First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from Montclair State University 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 54 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Psychology graduates from Montclair State University have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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, 68% 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 Psychology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 73%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Montclair State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPreschool TeacherKIDS Interactive Day School Sep 2020 - Mar 2022 Intern Allamuchy Township School Jan 2022 - Jun 2022 School Counselor HARDYSTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 School Counselor Roxbury High School Mar 2023 - Nov 2023 School Counselor Sussex Middle School Nov 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeCentenary University 2020 - 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the analysis of job profiles for graduates with a psychology degree from Montclair State University, it’s clear that many of these individuals have pursued a diverse range of careers. A significant number have found their way into fields that are directly related to psychology, particularly in roles like counseling, education, and mental health services. Many of these jobs, such as school counselor, mental health therapist, and various supportive roles in educational settings, necessitate a solid understanding of psychological principles and practices. It's encouraging to see that a lot of graduates are actively applying their psychology knowledge in ways that can have a real impact on individuals' lives.
However, not all jobs listed are closely related to psychology. Many graduates have taken on roles in areas like customer service, administrative positions, and even some in retail management. For instance, roles such as Full-Time Teller and Barback do not leverage the skills or knowledge gained from a psychology degree and primarily focus on operational or sales tasks. Additionally, some positions—like Software Developer or Instructional Designer—may only tangentially relate to psychology. They involve skills that could be informed by psychological understanding, but don't directly apply psychological theories in daily work. This indicates that while a psychology degree provides a framework for understanding human behavior, not all career paths will take full advantage of that training.
In conclusion, graduates of Montclair State University with a psychology degree often find fulfilling work in fields where psychology is directly applicable, such as therapy, education, and community counseling. Yet, there are also many who end up in roles where their psychology background isn't a core qualification, which could be due to a variety of factors like job availability or personal interest in other fields. So, if you’re considering a psychology degree, it's great to know that there are many paths you can take, but also be prepared that not every job will utilize what you've learned in the same way.
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 Montclair State University):
When looking at the career paths of Montclair State University psychology graduates, it's clear that this degree provides a broad range of opportunities. Many graduates seem to start their careers in entry-level positions that are generally aligned with psychology in some way, but there's a mix of experiences that emerge over time, leading to varied success in the field.
For many of the graduates, their first jobs reflect a strong connection to fields like counseling, education, or health services. Roles like mental health associates, special education teachers, and counseling interns appear frequently as initial stepping stones. These positions allow graduates to apply their psychological knowledge directly and gain practical experience right after graduation. This trend is particularly apparent among those who graduated around 2010 to 2015, where many took roles that prepared them for a deeper engagement with mental health and educational services. However, it’s worth noting that some graduates ended up in jobs that seem less relevant to their degree, such as positions in customer service or administrative roles, indicating some might settle for jobs out of necessity rather than alignment with their career aspirations.
As we look at the five-to-ten-year mark after graduation, a similar picture emerges. While some graduates have successfully transitioned into more advanced roles within the mental health or educational sectors, many others drift into careers that don’t align closely with their psychology backgrounds. There’s a mix of success stories and less favorable outcomes. For instance, graduates who took on continuous roles in educational settings or mental health organizations appeared to forge satisfying careers related to their studies. In contrast, those moving into corporate or technical fields seem to take on positions not closely related to their psychology degree, diluting their initial academic focus.
Overall, Montclair State University psychology graduates show a promising start with initial job placements highly relevant to their studies, especially if they tap into healthcare, education, or community support services. But, as time passes, their paths diverge more distinctly, with some reaching gratifying roles while others find themselves in unrelated fields. The trajectory isn’t linear for most, showcasing both the potential and the challenges faced by those with a psychology degree in the modern job market.
Studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology can be a bit of a mixed bag, really. At Montclair State University, you’ll find that it typically balances a good amount of challenging coursework with interesting topics that keep you engaged. Some students might find the intro classes pretty manageable, but as you dive deeper into research methods and statistics, things can get a little tougher. Overall, it’s not necessarily the hardest degree out there, but it does require some serious dedication and a willingness to do a bit of critical thinking. If you’re passionate about understanding how people think and behave, though, it can be a really rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
Looking at the career paths of these graduates from Montclair State University, it's clear that while some are doing well financially, others might not be making as much. For instance, many graduates working in education or counseling, like those who are special education teachers or school psychologists, can have varying salaries depending on location and experience, but generally, these positions tend to offer stability and benefits over time. Then you've got folks who landed roles in more lucrative sectors, like software engineering or project management, which typically come with higher salaries. The Instructional Designer at TikTok and the Epidemiologist at Virginia Department of Health seem to be in those kinds of roles that likely pay well.
However, there are also several graduates still navigating internships or entry-level positions with fewer indications of substantial financial gain in the immediate future, such as those in support roles like paraprofessionals or substitute teachers. These jobs often have lower pay and can be less stable unless they lead to more advanced roles down the line. Overall, it looks like while some alumni are raking in decent salaries, others might be slugging through early-career struggles that don’t pay exceptionally well right now. It really depends on the field and the positions these graduates have secured after leaving Montclair State.
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 Montclair State University). 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: