First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from Rutgers 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 24 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Psychology graduates from Rutgers University have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) 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, 54% 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: 78%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHome Health AideHR Home Care Jul 2012 - Dec 2012 Direct Support Professional The Arc of Monmouth, Inc. Sep 2013 - Feb 2015 Narcotics Pharmacy Technician PharmScript LLC Feb 2015 - Mar 2017 Trainer PharmScript LLC Mar 2017 - Aug 2017 Case Manager Jersey City Community Solutions Sep 2020 - May 2021 Crisis Intervention Specialist CPC Integrated Health Nov 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeMontclair State University 2018 - 2021 ABOUTA passionate and empathic healthcare professional with a Master's degree in Clinical & Forensic Psychology and over a decade of experience in various fields of medicine and caregiving. As a committed patient advocate, I place the utmost importance on patient/client wellness and empowerment. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job landscape for Rutgers psychology graduates, you can see a mix of roles that range widely in relevance to their degree. A common theme emerges, with many grads taking positions that are somewhat related to their psychological training, especially in fields like education, healthcare, and social services. Positions such as school counselors, mental health associates, and case managers stand out because they directly apply the skills and knowledge gained during their psychology studies. These roles often involve working closely with individuals to assess needs and provide support, showcasing a clear connection to psychology.
However, it's not all directly relevant. Many graduates also found themselves in roles that, while they might use some soft skills related to psychology, primarily focus on very different fields like law, sales, or operations management. Jobs like paralegal or customer service may touch on elements of human behavior but fundamentally lack a core reliance on psychological principles. So, while a psychology degree can be a great asset in various roles, the direct application of psychological concepts tends to shine brightest in fields like counseling, social work, and education, which are clearly aligned with their academic background.
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 Rutgers University):
Graduates from Rutgers University with a degree in Psychology have pursued a diverse array of career paths after finishing their studies. It appears that many of them started out in roles that are somewhat related to their degree, with initial jobs commonly found in program coordination, customer service, or case management. For example, some took on positions as Program Assistants or Case Management Specialists right after graduation, which likely utilized their psychological knowledge and interpersonal skills. Others started in more detached fields like banking or law but eventually made their way back to roles that align better with psychology, such as mental health counseling or social work. This doesn't paint a perfect picture, though, as there are definitely instances of graduates drifting into unrelated fields, like retail and administration, particularly in their first few years post-graduation.
As time goes on and we look at the 5 to 10-year marks, a clearer trend emerges. Many Rutgers Psychology graduates seem to transition into more specialized or higher-level positions within mental health, counseling, and educational fields. Roles like School Psychologist, Mental Health Clinician, and Clinical Social Work positions are common among those who've been in the field longer. This suggests that while their initial positions weren't always perfectly aligned with psychology, a substantial number were able to pivot toward fulfilling careers that utilize their education and training in more significant ways. So, while the first jobs may not always scream "psychology," many graduates ultimately find paths that resonate more closely with their studies, showing that there's potential for growth and alignment with their degree over time.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology can be a bit of a mixed bag, and that goes for Rutgers too. It’s not necessarily the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest. You’ll definitely have to dive into some tough concepts, especially when you get into research methods and statistics, but if you're interested in how the mind works and you keep up with the readings and assignments, it can be pretty manageable. The workload can vary depending on your professors and the specific courses you choose, but many students find it engaging and rewarding, which makes the work feel less daunting. Just remember, like any degree, it requires commitment and effort to see it through!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
Looking at these Rutgers University graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to their earning potential. Some of them, like those who landed roles as attorneys and investment managers, are likely raking in a decent salary, especially compared to graduates who took on more entry-level roles like customer service or health aides, which tend to pay less. For example, the person now working as a Vice President at Bank of America probably makes a solid amount, while those in mental health or education jobs may earn more modest salaries. So, while some are definitely making good money, others are likely just getting by, especially in those early jobs right out of college.
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 Rutgers 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: