Psychology, Other.

Degree Overview

Psychology, Other (CIP 42.9999) is a flexible and interdisciplinary psychology field focused on the scientific study of behavior and mental processes through customized, emerging, or nontraditional psychological approaches. This classification is used for psychology programs that do not fit neatly into established subfields such as clinical, cognitive, social, or developmental psychology. Instead, it allows institutions to design degrees that reflect evolving research areas, interdisciplinary integrations, or institution-specific emphases within the broad domain of psychology.

For a degree search site, Psychology, Other represents adaptability, breadth, and future-oriented learning. Psychology is a rapidly evolving field influenced by advances in neuroscience, technology, data science, healthcare, and social change. This degree appeals to students who want a strong psychology foundation without being locked into a single specialization too early. It is especially valuable for learners who want to explore how psychology connects to fields like health, education, business, technology, criminal justice, or public policy.

What Is a Psychology, Other Degree?

A Psychology, Other degree is an academic program that studies human behavior and mental processes while allowing significant flexibility in focus. Programs under this classification often combine multiple psychology subfields or emphasize applied, interdisciplinary, or emerging areas that do not fall under standard CIP categories.

Depending on the institution, this degree may:

• Blend multiple areas of psychology into one program
• Emphasize applied or interdisciplinary psychology
• Integrate psychology with health, technology, or social sciences
• Support customized concentrations or student-designed tracks
• Focus on emerging or specialized psychological topics

Rather than emphasizing one narrow specialty, this degree focuses on:

• Core psychological concepts and theories
• Scientific thinking and behavioral research literacy
• Understanding behavior in social, cultural, and biological contexts
• Transferable analytical and communication skills
• Preparation for diverse career or graduate pathways

Colleges and universities offer this degree to:

• Provide maximum flexibility within the psychology major
• Support innovative or interdisciplinary psychology programs
• Prepare students for a wide range of people-centered careers
• Serve as a foundation for advanced study in psychology or related fields

This degree is well-suited for students who want to shape their own academic direction within psychology.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how psychologists explain, study, and apply knowledge about human behavior. You’ll explore how biological processes, thoughts, emotions, environments, and social systems interact to influence behavior. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based understanding.

Because programs vary widely, students often work closely with advisors to select courses that align with their interests and goals.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Understanding human behavior—explaining motivations and actions
• Critical and analytical thinking—evaluating psychological claims
• Research literacy—understanding how studies are designed and interpreted
• Data interpretation—making sense of behavioral information
• Written and verbal communication—clear explanation of ideas
• Ethical reasoning—handling sensitive information responsibly
• Interpersonal awareness—recognizing emotional and social dynamics
• Applied problem-solving—using psychology in real-world contexts

These skills are valuable across education, healthcare, business, and public service.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework can vary significantly, but may include:

• General and Applied Psychology: foundational psychological principles
• Behavior and Mental Processes: cognition, emotion, and motivation
• Development Across the Lifespan: childhood through aging
• Social and Cultural Psychology: group behavior and identity
• Health and Wellness Psychology: behavior and health outcomes
• Organizational or Educational Psychology: applied settings
• Psychological Research Literacy: interpreting scientific studies
• Ethics and Professional Issues: standards and responsibility
• Capstone or Applied Project: integrative coursework

Programs often allow students to tailor coursework toward applied or interdisciplinary interests.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Psychology, Other degree prepares students for entry-level roles in people-focused fields and provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional education. Career outcomes depend on how students shape their coursework and whether they pursue further training.

Common career paths include:

• Human Services or Social Services Assistant: community support roles
• Behavioral Health or Support Technician: applied care settings
• Human Resources or Talent Coordinator: workplace behavior roles
• Marketing or Consumer Insights Assistant: behavior-based analysis
• Case Manager or Program Coordinator: nonprofit or public service
• Research or Program Assistant: applied research support
• Graduate or Professional School Path: psychology, counseling, education, social work, or related fields

Becoming a licensed psychologist or counselor requires graduate-level education.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in settings that involve understanding and supporting people:

• Healthcare and mental health organizations
• Schools and educational institutions
• Nonprofit and community service organizations
• Business, HR, and corporate environments
• Government and public agencies
• Research institutes and evaluation teams
• Marketing, media, and analytics firms

Psychology graduates are valued for their insight into behavior and communication.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary widely depending on role, sector, and education level.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level psychology-related roles: often $35,000–$50,000
• HR, program coordination, or applied roles: commonly $45,000–$70,000
• Licensed or advanced psychology professionals: often $75,000–$120,000+

Graduate degrees significantly expand earning potential and career autonomy.

Is This Degree Hard?

Psychology, Other is considered moderately challenging academically. While it is generally less math-intensive than engineering or physics, students must master research literacy, statistics basics, and complex reading and writing. The flexibility of the degree also requires self-direction and good planning.

The challenge lies in applying scientific thinking to complex and variable human behavior.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Are interested in human behavior and mental processes
• Want flexibility within a psychology major
• Enjoy reading, discussion, and applied thinking
• Are exploring multiple career directions
• Are considering graduate or professional education

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a psychology program:

• Take biology, statistics, and social science courses
• Develop strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills
• Practice data interpretation and basic research skills
• Learn about mental health, behavior, and ethics
• Participate in volunteer or peer-support activities

Psychology, Other (CIP 42.9999) is an ideal degree for students who want the insight and power of psychology without rigid boundaries. It provides a strong behavioral science foundation, highly transferable skills, and the freedom to adapt as interests and careers evolve—making it a versatile and future-ready choice for students drawn to understanding people and improving how society functions.