How To Get Into Psychology Without a Degree

Psychology studies the brain and human behavior — what makes people do what they do. People interested in entering this field have plenty of subfields to choose from. A few include:

• cognitive psychology
• developmental psychology
• organizational psychology
• clinical psychology
• forensic psychology
• behavioral psychology
• school psychology

If you want to get into the psychology field, there are many ways to do so including not earning a degree. Networking with psych professionals and taking online courses are two ways to open doors to psychology roles if you don't have an academic background. Below, we'll look at steps you can take to start a psychology career without a degree. We'll also explore psychology job opportunities.

Can You Work in Psychology Without a Degree?

Yes, it's possible to work in psychology without a degree. You can find a job as a support staff member in healthcare settings, private practices, government agencies, and nonprofits. Support staff roles might include being a social services or research assistant.

People in psychology-related fields like social work, market research, case management, human resources, and mental health typically need a bachelor's degree to get started. You might become a:

• market research analyst
• mental health counselor
• social worker
• human resources specialist

Forensic psychologists, school psychologists, sports psychologists, and career counselors typically need a master's degree. Clinical psychologists require a doctoral degree like a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

You now know that you can secure a psychology job without a degree. You also know the degrees you'll need for advanced roles. Next, we'll explore the steps you can take to start your psychology career.

Steps To Getting a Psychology Job Without a Degree

Earning a degree as a psychology major is typically the easiest way to start a psychology career. But if you don't have an undergraduate or graduate degree, the following steps can set you on a great track.

1. Consider Your Career Goals and Skills

Your first step toward an entry-level psychology job without a degree is to analyze your goals and current skills. Are you interested in psychology support roles? Or would you like to become a psychologist or counselor? What skills do you possess to help you secure your role of interest?

For instance, becoming a victim advocate might require understanding criminal justice and case management. Childcare workers, on the other hand, might require licensure, physical stamina, and strong interpersonal skills.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

Once you've analyzed your career goals and determined the skills needed for your preferred role, your next step is to gain the right experience. Suppose you want to become a teaching assistant. You might need two years of college coursework and observation time in the classroom.

Some roles might require work experience. For instance, parole officer roles often seek candidates with a social services background. Individuals interested in becoming criminal investigators could benefit from law enforcement or military experience.

Apply for an Internship

If you're currently enrolled in an associate degree or bachelor's program, securing an internship is a great way to gain experience. Here are a few benefits of internships:

• Gain valuable psychology work experience.
• Decide if a role is right for you.
• Strengthen your skills in the role.
• Build your confidence as a psychology professional.

If you're not a psychology student, consider volunteering for a private business or nonprofit. You could also seek an apprentice with a psychology professional who allows you to work directly with them as they perform their duties.

3. Pursue Certifications

Certifications are sometimes required to secure psychology-related roles. The following are top certifications to consider.

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) credential aims to help individuals with lived experience in behavioral health and recovery assist others in their journeys. They identify strengths in clients and help them reach their recovery goals. They also help individuals develop self-advocacy skills and offer crisis support. The CPS often participates in an intensive certification process that could vary by state.

Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)

A Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) is a personal advocate for individuals in recovery. The CRSS helps clients manage their recovery process and teaches them how to self-advocate. They also promote the expansion of recovery support services. A CRSS credential might require a high school diploma or GED and supervised work experience.

Mental Health Technician Certification

Mental health technician is an entry-level healthcare worker who assists patients with developmental disabilities or mental health issues. Earning a credential often shows employers you have a clear understanding of how to work with patients with psychosocial needs, know the laws of behavioral healthcare and can deliver mental health assessments. Certification requirements might vary by state.

4. Develop Communication and Organizational Skills

Whether you want to work in a support role or as a counselor or psychologist, you'll need quality communication and organizational skills. Direct interactions with clients or patients mean your communication and interpersonal skills should be exceptional. Organizational skills are critical for roles that require you to manage multiple cases.

5. Take Online Courses

Numerous online courses are available for students interested in psychology. You could find free open-source online university courses that deliver materials from previous semesters. You might find free or paid courses on online learning platforms that gather courses from various schools and organizations. Some colleges offer individual psychology courses for a fee via their websites. You could also enroll in an online psychology degree program that prepares you for a career in the field.

6. Stay Updated on Psychology News

Psychology researchers regularly study the human mind, substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and just about any aspect of psychology that you can imagine. Staying updated on their latest findings and other news can help enhance your performance in your future psychology role. A great place to find psychology news is the American Psychological Association (APA).

7. Network With Psychology Professionals

Speaking with psychology professionals can give you tremendous insight into the best ways to secure your desired position. You can learn about top certifications, psychology programs, and career opportunities. Great places for networking include job fairs, academic conferences, seminars, and social media sites.

Psychology Career Paths for Non-Degree Holders

Psychology is a fantastic career option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is projected to increase faster than average at 6% from 2022 to 2032. But even if you don't want to become a psychologist, the following roles for non-degree holders offer plenty of promise.

Psychiatric Technician

A psychiatric technician assists in the care of individuals with mental health challenges, emotional conditions, or developmental disabilities. Some duties include:

• monitor, record, and report patients' conditions
• provide therapeutic care
• assist with patient intake and discharge
• monitor vital signs and provide medications and treatments

Psychiatric technician roles typically require at least a high school diploma. They might also need a postsecondary certificate or licensure.

Peer Support Specialist

A peer support specialist is a mental health worker who specializes in PTSD, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Some duties include:

• Assess clients' needs and help them set goals.
• Discuss strategies for achieving set goals.
• Encourage clients throughout their recovery process.

Peer support specialists sometimes have the disorder they specialize in, helping them bring personal experiences to the role. A specialist typically requires a high school diploma and peer support specialist certification.

Crisis Hotline Counselor

A crisis hotline counselor is a phone counselor who serves as the first point of contact for people experiencing a crisis. Responsibilities include:

• Obtain client information from incoming crisis calls.
• Perform assessments to determine and dispatch resources.
• Deescalate crises over the phone.
• Create crisis plans.

Some counseling roles might require a bachelor's degree in human services or psychology. However, you can find positions that only require experience working on a crisis hotline.