Certifications and Training for Psychology Undergraduate Students in 2025?

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The world has come to recognize the importance of professionals in the field of psychology over the years. For instance, 90% of the American public believe that the United States (US) is experiencing a mental health crisis (Lopes, Kirzinger, & Sparks, 2022). The ongoing shortage of mental healthcare workers across the country has also been negatively impacting the alarming situation.

Fortunately, psychology undergraduate students can help by pursuing certifications offered by reputable credentialing agencies while still completing their college education. To help you in your search for credentials, I crafted this extensive guide to certifications that undergraduate students are eligible for. Below, I also discuss available occupations, salary potential, career outlook, options for continuing education, and alternative career paths.

What benefits do psychology undergraduate students get from earning certifications?

Several certifications are available to psychology undergraduate students, including the Registered Behavior Technician® certification and the International Certified Addiction Professional-Prevention I credential. These certifications validate the knowledge and skills of these students and improve their career readiness.
Certifications can also expand psychology undergraduate students’ career options. They may be eligible for entry-level roles in mental health support, organizational development, and education, among other relevant fields.
Psychology majors with certifications may also strengthen their applications to graduate degree programs. Additional academic credentials may demonstrate initiative and mastery of essential skills.

What certifications can psychology undergraduate students get? Certifications
What internship opportunities are available to psychology undergraduate students? Internship Programs
What volunteer opportunities are available to psychology undergraduate students? Volunteer Programs
What training programs are available to psychology undergraduate students? Training Programs
What skills can psychology undergraduate students develop from training programs? Core Skills
What jobs can psychology undergraduate students with certifications get? Available Jobs
How much can psychology undergraduate students earn with certifications? Salary Prospects
Which industries can psychology undergraduate students find training opportunities in? Which industries can psychology undergraduate students find training opportunities in?
What are the continuing-education options available to psychology undergraduate students? What are the continuing-education options available to psychology undergraduate students?
What alternative degrees can I take up instead of psychology? What alternative degrees can I take up instead of psychology?
Other Things You Should Know about Getting Undergraduate Psychology Certifications Other Things You Should Know about Getting Undergraduate Psychology Certifications

What certifications can psychology undergraduate students get?

Psychology undergraduate students can work toward earning certifications in different subfields, such as behavior analysis, substance abuse counseling, and human resources. These credentials help assess your knowledge and skills, improve your employability, and expand your opportunities for specialized professional roles.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Certification

The BACB offers the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification, which psychology undergraduate students can pursue. The RBT certification is a paraprofessional credential in behavioral analysis and requires only a high school diploma or the equivalent for academic eligibility. Notably, applicants must finish a 40-hour training program and the RBT Initial Competency Assessment.

To prepare for higher-level roles, some students also review CEU requirements for BCBA, which outline the continuing education expectations for advancing in behavior analysis.

Center for Credentialing and Accreditation (CCA) Certifications

The CCA offers four certifications that psychology undergraduate students can earn in the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery support:

International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP)-Prevention I
ICAP Treatment-I
ICAP-Treatment II
ICAP-Recovery Support

Applicants are required to have earned at least their high school diplomas or the equivalent. They must also complete the required training hours and supervised work experience, depending on their chosen certification.

National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) Certification

The NCC AP offers the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) credential, which is a voluntary certification for professionals specializing in substance use disorders and addiction-related disciplines. Applicants are required to have a high school diploma, the equivalent, or higher. Notably, they must also hold an active credential or license as a substance use disorders counselor, addiction counselor, or professional counselor.

What internship opportunities are available to psychology undergraduate students?

Internship opportunities for psychology undergraduate students provide valuable hands-on experience. They allow students to apply classroom knowledge, build professional skills, and explore different career paths within psychology-related fields.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The NIMH offers the Summer Internship Program (SIP) from high school students to professional degree students. Interns help investigators at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct research in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences.

Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health (CCGMH)

The CCGMH offers its Undergraduate Summer Internship to senior undergraduate students. The 8-week program includes global-mental-health research projects and professional-development sessions.

