Psychology
Looking Forward
Psychology is the study of the human mind and its corresponding thoughts and behaviors. Psychology is a science with a wide scope of interests; many psychologists provide treatment for a broad range of disorders, while others work to solve pressing social issues. Psychologists around the world are united by a common goal: to expand understanding of individual and collective behavior, and use that knowledge to improve the human condition.
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Psych program can expect to develop strong Critical Thinking, Communication, Information Literacy, and Cultural Navigation competencies. Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Common Career Fields
Psych students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields! Some of those 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
Want to see specific jobs in these fields? Check out this pamphlet
Search for jobs online:
ONet Online: This database helps you explore jobs, find similar jobs under related job titles, search for jobs in specific locations, and connect to professional organizations.
Read about Museum Curation Jobs
Read about other jobs you can do with a Classics degree
Handshake: The ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies.
BYU Career Services: This office offers many job search resources for your job search, including job and internship fairs, networking events, resume reviews, and online helps. Check it out here.
Meet with your Advisor!
Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help plan a path toward that goal? We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment. Leah Kochenderfer advises last names A-O; Matt Armstrong advises last names P-Z.
Meet with your Career Director:
Your Career Director can help you get connected to alumni, find companies that are hiring, hone your resume, and strategically look for jobs. Set up an appointment with Sara Larson here.
Articulating the Value of Your Degree
What professional competencies have I developed by studying Psychology?
Learn more here about the professional competencies that you have and employers want!
Meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager to talk through how to communicate your competencies and skills to employers. Leah Kochenderfer advises last names A-O; Matt Armstrong advises last names P-Z.
Who can help me create a resume, cover letter, and/or LinkedIn profile that highlights my strengths and skills?
There are many people on campus who can help you create a resume, cover letter, or professional profile! You can use the Career Studio, your Academic and Professional Development Manager, your Career Director, or career fair prep events.
Who is my career director?
Sara Larson. You can contact her here
Who is my Academic and Professional Development Manager?
Leah Kochenderfer advises last names A-O; Matt Armstrong advises last names P-Z.
Career Services has great online resources for creating and editing your resume. Check out these sample resumes for Psychology majors.
Visit this link and follow these tips to get started creating your resume:
- Start with your contact info at the top—name, phone, email, and LinkedIn (if you have one).
- Use a clear, easy-to-read format with consistent spacing and fonts.
- List your education near the top, including your major and expected graduation date.
- Include all relevant experience— part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Use bullet points to describe what you did. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb
- Highlight competencies and skills that match the job description—like communication, teamwork, or software tools.
- Keep it to one page
- Want help getting started? Visit the Career Studio to get started.
Professional Certifications
Grad School
Are you considering grad school? Your best resource is your faculty. Reach out to your professors about exploring grad schools, gaining the proper experience, and building a strong application. Faculty contact info can be found on the CAL department website.
You can also talk with your Academic and Professional Development Manager about grad school. Is it necessary for your career goals? What types of programs should you consider? How can you best prepare for that program? What is your application timeline? Do you need to take an entrance exam? You can talk through all of these questions and more with your advisor.
Grad School Prep Handouts
Pre-Professional Advisement Center
Peterson's Guide to Grad School
Grad School Handouts
Beyond the Office
Freelance Resources
How to Start a Side Hustle
Volunteer Resources
Manage A Household
Parent Strategies for Improving Their Child's Reading and Writing
- Model good habits by reading and writing in front of your child.
- Make reading materials—ones they will truly care about—readily available for your child
- Talk with your child. Children expand their vocabulary and understanding of sentence structures through conversations with others.
- Give your child authentic writing tasks to help them find their voice and develop their sense of power
Helping Parents Get a College Education Helps Children Succeed
FAQ's
-
Toggle ItemI would like some help exploring my career options, who can help?
BYU Exploration Point is a great place to start:
https://universityadvisement.byu.edu/exploration-point -
Toggle ItemI need job search resources and strategies. Who can help?
Start with your Career Director, Sara Larson.
You can check out these online resources from Careers Services to help you be strategic in your job search and application process.
You can also take a class on job search strategies: STDEV 317. -
Toggle ItemI want to work for a year or two before going to grad school. What kind of job could I even get?
There are many ways to make the most of the years between undergrad and grad school! Your Career Director, your Academic and Professional Development Manager, your professors, and the advisors at Pre-Professional Advisement can all help you find meanignful work that will move you toward your goals.
-
Toggle ItemI'm very busy with school and don't have time to look for jobs. Who can help me be efficient in my job search?
There are resources on campus to help you find time to apply for jobs
and still be successful in your classes.Your Career Director, Sara Larson, has a lot of resources to make your job search productive and efficient.
You can check out these online resources from Careers Services to help you be strategic in your job search and application process.
-
Toggle ItemI'm graduating soon. What resources are available to me after I graduate?
- Career Services resources are available to all alumni for 2 years after graduation
- Pre-Professional Advisement offers services to alumni