Flickr user Jeremy Wilburn

A degree in psychology helps you expand your knowledge of human behavior and sets the foundation for a wide range of immensely satisfying career options.

Listed below are some of the most in-demand career options available to anyone with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Substance Abuse Counseling

As a substance abuse counselor you would work to help your clients who are addicted to alcohol or illegal drugs. This can be a very demanding job as you will be interacting daily with addicts struggling with withdrawal symptoms. It takes a strong personality to be able to handle the difficult behaviors that recovering addicts typically demonstrate. However, at the other end of the spectrum, this is one of the most rewarding careers. The joy of seeing your patients get over their addiction and go on to live productive lives can be unparalleled.

Genetics Counseling

There is no denying that the field of genetics is growing dramatically and so is the demand for professionals who have the necessary skills to counsel families, individuals, and couples on matters related to their genes and what it means to their future. Genetics counseling is an advanced field and you will be required to hold at least a master’s degree in psychology to qualify for this role.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists operate within the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. They play a key role in assessing whether the accused was mentally unbalanced or sane at the time of committing the crime and if the accused is competent in standing trial. They do this through psychological questioning and testing. In addition to psychology, a forensic psychologist must also have extensive knowledge of the American justice system.

Human Resources

Working in human resources is a great career option if you prefer to work in an office setting rather than a clinical setting. The human resources department is the backbone of a successful company. As part of this department, you will be responsible for screening and hiring the best applicants for various positions, and for implementing policies and strategies that are fair to both the company and the employees.

Sports Psychology

Sports psychologists use their expertise in the field to help athletes and sports teams boost their performance in the field. Some sports psychologists work directly with athletes, while others may work as consultants for sports teams and still others collaborate with training coaches to develop rehabilitation and team building programs.

School Counseling

School counselors work in all types of educational settings, where they are committed to the overall mental welfare of the students as well as the teaching faculty and other school staff. A large part of a school counselor’s job involves working with students having problems at home or in school. They discuss their concerns with the students’ parents or teachers and help them to address the situation.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists help clients of all ages who have varied mental or physical health issues that may range from depression and anxiety, eating disorders and learning disabilities to personal and family relationship problems, neurological disorders, and adjustment to physical disability. They work together with their clients over extended periods of time, helping them to manage their condition so they can go on to lead more independent, and satisfying lives.
