Uncommon Uses for 3 Common Degrees

October 29, 2022

PSYCHOLOGY

If you’re not sure about the whole couch time thing, keep in mind there are lots of other interesting ways to put a psychology degree to use.

Engineering psychologists analyze how we interact with technology, including consumer products, industrial machines, workspaces, and more. These specialists take what they know about how humans think, apply it to the creation or redesign of a product, and ultimately make it easier to use.

Genetics counselors use their expertise to inform individuals and families who are touched by a genetic disorder. They typically support doctors, nurses, and geneticists by offering guidance and assistance to the patient and patient’s loved ones.

If you like the idea of applying psychology to business, industrial organizational psychology might be for you. I-O psychologists aim to enhance workplace efficiency by helping review candidates, interpreting worker behavior, deciding who’s best for a particular role, and training.

Other interesting applications for psychology include sports psychology, forensic psychology, and special education teaching.

Earn college credit in Health and Human Development by taking a DSST test.

GEOGRAPHY

Many geography majors end up in cartography or an academic setting, but those are far from the only options.

With writing and research skills already honed, those with a geography degree are often desirable candidates for travel writing and tourism positions. Magazines and publishers are always on the hunt for great writers, and the geography background only helps.

Due to the organizational skills and tools that geographers already possess, a career in emergency management could be a great choice. Geographers’ understanding of hazard maps, demographic data, combined with their ability to analyze information and make effective decisions, all bode well for the demanding nature of disaster relief. For those looking to make a difference without as much travel or intensity, flood protection and urban regeneration are two other fields to consider.

Although many meteorologist positions go to meteorology majors, these jobs can also be claimed by geography majors, especially those who’ve also studied climatology or meteorology. Weather channels and other media outlets are always looking for candidates who have a varied understanding of how the Earth’s systems work.

Earn college credit in Geography by taking a DSST test.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Although many criminal justice majors pursue jobs in the courts or law enforcement, there are other interesting ways to put this degree to work.

Because of ever-increasing exposure to legal liability related to employment issues, businesses now greatly value human resource generalists who have a thorough understanding of federal and state laws. Having a handle on ethical considerations and social behavior are two other advantages criminal justice grads will have when hunting for a job in the HR field.

For criminal justice graduates who like the idea of teaching what they’ve learned, there are lots of opportunities in adult training. Whether it’s a government agency or a private company, the demand is high for those who can effectively combine their law enforcement knowledge and communication skills as an instructor.

Earn college credit in Criminal Justice by taking a DSST test.

No matter what type of degree you’re pursuing, remember to research what’s out there. Chances are it will open doors you didn’t even know existed, and put you on the fast track to finding a job you love. As you pursue your degree, remember that DSST is here to help you earn college credit for the knowledge you already have, making higher education more affordable and efficient than ever.