Focus on Majors: Psychology

If your student is fascinated by why people think, feel, and act the way they do, psychology might be a major worth considering. Psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how decisions are made, how relationships form, and how internal and external factors shape behavior over a lifetime.

What Do Psychology Majors Study?

Because psychology is grounded in research and data, most programs begin with foundational courses such as:

• Statistics

• Research methods

• Experimental psychology

After building that foundation, students can choose from a range of concentrations, including:

• Developmental psychology

• Clinical psychology

• Cognitive psychology

• Forensic psychology

• Health psychology

• Behavioral neuroscience

• Industrial-organizational psychology

Notable Programs and Specializations

Different colleges offer unique strengths in specific areas of psychology. Some examples include:

University of Michigan – Known for its social psychology research, including studies on social media, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.

UC San Diego – Offers a strong program in behavioral neuroscience.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice – A top destination for forensic psychology and corrections-based assessment.

Purdue University and Colorado State University – Known for their industrial-organizational psychology programs, a field that’s rapidly growing in human resources and workplace consulting.

Tufts University – One of the only schools offering an undergraduate major in Human Factors Psychology, an interdisciplinary program combining psychology and engineering focused on human-technology interaction.

Other strong programs include:

• University of Minnesota – Well-regarded for its research in child development and lifespan psychology.

• George Mason University – Offers a concentration in health psychology.

• Kent State and University of South Carolina – Popular choices for students interested in sport and performance psychology.

Career Paths for Psychology Majors

· Business/Entrepreneur

· Clinical Psychologist

· Cognitive Psychologist

· Criminal Investigator

· Developmental Psychologist

· Educational Psychologist

· Environmental Psychologist

· Evolutionary 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

Academic Experience and Real-World Application

Depending on the school, psychology majors may have opportunities to:

• Participate in lab-based research with human or animal subjects

• Design experiments and run studies

• Analyze data using advanced statistical software

Some programs offer internships or practicum experiences in settings such as:

• Hospitals and clinics

• Public and private schools

• Nonprofit organizations

• Marketing and consumer behavior firms

• Human resources departments

• Criminal justice environments

Career Paths for Psychology Majors

One of psychology’s greatest strengths is its versatility. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in psychology go on to careers in:

• Business and marketing

• Human resources

• Education and academic advising

• Social services and case management

• Research and data analysis

• Organizational consulting

There is growing demand for psychology majors in professional settings where understanding motivation, communication, and group dynamics is key.

Graduate Study and Counseling Careers

Students interested in becoming therapists or licensed counselors will need to pursue graduate study. Paths include:

• A PhD or PsyD in psychology, which can lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist

• A master’s degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy

With a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience, graduates can become licensed as:

• LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

These professionals work with individuals, couples, and families to support mental health and relationship well-being.

Psychology is an excellent major for students who are curious about people, eager to understand how the brain works, or passionate about helping others. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, and research skills—qualities that translate well across many industries and career paths. Whether your student hopes to enter the mental health field, shape workplace culture, or pursue graduate study, psychology offers a flexible and meaningful foundation.

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