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First, some facts. Of the Psychology, Sociology graduates 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 61 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Psychology, Sociology graduates have a slightly higher 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, 60% 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, Sociology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 75% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from University of Dubuque with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology-Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAccount Service Representative Cottingham & Butler Jul 2010 - May 2011 Disability Representative, Senior  Sedgwick Jun 2011 - Nov 2015 Team Lead Sedgwick Nov 2015 - May 2019 Performance Analyst  Sedgwick May 2019 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Psychology or Sociology, it's clear that there is a wide variety of career outcomes. A significant number of these graduates have gravitated towards roles in social work, counseling, and mental health services, reflecting a direct application of their educational background. Jobs like Social Worker, Behavioral Health Specialist, and Counselor are very common among these graduates, demonstrating a clear alignment with the principles and theories learned during their studies. On the other hand, roles like Zumba Instructor or Sales Associate mostly reflect a departure from their academic foundations, as they do not necessitate the core psychological or sociological knowledge gained in their degrees.
Furthermore, many have taken on positions that bridge the gap between their degree relevance and practical application, such as Admissions Counselor or Human Resources roles. These jobs often utilize interpersonal skills and an understanding of human behavior, albeit not to the extent seen in direct clinical or counseling positions. In contrast, several individuals have entered job markets that seem far removed from their studies, focusing on administrative tasks or sales, which do not readily utilize the knowledge or skills associated with Psychology or Sociology. Thus, while it’s clear that many graduates have found fulfilling and relevant careers, there's a noticeable chunk of them that have taken paths less directly related to their degrees. Ultimately, pursuing a career that aligns closely with their studies appears to be a stronger choice for applying their skills effectively.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Psychology, Sociology graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of psychology and sociology graduates from various universities, we can see a pretty mixed bag of outcomes. For many of them, their first jobs after graduating tend not to align perfectly with their degrees. For instance, some of the early roles include customer service positions, sales jobs, or internships that are either unrelated to psychology or only tangentially connected. For example, a graduate from Flagler College started out as a sales leader at Bath & Body Works, which definitely isn't a psychology-focused job. Over time, however, many do seem to find themselves in more relevant positions, especially after gaining a few years of experience. Five or ten years later, plenty of individuals have transitioned into roles such as mental health therapists, social workers, or other positions where they can apply their understanding of human behavior more directly.
However, not everyone's story is entirely rosy. While some graduates successfully move into counseling or therapy roles, others seem to bounce around various positions unrelated to their degrees or find themselves in administrative jobs that don't utilize their training. Some, like the graduate who became a human resources recruiter, appear to have veered significantly away from the core of psychology or sociology. This pattern suggests that while a degree in psychology or sociology can still open doors to relevant fields, many graduates end up in other sectors, especially early on in their careers. Overall, it's fair to say that while there are strong examples of meaningful careers after graduation, there are also many who struggle to find roles that make full use of their academic backgrounds in the early years post-graduation.
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Sociology can be a pretty mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. Generally speaking, these degrees are considered a bit on the easier side compared to some other majors, especially the super technical ones like engineering or science. You’ll be reading a lot of theory and doing some research, but if you’re into understanding human behavior and social interactions, it can be really interesting and engaging. Sure, there are some challenging classes that require critical thinking and writing skills, but if you’re passionate and willing to put in the effort, you might find it more enjoyable than you expected. So, while it may not be a walk in the park, it’s definitely manageable for most students who are willing to stay on top of their work.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology, Sociology.
Based on the career paths of these graduates, it seems like there's a wide range of earnings, influenced significantly by the fields they're in and the specific jobs they've landed. For example, the University of Connecticut graduate went from being a law clerk to a partner at a law firm, which typically comes with high earning potential, suggesting they've likely done quite well financially. On the flip side, the Zumba instructor from Flagler College appears to be in a role that might not yield the best pay unless they're teaching a ton of classes, which is often a more unstable income source.
Similarly, many graduates in the psychology and counseling fields, like those from the University of Minnesota Duluth and Boston University, climbed the ladder through several internships and entry-level roles, which might not pay well initially. However, their recent roles as licensed psychologists and clinical leaders indicate better salaries, especially in private practice or specialized clinics. So, while some have certainly found their footing and are likely making decent money, others might still be navigating their way and could be on the lower end of the earning spectrum for now.
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, Sociology. This may or may not be useful:
