First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from University of Washington 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 70 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Psychology graduates from University of Washington have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) 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, 50% 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: 89%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Psychology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraduate Assistant of Stewardship and Donor EngagementUniversity of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Aug 2020 - Jun 2021 Development Associate Stanford Athletics Jul 2021 - Feb 2022 Assistant Director of Stewardship and Donor Engagement University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Mar 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Education - M.Ed.University of Washington College of Education 2020 - 2021 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at professionals who have graduated with a psychology degree from the University of Washington, we see a diverse range of career paths taken by these individuals. Common job titles include therapists, research coordinators, clinical research assistants, and behavioral specialists. Many of these roles align closely with the principles and concepts learned during their studies, which makes sense since psychology is all about understanding human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. However, there are also numerous positions that, while benefiting from a psychology background, do not require direct application of these principles on a daily basis.
Therapists and counselors tend to have the most direct relevance to their psychology degrees. These roles demand a deep understanding of psychological theory and practice, requiring skills honed in their education to support individuals facing mental health issues. Jobs like Mental Health Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist are great examples of this close connection, as they involve not only theoretical insights but also practical therapeutic techniques and interventions. On the flip side, positions such as project management roles or administrative positions in various sectors like HR and marketing, often mentioned in the profiles, reflect a shift towards management or operational skills that do not necessarily employ the core knowledge of psychology. While these roles can utilize interpersonal skills and an understanding of team dynamics—skills undoubtedly sharpened through a psychology education—they aren’t fundamentally about applying psychological theories or practices.
It’s also interesting to see numerous alumni managing research-focused roles within clinical and academic settings. These positions often leverage the knowledge gained from hands-on research methods and data analysis techniques learned in their courses. Yet even here, the significance of psychology varies widely. Some like Clinical Research Coordinators have a strong application of psychological concepts, particularly in understanding participant behavior. Others, like a Test Associate or a Data Scientist, while potentially beneficial for insight into user experience or data interpretation, stray further from the direct psychology ties established during their studies.
In summary, while many graduates from the University of Washington’s psychology program successfully follow career paths that closely align with their educational background, a notable number take routes that leverage a more general set of skills gained throughout their studies. It's clear that while a psychology degree offers valuable insights into human behavior, its graduates often find themselves in a variety of positions—some deeply rooted in psychology, others more tangentially related. The ability to adapt and apply psychological understanding in diverse fields is certainly a strength of these graduates, but it also highlights the need for a careful consideration of career goals and the relevance of one's education to those aspirations.
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 Washington):
Graduates from the University of Washington's Psychology program seem to have varied career trajectories, and it’s interesting to see how their paths evolve over time. If we look at what these individuals are doing when they first graduate, many of them land jobs that are either directly related to psychology or in related fields, often in supportive roles like behavioral therapy, research assistance, or positions in healthcare and counseling services. It's a natural fit, considering the background they have, and early careers often showcase an eagerness to apply their knowledge in practical settings, such as working with children in crisis, assisting with clinical research, or providing therapy.
As we look further down the road, say five to ten years after graduation, the trends start to show some divergence. Some graduates have indeed moved into more advanced roles within the field, like licensed therapists, clinical psychologists, or mental health counselors, showcasing that their early positions have helped them gain the necessary experience and credentials to grow in their careers. However, others seem to venture outside traditional psychology careers. For instance, some have taken roles in education, human resources, marketing, or even legal fields. While this might seem like a detour, it also highlights the broad applicability of a psychology degree. The skills learned, like understanding human behavior and communication, can be valuable in various industries.
In general, it's a mixed bag. On one hand, many graduates are succeeding in building careers relevant to psychology, moving into roles that expand their impact on mental health and community well-being. On the flip side, there are graduates who have ended up in jobs that, while prestigious, may not directly align with their academic background in psychology. So, the outlook is pretty flexible; whether they're leaning into psychology-specific careers or branching out into other fields, these graduates are carving out their paths, which is great to see!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. At the University of Washington, you’ll dive into a lot of complex topics like behavioral analysis, research methods, and cognitive processes, which can be super fascinating but also require some serious critical thinking and writing skills. The workload can be a bit heavy, especially when you have research projects and exams, but if you’re passionate about understanding how the mind works, it might not feel as hard to you as it would to someone who isn't into it. Overall, it's about average in terms of difficulty; it might have its tough spots, but with dedication and a genuine interest in the subject, you can totally manage it!
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 University of Washington psychology graduates, it’s a mixed bag regarding earnings. Some of them, especially those who climbed the ranks within organizations or transitioned into specialized fields, like clinical psychology or management roles, likely earn decent salaries. For instance, those working as Senior Managers or Clinical Psychologists generally have income potential upwards of $70,000 annually. On the flip side, many have taken on roles with lower financial perks, such as mental health counseling or other entry-level positions, which might pay significantly less, especially early in their careers.
Additionally, the career progression for some seems to indicate a steady increase in earnings as they gain experience and expertise. Graduates who have stayed within research or clinical roles, or have moved into administrative positions, will usually see their salaries rise with time and further education. However, those sticking to more supportive roles—like being a crisis counselor or behavioral technician—might not see the same financial rewards despite the critical work they do. Overall, it appears that while some are doing quite well financially, others might be struggling a bit more, especially in the early stages of their careers.
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 Washington). 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: