What is a psychology major?

Key takeaways about majoring in psychology

• A psychology major explores how people think, feel, and behave.
• You’ll study mental health, human behavior, research methods, and more.
• Careers span social work, HR, education, marketing, and healthcare.
• Psychology majors often go on to grad school—but not always.
• Your school, specialization, and minor can shape your career path.

What does a psychology major learn about?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why people act the way they do—how emotions, thoughts, and behaviors work—you’re already thinking like a psychology major.

This major focuses on the science of the mind and behavior. You’ll learn how to conduct research, analyze behavior, and understand mental processes in real-world settings. It’s a blend of theory and hands-on practice that prepares you for tons of career paths, with or without grad school.

Who is a good fit for this major?

Psychology majors tend to be empathetic, observant, and curious about people. You might be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy listening and problem-solving
• Like research and asking “why”
• Are interested in mental health or social change
• Want to help others improve their lives

What are common psychology courses and specialty areas?

Most programs start with intro-level psychology and branch into more advanced topics. Some core psychology courses include:

• Developmental psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Research methods and statistics
• Cognitive psychology
• Personality theory
• Social psychology
• Neuroscience or biological bases of behavior

You might also choose a specialization like:

• Clinical psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Educational psychology
• Sports psychology

What’s the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology?

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in psychology usually includes more liberal arts courses like sociology, history, or language. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focuses more on math, biology, and research.

Not sure which to choose? A B.A. might be best if you’re planning a career in counseling, education, or human resources. A B.S. could be better if you’re heading toward medical school, neuroscience, or grad-level research.

What skills will I build?

Psychology majors graduate with a strong mix of soft and technical skills, including:

• Communication and active listening
• Data analysis and research design
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Understanding human behavior and motivation

What can I do with a psychology degree?

So many things! Psychology is super versatile. With just a bachelor’s degree, you can explore careers in:

• Human resources
• Case management
• Market research
• Admissions or academic advising
• Mental health or substance abuse support
• Nonprofit or advocacy work

Some roles will require additional certifications or graduate study, but you can definitely start your career right after undergrad.

Top careers with for a psychology degree

Depending on your path, here are some of the most common job titles:

• Human resources specialist
• Social worker or counselor
• Behavior technician
• Mental health technician
• Research assistant
• Marketing analyst
• School psychologist (requires grad school)
• Clinical psychologist (requires Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

How much can I earn with a psychology degree?

Here are median salaries for careers related to psychology:

• Human resources specialist: $64,000
• Substance abuse counselor: $59,190
• Social worker: $61,330
• Licensed clinical psychologist: $94,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025

What are some common grad school paths?

Many psychology majors go on to earn master’s or doctoral degrees. Here are a few popular options:

• Master’s in counseling or social work (MSW)
• Ph.D. in psychology or neuroscience
• Psy.D. for clinical practice
• Master’s in education or school psychology
• MBA or public health (MPH) for applied psychology roles

Smart minors to pair with psychology

Your minor can help shape your path. Here are some common pairings:

• Sociology or criminology: For social services or criminal justice
• Biology or neuroscience: If you're interested in brain science or med school
• Business or marketing: For consulting or advertising
• Education: For school-based roles or child psychology
• Data science or statistics: For research-heavy roles

Notable schools for psychology majors

Looking for a standout psychology program? These schools are known for strong psychology departments:

• University of California–Berkeley
• University of Michigan
• Stanford University
• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Still narrowing down your options? Use the Scout College Search to explore schools that match your interests.

How do I afford my psychology degree?

Paying for college is a big step. The good news? There are tons of scholarships and financial aid resources out there help you.

Start by looking at scholarships for psychology majors or browse more scholarships by major. Search and filter opportunities with Scholly Scholarships, and be sure to apply for our easy  $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.

To get the most financial aid you can for school—including federal and school grants which DON'T need to be paid back, be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA^®).

A psychology major opens doors to understanding people, solving problems, and helping others—and that’s valuable in just about every career. Whether you want to jump into the workforce after graduation or continue on to grad school, psychology gives you the tools to grow, connect, and make a difference.