Many psychology majors continue their education after graduating from Lehigh. Graduate study can be an excellent option for students seeking careers that require advanced training or who wish to develop expertise in a particular area. However, graduate school should be a thoughtful career choice—not simply the default next step.
Psychology majors pursue a wide range of graduate degrees (e.g., MA, MS, PhD, PsyD) in psychology and many other disciplines.
Graduate Pathways
Lehigh psychology graduates pursue advanced study in areas such as:
- Applied Psychology, including clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, and school psychology
- Research or Experimental Psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social psychology, and neuroscience
- Related Professions, including business, criminology, education, law, medicine, nursing, physical or occupational therapy, public policy, social work, and speech-language pathology
Deciding which path is right for you requires exploring your interests, thinking carefully about your future plans, and educating yourself about the graduate school landscape. Students are encouraged to discuss their interests with their academic advisor and work with Lehigh's Center for Career and Professional Development as they explore graduate education.
Preparing for Graduate School
The experiences that will best prepare you depend on your career goals, but many students benefit from:
- Getting involved in research. Research experience is especially important for students planning to apply to PhD or research-focused graduate programs.
- Building relationships with faculty. Strong letters of recommendation come from faculty who know you well through coursework, research, or mentoring.
- Gaining relevant professional experience. Internships, volunteer work, and clinical or community experiences can strengthen applications to many professional programs.
- Becoming engaged in the discipline. Participants in Psychology Club, Psi Chi, departmental events, and other opportunities to explore the field and connect with peers and faculty.
Helpful Resources
Exploring Graduate School
- APA's Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate School in Psychology
- Dr. Mitch Prinstein's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology
- Before You Apply to Graduate Programs in Psychology: Knowing When You’re Ready and Gaining Post-Baccalaureate Experiences