Psychology at CUNY Lehman College
Credential: Bachelor's | State: NY
Median Earnings (1yr post-grad): $36,913 | Annual Completions: 319
Lehman Psychology: Foundational Skills for Diverse Careers with Moderate Initial Earnings
Program Analysis
The General Psychology program at CUNY Lehman College offers a robust foundation in understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Through coursework, students delve into areas such as research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. This comprehensive curriculum equips graduates with critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, all highly transferable across various professional fields.
While a Bachelor's in General Psychology doesn't typically lead to licensure as a psychologist (which requires graduate study), it opens doors to a wide array of entry-level positions. Common career paths include roles in human resources, market research, social services, education support, and administrative positions. With experience and potentially further specialized training or a Master's degree, graduates can advance into roles like HR specialists, market research analysts, counselors (with appropriate certification), program coordinators, and even management positions.
Median earnings for Lehman College Psychology graduates one year post-graduation are reported at $36,913. Entry-level salaries can range from $35,000 to $45,000, depending on the industry and specific role. Mid-career professionals, with 5-10 years of experience and potentially further education, might expect to earn between $55,000 and $75,000. Senior-level positions or those requiring advanced degrees and specialized expertise could see salaries ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 or more.
Return on Investment (ROI) for this program should be considered in light of CUNY's generally affordable tuition compared to private institutions. While the immediate post-graduation salary is modest, the broad applicability of psychological principles and the development of strong analytical and interpersonal skills provide a solid long-term career foundation. The demand for professionals who can understand and interact effectively with people remains consistently strong across many sectors, particularly in areas like human resources, customer success, and community services.
Practical advice for prospective students includes leveraging internships and networking opportunities to gain practical experience and explore different career interests. Engaging with faculty research and seeking mentorship can also provide valuable insights and connections. Consider how this degree can be a stepping stone to graduate studies if a career in clinical psychology, research, or academia is your ultimate goal.
Career Paths
Graduates of Psychology at CUNY Lehman College can pursue the following career paths:
- Human Resources Assistant. Median salary: $48,000, Moderate growth outlook.
- Market Research Analyst. Median salary: $62,000, Moderate growth outlook.
- Social and Community Service Manager. Median salary: $68,000, Strong growth outlook.
- Training and Development Specialist. Median salary: $65,000, Moderate growth outlook.
- Administrative Assistant. Median salary: $42,000, Moderate growth outlook.
Skills Gained
Key skills developed in this program:
- Critical Thinking
- Research Design and Analysis
- Understanding Human Behavior
- Problem-Solving
- Effective Communication
Frequently Asked Questions about Psychology at CUNY Lehman College
Is Psychology, General. at CUNY Lehman College worth it?
The General Psychology program at CUNY Lehman College offers a valuable educational experience, particularly given its accessible tuition. While the median starting salary of $36,913 is modest, the degree equips students with highly transferable skills in critical thinking, research, and understanding human behavior. These skills are applicable to a wide range of entry-level positions and can serve as a strong foundation for career advancement or further graduate study. The long-term career potential and adaptability of psychology graduates suggest a positive return on investment, especially when considering the cost of education at a CUNY institution.
What jobs can I get with a Psychology, General. degree?
A Bachelor's degree in General Psychology from CUNY Lehman College can lead to diverse entry-level roles. Graduates often find opportunities in Human Resources (e.g., HR Assistant, Recruiter), Market Research (e.g., Research Assistant, Analyst), Social Services (e.g., Case Manager Aide, Community Outreach Worker), and Education Support (e.g., Teacher's Aide, Educational Assistant). Other common paths include roles in sales, customer service management, administrative support, and non-profit program coordination. With experience, many advance into specialized roles or pursue graduate degrees for careers in counseling or clinical psychology.
How much do Psychology, General. graduates earn?
Graduates with a General Psychology degree from CUNY Lehman College report a median earning of $36,913 one year after graduation. Entry-level positions typically range from $35,000 to $45,000 annually. As graduates gain experience, typically within 5-10 years, mid-career salaries can range from $55,000 to $75,000. For those who pursue advanced degrees or specialized roles, senior positions or management opportunities could lead to earnings of $75,000 to $100,000 or more. Salary outcomes are highly dependent on industry, location, and further specialization.
Explore More
- All programs at CUNY Lehman College
- Colleges in New York
- College Majors
- Career Guides
- Salary by Major
- College Rankings
- H-1B Visa Salaries — Employer-reported salary data for visa workers
Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.