Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the U.S. And there’s a reason why: Psychology majors have the skills sought by employers! Explore the resources below to learn more about your Psychology degree and where it can take you.
What is a Psychology (BA or BS) Degree?
LMU offers a BA in Psychology, but what is the difference between a BA or BS Degree in Psychology? (The reality is that there’s only slight differences, and almost all employers or graduate schools do not differentiate between the two.)
Psychology Degrees and Degree Pathways
Undergraduate Bachelor's and Graduate-Level Master's
BA/BS: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology
- Typically takes 4 full-time years (BS may require more science classes)
MA/MS: Master of Arts/Science in Psychology
- Graduate degree
- Typically takes 2-3 years (plus undergraduate degree)
- Lots of MA programs with different licensing requirements, such as:
- MA in Counseling
- MEd in Counseling
- MFT in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MSW Master in Social Work
Doctoral Degrees
PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Doctoral degree, typically required for research or academic psychology careers, involves completing research and dissertation
- Usually takes 4-6 years (in addition to Bachelor's and Master's)
- Various subdisciplines
- Such as: Clinical, Social, Developmental, Cognitive, Community, Counseling, Educational, etc.
PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
- Doctoral degree, an applied clinical degree, completion typically involves practical experience and research in the field
- Usually takes 4-6 years (in addition to Bachelor's and often Master's)
What can you do with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology?
Did you know that the vast majority of Psychology majors do NOT go to graduate school? Your bachelor’s degree has great utility! Find out more from the American Psychological Association on how your Psychology major can help boost your career.
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We recommend the following resources for exploring career options with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology:
- What Can I Do with a Major in Psychology?
- Dr. Drew Appelby, a renowned expert on undergraduate education and careers in Psychology, maintains a Careers in Psychology website.
- What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
- Explore the Wide Range of Psychological Science Careers, American Psychological Association (APA) booklet
- 56 Types of Bachelor's in Psychology Jobs To Consider
- 300+ Careers in Psychology
- Potential Careers for Psychology Majors (courtesy of University of Central Florida
- Exploring Careers and Career Guides in Psychological Science (courtesy of University of Michigan)
- Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World
- LMU Library Guide for Books on Careers in Psychology
- What Can I Do with a Major in Psychology?
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Career development is a lifelong process of self-discovery, career exploration, meaningful experiences, intentional reflection, and career decision-making and planning. There’s lots of things to do as an undergraduate to prepare for the professional world and your future career.
Make It Count! Your Time as an LMU Psychology Major
- Own Your Psychology Major! A Guide to Student Success
- The Psychology Major’s Handbook
- The Insider’s Guide to the Psychology Major: Everything You Need to Know about the Degree and Profession
- What Psychology Majors Could (and Should) Be Doing: A Guide to Research Experience, Professional Skills, and Your Options after College
Participate in Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Research experience is a great way to gain practical skills and relevant across many disciplines. While research experience is essential for applying to graduate school, it has great value regardless of your career plans.
At the undergraduate level, Psychology students are encouraged to engage in research or volunteer in settings related to their interests. Such activities provide experience and develop professional skills relevant across all Psychology disciplines and careers.
But what about internships? How do I find an undergraduate Psychology internship?
Unlike other disciplines, it’s rare for undergraduates to obtain formal internships in Psychology. This is primarily due to the structure of our field where the term “internship” usually applies to required clinical hours for graduate students obtaining a PhD or PsyD (analogous to clinical rotations in medical school).
The LMU Department of Psychology maintains a regularly updated Opportunities for Psychology Students Box folder (internal only) with information about internal and external research opportunities, funding, graduate school, and events. Tailored specifically to LMU Psychology majors. Also, check out descriptions of Psychology faculty’s research labs here on campus.
Explore external research opportunities:
- Psych Research List: Comprehensive website to assist students in finding research opportunities with mentors and labs worldwide (regularly updated!). Includes current listings of Paid Internships and PostBac Jobs. (Also has great resources about Psychology graduate school application information.)
- APA Summer Undergraduate Psychology Experience in Research (SUPER) Fellowships
- APA Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities & Internships
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU)
- Psychology Job & Internship Opportunities Blog for undergraduate students and recent graduates seeking full-time or summer employment
- National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Summer Undergraduate Research Programs for Medical and Research Fields
- LMU Career and Professional Development Office lists micro-internship opportunities, which are short-term, paid, typically remote project These can help build your skills and explore career paths.
Become a Student Member of a Psychology Professional Organization
Becoming a student member of a professional psychology organization has many benefits such as access to: information on trends across psychology, online publications for undergraduate audience, demonstrating commitment to the psychology profession, and eligibility for grants and awards.
- APA Undergraduate Student Affiliate Member
- APA hosts many divisions based on specialty area. Explore the divisions and consider joining a division as a student member
- Association for Psychological Science (APS) Student Member
- Join regional professional Psychology organizations such the Western Psychological Association or other related organizations
Psychology Honors Societies
Depending on your academic standing, you may be eligible for membership in academic Honors Societies
- Psi Chi: International Honor Society in Psychology. LMU has its own chapter and if you are eligible, you will receive an invitation to join (junior or senior standing)
- Sigma Xi: Scientific Research Honor Society
- Pi Gamma Mu: International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Connect with LMU Career Resources
- Visit the LMU BCLA Student Experience Internship page for gaining professional experience
- Regularly visit the LMU Career and Professional Development Office. They offer many opportunities such as how to network, job and internship fairs, interview practice and more.
- Join LMU Handshake to search for internship and job opportunities.
All Things Graduate School
The American Psychological Association provides two articles on understanding your motivations for a Graduate Degree in Psychology, and differences in degrees from the field.
- What is the difference between Masters vs. PsyD vs. PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology degrees? (article courtesy of University of Pittsburgh)
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APA has great resources on how to find programs and applying to graduate school.
- APA Applying to Graduate School
- APA’s Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate School
- Cracking the Grad School Code: Tips and Tricks for Undergraduates with essential steps for the grad school journey
- Advantages and Disadvantages to Online Graduate Programs
- Finding Fit: A Roadmap to Graduate School APA free webinar
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- Psych Research List: Psych Grad School Resources
- Psi Chi Resources to Graduate School
- The Portable Mentor: Expert Guide to a Successful Career in Psychology (free online book). Learn about the field, how to successfully apply, and how to thrive while completing doctoral work. Including chapters on:
- The Hidden Costs of Applying for Graduate School and Suggestions to Reduce Them
- Accreditation for Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology Graduate Programs
- Distinguishing Between For-Profit and Non-Profit Institutions
- (Very relevant to costs and deciding which graduate program to attend)
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- An Eye on Graduate School: Guidance Through a Successful Application (Psi Chi book)
- Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology (free)
- Note: Most information is relevant across all disciplines in Psychology! It also covers PsyD, MSW, Counseling, Post Bac, and other adjacent programs.
- Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (at LMU Library)
- LMU Library Guide to Books on Psychology Graduate Schools and Study
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(log onto LMU Library account for journal access)
- Undergraduate Psychology Courses Preferred by Graduate Programs
- Kisses of Death in the Graduate School Application Process
- Graduate Admissions in Psychology: Using Quantitative and Qualitative Measures to Understand the Frequency and Fatality of Applicant Errors
- Graduate Debt in Psychology: A Quantitative Analysis (2016)
- Demystifying One’s Chances of Acceptance into Clinical PhD Psychology Programs
- Financial Stress and Debt in Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students
Please email Psychology@lmu.edu if you find any links not working.