Careers in psychology
What can I do with a degree in psychology?
Psychology is the science of understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. Studying psychology can lead to a variety of careers that involve working with people, facilitating well-being and engaging in scientific research. Those wanting to work in a clinical setting will pursue graduate studies to obtain the required credentials.
Co-op + Career Services is here to help you succeed in the working world. They provide resources, workshops, programs and support to help you navigate your career—while you're a student and long after graduation!
My undergraduate degree started me on the pathway to thinking critically, balancing decision making through scientific evidence with inherent human nature.
—Wynona Giannasi, BSc Psychology (1999)
Some career options for psychology majors
- Child care worker
- Clinical psychologist
- Counsellor/therapist
- Disability services worker
- HR specialist
- Immigration officer
- Marketing specialist
- Medical doctor
- Mental health worker
- Neuroscientist*
- Occupational therapist
- Policy researcher
- Probation officer
- Social service worker
- Sports psychology consultant
- Teacher/instructor
- Victims advocate
*Additional education and training may be required
More information from UVic Co-op + Careers (pdf)
Meet our alumni
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
Eva conducts functional behaviour assessments and creates intervention program plans for children and adults. Some of these individuals may have received a diagnosis such as anxiety disorder, depression, autism, etc. or a learning disability, while others have no formal diagnosis but desire professional help with a specific issue, situation or problem. She has extensive experience working with children with special needs, such as autism. Read more
Psychology - BA (2013)
Educational Assistant
Derek primarily teaches designated children with mental and/or physical disabilities, while working with the rest of the student population. He designs and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in conjunction with teachers, counselors and the students' parents. He teaches one-on-one, or in small groups. He believes his job is to bridge those gaps and ensure all students have the best education available. Read more
Psychology - BA (2013)
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen works with children with a variety of diagnosis (e.g. Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, etc.) aged 4–12 in home and school environments to help families learn skills to assist their children develop fine motor skills, executive function skills, play skills, and self-help skills (feeding, dressing, etc.). Read more
Psychology - BSc (2010)
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Founder
Erich is the Chairman and CEO of MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc., which he founded in 2005. A Professor of Medicine and Psychology at the University of Ottawa until 1997, Erich has nearly 30 years of experience in experimental therapeutics of CNS disorders. He has overseen and/or participated in dozens of clinical development programs resulting in a number of approved drugs. Read more
Neuroscience - MSc, Clinical Neuropsychology - PhD (1982)
People Management Analyst
Andrea is part of a team responsible for various Human Resources transactions and services for approximately 7,000 employees across Canada. After developing an interest in organizational psychology, she completed two co-op work terms in Human Resources. After graduation, she completed an 8-month management trainee internship in Brazil with Vale through the UVic AIESEC chapter. Read more
Psychology and Biology - BSc (2009)
Partner
Wynona runs a boutique public sector consulting practice based in Vancouver. She provides project management, stakeholder engagement, communication and evaluation services to a variety of government and non-profit organizations. She works with a wide range of dedicated people, from front line health care providers to senior clinical and administrative leaders and internationally recognized physicians and researchers. Read more
Psychology - BSc (1999)
Professional Filmmaker
Darren is a Vancouver-based filmmaker with extensive experience in action sports and commercial film production. He is co-creator of the film production company Magnafire. Darren has an impressive portfolio and currently creates branded content for clients including Mazda and Red Bull. Darren was inspired by the talented athletes he met while studying at UVic and developed his passion for filmmaking while completing his Psychology degree. Read more
Psychology - BSc (2009)
