EKU Online > Online Psychology Degrees & Certificates > Psychology Career Opportunities

Design a Career According to Your Goals and Interests

A psychology degree has broad applications and can open the door to a variety of rewarding career options. EKU’s online psychology program is real-world focused, providing the opportunity to design a degree plan that’s meaningful to each student’s interests and career path.

This versatile degree builds critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, and prepares students for entry-level psychology jobs or to pursue graduate study or attend a professional school.

Graduate/professional school opportunities include:

  • Clinical psychology
  • School psychology
  • Industrial organizational psychology
  • General/experimental psychology
  • Counseling
  • Law
  • Medicine

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics* employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services. In addition, states are increasingly seeking treatment and counseling services for drug offenders as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration and as a method to reduce recidivism

 

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Increase earnings and advancement opportunities

Career Success Starts with a College Degree

Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.

According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.

Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.

*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce

People with a bachelor’s degree earn on average

+0%
more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma

Popular Psychology Careers

Market Research Analyst

National Median Annual Salary
$63,920/year
19% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$63,301/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Research Analysts in Kentucky:
Venesco
$75,000
Pearson
$70,000
Hendrick Screen
$53,900
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Mental Health Counselor

National Median Annual Salary
$48,520/year
22% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$49,189/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Mental Health Counselors in Kentucky:
New Vista of the Bluegrass Inc.
$43,500
Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital
$42,300
The Ridge Behavioral Health System
$35,500
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Human Resource Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$62,290/year
8% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$59,932/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for HR Specialists in Kentucky:
Perdue Farms
$70,000
Sazerac Company
$67,678
Ceva Logistics
$56,200
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Other Psychology Careers

  • Clinical psychology
  • Industrial organizational psychology
  • Social services workers
  • Group home counselors
  • Community recreation mangers
  • Career advisors
  • Behavior analyst
  • Parent educator
  • Behavior coach
  • ABA therapist
  • Assessment and development specialist
  • Corporate HR analyst
  • Health and safety manager
  • Employee development specialist
  • Organizational development specialist

EKU Psychology Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Psychology Graduates Worked?
  • United Way of Lancaster County
  • VIPKid
  • Lexington Rescue Mission
  • Mountain Comprehensive Care Centers
  • Hi-Tek Manufacturing
  • H4 Coaching and Consulting
  • Grupo Brasil SAS
  • Stratavize Consulting
  • Resurgance Counseling
How a Degree in Psychology can Prepare you for the Workforce

A degree in psychology can prepare you for a wide range of careers and equip you with valuable skills that are transferable to many different industries.

Understanding human behavior
One of the most significant benefits of a degree in psychology is gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior. This understanding is valued by employers and can be applied to many different industries, including healthcare, education, business, and social work.

Research skills
Psychology is a research-driven field, and students who earn a degree in psychology are equipped with a range of research skills, including data management using spreadsheets, experimental design, and statistical analysis. These skills are highly valued in many different industries, including marketing, education, and healthcare.

Communication skills
Psychology students develop strong communication skills through coursework and hands-on experience. They learn to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and to write in a clear, concise manner. These skills are essential in many different careers, including marketing, public relations, and social work.

Critical thinking skills
Psychology is a field that requires critical thinking and problem-solving. Students who earn a degree in psychology are equipped with the skills needed to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions. These skills are highly valued in many different industries, including law, business, and healthcare.

Empathy and compassion
Psychology students learn about the importance of empathy and compassion in their coursework. They learn how to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and respond with kindness and compassion. These skills are essential in many different careers, including social work, counseling, and healthcare.

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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