First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from California State University-Sacramento 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 71 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Psychology graduates from California State University-Sacramento have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as 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, only 32% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Psychology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 70%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from California State University-Sacramento with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRegistered Behavior TechnicianGateway Learning Group Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 Senior Behavior Technician Gateway Learning Group Mar 2020 - Jan 2021 Communications Specialist G4S Jan 2021 - Aug 2022 Communications Specialist Allied Universal Oct 2021 - Aug 2022 Human Services Specialist - Employment Advisor Sacramento County Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the jobs held by graduates from California State University-Sacramento who studied psychology, it’s evident that many of them have ventured into roles that are directly relevant to the field of psychology. Most commonly, positions like Mental Health Clinician and Behavior Therapist appear, reflecting a strong connection to the principles learned during their undergraduate program. For instance, roles such as Registered Behavior Technician or Licensed Psychotherapist heavily rely on psychological theories and therapeutic techniques, highlighting how these graduates apply their academic training in real-world settings to help individuals with mental health challenges.
However, not all job paths taken by these graduates maintain that focus on psychology. Many have found themselves in positions that do not utilize their psychology degree to its full potential. Jobs such as Logistics Specialist, Administrative Assistant, or even roles in retail and customer service often lack a direct connection to psychological principles. While some of these positions may benefit from basic interpersonal skills or understanding of human behavior, they primarily revolve around logistics, administrative duties, or sales, deviating from the core competencies of the psychology discipline.
Overall, it seems many graduates choose to stay within fields that align well with their education, which speaks volumes about the value of their psychology degree. However, a significant number also branch out into unrelated occupations. This mix suggests that while psychology graduates often find fulfilling careers directly related to their studies, there’s also a healthy portion who utilize transferable skills in diverse sectors. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but that just shows the versatility of a psychology degree in the job market!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Psychology graduates (this is across all Psychology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California State University-Sacramento):
Looking at the career trajectories of Psychology graduates from California State University-Sacramento, we see a mix of outcomes that reflect both success in relevant fields and a tendency for others to end up in jobs that may not directly relate to their degree. Immediately after graduating, many individuals find entry-level positions in mental health settings, internships, or roles that leverage their knowledge of human behavior, like therapy or counseling assistant positions. For example, several students from the 2010-2013 graduating classes seem to begin their careers in positions like MFT trainees, behavior therapists, or clinical associates, which are all fairly relevant to their studies in Psychology.
As we move forward 5 to 10 years, those who stay in the mental health field generally seem to advance into more established roles, such as licensed therapists or clinical supervisors, showcasing a positive progression for those dedicated to that path. In contrast, there are also numerous graduates who end up in jobs that might feel like a far cry from their psychology roots—like insurance agents, retail managers, or even bartenders. This raises questions about the flexibility of the degree and whether graduates feel compelled to stick to careers in psychology or if they've found their calling elsewhere. For instance, while some graduates ventured into administrative roles or human resources, others simply became a little lost within the job market, opting for positions that could utilize more general skills rather than their specialized psychology knowledge.
In summary, while a significant number of graduates find rewarding careers that are deeply rooted within the field of psychology, others take quite different paths, often landing in jobs unrelated to what they studied. That said, it’s worth noting the skills learned during a psychology degree can be incredibly versatile, leading to opportunities in various sectors like education, community outreach, and business. So, while some graduates might feel like they’ve veered off track, they’re still able to apply their understanding of human behavior in different, sometimes unexpected, ways.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at California State University-Sacramento can be pretty manageable if you're interested in the subject and willing to put in the effort. The coursework usually mixes theoretical concepts with some practical applications, which keeps things interesting. You’ll dive into topics like human behavior, mental processes, and research methods, but don’t worry—it's not all heavy stuff. While it can be challenging when you hit those statistics and research-focused classes, many students find that with good time management and a bit of studying, they can handle it just fine. Overall, it's about average difficulty; it might stretch you a little intellectually, but if you're curious and engaged, you'll likely find it rewarding rather than overwhelmingly tough.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
Alright, let's talk about how well these California State University-Sacramento psychology grads have been doing in terms of cash flow. You see a mix of jobs here, and while some seem to be in the mental health field — which often pays a decent salary due to the demand for therapists and counselors — others are in roles that might not be as financially rewarding. For instance, positions like “Behavioral Therapist” or “Barista” usually don’t bring in the big bucks. On the flip side, roles like “Clinical Supervisor” and “MFT” (Marriage and Family Therapist) can stack up pretty well, especially in areas like Silicon Valley where salaries are generally higher. Overall, it looks like those who stayed within clinical roles or moved into management positions are likely making decent money.
That said, there’s definitely a range of income levels displayed here. While some folks are climbing the ladder in mental health or corporate roles, others are still in entry-level or service sector jobs. The job landscape also reflects the unpredictable nature of psychology careers, where some people may find secondary options in social work or operational roles. So, to wrap it up: if they're smart about their choices, many of these grads have the potential to earn a decent living, but it really depends on the specific path they take and how quickly they advance in their careers. Keep that in mind as you think about your own career choices!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Psychology (this is across all Psychology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California State University-Sacramento). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Psychology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Psychology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: