What Can You Do With an Applied Psychology Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What careers can you pursue with an applied psychology degree?

An applied psychology degree isn’t just about understanding human behavior; it’s about turning that knowledge into real impact. From guiding personal growth to shaping organizational strategy, it unlocks careers where psychology meets practical problem-solving.

Below are some of the most common career paths that applied psychology degree graduates can pursue:

• Career Counselor: Guide individuals in aligning them with career opportunities. Provide support in decision-making, job searches, and long-term career planning.
• Research Assistant: Contribute to psychological studies by collecting and analyzing data. Assist in experiments that lead to new insights about human behavior.
• Disability Specialist: Advocate for individuals with disabilities by ensuring access to resources and opportunities. Promote and improve inclusivity across sectors.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist: Support clients, often children with autism, by teaching adaptive skills and reducing challenging behaviors. Collaborate with families and educators to create progress plans.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction. Explore our list of accelerated online addiction psychology degrees if you would like to focus on this path.
• Human Resources Specialist: Use psychology to improve hiring, training, and employee satisfaction. Play a key role in building positive and productive workplace cultures.
• Organizational Development Consultant: Help businesses improve leadership effectiveness and employee performance. Guide companies using behavioral science to reduce resistance and boost results.

No matter which role you pursue, an applied psychology degree equips you to make a meaningful impact, from helping individuals grow to shaping stronger and more effective organizations.

How does applied psychology compare to general psychology?

An applied psychology degree is designed for students who want to put principles into practice, while a general psychology degree provides a broader foundation in theory and research. The key difference is in the core focus: applied psychology prepares you to act, while general psychology prepares you to analyze.

Here’s a closer look at how the two compare:

Applied Psychology

• Focuses on solving real-world problems in areas like work, health, and education.
• Uses psychological principles to design practical interventions and strategies.
• Prepares graduates for immediate career paths across industries that require behavioral expertise.
• Emphasizes hands-on skills like assessment, counseling, and program development.

General Psychology

• Concentrates on studying theories, mental processes, and underlying principles of behavior.
• Provides a broad academic foundation that can lead to specialized graduate study.
• Prepares graduates for research roles or further training rather than direct practice.
• Emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and understanding of psychological frameworks.

If you want to move faster into practice, accelerated school psychology programs online offer a quicker route to specialization. Either path provides valuable skills to shape and improve human behavior.

What skills will you develop in an applied psychology degree?

An applied psychology degree equips you with a mix of scientific knowledge and practical abilities that go far beyond the classroom. These skills not only prepare you for psychology-related roles but also make you competitive in business, healthcare, and technology.

Here are some of the most valuable skills you’ll develop along the way:

• Behavioral Analysis: Learn to observe, interpret, and predict human behavior in different settings. This skill helps you anticipate actions and respond effectively.
• Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to evaluate information, challenge assumptions, and make sound decisions. It allows you to cut through bias and focus on facts.
• Research Competence: Build skills in designing studies, collecting data, and analyzing results to inform evidence-based practices. This gives you the tools to validate ideas with data.
• Problem-Solving: Apply psychological principles to craft solutions for workplace, educational, and clinical challenges. You’ll learn to approach issues from multiple angles.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Understand the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and responsible practice. This ensures integrity in any role you take on.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strengthen your ability to build rapport, show empathy, and navigate diverse social interactions. These skills are essential in both professional and personal settings.
• Forensic Insight: Explore how psychology applies to law, crime, and justice systems. Understanding these skills also gives you a clearer view of a standard forensic psychologist job description.

The skills gained through an applied psychology degree create a strong foundation for both professional growth and real-world impact. From research to problem-solving, each ability plays a role in shaping how psychologists support individuals and organizations. 

To see how these translate into professional practice, here’s a chart breaking down the most important skills every psychologist of any specializations should have:

What industries are hiring applied psychology degree graduates in 2025?

In today’s market, applied psychology degree graduates are in demand across a surprising range of industries. Employers are looking for professionals who can use behavioral science to improve performance, well-being, and decision-making.

Here are the top industries actively hiring in 2025:

• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics rely on psychology graduates to support patient care, mental health services, and wellness programs. Applied skills help bridge the gap between medical treatment and behavioral support.
• Education: Schools and universities hire graduates to improve student outcomes and design effective learning environments. Applied psychology ensures strategies are evidence-based and student-focused.
• Government and Public Policy: Agencies use applied psychology in program development, community outreach, and policy evaluation. Graduates bring insights that help shape fair and effective policies. Applied psychology can even intersect with energy policy careers, where professionals evaluate how communities adopt renewable energy programs, assess public attitudes, and design initiatives that encourage sustainable behavior change.
• Tech Companies: Tech firms value applied psychologists for UX research and product design. They ensure digital tools are intuitive, user-friendly, and aligned with human behavior.
• Corporate Business: Companies seek psychology graduates for HR, leadership training, and organizational development. These roles help strengthen culture, engagement, and productivity.
• Marketing and Advertising: Brands rely on psychology graduates to understand consumer behavior and create persuasive campaigns. Applied insights drive both customer loyalty and sales growth.
• Sports and Performance: Sports training centers employ applied psychologists to boost motivation and resilience. Find some of the shortest sports psychology programs online to enter the workforce quickly.

The reach of applied psychology spans from hospitals to tech firms, proving its versatility in the modern workforce. Each industry values the ability to blend behavioral science with practical solutions. 

To better understand where these opportunities are concentrated, here’s a chart breaking down the industries with the highest levels of employment in psychologists of all specializations:

How much can you earn with an applied psychology degree?

An applied psychology degree offers a wide range of earning opportunities, giving graduates room to grow as they gain experience. From solid starting salaries to six-figure potential, the field rewards both skill and specialization.

Here’s a breakdown of what applied psychology degree graduates can expect to earn in 2025:

• Top Earners ($137,500): The highest-paid professionals often hold advanced roles in leadership, consulting, or specialized clinical practice.
• 75th Percentile ($88,500): Experienced psychologists and specialists in areas like organizational development or research typically earn at this level.
• Average ($73,456): The typical applied psychology graduate earns a competitive income, reflecting steady demand across healthcare, business, and education.
• 25th Percentile ($40,500): Entry-level positions or roles in nonprofits and community services often start here. While lower than the average, these roles provide a valuable entry point for building experience.

An applied psychology degree gives you the flexibility to start strong and grow into higher-earning opportunities. With demand rising across industries, the financial outlook is both promising and sustainable.

Which certifications should you consider after earning an applied psychology degree?

Earning an applied psychology degree is only the beginning; certifications can help you stand out in the job market. These credentials validate your expertise and open doors to roles that require advanced, focused training.

Here are some of the most valuable certifications worth considering:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Recognizes advanced competence in behavior analysis for complex cases. BCBAs often take on supervisory, research, or program development roles.
• Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist (CCDS): Equips you to work with clients facing both mental health and substance use disorders. It’s valuable in clinical, community health, and rehabilitation environments.
• Psychological First Aid (PFA): Trains you to provide immediate emotional support during crises or disasters. This certification is ideal for roles in emergency response, healthcare, and nonprofit services.
• Certified Trauma Professional (CTP): Specializes in helping individuals recover from trauma through evidence-based interventions. This is highly applicable in mental health, education, and social service fields.
• Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): Focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment of substance abuse. It’s a credential that enhances credibility for those working in counseling and recovery programs.

With one in seven adolescents (or 14%) experiencing a mental health crisis, the need for specialized psychologists has never been greater. These certifications position you to meet that need and create meaningful change where it matters most.

What graduate programs can I pursue with an applied psychology degree?

An applied psychology degree lays the foundation for advanced study, giving you the flexibility to specialize in areas that match your career goals. Graduate programs allow you to deepen your expertise, expand your opportunities, and step into higher-level professional roles.

Here are some of the most common graduate paths you can pursue:

• Master’s in Counseling Psychology: Prepares you for licensure as a counselor, focusing on clinical practice. See our list of accelerated online counseling psychology programs for fast-track undergrad options.
• Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Equips you to improve workplace culture, productivity, and employee well-being. Graduates often move into roles in HR, consulting, or organizational leadership.
• Master of Social Work (MSW): Trains you to provide therapy, advocacy, and support across community and clinical settings. It’s a strong option for those interested in both social impact and direct client care.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Focuses on clinical practice and applied work with patients rather than research. This degree is often the pathway for those pursuing careers as licensed clinical psychologists.
• PhD in Psychology: Designed for students interested in advanced research, teaching, or specialized practice. It offers the chance to contribute original knowledge to the field while preparing for leadership roles.
• Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in School Psychology: Concentrates on supporting students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral. Graduates can pursue certification as school psychologists.
• Master’s in Public Health (MPH): Addresses mental health and behavioral issues on a population level. This path is well-suited for those who want to combine psychology with policy and community health initiatives.

For those aiming at leadership in healthcare systems, pursuing advanced options such as a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) or a Doctorate in Behavioral Health Leadership is another path to consider. Exploring what can you do with a doctoral degree in behavioral health leadership reveals opportunities in executive management, policy development, integrated care program design, and organizational leadership within hospitals, clinics, and community health networks.

Once you decide to pursue advanced education, the key is picking a program that plays to your strengths and drives your career forward. Each path opens doors, whether you want to practice, research, or lead.

What are the alternative career paths for applied psychology degree graduates?

An applied psychology degree doesn’t limit you to counseling or clinical roles. The skills you gain in behavior analysis, problem-solving, and communication can open doors to left-field careers you might not expect.

Here are some alternative directions you can take your degree:

• Gaming Industry Behavioral Specialist: Help design games that are engaging without being exploitative by studying player motivation. Your expertise ensures balance between fun and ethical design. Moreover, game business and esports jobs often require professionals who can analyze player behavior, optimize team performance, and even consult on fan engagement strategies. With applied psychology skills, graduates can step into these innovative roles where human motivation and competitive dynamics are at the heart of success.
• Human Factors Specialist: Focus on the interaction between people and systems, such as in aviation, healthcare, or engineering. Psychology training helps you design safer, more efficient human-technology environments.
• Political Campaign Strategist: Analyze voter behavior and communication patterns to craft persuasive strategies. Applied psychology offers tools for understanding public opinion and decision-making at scale.
• Financial Coach: Use behavioral psychology to help individuals manage spending, saving, and investing. This role connects money management with the human habits behind financial decisions.
• Learning and Development Specialist: Design training programs that actually stick by leveraging principles of memory and behavior change. Your knowledge makes workplace learning more engaging and effective.

These alternative paths highlight how versatile an applied psychology degree can be. By stepping outside the traditional psychology roles, you can apply your expertise in human behavior to fields as varied as law, technology, business, and the arts.

What is the job outlook for applied psychology graduates over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, applied psychology degree graduates can expect strong opportunities across traditional psychology careers and emerging roles in diverse industries.

Here’s what the data and trends show for the years 2023 to 2033:

• Faster-than-Average Growth: Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7%, outpacing the average for all occupations.
• Steady Openings Each Year: About 13,000 positions are expected annually, many from retirements or career changes.
• Rising Demand for Mental Health Services: Clinical and counseling roles will expand as more people seek professional help for personal and emotional challenges.
• Focus on Student Well-Being: Schools will need more professionals to address the connection between mental health and learning, as well as behavioral and developmental issues.
• Healthcare Expansion: Hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies will increasingly rely on psychological expertise.
• Workplace Applications: Organizations will continue hiring specialists to enhance hiring practices, employee training, and overall morale.

In addition, mental health-related career paths are seeing particularly strong growth. Graduates interested in advanced practice nursing roles may look into PMHNP jobs (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), which combine psychology and nursing expertise to provide specialized mental health care. These roles are in especially high demand within hospitals, outpatient centers, and telehealth, reflecting the nation’s growing need for accessible psychiatric services.

Applied psychology degree graduates are stepping into a decade of growth, with the chance to influence industries that rely on understanding people to move forward.

What emerging industry trends are shaping applied psychology careers in 2025?

The field of applied psychology is in overdrive. Breakthrough treatments, workforce shifts, and changing social priorities are rewriting the playbook. The American Psychological Association (2025) says the industry is full of new trends, but only for those ready to adapt fast.

Keep an eye out for these rising industry trends:

Renewed Interest in Psychedelic Treatments

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining recognition as research shows promise for treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Psychologists are needed to provide assessments, integration support, and ethical oversight in these treatments. This is creating new career pathways at the intersection of psychology, medicine, and research.

Push for Accessible Mental Health Care

Rising awareness of mental health disparities is fueling advocacy for more affordable and inclusive services. Psychologists are increasingly involved in telehealth, community-based programs, and policy change to expand access. This trend broadens opportunities for psychologists to make an impact beyond traditional clinical practice.

Workplace Toxicity Demand New Applied Psychology Techniques

Conflicts around remote work, generational differences, and employee well-being are reshaping organizational culture. Psychologists are stepping in to mediate disputes, improve communication, and design healthier workplaces. Their expertise is becoming central to organizational development and leadership strategy.

Artificial Intelligence Transforms Applied Psychology

AI tools, ranging from therapy chatbots to AI-powered counseling platforms like BetterHelp, are transforming every facet of psychological work. Psychologists are developing and evaluating these tools, blending ethical oversight with innovation to amplify impact

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Become Core Practice

EDI principles are now central to how psychology is taught, researched, and applied. Psychologists are expected to integrate cultural competence and justice-oriented approaches into their work. This shift opens career opportunities in advocacy, education, and community leadership.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Applied Psychology Degrees

Other Things You Need to Know About Applied Psychology Degree

Can I become a therapist with an applied psychology degree?

An applied psychology degree provides foundational knowledge of human behavior and mental health, but becoming a licensed therapist typically requires additional graduate training, like a master’s in counseling psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

However, this bachelor's degree alone can prepare you for roles in counseling support, coaching, or behavioral intervention.

Is applied psychology more research-focused or practice-oriented?

Applied psychology balances both research and practical application, though the emphasis often depends on your specialization. Some programs prioritize hands-on work with individuals, organizations, or communities, while others stress data collection and experimental design. Overall, graduates gain skills to translate research into actionable solutions in real-world settings.

Can applied psychology help me start my own consultancy or private practice?

Yes, the degree equips you with expertise in human behavior, assessment, and problem-solving that can be applied in consulting or private practice. Knowledge of organizational behavior, mental health, and intervention strategies allows you to offer evidence-based services. Additional certifications may be required depending on your target clientele.

What are the challenges of pursuing a career in applied psychology?

The field can be competitive, and many roles require advanced degrees or specialized credentials to advance. Practitioners often face high responsibility, emotional strain, and the need to stay current with evolving research and ethical standards. Balancing client needs with professional development and regulatory requirements can also be demanding.