Tristan Hicks
Choosing a major is one of the most important and exciting steps in your educational journey. At the same time, it can also feel overwhelming knowing your decision will shape not only your student experience, but also your career path.
If you are considering majoring in Psychology, you may be asking questions like: What can you do with a Psychology degree? Or Is Psychology a good major? Well, Psychology is one of the most popular majors at Chapman, combining the study of human behavior with practical skills that apply across many industries. Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, conducting research, working in healthcare, or applying behavioral science in business, a psychology degree provides a flexible foundation for a wide range of careers.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior, exploring how people think, feel, and behave. Studying psychology provides you with the tools to explore why people make certain choices, how memory works, how to lead healthy lives, and what shapes our relationships. If you are looking to deepen your understanding, there are several branches of psychology including:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social and Personality Psychology
- Health Psychology
Why study Psychology?
Students choose psychology for many different reasons, but they often share one thing in common: a curiosity about people and what drives human behavior. Psychology explores why we think, feel, and behave the way we do while providing practical skills that can be applied in almost any profession.
Understand Human Behavior
Psychology helps explain why people make decisions, form relationships, respond to stress, and learn new information. Understanding human behavior is valuable in careers ranging from healthcare and education to business, marketing, and public service.
Develop Transferable Skills
A psychology degree teaches much more than psychological theories; psychology majors develop valuable skills that employers seek across industries, including:
- Critical thinking
- Scientific research
- Data analysis
- Written communication
- Problem solving
- Collaboration
- Empathy
Make a Difference
Many psychology graduates pursue careers that improve people’s lives, from supporting mental health to helping organizations create healthier workplaces and stronger communities.
Psychology degree options at Chapman
Chapman offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology as well as a minor in Psychology, allowing students to choose the academic path that best aligns with their interests and career goals. If you’re preparing for graduate school, research, healthcare, or another profession, both programs provide a strong foundation in psychological science.
What can you do with a Psychology degree?
One of the biggest advantages of earning a psychology degree is its versatility. While many graduates continue to graduate or professional school, others begin careers in healthcare, education, business, research, nonprofit organizations, and government. Whether you’re interested in working directly with patients or applying the knowledge and skills you have learned in another field, there are many career paths to explore.
Clinical and Counseling Jobs
These careers involve direct work with patients to improve their mental, emotional and behavioral health. Many of these jobs require graduate school.
School Psychologists
School psychologists support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being in educational settings. They assess learning and behavioral needs, work with students and families, collaborate with teachers and administrators, and develop strategies and interventions that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They use evidence-based therapies and psychological assessments to help individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Child Psychologist
Child psychologists specialize in understanding children’s emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. They work with children and families to assess mental health concerns, provide therapy, and develop strategies that support healthy growth and well-being.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. Unlike psychologists, they can prescribe medication and often combine medication management with other treatment approaches to support their patients’ mental health.
Health Careers
Many psychology students pursue careers in healthcare. Some require graduate or professional education, while others can be entered after earning additional certifications.
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help people who are unable to perform functions due to illness, injury, or other circumstances to recover, develop, or improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide care for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. They assess, diagnose, and treat patients through therapy, medication management, and ongoing support to promote emotional and mental well-being.
Physicians Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) work alongside physicians to provide medical care in a variety of healthcare settings. They examine patients, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, assist in procedures, and help manage ongoing patient care.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients improve mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or medical conditions. Through targeted exercises and rehabilitation plans, they work to restore movement and prevent future injuries.
Teaching Jobs
A degree in psychology gives you knowledge about the subject, which can help you work to teach and share this knowledge at both the undergraduate and the graduate level.
Psychology Professor
Psychology professors teach psychology to undergraduate and graduate students. Often, they also conduct research.
Non-Psychology Careers
A psychology degree can open the door to many career opportunities beyond traditional mental health roles. Because psychology focuses on understanding human behavior, communication, decision-making, and relationships, graduates can apply their skills across industries such as business, marketing, education, law, and organizational development.
Some careers psychology graduates pursue include:
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Sales
- Customer Experience and Customer Service
- Organizational Development
- Public Relations Specialist
Continuing Your Education
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can be the beginning of a student’s academic journey! Depending on your career goals, you may choose to pursue additional education, professional certifications, or licensure. Some careers require an advanced degree, while others may require specialized training or certification.
Popular Certifications for Psychology
Additional certifications and post-baccalaureate programs can help psychology graduates develop specialized skills or prepare for advanced study. Options may include:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional
Popular Master’s Degree for Psychology
A master’s degree can provide advanced training in psychology or prepare students for specialized careers and doctoral programs. Depending on their interests, psychology graduates may pursue degrees such as:
- Master’s Degree in Psychology (MA or MS)
- Master of Arts, Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)
- Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH)
- Master’s Degree in School Counseling (MA)
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.)
Popular Doctorate Degree for Psychology
Students interested in advanced research, clinical practice, or careers in medicine may pursue a doctoral degree. Common options include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or similar field
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Commonly Asked Questions About Psychology
Is Psychology a STEM major?
Psychology is considered a STEM field at many institutions because it uses scientific methods, research, statistics, and data analysis to study human behavior and mental processes. Classification can vary depending on the school and program.
Are Psychology classes hard?
Psychology classes can be challenging because they combine research, statistics, writing, and critical thinking. However, students who are curious about human behavior and enjoy understanding how people think and interact often find the subject engaging.
How can I get involved with Psychology outside of the classroom?
At Chapman University, Psychology students can get involved through student organizations like Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society and Active Minds, as well as participate in research opportunities, internships, volunteer work, and professional associations!
Key Takeaways
Choosing to study psychology means choosing to better understand people, behavior, and the world around you. Whether you are interested in healthcare, research, business, education, or another field, a psychology degree provides valuable knowledge and skills that can prepare you for a wide range of opportunities.
At Chapman University, psychology students gain a strong foundation in psychological science while developing skills in research, communication, and critical thinking. Through classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to explore different areas of psychology, students are prepared to pursue their career goals and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
If you are curious about why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, studying psychology can be the first step toward a rewarding and versatile career path.