Programs like this give valuable careers in clinical research exposure, showing students what professional pathways look like in real-world contexts.

Karen M. Gil Internship Program

The University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill offers the Karen M. Gil Internship Program to undergraduate psychology and neuroscience majors. The merit-based program sends 10 to 13 qualified students to a Triangle-area worksite, provides them with monthly stipends, and gives them a 3-hour course credit.

What volunteer opportunities are available to psychology undergraduate students?

Volunteer opportunities for psychology undergraduate students enable them to contribute to community-mental-health and human-services programs. They offer meaningful ways to develop different essential skills and gain practical experience that they can use in their daily professional and personal lives.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit suicide-prevention organization in the US, calls on individuals to become volunteer crisis counselors and join its initiatives in supporting the LGBTQ+ youth. Applicants must pass eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, residing in the US, and being able to commit at least 1 year as a volunteer after completing their training.

American Psychological Association’s (APA) ACT Raising Safe Kids Program

The APA offers several volunteer opportunities, including the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program. This initiative educates parents and caregivers of kids from birth to age 10 on positive parenting skills. To help carry out the program, qualified individuals are also called on to become ACT Facilitators in their own organizations.

ACT Facilitators must encourage their organizations to get involved in the ACT program as well as plan and conduct the sessions for the participating parents and caregivers. To become eligible, applicants must have an associate or bachelor’s degree in relevant fields, such as psychology, education, and social work.

Indiana University-Bloomington Volunteer Opportunities

Indiana University-Bloomington lists several volunteer opportunities for different beneficiaries, such as children, adults, and animals. Initiatives for children include College Mentors for Kids; Autism Mentoring Program; and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of South Central Indiana.

For adult beneficiaries, volunteer programs include Best Buddies Indiana, which offers friendship-building, integrated-employment, and leadership-development opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Another example is Mental Health America-Monroe County, wherein volunteers can assist with support groups for individuals with mental health concerns as well as their family and friends.

What training programs are available to psychology undergraduate students?

In-person and online training programs provide psychology undergraduate students with focused learning sessions and practical experience in the field. Through structured discussions, training programs add to students’ fundamental knowledge and skills, help them figure out their subfields of interest, and build them up for employment or graduate education.

American Psychological Association (APA) Training and Webinars

The APA offers numerous educational resources, including in-person training and webinars. Topics include careers in psychology, continuing education, psychological practice, psychological research, and professional tips and tricks in the field.

Some programs are designed to prepare students for graduate-level study by clarifying what accreditation is needed for psychology, ensuring they pursue schools and credentials that meet industry standards.

Brown University Clinical Psychology Internship Training Program

Brown University offers an internship training program, which gives students a year of predoctoral-level training in assessment, therapy, consultation, and clinical research in clinical psychology. Students may choose among four areas of interest within the subfield: adult, child, health psychology/behavioral medicine, and neuropsychology.

What skills can psychology undergraduate students demonstrate through certifications?

Certifications provide psychology undergraduate students with the opportunity to demonstrate valuable, career-ready skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge. By going through specialized training, students can showcase practical expertise and professional competence. These include the following skills:

Applied Behavioral Skills: Certifications, such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), enable students to apply behavioral principles directly. They demonstrate their ability to work with diverse populations in real-world settings.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Some certifications, such as in counseling or human resources, allow students to show their ability to communicate effectively, practice empathy, and build rapport. This even overlaps with areas like what is teletherapy counseling, where online interaction requires additional digital communication competencies.
Research and Analytical Skills: Certifications in data analysis or research methods highlight a student’s capacity to interpret data and use statistical tools. They also enable students to show their research skills through evidence-based studies.

What jobs can psychology undergraduate students with certifications get?

Psychology undergraduate students who earn certifications can access a wider range of career opportunities that align with their interests in human behavior, mental health, and social services. These promising psychology jobs in demand include the following:

Psychiatric Technicians: With certifications in mental health support, psychology undergraduate students can assist in caring for patients with psychiatric conditions. They can monitor treatment plans and provide daily care in hospitals or residential facilities. In 2024, 144,500 psychiatric technicians were employed in the US (US BLS, 2025).
Social and Human Service Assistants: Certifications in case management or counseling prepare students to support individuals and families. They connect individuals and families with community resources and help them navigate healthcare or social services. In 2024, 449,600 social and human service assistants worked in the US (US BLS, 2025).
Health Education Specialists: Health education certifications show that psychology undergraduate students can design and deliver programs that promote preventive care and healthy lifestyles in schools, nonprofit organizations, or healthcare organizations. In 2024, 71,800 health education specialists were employed in the US (US BLS, 2025).
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: Psychology majors with criminal justice-related certifications can guide rehabilitation plans and help monitor probation compliance. They can also help support reintegration for individuals in the justice system. In 2024, 92,300 of these specialists were employed in the US (US BLS, 2025).
Social and Community Service Managers: With leadership certifications, students can oversee programs that address social issues and manage staff. They can also develop strategies to improve community well-being. In 2024, 219,800 social and community service managers worked in the US (US BLS, 2025).

Students interested in addiction-focused careers may also benefit from pursuing a fast track online addiction psychology degree to enhance their qualifications.

How much can psychology undergraduate students earn with certifications?

The income potential of psychology undergraduate students in the US can vary based on several factors, such as academic performance, area of certification, and professional role. Some roles, particularly entry-level positions, may provide students with salaries lower than national levels.

For instance, psychiatric technicians in the US, which are required to have only postsecondary certificates to become qualified for certification, had a median annual wage of $42,200 in May 2024. The figure is lower than the $49,500 median annual wage of all US occupations in the same period (US BLS, 2025).

Other related entry-level positions may have salary potential that is higher than psychiatric technicians. For instance, social and human service assistants had a May 2024 median annual wage of $45,120. Aspirants usually need only a high school diploma or the equivalent for this role.

Once psychology undergraduate students complete their degree programs, their income potential is set to increase considerably due to the academic achievement, their certifications, and the professional roles that will be available to them. For instance, health education specialists usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and had a median annual wage of $63,000 in May 2024, which is higher than that of all US occupations (US BLS, 2025).

Students seeking faster pathways into specialized fields may also explore the shortest master's in industrial organizational psychology online to advance their earning potential and career opportunities.

The chart below provides a visualization of the May 2024 median annual wages of occupations available to psychology undergraduate students with certifications, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

Which industries can psychology undergraduate students find training opportunities in?

Psychology undergraduate students can find training opportunities in industries that have a demand for professionals in the field of psychology and other related fields.

For instance, in 2024, the US employed around 144,500 psychiatric technicians, a role that psychology majors can qualify for by earning relevant certifications, completing training programs, and gaining practical experience. By venturing into the largest employers of psychiatric technicians, psychology undergraduate students can immerse themselves in the work environments that are waiting for them outside of school settings.

So you can get started, explore below the sectors that had the largest shares of psychiatric technicians across the country in 2024 (US BLS, 2025):

Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (State): 24%
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (Private): 18%
State Government (Excluding Education and Hospitals): 18%
Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities: 7%
Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers: 2%

Meanwhile, individuals looking to start their careers as social and human service assistants can explore the following sectors, which are the largest employers of these workers in 2024 (US BLS, 2025):

Individuals and Family Services: 28%
Local Government (Excluding Education and Hospitals): 11%
Community Food and Housing, Emergency and Other Relief Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services: 11%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 10%
State Government (Excluding Education and Hospitals): 8%

The chart below provides a visualization of the largest employers of psychiatric technicians in the US in 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What are the continuing-education options available to psychology undergraduate students?

Continuing education offers psychology undergraduate students opportunities to specialize in a field and expand career prospects. After completing a bachelor’s degree, students can consider several academic and professional paths, such as the following:

Graduate Degrees: Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology allows students to specialize in recognized subfields, such as clinical, counseling, or industrial-organizational psychology. These graduate degrees can equip psychology majors with the knowledge and skills that they need to become qualified for licensure and advance their careers.
Post-baccalaureate Certificates: These programs provide focused training in different fields, including applied behavior analysis, substance abuse counseling, or forensic psychology. They help graduates build expertise without committing to a full graduate degree.
Professional Development Courses: Short-term training in areas, such as research methods, data analytics, or human resources, can enhance the skills of students and keep them updated on industry trends. They can improve employability across psychology-related careers.

Students interested in advancing their education and specializing in neuropsychology may want to explore the best online PhD and PsyD programs in neuropsychology. Online degree programs can provide students with the flexibility to study while working on other obligations.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of psychology?

Students interested in venturing into the field of psychology but are exploring alternative academic paths can pursue related degrees. Alternative degrees include the following:

Sociology: This degree examines social structures, group behavior, and cultural influences. Students gain insights into how societal factors shape individuals. It prepares them for roles in research, social services, or community development.
Social Work: A degree in social work emphasizes direct practice and advocacy. Graduates are trained to support individuals and families in overcoming personal and social challenges.
Human Services: Human services focuses on practical support and case management in community, healthcare, and nonprofit settings. Students learn intervention strategies and program management. They are prepared to work in diverse service-oriented careers.

Faster pathways in psychology-related fields include the shortest counseling psychology masters programs online for advanced specialization.

Here’s What Psychology Undergraduate Students Say about Their Careers

Gregory: "Earning my certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while completing my psychology degree gave me real-world experience in applied behavior analysis. It not only boosted my confidence but also made me competitive for clinical roles right after graduation."

Colin: "As a psychology graduate, I pursued a certification in substance abuse counseling. I was able to work with rehabilitation centers and received hands-on training. The certification helped me translate academic knowledge into meaningful client care."

Nina: "Completing an HR certification alongside my bachelor’s in psychology allowed me to specialize in organizational psychology. This credential made me stand out in corporate hiring. It just proves that psychology majors can thrive in business careers with the right training."

Key Findings

The CCA offers four certifications that psychology undergraduate students can earn in the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery support, including International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP)-Prevention I, ICAP Treatment-I, and ICAP-Recovery Support.
With mental-health-support certifications, psychology students can assist in patient care for psychiatric conditions. They can monitor treatment plans and provide daily care in hospitals or residential facilities. In 2024, 144,500 psychiatric technicians were employed in the US (US BLS, 2025).
Psychiatric technicians in the US had a median annual wage of $42,200 in May 2024, which is lower than the $49,500 median annual wage of all US occupations in the same period (US BLS, 2025). Notably, these workers are required to have only postsecondary certificates to become qualified for certification.
Aspiring licensed psychologists must earn a master’s or doctoral degree, depending on the specialization, and pass licensing requirements to practice legally. In May 2024, psychologists employed in the US had a median annual wage of $94,310 (US BLS, 2025).
From 2024 to 2034, employment for psychiatric technicians across the US is expected to increase by 20%, which is significantly higher than the average job growth rate of all US occupations over the decade (US BLS, 2025).

Other Things You Should Know about Getting Undergraduate Psychology Certifications

Is psychology a BA or BS degree?

Psychology can be pursued as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). A BA often emphasizes liberal arts, communication, and social sciences, while a BS usually focuses more on research, statistics, and scientific coursework.

What undergraduate degree is best for psychology?

The best undergraduate degree for psychology depends on career goals. Students aiming to go into counseling, social work, or other related roles may choose a BA in psychology. Meanwhile, students may choose a BS in psychology for research, neuroscience, or graduate study.

Is a bachelor’s degree in psychology hard to earn?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can be challenging, as it may involve research, statistics, and critical thinking. Fortunately, it is manageable with dedication, study skills, and genuine interest in human behavior.

What is the shortest degree in psychology?

The shortest degree in the field of psychology is usually an associate degree, which takes about 2 years to complete. An associate degree in psychology provides foundational knowledge and prepares students for entry-level roles or further study.