Psychology

Competencies and Careers

Competencies Developed in a Psychology Program
Students in a psychology major or minor can expect to develop strong competencies in:

• Communication
• Information Literacy
• Cultural Navigation

Want to know more about these professional competencies? Click here to learn more about career readiness.

Common Career Industries
Psych students can use their degree to pursue careers in many industries. These include:

• Archaeology, Museums, & the Arts
• Education: K-12 & Higher Ed
• Social Services & Counseling
• Government, Research & Policy
• Law & Legal Studies
• Business & HR
• Consulting & Finance
• Tech & Data
• Social Impact & Sustainability

Jobs in These Industries:
Want to know more about specific jobs in these industries? Check out this document, made by career director Sara Larson.

Want to know more about different routes to therapy-related careers? Check out this document “Mental Health and Therapy Career Paths”.

Is Psychology a Fit for You?
Deciding whether psychology is the right major, or future career for you, will take further exploration. Check out the next tab, “Resources for Exploration,” to learn about tools to learn more about your interests, strengths, long-term goals, and about the diverse paths within psychology.

If you’re curious about whether Psychology might work with your future goals, schedule an appointment to meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager. We can help you explore how the major connects to your goals, create a plan, check out BYU-specific resources and opportunities, and discover career possibilities. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment with your Academic and Professional Development Manager. Leah Kochenderfer advises last names A-O; Matt Armstrong advises last names P-Z.

Resources for Exploration

Visit Exploration Point: Exploration Point is where BYU students go when they’re curious about majors and careers but don’t know where to start. You can meet one‑on‑one with an Exploration Specialist to learn more about yourself, your strengths, and majors you might like.

• Take a Career Assessment: Career assessments can introduce students to majors and careers they may have never considered by connecting your personal preferences with real‑world options. This kind of insight is especially helpful when you’re feeling unsure about your path and need a structured way to explore possibilities.

American Psychological Association (APA) Divisions: The APA Divisions website introduces students to the APA’s 54 divisions. These subfields, or specialty areas, can help students understand how psychology is organized into different scientific, applied, and interest-based groups, each focused on specific questions, populations, or methods. Exploring these areas can help you figure out which aspects of psychology resonate most with your strengths, values, and long-term goals.

• BYU Psychology Instagram: Follow @byu_psychology on Instagram. You’ll find info about upcoming classes, student events, faculty highlights, and fun content from the department.
• BYU Psychology Newsletter: Stay informed and engaged by joining the BYU Psych Newsletter mailing list. It provides timely updates about academic resources, upcoming events, and community‑building opportunities that can enrich your experience as a psychology student. To sign up, visit the Psych Newsletter Sign-Up on the department website: Stay informed and engaged by joining the BYU Psych Newsletter mailing list. It provides timely updates about academic resources, upcoming events, and community‑building opportunities that can enrich your experience as a psychology student.