R. Eric Landrum, PhDDepartment of PsychologyBoise State University

Psi Chi Symposium: Finding Employment with an Undergraduate Degree in PsychologyMidwestern Psychological AssociationMay 2, 2008Chicago, IL

Doctoral: 4,921 Men: 1,347 Women: 3,574

(72.6%) Master’s: 19,770

Men: 4,079 Women: 15,691

(79.4%)

Bachelor’s: 88,134 Men: 19,865 Women: 68,269

(77.5%) Associate’s: 1,944

Men: 446 Women: 1,498

(77.1%)

In 2005-2008, 88,134

graduates

Listening skills Ability to work with others

as part of a work team Getting along with others Desire and ability to learn Willingness to learn new,

important skills Focus on customers/clients Interpersonal relationship

skills Adaptability to changing

situations Ability to suggest solutions

to problem

Problem solving skills Ethical decision making Critical thinking Ability to see the big

picture Flexibility/shifting gears Being able to identify

problems Working smarter to

improve productivity Timely decision making Time management Problem-definition skills Personality

1. Possess self-discipline (including punctual attendance and dependability)

2. Act responsibly and conscientiously3. Work well with others4. Meet the needs of others, such as clients or

customers5. Set priorities and allocate time efficiently in order to

meet deadlines6. Identify, prioritize, and solve problems7. Make defensible/appropriate decisions8. Possess the ability to work without supervision9. Work independently10. Manage several tasks at once

MORE Confident Independent Mature Assertive Valued

LESS Shy Resentful Sad Dissatisfied Defensive

There are a variety of estimates available. These are STARTING SALARIES: NACE Fall 2000: $28,811 NACE Summer 2001: $30,388 NACE Fall 2001: $29,952 NACE Fall 2005: $30,073

Educational Attainment Average Annual Earnings

Synthetic Work-Life Earnings

Doctoral degree $ 89,400 $ 3.4 million

Professional degree $ 109,600 $ 4.4 million

Master’s degree $ 62,300 $ 2.5 million

Bachelor’s degree $ 52,200 $ 2.1 million

Associate’s degree $ 38,200 $ 1.6 million

Some college $ 36,800 $ 1.5 million

High school graduate $ 30,400 $ 1.2 million

Not high school graduate

$ 18,900 $ 1.0 million