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First, some facts. Of the Applied Psychology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 121 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Applied Psychology graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 52% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Applied Psychology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 73% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Bryan College with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Applied Psychology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHR Undisclosed Jun 2019 - Sep 2021 Office Manager  Undisclosed Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Applied Psychology, it becomes clear that their job paths often reflect varied applications of their educational background. A significant number of graduates have found roles that are tightly aligned with the principles of psychology, such as therapists, counselors, case managers, and educators. These positions require the direct application of psychological theories and practices, showcasing the relevance of their studies to their professional lives.
However, not all jobs held by these graduates prominently feature their psychology training. Many have taken positions in administrative roles, human resources, research assistants, or marketing that, while they can benefit from psychological insights, do not necessarily exploit the core competencies gained from a degree in Applied Psychology. These roles often prioritize organizational skills over psychological skills, hinting at a landscape where applied psychology knowledge is underutilized. The shift towards roles that are only tangentially related to psychology raises questions about job market saturation and the diverse opportunities that exist for psychology graduates that might be outside their initial field of study.
In summary, while many Applied Psychology graduates successfully secure positions that employ their specialized training, there are also numerous instances where their roles diverge from direct psychological applications. This suggests the importance of versatility in their skills and highlights an ongoing challenge of aligning educational outcomes with professional opportunities within the discipline of Applied Psychology.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Applied Psychology graduates:
Looking through the job trajectories of Applied Psychology graduates, you can see that their career paths can be quite varied. A lot of these individuals start off in roles that are somewhat related to psychology, like research assistants, case managers, or entry-level roles in educational settings—or they might dive right into being therapists or counselors. For example, graduates from institutions like Penn State and University of Illinois frequently kick off their careers as research assistants or case managers focused on mental health or clinical settings. This alignment with their degree shows when they can jump straight into relevant fields rather than drifting into unrelated jobs like sales or office management right away.
Fast forward five to ten years into their careers, and you start noticing a clearer division in the paths. Some have climbed the ladder to more advanced roles, such as licensed clinicians, school psychologists, or even managers in community health organizations. They’ve leveraged their initial roles into gaining specialized skills that are direct extensions of their education in psychology. On the flip side, there are quite a number of graduates who seem to have strayed into less relevant or unrelated careers. You see graduates who had once been about mental health moving into sales, administrative or project management roles. This is not uncommon in many degree fields, but it does paint a picture that not every Applied Psychology graduate stays closely tied to their field over time.
In conclusion, the careers of Applied Psychology graduates show promise early on as many land jobs that utilize their knowledge directly. However, as years pass, while some continue to thrive within their domain, others end up in roles that are less relevant to their studies. This indicates that while a degree in Applied Psychology can open doors in relevant fields, the subsequent professional path can vary widely. Thus, if you're considering this field, think about how you want to navigate your career—whether staying close to your roots or being open to new opportunities in different sectors.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. For some, it might feel a bit easier than average because a lot of the coursework is interesting and relatable—you'll be studying human behavior, which can feel more engaging than, say, advanced calculus. That said, there are definitely challenging elements, especially if you’re not into research methods or statistics since you’ll likely have to tackle those subjects. Overall, if you're genuinely interested in psychology and willing to put in the effort, it might be more on the manageable side, but like any degree, it can get intense at times with projects and exams. Just stay organized and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Applied Psychology.
When looking at the career paths of these Applied Psychology graduates, it varies quite a bit regarding salary potential. Some, like those who have become executives or in high-demand roles such as Sales and Marketing Managers, Clinical Psychologists, and Healthcare Administrators, suggest they might be raking in decent salaries. For instance, the Ph.D. holder currently working as a PCMHI Psychologist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs likely makes a respectable income, which is typical for advanced positions in healthcare. On the other hand, many others seem stuck in roles that typically fall on the lower end of the pay scale, like case management, teaching, or roles in social work, which often don’t pay particularly well.
In essence, while some graduates are undoubtedly making good money, especially those in specialized or managerial roles, many are likely earning modest salaries that reflect the lower end of the job market. If you’re thinking about a career in psychology or a related field, it’s crucial to consider what specialization or further education could do for your earning potential—same goes for the jobs you might take right after graduation. A Psychology degree can lead you to rewarding work, but the financial compensation can vary a lot based on the path you choose.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Applied Psychology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Applied Psychology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Applied Psychology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 New York University
|
82 | 15 |
 University of Illinois at Chicago
|
75 | 13 |