The Benefits Behind a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The reality is that a psychology degree can open the doors to a lot of opportunities beyond a corner office with a clipboard and a couch. The fact is, like all degrees, there’s an incredible number of opportunities available to you once you get it. A bachelor’s degree in psychology isn’t locking you into one thing, it’s opening a dozen different doors!

Whether you’ve just recently decided to pursue this degree, here are a few key things you need to know about what might be waiting for you when you earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology.

What is a bachelor’s degree in psychology?

Students in a bachelor's in psychology program develop skills like scientific reasoning, critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication to better prepare them for careers where they will work with others on interpersonal development. Lessons will focus on themes like scientific reasoning, human development, cognitive functioning, motivational theories, relationships, beginning counseling strategies, addictions, and methods to improve their research capabilities and capacity. Courses within a psychology program that could be a specified focus of students range from Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Forensic Psychology.

Rather than prepare you for a single specialized career path, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology qualifies you for entry into a wide variety of rewarding jobs and potential career pathways.

What is Herzing’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program like?

Herzing University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum is designed based on the Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major as stipulated by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Our curriculum covers the major theoretical frameworks, with additional emphasis on mental health for diverse populations and preparing students to work in settings that improve the health and wellness of individuals and their surrounding communities. As a student in Herzing’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, you will receive access to:

• Online classes.
• Career-focused curriculum.
• Virtual services including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services
• Comprehensive student services and career development

“Students in the psychology program will learn a wide variety of skills that will help them thrive in all work settings including understanding human behavior, motivation, learning and cognition, research, communication skills and relationships,” said Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, Program Chair of Social Work for Herzing University. “Our unique focus on behavioral health opens the doors for numerous entry-level careers in the helping professions as well as several graduate paths at Herzing that will allow students to make even more of an impact on people’s lives.”

What are some career opportunities this degree can provide?

Now is an excellent time to consider earning an education if you’re considering working in the areas of substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health.

According to a study from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), almost 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness and there is a great need for mental health professionals to provide support for those suffering from anxiety, alcoholism, addictions, depression, and additional mental health issues.

Other careers available around clinical, counseling, school or developmental services include:

• Career/Employment Counselor
• Community and Social Service Specialist
• Human Resource Advisor
• Market Research Analyst
• Personnel Recruiter
• Psychiatric Technician
• Psychometrist
• Public Relations Representative
• Research Assistant
• Victims’ Advocate

These aren’t the only careers open to you. While there are plenty of opportunities to work directly with clients, there are also a variety of other jobs available.

According to a study from the American Psychological Association (APA), other common primary jobs for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology include:

• Accounting/finance/contracts
• Employee relations
• Management/supervision
• Professional services
• Research
• Sales
• Teaching

The future is wide open for you with this degree — it can set you up for success with a foundation of learning and skills you can’t find anywhere else!

What’s next?

The other major benefit of this degree is its role as a part of a longer pathway toward other degrees that can help elevate your future career or accelerate you toward new opportunities. Some post-graduate programs at Herzing University you could consider include:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) a clinically focused master’s degree to learn advanced assessment, intervention and evaluation strategies in the areas of mental health, medical social work, and children, families, and aging services.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)
• Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE; compare nursing vs. psychology career paths)

You can begin your journey toward the career path that’s right for you by enrolling in Herzing’s Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology program today. For more information or to connect with a career counselor, visit Herzing’s online Admissions Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herzing’s online psychology degree accredited?

Yes. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a recognized institutional accreditor, and that accreditation covers the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. 

Studying online lets you work toward your degree with the flexibility Herzing is known for, while receiving the same personalized support and student services available across the university. To learn more or talk through your options, get in touch with Admissions.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in psychology?

You can complete Herzing’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology in as few as 32 months, which is eight semesters and less than three years. If you’ve completed prior college coursework, you may be able to transfer credit into the program and finish faster; talk with admissions to review your credits. Because the program is online, you can fit your coursework around work and family commitments.

Do you need a graduate degree to become a psychologist or therapist?

For licensed clinical roles, yes. Becoming a licensed psychologist or therapist generally requires graduate study, a master’s or doctoral degree, supervised experience and state licensure. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is the foundation: it prepares you for a range of entry-level roles. It provides the knowledge to pursue a graduate program, such as Herzing’s Master of Social Work (MSW). 

What’s the difference between a psychology degree and a social work degree?

Both fields are about helping people, but they approach it differently. A psychology degree centers on understanding human behavior, motivation and cognition. The practice of psychology applies across many settings, from research to human services. A social work degree focuses on helping people access resources and services and cope with life challenges. Clinical social work practice typically requires licensure through a Master of Social Work (MSW). Herzing offers both paths, so you can choose the one that fits your career goals.

What kinds of graduate degrees can I pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology?

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you may consider several master’s degree pathways at Herzing University:

• Master of Science in Health and Human Services Leadership: A strong option for students who want to build leadership, management, and decision-making skills for roles in health and human services organizations.
• Master of Social Work: A pathway for students interested in expanding their knowledge of social services, advocacy, and support for individuals, families, and communities.
• Master of Business Administration: An option for students who want to strengthen their business, leadership, and organizational skills for management-focused career paths.

The MS in Health and Human Services Leadership may be especially relevant if you want to combine your psychology background with preparation for leadership in healthcare, community service, or human services settings. Admission requirements vary by program.