by our College Data Analytics TeamThe field of Psychology involves the scientific study of the human mind and human behavior. There are a variety of majors and concentrations available for students to choose a specialization in a certain interest. Coursework involves work in the lab and the library conducting research, as well as group project assignments and time spent in the field interacting with clients and patients.
There are a few different majors that are available to you depending on what college you choose. You can choose to pursue your degree in General Psychology allows you to study behavior and research methods as you answering difficult and thought provoking questions. For more practical training, you may want to choose to study Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology. This is a great choice for those who wish to pursue careers as counselors. Students can also major in Child Development and Psychology in order to learn how people develop and grow through their life.
A major in Psychology explores Psychology. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Scientific Study Of The Behavior Of Individuals, Independently Or Collectively, And The Physical And Environmental Bases Of Mental, Emotional, And Neurological Activity. Continue reading for the essential details every psychology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering psychology programs.
Nationwide, psychology is a popular field of study, with 213,668 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Psychology Schools ranking analyzes these 1,781 schools to determine the best overall colleges for psychology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of psychology programs later in this article.
Studies in Psychology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations psychology graduates commonly enter.
The field of Psychology requires a student who is deeply interested in people and also enjoys math and science. You will be spending time writing lab reports as well as research papers. Students develop adept critical thinking skills as they analyze scientific papers, gather research and make observation. You will also work with numbers and formulas to analyze data.
Students should have a passion for working with people and a desire to help people lead better lives. Many majors involve an internship or some sort of field work. Make good use of any practical experience in order to help you find a job later on. Work in the field also helps you empathize with others and become a better listener.
Skills emphasized by a psychology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a psychology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several psychology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 194 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 18,923 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 143,144 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 43,906 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 7,430 |
People currently working in careers related to psychology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 21.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 17.4% |
| Master’s degree | 10.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.4% |
| Some college courses | 2.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in psychology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A major in the field of Psychology is usually a stepping stone for an advanced degree. A master's degree will allow you to become a school psychologist or work in some areas of counseling. A doctorate degree is required to become a psychologist. If student choose not to continue their education they may be able to find jobs in social work, marketing, sales, human resources or any other field that involves interacting and understanding people.
A degree in psychology can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to psychology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to psychology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
| Teaching Assistants, Special Education | 656,798 | 9.5% |
| Training and Development Specialists | 622,945 | 11.3% |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | 513,614 | -3.0% |
| Management Analysts | 484,759 | 12.6% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Human Resources Specialists | 405,890 | 11.8% |
| Human Resources Managers | 404,262 | -3.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of psychology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $38,592 |
| 4 years | $47,020 |
| 5 years | $54,091 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for psychology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers psychology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Training and Development Managers | $139,524 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| School Psychologists | $108,275 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
With 1,781 different psychology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased psychology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in psychology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 147,078 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | 40,952 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 22,813 |
| Psychology, Other | 2,825 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
