Student Resources 6 Alternative Graduate Programs for Psychology Majors By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 10, 2023 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print PeopleImages / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Social Work Education Counseling Law and Criminal Justice Academic Advising and Student Affairs Medicine and Health Sciences UX/UI Design Other Ideas for Psychology Majors Trending Videos Close this video player An undergraduate degree in psychology provides excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers. While many undergraduate psychology majors later choose to study psychology in graduate school, some students opt for different educational and career paths. The great thing about a bachelor's degree in psychology is that it provides preparation for graduate study in many different areas. Psychology majors often go on to study education, counseling, or social work in graduate school. Some students even opt for continued study in law or medicine. At a Glance Before you choose a graduate program, it is crucial to consider your options and personal interests. If you’re considering pursuing graduate study outside of psychology, you may think of some alternative graduate programs for psychology majors. Options can include social work, education, counseling, criminal justice, academic advising, or healthcare fields. Social Work Social work is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of opportunities. Social workers help individuals and families overcome problems such as poverty, disability, domestic abuse, and addictions. Psychology majors interested in this career are well-qualified for most Master's of Social Work programs. Master’s level social workers are in high demand in private practices, hospitals, government settings, police departments, nursing homes, and many more areas. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, social work careers are expected to grow faster than the average occupation between 2022 and 2032. If you are interested in a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a difference in people's lives, consider pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Education There are many education programs where an undergraduate degree in psychology could be beneficial. Some psychology majors choose to become certified teachers and apply their knowledge of human behavior and learning directly in the classroom. Other programs such as educational psychology, school psychology, educational technology, curriculum planning, and educational assessment are all possible educational paths for undergraduate psychology majors. Counseling Counseling is another option for those who want to work as marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or mental health counselors. Becoming a licensed counselor requires a master's degree plus at least two years of supervised experience. You'll also need to pass state exams to become licensed to work in your state. If you love working with people, consider programs in marriage and family counseling, school counseling, or mental health counseling. Law and Criminal Justice Understanding human behavior and communication skills acquired during undergraduate study in psychology also provides excellent training for a law and criminal justice career. Some psychology majors opt for law school after graduation, while others pursue careers in criminology, criminal psychology, or forensic psychology. Academic Advising and Student Affairs A career in academic advising or student affairs might be an excellent choice if you enjoy college life and want to help university students achieve their academic goals. Academic advisors help students choose classes, majors, internships, and other important educational matters. They also deal with admissions decisions, financial aid, scholarships, and career placement. Some also teach undergraduate courses in study skills and student living. If you are interested in helping students find success in college, a graduate degree in academic advising or student affairs might be the perfect choice for you. Medicine and Health Sciences Psychology majors with a strong interest in science might want to consider a career in medicine or the health sciences. While many pre-med students opt for undergraduate degrees in biology or chemistry, an undergraduate degree in psychology is also good preparation for a career in medicine. If you are considering future study in the health sciences, you can improve your chances of success by taking plenty of courses in science and math while you are an undergraduate. Potential educational paths include medical school or graduate study in occupational therapy or physical therapy. UX/UI Design User experience (UX) refers to how an individual uses or interacts with a product or service. Working in UX design can be a great way to apply knowledge of human psychology with your research skills to improve products, branding, websites, software, and design. UI design is a related field that focuses on the interfaces that people use when engaging with a product or program. UI designers work to ensure that aspects of an interface, including text, images, buttons, animations, and other visual elements, are easy to use and understand. Other Ideas for Psychology Majors If you don't plan to pursue psychology in graduate school, there are also many other fields where the skills you learned as a graduate can be useful. Other graduate programs that might appeal to you can include: Business administrationHuman resourcesMarketingNursingInstructional designSports medicineCommunicationsPublic relationsEnvironmental sciencePublic healthReligious studiesInternational relationsPublic administration and public policyEconomicsPolitical science What This Means For You Before you decide which career path is best for you, take stock of your needs, interests, and career goals. An undergraduate degree in psychology is excellent preparation for various careers. The interpersonal, communication, writing, and research skills you have acquired as a psychology major can help you succeed in graduate school and the workforce. Consider your options carefully before making the choice that is best for you. Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Landrum RE. What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Like this title, the actual answer is complicated. American Psychological Association. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. American Counseling Association. State licensing of professional counselors. By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit