According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18+ suffer from a mental disorder, which is one reason psychology jobs should increase faster than average into the future. While psychologist jobs generally require a graduate degree, numerous positions require only a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor's Degree: Psychology/Mental Health
Completing an online bachelor's degree program enables you to gain valuable work experience during the day, while still completing your courses online at night or on weekends. In your program, you may explore the relationship between body and mind, in courses such as child development, abnormal psychology, research methods, or neuroscience. Although you cannot practice as a psychologist or counselor with a bachelor's degree, you should be qualified to work as an assistant or researcher with a psychologist, mental health facility, or correctional center. And with your knowledge of human psychology, your online education also qualifies you to work in sales, public relations, or market research.
Career Outlook
- Percentage of self-employed psychology professionals: 34%
- Estimated annual salary, 2006: $59,000
- Growth predicted for clinical psychology jobs over the next decade: 16%
- Growth predicted for psychology jobs in other fields: 21%
- Growth predicted for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 34%
Psychology Career Options
Traditionally, psychology professionals often work as counselors in schools or as assistants to licensed psychologists while they complete their professional education. If current trends continue, smaller schools and rehabilitation facilities are expected to hire even more entry-level counselors over the next decade.
While many psychology majors pursue doctorates in the field, some students use their training to broaden their skill sets for the business world. Human resources departments frequently recruit graduates with psychology degrees to provide insight into employee conflict or to staff internal counseling programs. Marketing is another popular field.