A Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology Can Open Doors
Whether you realize it or not, most jobs require the use of human psychology. Human behaviors and tendencies inform how job ads are written to attract specific types of applicants or how a business department operates. Having a background in psychology is especially useful at work, and it can also be the focus of your role.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a B.S. in Applied Psychology that can help you qualify for a range of applied psychology jobs. This bachelor’s degree program is offered online and can be completed in as short as one year. As an academic discipline, the study of psychology can extend outside standard counseling roles or healthcare. This knowledge is useful in business, sports, entertainment, industry, and education.
Building on an Applied Psychology Degree
For those who want to pursue advanced degrees, applied psychology is a good base on which to build.
For example, students enrolled in the B.S. of Applied Psychology may take graduate level courses in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program at the Minneapolis campus that will count toward their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Once accepted into the graduate program, you can apply for the Early Entry Option into the Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (PsyD)*.
By advancing your Applied Psychology degree in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program, you would be able to work as a licensed mental health professional, dealing with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. You could also enter the field of addictions work by completing our Online Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. This path would allow you to work with individuals who struggle with drug and alcohol issues.
*Please note: Admission is contingent on finishing the early entry coursework
Pursue These Applied Psychology Jobs
You may be wondering, what is applied psychology? This fascinating field studies human behavior and emotions as they play out in our normal interactions and activities. It can be used to improve work relationships, train people for new tasks, upgrade the design of marketing or educational materials, or help sports teams reach their goals. There are a wide variety of careers in applied psychology. Here is a selection of jobs that utilize principles of applied psychology to help give you an idea of the wealth and breadth of potential job opportunities.
Human Resources Specialists
Personnel and human resources are important elements of any business. The specialists and managers who work in this area must be attuned to how people behave and how best to communicate with staff, managers, and executives. A related job title is career counselor, and these professionals may work in schools, for employment agencies, or as consultants. They help those looking for work find the best fit, or even help them decide which field to enter.
Marketing Professionals
Marketing uses psychology every day to help consumers find the products and services they need or desire. Understanding common mindsets and behaviors, such as those that guide our shopping trips, online searches, or choice of medical doctor can aid this process. Applied psychology jobs in marketing also may include research, gathering information, and using statistics.
Organizers for Experimental Studies and Research
These types of positions may be called lab managers or research assistants. Applicants with a background in applied psychology use their understanding of human behaviors and sciences to keep things running smoothly. They may also use their statistical skills. Other options for research associates include psychometrists, who help psychologists and psychiatrists gather data and run experiments.
Managers
Entry-level managers often hold bachelor’s degrees in psychology, and they can use this knowledge to advance their careers. Applied psychology provides these managers with important tools to help motivate their staff. They also have skills for teaching tasks and organizing workloads.
Industrial and Organizational Trainers
Providing insights into how people work and why, and how they work together, is one of the jobs of industrial and organizational psychologists. This field demonstrates how applied psychology impacts the industrial and manufacturing sectors by working toward greater efficiency and safety. Testing, assessment, and training are all tasks related to the principles of applied psychology.
Internet Security Professionals
IT professionals who work with internet security benefit from a background in applied psychology. By understanding the motivations of both hackers and their victims, they can help train company staff members or advise software developers and others involved with protecting important data from theft.
Our Online Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers several bachelor’s degrees for online adult learners. We accept all prior college credits, as well as many business or industrial education credits. Work experience and military experience can also count toward finishing your degree. In the B.S. in Applied Psychology program, we allow applicants to transfer up to 90 credits, which is 75% of the degree requirements. Our admissions office can help applicants transfer credits and develop a plan for the program. Take advantage of our virtual visit option to discover more information about this program.
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