7 Highest-Paying Careers You Can Pursue With a Psychology Degree

The need for mental healthcare in the U.S. is higher than ever. Nearly a quarter of adults have experienced mental illness in the past year. That is more than 60 million people, according to Mental Health America (MHA). However, many are unable to receive treatment for various reasons, including lack of insurance and limited availability of affordable services.

One of the main impediments to accessing mental healthcare is the shortage of available providers. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimates that more than a third of the U.S. population live in areas with too few mental health professionals, a trend projected to continue well into the next decade.

Furthermore, many existing providers say they’re stretched thin, grappling with high demand for mental health services and a limited supply of trained clinicians. A 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that just over half of all psychologists reported being unable to accept new patients, leaving those who need support waiting longer or forgoing care altogether.

Training new practitioners is one of the clearest ways to address the nation’s growing mental health workforce gap. In addition to improving access to care, pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology can lead to a high-paying psychology career for those who want to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Types of Psychology Degrees

Aspiring mental health practitioners can choose from several education paths to start or grow their careers. These range from undergraduate programs that build core skills to graduate degrees that deepen expertise and support specialization.

Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers multiple psychology degree programs in various formats, accommodating students with different educational backgrounds and diverse interests. Choosing the right one depends on students’ academic and professional goals, as well as their personal commitments and schedule.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Completion

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree completion program at NDNU offers a flexible, accelerated pathway for those seeking to finish their bachelor’s degree. Key program highlights include:

100% online: All classes are delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, with optional synchronous meetings for those who want real-time interaction with faculty and peers. This structure helps students balance their studies with work and personal commitments.

Expedited timeline: As a degree completion program with transfer credit eligibility, students can earn their degree relatively quickly, completing the program in as little as two years (four semesters) on a full-time schedule.

Curriculum: Coursework covers subjects such as foundational psychological theory, brain functions and how they relate to human behavior, social and abnormal psychology, and research methods. The program also emphasizes career development to help students transition confidently into the workforce.

Learning outcomes: Graduates should emerge from the program with the ability to articulate key psychological concepts, apply research methods and statistical reasoning, and analyze behavior through a multicultural lens.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

For students who have a bachelor’s degree, the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MSCP) at NDNU provides a rigorous, practice-focused pathway that hones clinical expertise while preparing students for a wide range of careers in psychology. The program also lays out a foundation for those who may later pursue doctoral studies or clinical licensure.

Students can choose either an online or in-person format, allowing them to pursue advanced training in a way that fits their schedule and learning preferences.

Some of the program’s other highlights include:

Two tracks: The program offers two tracks:

Business, Organizational, and Consulting Psychology

Consulting and Applied Psychology

These track options allow students to align their studies with their professional goals, preparing them for roles in both clinical and business settings.

Timeline to completion: Most students can graduate in two to three years, depending on their course load and chosen concentration.

Balanced curriculum: The program blends clinical training with business-oriented coursework. Students explore topics such as psychopathology, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relational psychotherapy.

Experiential learning: Through hands-on projects and applied coursework, students can develop practical skills to address the complexities of modern mental health practice across diverse settings.

Marriage and Family Therapist Concentration

The Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) concentration in the MSCP program is designed for students who want to specialize in how relational and family systems work and prepare for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

Program highlights include:

Flexible scheduling: Late afternoon, evening, and weekend courses are available for in-person learners. Students also have the option to complete the program fully online, making it accessible for working adults.

Supervised practicum placement: Students gain valuable real-world clinical experience, allowing them to hone practical skills and progress toward licensure.

Curriculum: Coursework emphasizes family systems theory and relational psychotherapy.

Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Concentration

The MFT/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) concentration expands the MFT pathway to prepare students for a broader range of clinical counseling roles and eligibility for dual licensure. This track is ideal for students seeking maximum flexibility across various settings and modalities (individual, couple, and family therapy).

Highlights of the MFT/LPCC concentration include:

Curriculum: Additional coursework covers subjects such as crisis and trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, and other specialized clinical interventions to help students deepen their expertise.

