Is 25 Too Old to Get a Psychology Degree?

Many students choose to go back to school to earn their degree in their 20s and 30s. This means that 25 is not too old to get a psychology degree.

Psychology degrees can lead to a wide range of in-demand careers, making getting a psychology degree at 25 a good choice for many students. We break it all down below.

Reasons To Earn Your Psychology Degree at 25

Psychology is a degree field that is expected to grow over the next decade. Students who return to school for a psychology degree will find themselves in demand in the workforce.

It's very common for students to start or return to school when they're above the average student age, and many colleges and universities have programs for adult students.

What Will I Learn In a Psychology Degree Program?

Psychology programs allow students to study the human mind and prepare students for careers in counseling, psychology, or graduate programs.

These programs often include required psychology courses such as:

• abnormal psychology
• clinical psychology
• cognitive psychology
• counseling methods
• health psychology
• lifespan development
• research methods
• social psychology

Many psychology degree programs also offer concentrations, such as:

• addictions
• child psychology
• forensic psychology
• industrial-organizational psychology

What Can I Do With My Psychology Degree?

Psychology bachelor's degrees can lead to careers in multiple industries, both inside and outside the fields of counseling and psychology. However, roles like a psychologist or mental health counselor require advanced psychology degrees.

Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Behavioral disorder counselors are counselors who coach people who are struggling with emotional issues, behavioral issues, or their overall mental health. They may work with a variety of clients or specific age ranges.

Behavioral disorder counselors may be employed by outpatient centers, residential centers, hospitals, or family services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for behavioral disorder counselors to grow by 18% over the next decade.

Manager

Managers are in charge of other employees within an organization. A psychology degree is a great degree for managers as it helps them understand the best and most effective way to lead people.

Many industries have managers, including office jobs, retail, and hospitality. Employment growth for this career varies wildly between sectors, from no growth to over 6% over the next decade.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts work with companies to determine what consumers are looking for and how they might respond to certain products or services. They can work in a wide variety of industries.

Typically, market research analysts are employed by consulting firms. The BLS estimates that jobs for market research analysts will increase by 13% over the next ten years.

Parole or Probation Officer

Probation and parole officers work with people who have been convicted of a crime and who have chosen to be monitored instead of jail time or to shorten their sentence. They may work with a broad range of clients or specific types of clients, like juvenile offenders.

In general, parole and probation officers work for either the state government or a local government. According to the BLS, jobs for parole and probation officers will increase by 3% by 2032.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are responsible for crafting and maintaining a positive image with the press and public on behalf of their clients. These clients may be individual people or businesses and organizations.

Public relations specialists are most commonly employed by educational services, advertising agencies, or public relations firms. The BLS predicts that jobs for public relations specialists will increase by 6% over the next decade.

Social and Community Service Manager

Social and community service managers are in charge of coordinating and supervising public service programs. They also analyze past programs, suggest changes, and appeal for funding.

Social and community service managers may work for a variety of employers, such as family services, residential care facilities, governments, and nonprofit organizations. The BLS expects jobs to increase by 9% over the next ten years.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors work specifically with individuals who struggle with substance abuse and addictions. They may work with clients one-on-one or in group settings.

Substance abuse counselors often work for treatment facilities, hospitals, and government services. According to the BLS, jobs for substance abuse counselors are expected to increase by 18% by 2032.

Graduate School

Students who earn their bachelor's degree can then go on to earn a psychology graduate degree. A master's will allow them to work as mental health counselors or family therapists, while a doctorate allows them to work as psychologists.

Psychology degrees can also lead to graduate degrees in other fields of social sciences, like social work. Additionally, they are a great option to lead into law school or medical school.

FAQs About Starting a Psychology Degree at 25

Are There Benefits To Starting My Psychology Degree at 25?

For many college students, the greatest benefit to starting a psychology degree at 25 is stability. Most 25-year-olds are better poised to make decisions and are therefore less likely to drop a degree program.

Can I Complete My Psychology Degree Online?

Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer psychology degrees online. Some of these online programs may still require students to participate in in-person clinical experiences.

Can I Work and Go To College?

Thanks to the flexibility of online programs, many college students can now hold full-time jobs while earning their degrees. This allows them to both work and go to college.