Psychology Degree

PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. If you’re interested in how human beings operate, a psychology degree can grant you key insights into these questions. You’ll learn what motivates human behavior by developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a multi-faceted approach to learning. Through this psychology degree, you’ll amplify your ability to conduct rigorous research, help others, and also manage people. So, the principles of psychology have applications in a variety of fields. 

Why Study Psychology? 

Most employers value the skills that are developed through studying psychology. These skills include the ability to offer analytical insights, skilled reasoning, and effective communication. Even if you choose not to pursue a career as a practicing psychologist, employers will always be interested in employees with these skill sets. For instance, many people with psychology degrees find successful careers in healthcare, human resources, management, or marketing.

Psychology can also open the doors to more specialized education. Many of those with psychology degrees can choose from a range of graduate training opportunities: 

• Clinical psychology 
• Counseling psychology 
• Educational psychology 
• Forensic psychology 
• Organization psychology 

While a degree can act as a road map for your chosen career path, the value of your degree does not solely lie in how quickly it takes you to your eventual employers. This is especially true with the study of psychology. 

Humans are a complex species with wants, needs, and behaviors that differentiate and integrate us with other animals. We can make good choices for bad reasons and bad choices for good reasons. We use language to both convince and deter, and the way we interact with each other can often define who we are as individuals. 

Psychology helps you understand this. It won’t partner every interaction you have with absolute clarity, but it can give you a window into behavior, motivations, and perceptions. It grants you perspective, which can allow you to develop closer relationships with practically everyone you meet. 

Of course, you can’t remove yourself from the psychological equation, either. Through the study of psychology and its principles, you’ll be able to identify your own hidden influences and motivations. This can make you a better communicator to friends, family, employers, and with yourself.  

What Can You Do with A Psychology Degree? 

A degree in psychology opens the door to a multitude of opportunities. Even if you choose not to pursue a master’s degree or more specialist education, you’ll find any number of careers are available to you: 

• Behavioral disorder counselors 
• Community service operations 
• Correctional treatment specialists 
• Family or marriage therapists 
• Mental health counselors 
• Probation officers 
• Rehabilitation counselors 
• Social services operations 
• Social workers 
• Substance abuse counselors 

With such a wide range of possible careers, you’ll find that your future earning potential will vary. Marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 according to 2019 survey data conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, according to the BLS, industrial-occupational psychologists earn a median annual salary of around $93,000.

As stated above, a psychology degree allows for more specialized education at the master’s and doctorate levels. As you progress through these advanced degrees, you’ll find an increased earning potential along with the increased odds of reaching high levels of your chosen career path. 

Why Rockford University? 

At Rockford University, we take a cross-discipline approach to education. We combine classroom learning from world-class educators with real-life experience alongside experts in the field. Our diverse student body also gives students the ability to learn from each other and gain an additional perspective. 

To see all that Rockford University can offer, schedule a personal visit today. You can also request additional information through our website. 

Students in the Psychology Department develop an understanding of human thought and behavior through active learning. Our interdisciplinary approach, grounded in science, research and reflection, encourages self-exploration and engagement with the community. This challenging course of study empowers students to develop to their fullest potential socially, emotionally and intellectually.

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