7 Best Jobs for Psychology and Sociology Majors

Both psychology and sociology are liberal arts majors that provide an excellent springboard to a variety of professions in different organizations. Many skills associated with these degrees transfer into other career areas, including being able to judge and evaluate evidence, understanding the diversity of individuals, and knowing how to analyze policies and programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science occupations should expect a 10 percent growth from 2016 to 2026.

This averages out to roughly 125,000 new jobs, including jobs for psychology majors and jobs for sociology majors, created within the upcoming decade.

For undergrads with these degrees, consider the following occupations when beginning your job search. These occupations both have desirable job growth or great salaries.

1. Industrial-organizational Psychologists

• Median yearly wage: $65,000 with a master’s, $87,100 with a doctoral.
• Typical education: Master’s or doctoral in psychology. Individuals may need to obtain psychologist licensure.
• Projected growth: 22%

What they do

Industrial-organizational psychologists study human behavior in the workplace and within organizations. Human resources and management consultants are two popular occupations for organizational psychologists. Some do research within corporations, while others teach in academic settings.

Most I/O specialists work full time in an office setting, while those who perform research usually work independently. In general, an I/O specialist helps improve the efficiency of an organization.

Getting the job

Individuals interested in the I/O field should first obtain a bachelor’s degree. While a major in psychology isn’t required, students should take classes in psychological principals, sociology, statistics, and research methodology.

Private-sector jobs usually require a master’s degree, while those who focus on research and teaching should consider a doctorate. Those who carry the title of a psychologist require licensure.

Check out our industrial psychologist resume sample.

2. Psychiatrist

• Median yearly wage: over $208,000
• Typical education: MD or DO degree, residency internship in psychiatry and licensure
• Projected growth: 15%

What they do

One of the most common jobs for psychology majors, psychiatrists address the emotional and mental needs of their patients and often prescribe a plan of treatment. They may work in a private practice or hospital setting.

Most offer outpatient care, while others may conduct research and report their medical findings in journals and publications.
Specializations may occur in adolescent and child psychiatry, pain medicine, sleep medicine, and forensic psychiatry.

Getting the job

Starting in college, those interested in becoming a psychiatrist should take courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. A medical degree is required, as well as a four-year residency program.

All psychiatrists must obtain a license through their state’s medical board. Board certification is obtainable through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Board certification must be renewed every 10 years.

Have a look at our psychiatrist resume sample.

3. Marketing Manager

• Median yearly wage: $131,180
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree
• Projected growth: 10%

What they do

A marketing manager is responsible for the marketing of a business or products. When looking for jobs for sociology majors, this one is excellent due to the heavy focus on research.

Marketing managers assign duties for other individuals within their department and perform periodic performance evaluations of employees. They also examine data analytics and evaluate marketing success, allocate company resources, and create new plans to introduce products and services.

Getting the job

Most marketing managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration. Depending on the employer, some positions may even require a master’s degree along with extensive experience in sales, advertising, marketing, or management.

Those looking for jobs for sociology majors should consider certification, which is available through associations like Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI). Join a trade organization relating to marketing, such as the Association of International Product Marketing and Management or the American Marketing Association.

Use our marketing resume examples to create your own standout document.

4. Psychologists

• Median yearly wage: $77,030
• Typical education: Masters or doctorate degree. Licensure.
• Projected growth: 14%

What they do

A psychologist studies human behavior and the human mind through a variety of research methods. They assess problems like eating disorders, learning disabilities, addiction, and chronic illness and then design a plan of treatment. One primary goal of a psychologist is to improve the quality of life of their patients.

Getting the job

Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While in school, volunteer in a mental health clinic or in a facility with handicapped children. Previous hands-on experience may help you when applying for a job after school.

Obtain a master’s degree and then complete your doctorate in psychology. Once you complete your education, you should complete a two-year supervised internship program. Look for programs approved by the American Psychological Association (APA), because some jobs require an APA-approved internship. Finally, sign up for a national exam to obtain a license. In some states, you may be required to also present a case study to a board of psychologists.

Learn from these eye-grabbing psychologist resumes when building your own.

5. Archaeologist

• Median yearly wage: $62,280
• Typical education: Master’s degree
• Projected growth: 4%

What they do

An archaeologist researches past lives and cultures of diverse groups of people by studying bones, artifacts, and other remains. The daily tasks of an archaeologist involve field work, including digging at excavation sites.

As far as jobs for sociology and psychology majors, this typically involves extensive travel as these professionals are required to move from dig site to dig site. This may also be a potential to add to your list of jobs for sociology majors.

Getting the job

While getting your college degree, volunteer for archaeologist opportunities run by your current university. Some museums also offer unpaid internships to students.

Obtain a valid driver’s license so you have the ability to drive to the work sites. Finally, consider joining the Institute for Archaeology, which gives you access to information and ongoing training. It also shows potential employers you are serious about employment.

Show off your skills by building a winning resume with the help of this archaeologist resume example.

6. Market Research Analyst

• Median yearly wage: $63,230
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree
• Projected growth: 23%

What they do

Market research analysts gather and analyze data about buyers and competitors. They also study market trends to figure out the potential sales of a product or service. To do this, they often create surveys to discover customer preferences.

Getting the job

While some market research positions demand a master’s degree, many require only a bachelor’s degree in the field of marketing or similar. In this case, this is an excellent job for sociology majors. Afterward, sit for the Marketing Research Association (MRA) exam to obtain Professional Researcher Certification, which is advantageous when it comes to the job search.

Employers typically look for three to five years’ experience in marketing or a related field. You should also make sure you have a strong CV that highlights your experience and qualifications.

See our market research resume template for some much-needed guidance.

7. Human Resources Manager

• Median yearly wage: $110,120
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree
• Projected growth: 9%

What they do

A human resources manager is another job for psychology majors; these professionals mainly oversee hiring and termination and serve as a link between management and employees. They often assist in training new hires and managing benefit programs.

Getting the job

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for a human resources manager. Many companies require a master’s degree.
Seek out an internship while in college to work in the human resources department at a local company to gain experience. Seek an entry-level position after college and work towards human resources certification.

Individuals studying psychology and sociology in college have access to a wide range of career opportunities. Like many occupations requiring college degrees, these jobs for psychology majors or sociology majors are on the rise and provide an excellent chance for growth and advancement.

Learn from these professionally developed human resources resumes.

More jobs titles for graduates with psychology, social work, or sociology degrees:

• Admissions Counselor
• Behavioral Therapist
• Career Counselor
• Child Care Worker
• Child Protection Worker
• Child Welfare CaseWorker
• Clinical Social Worker
• Community Health Worker
• Community Service/Relations Representative
• Corporate Foundation Specialist
• Court-Appointed Special Advocate
• Education Program Specialist
• Employment Specialist
• Guidance Counselor
• Health Care Social Worker
• Hospital Administrator
• Housing/Student Life Coordinator
• Human Resources Assistant
• Job Analyst
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Labor Union Organizer
• Market Research Analyst
• Marriage Counselor
• Medical Social Worker
• Mental Health Worker
• Nursing Home Administrator
• Outplacement Specialist
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Psychiatric Social Worker
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Recruiter
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Residential Treatment Worker
• School Psychologist
• School Social Worker
• Social Service Aide
• Social Worker
• Social Work Researcher
• Sociologist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Teacher
• Therapist
• Youth Counselor