Why Psychology Degrees Are on the Rise

More and more students are picking psychology as their major. In 2023, over 140, 000 students in the U. S. graduated with a psychology degree. That's a big increase from 2004, when only about 87, 000 students did the same. Why is this happening? Experts think it's because younger generations are more open about mental health. They talk about anxiety, depression, and trauma more openly. Social media and pop culture also play a big role. TV shows and influencers make psychology seem interesting and important. But here's something to think about: psychology degrees don't always lead to high-paying jobs. Early in their careers, graduates make around $45, 000 a year. By mid-career, this goes up to $70, 000. That's decent, but it's not a lot of money. Some students might not know what a psychology degree really involves. They might think it's all about helping people, but there's a lot of research too. And if they want to be a clinician, they need more training. Take Dr. Azadeh Weber, for example. She graduated with a psychology degree but couldn't find a job in her field. She ended up in tech sales. Later, she went back to school and became a clinical psychologist. Now, she makes $200, 000 a year working part-time. She says she's happy with her choice. She loves her job and the time it gives her with her family. But she also admits that she might be making the same money in tech sales, working full-time. So, is a psychology degree worth it? It depends. If you're passionate about understanding people and helping them, it can be rewarding. But if you're only in it for the money, you might be disappointed.