Most people want a feeling of gratification from their chosen career path, and the field of psychology offers many chances to help others. Some psychology majors may decide to work with children, which can be rewarding and challenging. Choosing a career centered on children requires patience, compassion and understanding.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program from Florida Institute of Technology provides an excellent entry point into this field. In-depth coursework provides the skills and understanding to excel in many child-centered professional roles and graduate-level academic pursuits.
Here are eight jobs for psychology majors that involve working with and advocating for kids.
1. Elementary and Middle School Teacher
Most schools require teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree, generally in education, but moving to a higher level of teaching in a specialized field may require a degree in that area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aspiring teachers with a non-education bachelor’s may enter the field by completing a teacher education program and obtaining certification, depending on state requirements. Verywell Mind also notes this is a solid career option for psychology majors with a teaching certificate.
Elementary and middle school teachers typically create lesson plans, monitor students’ progress and communicate with parents about students’ progress. They may also have to work with students on a one-on-one level to navigate individual challenges and prepare all students for standardized tests. With young students, teachers may create rules that enforce proper behavior.
All teachers should have good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, and be creative and resourceful. Typically, teaching children requires more physical stamina and patience, while teaching older students may require more speaking and critical-thinking skills.
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for elementary and middle school teachers as follows:
- Required education level: bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary (2023): $63,670
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 1%
2. Child Psychologist
Psychologists study behavior and brain function, usually collecting information through observations, experiments, interviews and other research methods. Child psychologists study milestones, emotional and mental well-being, behavioral issues and development from birth through adolescence. They work specifically on cognitive strategies and therapies to help younger patients work through whatever’s affecting them.
Psychologists often earn a bachelor’s in psychology, followed by a master’s, and then a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. They may also specialize in an area of development. Psychologists must have superior analytical, communication, interpersonal and observational skills. They should also be patient and trustworthy, as they hold much information in confidence.
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for psychologist professions as follows:
- Required education level: master’s or doctoral degree, depending on professional role and state licensure requirements
- Median annual salary (2023): $92,740
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 6%
3. Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists help families, children and married couples work through emotional disorders and mental problems, along with helping them to understand those issues and apply strategies to break through those problems. These therapists often support families navigating marital conflicts, substance abuse, domestic violence, grieving, infertility and other issues. Therapists may work in a hospital or private practice.
Marriage and family therapists must be compassionate and strong listeners. They should also be well-organized and have good speaking skills. Marriage and family therapists typically earn a master’s degree in psychology, therapy or a related mental health field. A bachelor’s degree provides the foundation to earn a master’s degree and a license to practice.
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for marriage and family therapists as follows:
- Required education level: master’s degree
- Median annual salary (2023): $58,510
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 15%
4. Art Therapist
Art therapy branches off from the traditional therapy setting. Art therapists help adults and children cope with mental, physical and emotional issues by incorporating art into counseling sessions. Art therapists can work in any place with any type of client and create projects based on the type of patient and knowledge of how the artistic process affects people. They must be good at observing and listening and be empathetic, patient and creative.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET OnLine occupational resource reports education, salary and job growth information for art therapists as follows:
- Required education level: master’s degree or higher, depending on professional role
- Median annual salary (2023): $63,650
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 9% or higher
5. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists work with mental health patients, and child psychiatrists work specifically with children. For example, child psychiatrists might create a treatment plan for a child with autism spectrum disorder that integrates multiple psychotherapies and techniques. Helping young patients and prescribing the correct medications can help change lives. A psychiatry job requires a medical degree and psychiatry certification.
Child psychiatrists communicate regularly with patients, families and staff. Psychiatrists should be skilled in decision-making, analysis, verbal and written communication, and organization.
O*NET Online reports education, salary and job growth information for psychiatrist professions as follows:
- Required education level: doctoral degree or post-doctoral training (though a small percentage of roles may only require a master’s degree)
- Median annual salary (2023): equal to or greater than $239,200
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 5% to 8%
6. Social Worker
Social workers, such as child welfare specialists, are typically involved with family and community services such as child abuse/neglect investigations, shelter and group home services, foster care, adoption and court liaison activities. They manage caseloads and recommend appropriate programs and interventions for children and families.
Pursuing a career in social work may require a master’s degree and a state license. A bachelor’s in psychology can provide an entry point to many roles in the field and a foundation for further education and career advancement. Earning a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology also helps students land jobs like youth counselor positions that offer excellent preparation for social work careers.
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for social workers as follows:
- Required education level: bachelor’s or master’s degree and potentially licensure, depending on professional role and state requirements
- Median annual salary (2023): $58,380
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 7%
7. Preschool and Childcare Center Directors
Preschool and childcare center directors design programs, supervise childcare staff, create budgets and generally oversee all aspects of the center. This can include communicating with parents and children as well as establishing policies and educational standards.
Preschool and childcare center directors typically possess a bachelor’s degree and coursework in early childhood education. Interpersonal and communication skills, business savvy and leadership expertise are important competencies for this role.
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for preschool and childcare center directors as follows:
- Required education level: bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary (2023): $54,290
- Projected growth (2022-2032): -3%
8. School Counselor
A school counselor generally has a master’s degree and a state-issued credential. Counselors assist students with academic success in elementary, middle and high school, as well as post-graduation life, whether entering the workforce or going on to college.
According to the American School Counselor Association, school counselors “enhance student growth in three domain areas: academic, career, and social/emotional development.” This involves helping students develop “the mindsets and behaviors students need to maximize their ability to learn — while recognizing that growth in all three domains is necessary for students to be successful now and later in life.”
BLS reports education, salary and job growth information for school counselors as follows:
- Required education level: master’s degree plus state-issued credential
- Median annual salary (2023): $71,700 (for school counselors in elementary and secondary schools)
- Projected growth (2022-2032): 5%
Ready to Pursue a Career Working With Children?
If making a difference in children’s lives is what you aspire for in a career, there are many paths you can take. Earning your BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy may help position you for jobs that involve kids. With courses such as Child Psychology, Critical Issues in Child Advocacy, Victim Studies and Advocacy, and Social Psychology, the curriculum provides the critical thinking and communication aptitude for a career championing the well-being of children.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy program.
