Curious about psychology programs in the USA?

I'm thinking about studying psychology in college. Does anyone know which universities in the USA have the best programs for psychology? Also, what are the typical career paths after graduating with a degree in psychology?

There are numerous universities in the United States with highly-regarded psychology programs at the undergraduate level. Some of these include Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. These programs are often noted for their faculty, research opportunities, and breadth of courses.

As for career paths, a psychology degree is very versatile and can lead to a range of occupations. Many people automatically associate studying psychology with becoming a psychologist, which typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology. However, there are also opportunities in related fields that may only require a bachelor's or master's degree. Some of these roles include working as a social worker, school counselor, human resources manager, or market research analyst.

Another common path is to go into academia or research, which usually involves earning a Ph.D. to conduct research or teach at the college level. This might involve studying a specific area in psychology like cognitive, developmental, social, or industrial-organizational psychology.

Also, even in roles not directly related to psychology, the skills you'll develop in this subject – such as communication, research, problem-solving, and understanding human behavior – are highly valued in many fields, ranging from business to social services to healthcare and beyond.

Please note that you should consider your own interests and career goals when looking at programs. Different universities will have different areas of focus within their psychology programs. For example, a program that excels in clinical psychology may not be the best if your interest lies in social psychology. Also, if you know what kind of work you want to do after graduation, it can be helpful to look at postgraduate outcomes data to see where graduates of different programs end up.

Hope this gives you a good starting point to further explore your options!