Interested in a career that will make a big difference in the lives of others? Psychology might just be the right path for you.

While there are many careers to consider within the field, each one aims to assist other people through an understanding of human mental and behavioral processes. Whether you hope to help children get through school, help people work through substance abuse, or help a large company in forming a better working environment for the staff as a whole, earning your degree in psychology or a related field is the first step.

Psychology jobs are expected to see tremendous growth over the coming decade, and it’s never too late to be a part of the trend. Here are just a few of the top psychology careers to consider:

1. Becoming a General Psychologist: Psychology Degrees

   General psychologists help their clients work through their emotions and behaviors. They may work in a private practice, work as a part of a broader healthcare team, or conduct scientific studies in order to advance the field. Most psychologists have a doctorate degree, but in some cases only a master’s or a relevant license is required. There are many specializations within psychology, but in all cases communication, analysis, and organization are integral to success.

2. Becoming an Organizational Psychologist: Psychology Degrees

   Organizational psychologists work within an organization with the goal of improving the work environment and increasing productivity. These psychologists have at least a master’s degree in the field, with some opting to earn a doctorate. There are a wide variety of organizations to choose from for these professionals – they can work in a hospital, for a major company, or for a small, family-owned business. In any case, having knowledge of your company’s industry will be necessary to succeed. For professionals looking for a career that blends psychology and business skills, this is one path to look into.

3. Becoming a School Psychologist: Educational Psychology Degrees

   School psychologists provide support to students when it comes to their mental health and their learning environment. They may work with teachers and staff to implement positive changes that improve the overall environment for all students, or they may work directly with individual students in need of assistance. They can work for any type of school, whether private or public, and can work with any age group, so being able to adapt quickly and work with a variety of people is a must. School psychologists usually hold a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology or educational psychology.

4. Becoming a Community Service Manager: Psychology Degrees

   Community service managers, also known as social service managers, coordinate community service programs. While exact duties will be determined by the specific program or organization in question, these workers supervise staff, coordinate schedules, track budgets, and work towards program improvements. You may find yourself working with a particular group of people, such as the elderly or the youth, or on a particular social issue, such as homelessness alleviation or unemployment assistance. Community service managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, public health, or even business. A background in psychology provides a strong foundation for this type of work.

5. Becoming a Social Worker: Social Work Degrees

   Social workers help people and communities at large with their mental health, emotional regulation, and everyday problems. There are several types of social workers, such as child and family social workers, school social workers, healthcare social workers, and substance abuse social workers, just to name a few. Education requirements vary, but those interested in a more administrative position within social work might pursue a bachelor’s in social work or psychology. For those more interested in working with the public directly, going on to earn a master’s, pursuing clinical experience, and passing a state licensure exam are all necessary steps. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are key to succeeding as a social worker. This is one of the fastest-growing career paths in the country, making it a great choice for those looking for a stable and fulfilling career.

6. Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist: Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees

   Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families in a therapy setting with the aim of assisting their clients with their mental health, coping skills, and emotional regulation. Therapists encourage their clients to discuss their experiences and emotions freely, and in turn they offer advice and techniques to help build better coping skills and behavioral patterns. Marriage and family therapists will need a master’s in psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field, as well as post-degree supervised work within the field. If you are interested in psychology and want a hands-on job that helps people improve their lives, this is a great option to consider.

7. Becoming a Mental Health Counselor: Psychology Degrees

   Mental health counselors assist clients with mental and behavioral illness and problems, which may include depression, anxiety, or chronic stress. They find appropriate treatment options for their clients and provide resources to help get their lives back on track as necessary. Regarding education, counselors need a master’s in psychology or a related field and a license to practice in their state. Strong interpersonal skills and a tendency towards compassion are key to this role. For those looking to make a difference in the lives of others, mental health counseling is a great choice.

   If you are considering one of the above careers or any other career within the psychology sector, getting a bachelor’s in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related program is a great first step, and doing so online is the most convenient and affordable way to do so. By starting today, you’ll be that much closer to achieving your dream career tomorrow.

   Explore your future in psychology by checking out degree program options today.