In choosing a career path, our minds echo as multiple questions ricochet off the inside walls of our skull:

Will I be happy with this path? Does this fall in line with my skills and values? Will this degree be enough for me? Will this provide enough for my family? Am I helping people? Do I really want to do this for the rest of my life?  

A master’s degree in psychology may not even cross your mind when asking these questions. In making such an important decision, we try to be practical in determining the right career path based on financial stability, the kind of education you’d need, job and industry growth, and how you foresee your own growth and contentment. But a degree in psychology can be that practical option that opens a nearly infinite amount of doorways to different opportunities. Psychology is the science of behavior, and those who study it learn how to predict, understand, explain, and influence human motivations, cognition, emotions, and behaviors, which are all skills that can be employed in virtually any industry or occupation.

Whether you are looking at one very specific career path or field of study, or are keeping your eyes, ears and mind open to multiple opportunities, earning a master’s degree in psychology can be not only one of your greatest triumphs, but also a complete game changer in your career, your future and your own growth as a person.          

Here’s a few reasons you should get a master’s in psychology degree: 

You’re Passionate About Helping Others: Your psychology master’s degree puts you at a great advantage of knowing what to do in different situations, allowing you to become a transformational leader and allow those around you to flourish. No matter what your profession is or what industry you work in, your master’s in psychology will always provide you with the ability to help others. One of the big advantages for many professionals with this background is that they are able to identify potential psychological problems, build and maintain relationships, and provide useful guidance and advice to help the disadvantaged back on their feet.

There Are A Variety of Job Opportunities: A psychology degree does not strictly mean your career path leads toward becoming a psychologist. Professionals with a master’s in psychology have a wide range of career opportunities to choose from, both within the industry and beyond. Many remain in the realm of psychology as researchers or workers in rehabilitation centers. But others also find themselves enjoying careers as college instructors and professors, academic advisors, HR managers, case managers, corporate managers, research analysts, and marketing and sales professionals. 

Additionally, the job outlook is very positive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected growth of 22% through the year 2020.

It Offers A Desirable Salary: Of course, salary is a major factor when deciding on pursuing a master’s degree, and psychology master’s holders have the upper hand to make high figures. But salaries vary depending on what you specialize in or what your job title and position is. The average salary for professionals with a Master’s in Psychology is approximately $60,000. This can even go up into the six-figure range depending on the position and industry. It can also go up for those specializing in certain fields, such as Industrial-Organizational Psychology.