What can I do careerwise with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology?

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, mental processes, and interpersonal dynamics. This degree equips graduates with valuable skills in communication, research, and problem-solving, making it applicable across various professional fields. While additional education is required to pursue roles such as psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist, a BA in Psychology opens the door to a variety of impactful careers. Here are a few examples:Human Resources: A deep understanding of human behavior is an asset in roles such as recruiter, training and development specialist, or benefits administrator. These positions rely on the ability to assess and support organizational and employee needs effectively.Market Research: Organizations value professionals who can analyze consumer behavior and preferences. With a psychology background, you are well-equipped to contribute to roles in market analysis, consumer insights, or brand strategy.Education: A psychology degree can serve as a steppingstone to roles such as high school psychology teacher (with subject matter competency and a teaching credential) or school advisor. Note that positions like school counselor or school psychologist require advanced degrees.Social Services: Careers in social services allow graduates to work with diverse populations in roles like case management, community health, health education, and rehabilitation support. These positions often involve making meaningful contributions to individuals and communities.Psychology is a versatile and broad-based degree that provides a solid foundation for a wide range of career paths, making it an excellent choice for students seeking flexibility and opportunities to make a difference.

How is a BA in Psychology different from a BS in Psychology?

The UMass Global psychology undergraduate program offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. A BA in Psychology provides a broad-based education, offering a wider perspective on the field of psychology. At UMass Global, the electives available within the general psychology concentration reflect this versatility, covering diverse topics such as “Issues in Aging,” “Family Systems and Dynamics,” “Child Development,” and “Survey of Forensic Psychology.” This breadth of coursework allows students to explore multiple areas of psychology and apply their knowledge across various fields and careers.Bachelor of science degrees in psychology typically are more research-oriented, with lab-based courses targeted toward graduate study in psychology.

Do you need a graduate degree to work in the field of psychology?

The answer to this question depends on your occupational goals. If your goal is to become a case manager or a rehabilitation specialist, then you do not need a graduate degree. If your goal is to become a counselor or therapist, then a master’s degree is warranted. State licensure is also required. For instance, a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling at UMass Global meets the education requirements for licensure in most states (including California) as a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).A bachelor’s degree in psychology allows you to put your degree to good use, just not as a clinician. The focus on understanding human behavior, which is the basis of psychology, has value across all sorts of careers and roles. For students not sure of a specific career direction yet needing a bachelor’s degree to progress in their career, a BA in Psychology is a good option.

How much education do you need to become a psychologist or psychiatrist?

There is often confusion about the roles of psychologists and psychiatrists. In reality, these professions serve different purposes within the field of mental health and require distinct educational paths. Below is an overview of the requirements for becoming a psychologist:Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Typically earned in psychology or a related field, this foundational degree introduces students to the principles of human behavior and mental processes.Master’s Degree (2-3 years): While a master’s degree may be a common route, this is not required for admission into many doctoral programs. The master’s degree may or may not be related to psychology (marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, clinical psychology, school psychology, or other focus).Doctoral Degree (4-5 years): Most practicing psychologists complete either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). During the doctoral program, it is customary to accrue 3-4 years of supervised experience through the practicum and predoctoral internship process. At least one year of postdoctoral internship is a requirement in many states as well.Licensing: Psychologists must pass a national exam and a licensing exam and fulfill supervised clinical experience requirements, which vary by state, to practice independently.Psychologists play a critical role in mental health care, offering therapy, conducting assessments, and applying evidence-based interventions. Their expertise complements that of psychiatrists, who focus on medical diagnoses and treatment through medication management.PsychiatristBachelor’s Degree (4 years) — Typically in areas such as biology, chemistry, or physics with coursework that satisfies medical school prerequisites.Medical School (4 years) — Psychiatrists must attend med school to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). The first two years involve basically medical science and understanding the human body. The final two years involve clinical rotations in the various medical specialties, including psychiatry.Residency (4 years) — After graduating from med school, you’ll move on to a psychiatric residency program where you will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in different settings.Licensing — To become a practicing psychiatrist, the final requirements are passing the national licensing exam. You can also choose to become “board-certified in psychiatry,” which adds clout to your title and credentials.Total education time = 12 yearsPsychologists play a critical role in mental health care, offering therapy, conducting assessments, and applying evidence-based interventions. Their expertise complements that of psychiatrists, who focus on medical diagnoses and treatment through medication management.

Behavioral Health

Recruit, Retain, and Grow Your Talent with UMass Global

Staffing shortages continue to challenge behavioral health providers across the country. As demand grows for licensed social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, organizations like yours are seeking innovative ways to attract and retain qualified employees.

At University of Massachusetts Global, we offer flexible, industry-aligned academic programs and training partnerships that help behavioral health employers build stronger, more resilient teams. From degree discounts to custom learning solutions, our partnerships are designed to support your workforce development goals—whether you're looking to fill open positions or invest in the team you already have.

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Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.

Vanessa S.

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UMass Global has been a welcoming school to veterans and adult learners. The courses offered provide exceptional learning and skillsets needed for your profession. This university is a great solution, more importantly to adult learners coming back after years of being out or being a parent, especially a single parent.

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The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.

Robert P.

Professional Clinical Counseling, MA

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UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees at University of Massachusetts Global are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

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