Psychology Career Paths

Professionals with a master’s in psychology understand the complex ways that people think, behave, feel, and communicate. The mastery of these skills makes these professionals ideal candidates for roles that involve understanding or guiding human behavior, in industries like human resources, criminal justice, and business.

There are many fields that benefit from hiring professionals who understand the nuances of human thought and behavior. Learn how an online Master of Arts in Psychology can pave the way for a new career in the following industries:

Psychology Jobs by Industry

Advertising and Marketing

Business

Community Services

Human Resources

Intelligence and Homeland Security

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Public Health

Research Analysis

Considering an Online Master’s in Psychology?

Request information today to learn about the online Master of Arts in Psychology program at Pepperdine University, and to speak with an admissions counselor about careers with a master’s in psychology.

FAQs Psychology Careers

  • A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in psychology can lead to a variety of career paths. Graduates can work in mental health counseling, human resources, social services, and educational support. The degree can also be a stepping stone toward a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and is applicable in fields like market research or corporate consulting.

  • Psychology plays a key role in the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists, for example, evaluate a defendant’s competency to stand trial, offer expert testimony in court, and assist in jury selection. This work helps to ensure fair trials by considering the mental and emotional states of defendants and witnesses.

  • Yes, a background in psychology provides an excellent foundation for a career in marketing and market research. The principles of psychology—such as understanding human behavior, motivations, and decision-making—are directly applicable to creating effective marketing strategies.

  • The choice between an MA and an MS in psychology depends on your career goals. If you have strong interpersonal skills and want to work directly with people in a clinical or counseling setting, an MA program would likely be a better fit. If you prefer research, data analysis, and a more scientific approach to psychology, an MS program would align better with your interests.

  • There is no single “best” field, as the ideal career path depends on your personal interests. A master’s degree in psychology can qualify you for a range of professional roles, including counselor, social worker, school psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, and human resources manager.

  • Yes, the demand for psychologists is expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the overall field of psychology will grow faster than the average for all occupations. This demand is driven by a rising awareness and need for mental health services, an aging population that requires specialized care, and the application of psychological principles in a variety of fields, from technology to sports.

  • Yes, you can become a licensed therapist with a master’s degree, but you must earn a doctoral degree to become a licensed psychologist. A master’s in a field like clinical psychology, counseling, or social work can lead to licensure as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical social worker. To get licensed, you typically need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass a state licensing exam.

  • The primary difference is the degree’s focus and career outcome. A master’s degree is a two- to three-year program that is often considered a terminal degree for careers in counseling or support roles. In contrast, a Ph.D. is a research-intensive doctoral degree that typically requires 4 to 8 years of study and is designed for careers in academia, research, or policy-making.

  • A master’s in psychology curriculum typically includes foundational courses in psychology, research methods, and statistics. The coursework also covers ethics and can include specialized topics like cognitive, developmental, or social psychology. The program often culminates in a thesis or a practicum project. The exact coursework varies by program type, with MS degrees emphasizing science and research and MA degrees focusing on the liberal arts and humanistic aspects.

  • Earnings for professionals with a master’s degree in psychology vary widely based on factors such as specialization, location, and years of experience. For all psychologists in the US, the median annual wage was $94,310 in May 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.