User Experience (UX) Research

As a UX researcher, you would focus on understanding what users need, what they value and how well they can use your company’s technology. The goal of UX researchers is to ensure that users find value in the products your company is providing.

Recommended classes:

• PSY 290 - Research Methods
• PSY 350 - Social Psychology
• PSY 515 - Quantitative Analysis I
• PSY 420 - Analysis of Behavior

Typical salary: $57,000 to $125,000 per year

Job outlook: Expected to increase by 19% by 2029

Requirements:

• Requirements vary per employer and position. Some companies such as Facebook look for people with a Ph.D., whereas others simply require a bachelor’s degree.
• Click here to learn more about working on user experience.

Clinical Research

As a clinical researcher, you will help develop and implement research studies for various topics affecting people’s health and well-being.

Recommended classes:

• PSY 290 - Research Methods
• HCR 350 - Introduction to Clinical Research 
• PSY 462 - Health Psychology

Typical salary: $82,000 per year

Job outlook: Expected to increase by 13% by 2026

Requirements:

• Requirements vary per employer and field of work. Most positions as a researcher or research manager only require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Policy Analyst

As a policy researcher, you will help organize and conduct studies that will influence policy for businesses, government institutions, and other organizations.

Recommended classes:

• PSY 290 - Research Methods
• PSY 515 - Quantitative Analysis I
• PSY 350 - Social Psychology
• SOC 451- Comparative Sociology

Typical salary: $40,000 to $80,000 per year

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a research-based major
• Further requirements will vary per position. Some positions may require a master’s degree.