Holistic approach: The program explores an array of therapeutic modalities (art therapy, positive psychology, wellness, and spirituality) to help students meet diverse patient needs.

Field-experienced faculty: Professors are clinicians and mental health professionals who are actively practicing, bringing real-world insight and current industry perspectives into the classroom.

A happy and laughing couple seated in their marriage and family therapists office

Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Psychology

For psychology professionals, master’s-level training offers a host of potential benefits — beyond qualifying for higher-paying roles in psychology — including opportunities for specialization and a competitive edge in the job market.

Enhanced Expertise and Skills

While a bachelor’s degree provides graduates with fundamental knowledge and core research and analytical skills, a master’s program in psychology builds on that foundation through more intensive, practice-focused training. These programs delve deeper into key psychological concepts and help students hone advanced skills in areas such as assessment, evidence-based intervention, and culturally responsive practice.

Stand Out in a High-Demand Job Market

Roughly 1 in 5 U.S. adults receives some form of mental health treatment each year, according to estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — a trend that shows little sign of slowing. As more Americans prioritize their mental well-being, demand for skilled mental health professionals, including psychologists, will rise.

Industrywide employment growth in mental health is expected to significantly outpace the national average for all occupations, based on projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). At the same time, psychology remains one of the most popular undergraduate majors, meaning the job market is flooded with tens of thousands of new graduates each year.

Earning a master’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation in psychological theory and equips graduates with advanced clinical skills they can apply in various settings — helping them stand out from their peers in this competitive landscape.

Strong Employment Growth

Rising demand for mental health services has created a promising job market for both new and existing practitioners, including psychologists. According to the BLS, overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, adding nearly 12,000 new jobs. Employment growth varies by discipline:

Clinical psychologists: 11% (8,500 new jobs)

Industrial-organizational psychologists: 6% growth (300 new jobs)

School psychologists: 1% growth (500 new jobs)

All other psychologists: 4% growth (2,400 new jobs)

Additionally, several related mental health professions are expected to experience robust growth over the next decade, including marriage and family therapists (13% growth; 9,800 new jobs); school counselors (4% growth; 13,300 new jobs); and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (17% growth; 81,000 new jobs).

Access to Diverse Career Paths

An advanced degree in psychology can open the door to a wider range of professional opportunities across industries. The field of psychology is broad with numerous areas of specialization: clinical counseling, family therapy, organizational consulting, sports psychology, forensic analysis, and more. The multidisciplinary, practice-driven education provided in a psychology master’s program prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully in various environments, including clinical, corporate, educational, and wellness-focused settings.

Industrial-organizational psychologist listens to nurse talk about traumatic moment during their hospital shift

7 High-Paying Psychology Careers

Another key benefit of earning a master’s degree in psychology is that it can lead to advanced roles. Many of these roles are specialized. The earning potential is much higher than roles for bachelor’s degree holders.

Earning a master’s in psychology can lead to licensure. It can also prepare graduates for a doctoral degree in psychology, commonly referred to as a doctorate. These credentials are often required for high-level roles in psychology.

Below are among the more lucrative psychology professions master’s graduates can pursue. Exact salaries may vary based on region, employer, and years of experience, among other factors.

1. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists study the way brain systems influence behavior, exploring areas such as memory, or the impact of different diseases and brain injuries on cognitive functioning. They also assess and treat individuals experiencing these conditions, collaborating with other providers to develop treatment plans that help patients lead productive lives.

Becoming a neuropsychologist generally entails earning a doctorate and obtaining licensure.

Neuropsychologist Salary

Because they have a highly specialized role that requires advanced clinical training and deep scientific expertise, neuropsychologists are some of the highest-paid psychology professionals. According to Payscale, the median salary for neuropsychologists was around $113,100 as of October 2025.

2. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace, helping employees improve their performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. They also support employee recruitment and retention, training and development initiatives, and change management efforts.

