Would psychology and business be a good combination?
I ask this question because I want to become a double major in psychology and business so I can start my own business in psychology? #psychology #entrepreneurship #double-major
4 answers
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
Good question, I actually did this and personally I think it has been a good thing for me.
Knowing how to deal with and understanding people is always a good thing, this can help you not only in management of people but in customer service, recruiting, training and if you decide to go into sales as well.
good luck!
Lainey’s Answer
i think that's an excellent combination. i didn't do it but i know in my doctoral program, a lot of people were asking for some classes in how to start a private practice and information on the business side of things. i myself work for the government so that hasn't been a real need for me but i think it's a great thing to do.
Lauren Jones
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Keith,
An area of psychology that is closely linked with business is industrial and organizational psychology. Professionals in this field do not provide therapy in the traditional sense, but provide services in areas related to human resources, employee performance, stress management, workplace operations, training, etc. An undergraduate foundation in psychology and business would be excellent if this is a field that attracts your interest for further study. Here is some information regarding one of the graduate programs in this area:
http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofartssciences/academicdepartments/psychology/mastersinappliedpsychology/industrialandorganizationalpsychology/
To Lauren Jones' post: Also see siop.org. It's the official division of the American Psychological Association's for Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O psych). You can read the type of work that is done, see job postings for the types of places that hire I/O psychologists, and see what kind of professional meetings SIOP has. It also gives information on graduate school. I would not suggest doing psychology and business as a double major. You should see which you like better (business/entreprenuer or psychology). Major in the one you like better, minor in the one you like less.
Brandon King, Ph.D.
Laura’s Answer
While a bachelor degree level double major in psychology and business might be useful in the business world (e.g., customer service, sales, marketing), you wouldn't be able to start your own business in any kind of psychology practice without an advanced degree (masters, doctorate) in psychology - in New York State anyway.