Jobs After Graduation

Where Can a Psychology Degree Take You?

A psychology major prepares you for far more than graduate school. While becoming a licensed psychologist requires an advanced degree, the knowledge and skills you develop at Macalester are valued across many professions. You’ll learn how to design and evaluate research, analyze data, understand human behavior, communicate complex ideas, and solve problems using evidence. These skills are in demand in healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, business, technology, government, and many other fields. Each spring, the Psychology Department hosts a panel of recent alumni who share their career paths, job search experiences, and advice for current students exploring life after Macalester.

If you’re planning to pursue a PhD in psychology, you may be interested in seeking out a paid research assistantship. The American Psychological Association maintains a list of undergraduate research opportunities and internships, spanning the many subfields of psychology and including postbaccalaureate research positions at universities and government agencies across the country. If you’re specifically interested in clinical psychology, the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology also maintains a listing of research assistant positions geared toward postbaccalaureate work in that subspecialty.