First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from Northern Michigan 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Psychology graduates from Northern Michigan University have a higher likelihood (+7%) 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, only 30% 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: 97%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCLS SpecialistUnified Health Partners Dec 2011 - Aug 2012 Service Coordinator - CMH contract Unified Health Partners Aug 2012 - Mar 2013 Service Manager Unified Health Partners Mar 2013 - Sep 2013 Vice President, Director of Services Preferred Employment & Living Supports Oct 2013 - Dec 2021 President- Director of Services Preferred Employment & Living Supports Jan 2022 - Present ABOUT[NAME REMOVED] Scott has been working in the field of public service since 2012 and has been working with the disabled and youth populations since 2007. She began working with youth in college when she spent her summers in the Upper Peninsula working for a Christian youth camp. There, she was the Aquatics Director and staff trainer/supervisor. She attended Mid Michigan Community College in central Michigan where she received her associates in science degrees in Psychology and Pre-Physical Therapy. She then attended Northern Michigan University where she received her Bachelors in Science in Psychology and Sports Science, while minoring in Sports Science and Business Administration. She was accepted at Grand Valley State for their Masters in Occupational Therapy program. She put her schooling on hold in order to participate in business ownership. During her bachelors program, she was a shift leader for the concessions program and was maintenance staff at the on campus activity center. She was a member of sorority Phi Sigma Sigma, secretary of the honors program Psi Chi, Vice president of Student Association of Sports Science, and member of the senior honors program on campus. [NAME REMOVED] Enjoys to stay active in her free time with activities including snowboarding, cross country skiing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and giving back to the community by volunteering with her church small group. [NAME REMOVED] is very passionate about the populations that we serve and eager to assist in providing the help that they deserve! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the jobs of graduates from Northern Michigan University who majored in Psychology, it’s pretty clear that a good chunk of them have landed roles related directly to the field. Many have taken positions like behavior specialists, counselors, and case managers, which involve applying psychological principles and knowledge in various settings such as mental health facilities, schools, or community services. These roles require a solid understanding of human behavior and mental health, making them really relevant to their degrees.
However, not all job paths taken by these grads are closely tied to psychology. Some ended up in fields like sales or general management, where the main focus isn't directly rooted in psychological theories or practices. While there might be some indirect application of psychology—like understanding customer behavior or managing teams—these jobs aren't what you’d think of when you hear "psychology career." Overall, though, if you’re considering psychology, it’s encouraging to see that many graduates find work that utilizes their education in meaningful ways!
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 Northern Michigan University):
When we look at the career trajectories of Psychology graduates from Northern Michigan University, it's clear that many have started their journeys in roles that relate closely to the field of Psychology. For instance, early careers often include positions like direct care worker, residential counselor, or behavior technician. These roles demonstrate a commitment to mental health and help others, suggesting a solid foundation for those aspiring to work in therapeutic or supportive environments. This initial experience tends to set graduates up for more specialized roles down the line, such as behavior specialists or behavior analysts. It seems like many people worked their way into solid positions over time, especially in fields related to mental health and behavioral support.
Looking a bit further down the line, say five to ten years after graduation, many graduates are holding significant roles in their respective fields. For example, some have moved from entry-level positions to becoming behavior analysts, treatment specialists, or even higher leadership positions like director of services. This progression suggests that most of these graduates have utilized their Psychology degree effectively and have remained committed to their fields, often continuing in roles that allow them to have a positive impact on individuals' lives. However, not everyone found their way directly into Psychology-related careers—some went on to work in very different sectors entirely, like retail or legal work. Overall, it looks like the majority of these graduates found ways to channel their education into fulfilling and relevant careers, but there are always exceptions where that connection to Psychology is less clear.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, whether at Northern Michigan University or elsewhere, can be pretty manageable if you stay organized and engaged. The coursework usually mixes a good amount of reading, writing, and some science classes, so if you're into that and passionate about understanding how people think and behave, it can be super interesting. Some students find the stats and research methods classes a bit challenging, but with good study habits and maybe forming study groups, it’s totally doable. Overall, it tends to be about average in terms of difficulty; it's not a walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either! Just be ready to put in some effort and you should be fine.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
So, looking at these Psychology graduates from Northern Michigan University, it seems like they've had quite a mixed bag when it comes to money. The grad who became a Vice President and later President at a services company and the one who transitioned from a Behavior Specialist to a Senior Behavior Analyst probably made decent salaries, especially as they climbed the career ladder. However, others, like the one who volunteered with Americorps or worked as a direct care worker, likely didn’t make much since those roles usually pay on the lower end of the scale. Overall, while some have definitely found opportunities to earn a good living, others seem to be sticking to budget-friendly jobs or taking paths that might not lead to a fat paycheck anytime soon.
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 Northern Michigan 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: