What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology?
| 4 Min Read
Few graduate degrees open as many doors as a master’s degree in psychology. From clinical and behavioral health settings to research labs, courtrooms and social service agencies, the skills developed through advanced psychology study translate across industries and populations.
For those looking to enter this field with flexibility and purpose, Carlow University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program offers a career-focused curriculum. This program extends four specialization options (assessment, forensic, therapeutic arts and treatment), all designed to align graduate study with individual career goals and interests.
What Careers Are Available in Mental and Behavioral Health?
The most direct career path for graduates runs through mental and behavioral health. Roles such as mental health practitioner, substance abuse clinician and behavioral health specialist are common entry points. And the demand for qualified professionals in these positions is substantial and growing.
According to findings from Mental Health America (MHA), nearly 60 million adults — which represents roughly 23% of the U.S. adult population — experienced a mental illness within a year’s time span. Yet barriers including cost and provider shortages prevent millions from accessing the help they need. The MHA data reveals there are 340 people for every single mental health provider, and over 122 million people live in an area where the mental health workforce falls short.
What Does the Job Outlook Look Like for Psychology Careers?
The labor market data reinforces that demand for psychology degree holders is strong and climbing. Carlow’s online MA in Psychology program offers students a defined path to achieve this goal. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment of psychologists to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $94,310 as of May 2024.
Driving this growth is a constellation of factors: rising public awareness of mental health, expanded insurance coverage for behavioral health services, an aging population with growing mental health needs and a persistent disconnect between those who need care and those who can access it. For graduates with the right training, the timing could not be better.
What Other Career Paths Can a Psychology Master’s Open Up?
A master’s in psychology is not limited to clinical or counseling roles. Research assistants and psychometricians apply psychological measurement principles in academic institutions, government –agencies, healthcare organizations and private-sector settings. Graduates also move into probation and parole, juvenile corrections and a range of social service careers that draw on psychology’s core competencies: assessment, behavioral analysis and human development.
For those with doctoral ambitions, a master’s degree can serve as a launchpad. Carlow University’s program has a strong track record, with 82% of students being accepted into doctoral psychology programs. Whether the goal is immediate entry into the workforce or preparation for advanced study, the program’s flexible curriculum supports both.
Build a Career That Makes a Difference
The mental health ecosystem in the United States is under immense strain. Millions of people need care, the workforce is stretched thin and the gap between demand and access to care continues to widen. That reality makes trained, skilled psychology professionals more essential than ever — not just in clinical settings but across every corner of the human services landscape.
A master’s in psychology is one of the most versatile credentials available for those who want to be part of the solution. Whether the goal is direct client work, research, advocacy or a path toward doctoral study, the degree provides the foundation to pursue it. Carlow University’s online MA in Psychology equips graduates with exactly that foundation, preparing them to step into meaningful, in-demand roles.
Learn more about Carlow University’s online MA in Psychology program.
About Carlow University’s Master of Arts in Psychology
Carlow University, a Catholic liberal arts university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers an online Master of Arts in Psychology designed for working professionals seeking graduate-level training in psychological theory, research and practice. The program is delivered fully online and prepares graduates for careers in counseling, human services, organizational settings and doctoral study.
Carlow’s online MA in Psychology program builds on the university’s mission-driven tradition of social justice and human dignity, integrating ethical frameworks into graduate psychological education. Graduates are equipped to apply psychological principles across a range of professional contexts, from community mental health to workplace consultation and beyond.