First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from University of California, Santa Barbara 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 25 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Psychology graduates from University of California, Santa Barbara have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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 Psychology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Psychology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONMental Health WorkerThe Milestone House Sep 2021 - Present 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 LinkedIn profiles analyzed, it's clear that graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Psychology have pursued a variety of careers, and there's quite a mix when it comes to how directly their jobs relate to psychology. A significant number of these individuals have taken on roles in education, health care, and social services, which typically leverage their understanding of psychological principles. For example, many have worked as teachers, counselors, or therapists, where knowledge of human behavior and developmental psychology is essential. These positions often require the application of psychological theories and practices on a daily basis, showing a strong relevance to their academic background.
On the flip side, a notable portion of graduates have ended up in roles like marketing, sales, or administrative positions, which, while they may apply some psychological insights—like understanding consumer behavior—are not fundamentally rooted in psychology. Jobs such as leasing consultants, customer relations managers, and even some marketing roles primarily focus on practical skills unrelated to psychology's core concepts. Overall, it seems like there’s a split; while many have successfully translated their psychology education into careers that truly utilize that knowledge, others have navigated towards fields where psychological principles play a less critical role. It's a mixed bag, but the groundwork provided by their psychology degree definitely offers valuable insights that can be applied across many different job sectors.
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 University of California, Santa Barbara):
So, if you look at the career paths of graduates from UCSB with degrees in Psychology, you get a mix of vibes. Right after graduation, many of these people start off in roles that might not scream "psychology," like leasing consultants or customer support roles. It seems pretty common for the first job to be something in sales, tutoring, or even as a teacher, which makes sense since those positions help build people skills that are super relevant in psychology. However, as time goes on, some of them start really diving into more psychology-focused jobs, like therapists, mental health clinicians, and behavior specialists. It shows that the foundation they built in school is being applied to more direct psychology careers as they gain experience.
Now, looking five to ten years down the line, many graduates are still working within fields that connect back to their psychology degree, even if they started somewhere a little different. Some have made impressive strides, moving into significant roles in mental health support or administrative positions in educational settings. But you’ll also find a fair number who have shifted entirely away from psychology and into fields like marketing or sales. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. While some alumni are doing well in psychology-related jobs, others have ended up in positions that seem less connected to the field. So, if you're considering this path, be ready for some twists and turns in your career journey!
Like, honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC Santa Barbara can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s not the easiest degree out there, since you're diving into a lot of complex theories, research methods, and statistics, which can definitely trip you up if you’re not a fan of numbers. UCSB has a solid reputation and its courses can be pretty rigorous, but they also offer a lot of support if you reach out. So, if you’re genuinely interested in how the mind works and willing to put in the effort, you can totally handle it. Just be prepared to study hard and get ready for some challenging material!
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 UC Santa Barbara graduates, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to how much money they're making. Some have clearly found their niche and seem to be climbing the career ladder, especially those in digital marketing or the real estate sector, where salaries can be pretty decent. Others, like those in education or social services, might not be raking it in quite as much, given that these fields typically offer lower pay. Overall, while some are definitely making decent money, others might still be feeling the financial pinch, especially if they’re in entry-level positions or more community-focused jobs. It's a reminder that salary can vary a lot based on the path you choose after 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 University of California, Santa Barbara). 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: