational Psychologist

· Experimental Psychologist

· Forensic Psychologist

· Human Resource Personnel

· Attorney/Lawyer

· Organizational Psychologist

· Marriage & Family Therapist

· Neuropsychologist

· Physician/Psychiatrist

· Psychiatric Technician

· Psychometrist/Clinician

· Rehabilitation Psychologist

· School Counselor

· Social Psychologist

· Sports Psychologist

· Substance Abuse Counselor