A Unique Job with a Degree in Psychology

What can you do with a bachelors psychology degree? Are you interested in knowing why people buy what they buy? Then a career as a Market Research Analyst may be for you if you graduate with a degree in psychology.

What do Market Research Analysts do?

Market Research Analysts study consumer behavior, especially in terms of how the emotions that a product elicits may actually influence a buyer. Market Research Analysts also study how the influence of family and friends can affect our purchasing decisions, why individuals choose to buy one product rather than another, and why or why not people consume a certain product, such as Blu-Ray discs compared to traditional DVDs.

In addition, the study of consumer behavior involves assessing consumers' satisfaction with products, so Market Research Analysts develop market strategies for the sale of products, and determine what prices consumers will pay for certain particular items. Market Research Analysts tend to work in corporations, advertising agencies, and universities.

What skills must Market Research Analysts have?

Market Research Analysts must collect information from consumers, so they are well-versed in surveys, focus groups, sampling, probability, and both qualitative and quantitative research design. And as a result of these types of data collection techniques, Market Research Analysts conduct statistical analyses, write reports, create presentations, attend conferences, recruit student interns, and stay informed about market research trends.

Market Research Analysts must be able to work alone or in groups, and sometimes under pressure to meet short deadlines. Market Research Analysts must also have good quantitative skills, oral expression and written expression skills, and be able to solve complex problems. Individuals who are detail-oriented and can work long hours alone are well-suited to succeeding as a Market Research Analyst, given the technical demand of the work.

What educational requirements must Market Research Analysts have?

Market Research Analysts often have at the minimum a bachelors in Psychology, bachelors degree in Marketing or a bachelor's degree in Statistics, all of which can be earned online by distance learning. Specialization courses that will best prepare students for a career as a Market Research Analyst include Public Relations, Sales Management, International Marketing, E-Business, Brand Identity, Social Psychology, and Consumer Psychology or behavior.

Colorado Technical University's Bachelor of Science degree offers an online Psychology degree with a Concentration in Consumer Behavior which can lead to a great career as a Market Research Analyst.

What required experiences must Market Research Analyst have?

Previous business experience, as well as experience a researcher collect data via interviews or surveys, code data before entering it into a computer software program, and/or analyze research data with statistics will help create a strong resume. Beyond work experience in a business or academic setting and internships at Market Research Firms or Consulting Firms, certification is also available from the Marketing Research Association, either as a Research Provider, Corporate Researchers, or Research Adjunct.

What is the average salary of Market Research Analysts?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of Market Research Analysts ranges from $43,990 to $85,510, although the salary can be higher, especially for those with Master’s or Doctoral degrees. In addition, the projected growth of Market Research Analyst jobs is expected to be much higher than average until at least 2018.

Return to the top of What can you do with a bachelors psychology degree page