what-can-you-do-with-a-masters-in-psychology (2024)

If you’re considering earning a master’s degree in psychology, you already know you want to improve the lives of others. But what exactly can you do with a master’s in psychology? Is it a worthwhile college degree to pursue? How will you put your knowledge to work once you graduate? Let’s explore.

A master’s degree in psychology: Is it worth it?

The short answer? Yes. Psychology master’s programs can give you the foundation you need to use the latest psychological research to help improve the lives of others in non-clinical roles. A master’s degree is a great investment in other ways, too. A master’s in psychology can academically prepare you for a doctoral program, if earning a doctorate is your ultimate goal.

Where can I work with a master’s in psychology?

When it comes to what you can do with a master’s in psychology, you’ll find career settings as diverse as the field of psychology itself. First, where do you want to set your psychology career? Here are some of the settings people with psychology degrees choose:

What kind of jobs can I do with a master’s degree in psychology?

A psychology degree can prepare you for a wide range of job opportunities. After earning a master’s degree, you might choose to work in some of these roles:¹

How can I prepare for the psychology career I want?

A good online psychology master’s program will offer specializations that help you prepare for the kind of career you want. You may be surprised by the variety of psychology master’s specializations available today. Here are the eight relevant specializations you’ll find at Walden University:

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

   In this specialization, you’ll study an evidence-based practice created for people with developmental disabilities and autism. In these online psychology courses, you’ll learn techniques that can help children and adults develop stronger learning, social, communication, and behavioral skills.

2. Applied Psychology

   Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of psychology. Learn about the methods, theory, and principles of the field. You’ll explore psychopathology, intervention, and principles of ethics in professional psychology practice. This master’s specialization can help prepare you for a doctoral degree program.

3. Digital Psychology

   You’ll be on the cutting edge in this master’s specialization, exploring how technology influences our attitudes, relationships, and behaviors. You’ll also work with the latest data analytics tools and software, building skills that employers need and value.

4. Educational Psychology

   Take your education skills to the next level by studying cognition, lifespan development, and motivation. Gain a multicultural perspective as you learn how to apply research in educational settings that can help all kinds of learners do their best work.

5. General Psychology

   Immerse yourself in studies that can prepare you for a wide range of careers in psychology. In a general program, you’ll explore the fundamentals of psychology and study the social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of human behavior. You’ll also learn valuable research skills.

6. Health Psychology

   Combine your interests in psychology and healthcare by exploring the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health. This online psychology program can prepare you for a career improving services to patients and staff in settings like medical centers, rehabilitation centers, and public health agencies.

7. Social Psychology

   Here’s another specialization that can open doors to many careers in psychology. Learn how to apply social psychological theory to help individuals, groups, and organizations. Psychology master’s candidates who choose this specialization may find careers in fields that include academia, healthcare, education, public health, media, and business.

8. Self-Designed

   A self-designed psychology specialization gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll have the benefit of foundational psychology studies and the opportunity to choose courses that match your career goals. As you can see, a master’s is a versatile degree, and a self-designed program lets you decide what you can do with a master’s in psychology.

Earn an MS in Psychology Online

If you’re a working professional ready to earn an MS in Psychology, you may find an online master’s program is a great choice.

Walden’s online psychology master’s program is designed for working professionals who want to earn a degree while staying active in their personal and professional activities. The accredited university’s flexible online learning platform lets you study on your own schedule, wherever you have an internet connection.

As a student in Walden’s online master’s in psychology program, you’ll enjoy 24/7 technical support and student support services like the Academic Skills Center, online library, and Career Planning and Development center.

So, now that you know what you can do with a master’s in psychology, are you ready to get started? An Enrollment Specialist can help. And then, begin your journey to a rewarding career in psychology where you can make a difference in the lives of others.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering an online MS in Psychology degree program to help you meet your professional goals. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.