Social Psychology Degree Overview

Social psychology investigates how individuals respond to their social environment. Social psychologists study group dynamics and their role in shaping individual actions and choices.

Studying social psychology develops strong research and critical-thinking skills. This degree can lead to either a clinical or research career. Social psychologists apply their training to understand social perceptions and the role of social environments on behavior. Most social psychologists hold a doctoral degree, but some employers hire candidates with a master’s degree.

In addition to researcher and professor, social psychology jobs include consultant, manager, strategist, and analyst. Below is an outline of social psychology degree paths and career and salary outlooks for social psychologists.

A bachelor’s in social psychology introduces students to theories on social behavior, group dynamics, and individual motivations. You’ll explore psychology theory and experimental methods, and many programs incorporate an internship to gain hands-on experience.

While social psychology majors are rare at the undergraduate level, many colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in psychology with options to specialize in social psychology. A psychology degree can prepare you for graduate-level study in social psychology. If you prefer online learning, you can also earn an online bachelor’s in psychology.

At the graduate level, you can earn a master’s in social psychology. You’ll take courses in social cognition, human development, and organizational processes while strengthening research skills.

Master’s programs incorporate research projects and internship options to develop career-relevant skills. For example, graduate students planning to pursue a doctorate often complete a master’s thesis or research project as preparation for earning a Ph.D.

In addition to on-campus master’s programs, you can also consider an online social psychology degree program. Earning your degree online can make it easier to find a flexible program that matches your interests and career goals.

A doctorate in social psychology prepares graduates to become social psychologists or psychology professors. If you plan to work directly with patients, you’ll need a doctorate to earn your psychologist license.

In a Ph.D. program in social psychology, you’ll study group processes, social influence, and interpersonal processes. You’ll also take methodology classes to prepare for your dissertation. Depending on your career goals, you may also complete fieldwork, gain teaching experience, or complete an internship.

Your doctoral dissertation will showcase your original research in an area of social psychology. After working closely with a faculty mentor, you’ll defend your doctoral dissertation to earn your doctorate.

A social psychology degree can prepare you for roles in business, social services, academia, and management. Your degree level will shape your career options. For example, a bachelor’s in social psychology develops your understanding of human behavior, which can lead to roles in marketing, social services, or education.

With a graduate degree, you can consider roles in counseling, psychology, and higher education. Some of these career paths require a license, particularly if you plan to work directly with clients as a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. Roles in research and academia often require a doctorate.

When researching careers with a social psychology degree, consider the education requirement and time commitment to enter specific fields. A four-year bachelor’s degree can lead to careers as a market research analyst or human resources specialist, for example, but you typically need a doctorate to become a psychologist.

The cost of a social psychology degree depends on the school and degree level. For example, you’ll spend less at a public institution compared to a private institution. Several other factors shape the total cost, including your delivery format, living expenses, and financial aid.

By choosing an accredited institution, you’ll qualify for more forms of financial aid to pay for your degree. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including the Pell Grant, federal student loans, and federal work-study.

Scholarships and grants are one of the best ways to afford a psychology degree because you don’t need to repay these awards.

At the undergraduate level, the most common admission requirements include:

Graduate social psychology degree programs typically require the following:

Because the admission requirements vary by program and degree level, make sure to carefully review the requirements when applying to programs.

The length of a social psychology degree depends on the program and your enrollment status. Earning a social psychology bachelor’s degree typically takes four years for full-time students. Part-time students may spend 5-6 years on their undergraduate degree. Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s in psychology programs.

At the graduate level, master’s programs generally require two years, while doctoral programs take five years. Some doctoral programs admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree, while others require or prefer a master’s degree for admission.

Accreditation recognizes colleges and programs that follow the best practices in higher education. Earning your social psychology degree from an accredited institution means you’ll meet the requirements for more careers, your degree is more likely to meet admission requirements, and you’ll qualify for more forms of financial aid.

At the doctoral level, you should also look for a psychology program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). APA-accredited programs meet high standards for training and meet licensure requirements. The APA does not accredit undergraduate or master’s programs.

Whether a social psychology degree is worth it depends on your career goals, budget, and interests. If you want to explore human behavior in social settings while developing strong research skills, a bachelor’s in social psychology could be a good fit. If you want to become a social psychologist or psychology professor, you’ll need a doctorate to reach your career goals.

When deciding whether to invest in a social psychology degree, consider the total cost of the degree and your return on investment. Some psychology careers offer a strong earning potential, while other career paths pay lower salaries. By considering your career options with this degree, you can decide whether it’s worth the investment.