While industrial-organizational psychologists typically only need a master’s degree to enter the field, earning a doctorate can facilitate career advancement. Many industrial-organizational psychologists also need a license, depending on the state in which they practice.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Salary

Industrial-organizational psychologists can contribute greatly to employee morale and workplace productivity, making them highly valuable to organizations. As a result, they’re often well paid. The median salary for industrial-organizational psychologists was $109,840 in 2024, according to the BLS.

3. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists represent the largest segment of the psychology workforce. These professionals assess, diagnose, and treat patients with a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, as well as more severe, chronic conditions like schizophrenia. They often work in private practice or mental health clinics.

Most states require clinical psychologists to have a doctorate and hold a license.

Clinical Psychologist Salary

Clinical psychologists are not only among the most in-demand mental health professionals but also among the most well-paid. According to the BLS, the median salary for clinical psychologists was $95,830 in 2024.

4. School Psychologist

School psychologists provide comprehensive psychological services to children and families in educational settings. They evaluate and counsel students experiencing academic, social, or behavioral problems. They also consult with school staff and families to design interventions that help students overcome these challenges.

School psychologists often need additional credentials beyond an advanced degree, such as a license or certification.

School Psychologist Salary

Children’s mental health is inextricably linked with their academic and social development — underscoring the vital role school psychologists play in education. As a result, they’re often well compensated. The median salary for school psychologists in 2024 was $86,930, according to the BLS.

5. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists study the ways biological, psychological, and social factors influence patients’ behavior and impact health outcomes. They help patients manage health issues, adopt healthier habits, and cope with stress related to illness. They work alongside other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that supports patients’ long-term wellness.

Health Psychologist Salary

The growing emphasis on whole-person care means health psychologists increasingly play a critical role in integrated healthcare teams, translating to generous salaries. According to Payscale, the median health psychologist salary was about $83,100 as of May 2022.

6. Sports Psychologist

Sports psychologists explore the psychological aspects of sports, working with athletes to enhance their motivation, cope with anxiety, and improve performance. They may also provide support to athletes recovering from injury.

Sports Psychologist Salary

Because they play a pivotal role in improving performance and supporting athletes’ mental well-being, sports psychologists can command high salaries. The median salary for a sports psychologist was approximately $82,300 in September 2025, according to Payscale.

7. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists work in criminal justice and other legal settings, applying psychological principles to support individuals involved in civil and criminal matters, to develop profiles of suspects, to advise on child custody decisions, and to provide expert testimony. They also research areas such as jury behavior and eyewitness testimony.

Many forensic psychologists have doctorates, though some roles may only require master’s-level training.

Forensic Psychologist Salary

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), forensic psychologists play an integral role in many legal proceedings, fueling demand for their specialized skills and often leading to competitive salaries. Forensic psychologists earned a median salary of around $79,200 as of November 2025, according to Payscale.

Enhance Your Impact — and Your Earning Power

As demand for mental and behavioral health services rises, graduates with advanced training can pursue some of the highest-paying psychology jobs.

Whether they’re interested in clinical, organizational, educational, or forensic work, a master’s degree in psychology can equip graduates with the advanced skills and professional versatility to thrive in an evolving job market.

If you’re looking to elevate your career and have a more meaningful impact, the MSCP at NDNU can provide the rigorous, practical training you need to advance with confidence. The program’s two tracks — Business, Organizational, and Consulting Psychology; and Consulting and Applied Psychology — allow you to tailor your studies to your career aspirations and build a multidisciplinary skill set that can unlock diverse career opportunities. Our practicum-focused concentrations prepare you for clinical licensure.

Discover how NDNU can help you take the next step in your career. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our Admissions team.

Recommended Readings

How Hard Is It to Become a Licensed Therapist

Where Do Clinical Psychologists, Therapists, & Counselors Work

Should I Finish My Bachelor’s Degree?

Sources:

American Psychological Association, Barriers to Care in a Changing Practice Environment: 2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey

American Psychological Association, Careers in Psychology

American Psychological Association, “Master’s Careers in Psychology”

American Psychological Association, Understanding Forensic and Public Service Psychology

American Psychological Association, “Will Growth in Psychology Degrees Continue?”

KFF, “KFF/CNN Mental Health in America Survey”