Why Choose the Psychology Major?

Psychology is the study of the human mind and its corresponding thoughts and behaviors. Below you will see skills, experiential opportunities, and future career paths available to those who continue in the Psychology Major here at BYU.

Skills & Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

When you graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at BYU, these are the intended skills you will have developed and learned:

Be able to understand and apply knowledge about the discipline of psychology

^{COURSES: PSYCH 101, PSYCH 111, PSYCH 210, PSYCH 307, PSYCH 310, PSYCH 311 & MORE}

Be able to effectively apply basic research methods like data analysis, research design, and writing results of research.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 307, PSYCH 308, PSYCH 309, PSYCH 310, PSYCH 492R, PSYCH 430R & MORE}

Be able to use and apply the principles learned in an experiential setting through teaching, research, or internships.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 399R, PSYCH 410R, PSYCH 420R, PSYCH 430R, PSYCH 496R & MORE}

General Skills From All Courses

Critical Thinking: Be able to think about and explore new topics and apply them to different situations

Self-Awareness: Be able to self-assess and
acknowledge biases, as well as identify influences and effects on others through personal action.

Research Ability: Be able to find, read, and understand applicable research. Be able to perform and present personal research by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Marketable Skills

Effective Communication: Be able to explain and represent research and data in a clear and concise manner.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 307, PSYCH 308, PSYCH 310}

Social, Political, and Legal Cognizance: Be able to be aware and have knowledge of social, political, and legal issues within psychology as well as society.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 305, PSYCH 306, PSYCH 345, PSYCH 350, PSYCH 352, PSYCH 354}

Technological Literacy: Be able to use effectively and correctly technology through writing programs, data platforms, and survey websites.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 308, PSYCH 309}

Ethical Decision-Making: Be able to know what types of research and data collection protect individuals and act according to that knowledge.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 310, PSYCH 354}

Attention to Detail: Be able to identify and reduce errors in writing and numbers, as well as be aware of the changes within individuals.

^{COURSES: PSYCH 307, PSYCH 342, PSYCH 381}

Experiences & Careers

Psychology Undergrad Experiences

Research Assistantships

In the psychology major, there are many opportunities to participate in and produce research. Research is a valuable experience to have, especially if you are looking into going to graduate school. Here are some of the ways you can do so:

Volunteer in a lab for experience
Work in a lab as an on-campus job for pay
Take PSYCH 492R to get college credits for research work
Take PSYCH 430R to get college credit that fulfills a requirement for the psychology major

* All research positions should be sought out by the student and will not be provided by the department.

Internships

If you would like to get a taste for what work is like in the real world with a psychology degree, internships are a great way to go. Internship opportunities at BYU include:

Take PSYCH 399R for college credit for an academic internship
Take PSYCH 496R for college credit that fulfills a requirement for the psychology major

* All internship inquiries should be directed to Karen Christensen. You can find more information here.

Teaching Assistantships

Being a Teacher's Assistant (TA) is a great way to get experience in academia and teaching. You can get involved by

Being a paid TA for a professor
Taking PSYCH 410R to receive college credit for a requirement that counts toward the psychology major

* All teaching assistant positions should be sought out by the student and will not be provided by the department.

Study Abroad

Occasionally, BYU offers an international study program for students who are studying psychology. To learn more about what opportunities are available currently, visit this website.

Experiential Learning Funds (ELF)

The Psychology department offers funds to students who are participating in experiences to enhance their education to help them make ends meet and be able to continue with the experience. To learn more, see this page.

Careers

Information about BYU's Psychology degree

BYU's Psychology undergrad degree was ranked in the top 15% of all universities in the United States
The BYU Psychology degree was also ranked #1 in Utah
SOURCE
Of students who graduated with an undergrad in Psychology from BYU, following graduation
- 46.78% were employed full-time
- 26.53% were pursuing a graduate degree
- 95.25% of graduates were doing what they wanted to do (career, volunteer, parenting, etc.)
Overall, the average salary 6 months post-graduation was $40,846.12

Possible Careers with a Graduate Degree & Average Salary

Psychiatrist: $249,760
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $113,320
Clinical & Counseling Psychologist: $99,640
Psychology Postsecondary Teacher: $88,390
School Psychologist: $82,770
SOURCE

Possible Careers Without a Graduate Degree

A degree in Psychology can open many doors to many different work fields. Listed here are some of the areas and careers available.

Business/Finance: Personal Finance Advisor, Sales Manager, Market Research Analyst
Community Service: Behavioral Therapy Technician, Case Worker, Family Programs Coordinator
Insurance: Appraiser, Insurance Sales Agent
Technology: Web Design, CX, UX, or IX
Non-Profit: Non-Profit Manager, Fundraising Development
Criminal Justice: Probation Officers, Jury Specialist, Criminal Profiler
Government: FBI/CIA, State/Federal Jobs, Analyst
Education: Middle & High School Teachers, Paraeducator
Healthcare: Psychiatric Technician, Personal Care Aide
Labor & Employment: Human Resources, Training & Development Specialist
Other: Event Planner, Writer/Author, Entrepreneur

Testimonials

Don't just take this information from us - hear what past and present students have to say about the Psychology major!

"I love how the professors don't shy away from difficult topics. I love how involved and passionate they are."

"This major will help you in whatever field you choose to pursue after graduation. Learning to seek for understanding in relationships is a life skill that everyone needs."

"There is nothing so far reaching or eternally important as Psychology."

"I wouldn't be at my job explaining how the brain works to those suffering with addiction without my degree in Psychology."

"It has helped me understand mental health diagnosis and treatment so that I can advocate appropriately for people with disabilities in work settings."

"Psychology has helped me understand my mental health and the importance of seeking help in times of need."

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