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Any advice for someone who is starting college in the fall with a psychology major?
I'm a 18 years old who is starting college in the fall of 2025, the major I choose was psychology, but most of my family thinks that I should change it, because it might be challenging,
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David’s Answer
Regina -- changing your major from psychology because your family or friends think it might be too challenging doesn't sound very supportive. As a freshman, you will have ample opportunity to see what kind of challenges you will be able to take on, but first you need to give it a try.
Based on what you've learned so far, if psychology sounds interesting to you, start with an Introduction to Psychology course, or Survey of Psychology Today type of course. One of the great things about getting a degree in psychology is it's a gateway to many occupations and professions that have in common working with people in various ways. Also, within the field of psychology, there is a wide range of specializations, including clinical, counseling, industrial, scientific/experimental, neuropsychology, physiological, school/educational, testing and psychometrics, plus more, and you can choose the kinds of people and settings that interest you the most to work with, including children, teens, adults, older people, in educational setting, outpatient clinics, colleges, hospitals, etc.
So I believe a major in psychology is a great place to begin, and it's okay to change your mind later if something else turns out to fit your interests and abilities better. At a four year college, the freshman and sophomore years are meant to give you the time and opportunity to try different courses and areas of interest before you have to focus on specific degree requirements as an upperclassman. Best wishes to you.
Based on what you've learned so far, if psychology sounds interesting to you, start with an Introduction to Psychology course, or Survey of Psychology Today type of course. One of the great things about getting a degree in psychology is it's a gateway to many occupations and professions that have in common working with people in various ways. Also, within the field of psychology, there is a wide range of specializations, including clinical, counseling, industrial, scientific/experimental, neuropsychology, physiological, school/educational, testing and psychometrics, plus more, and you can choose the kinds of people and settings that interest you the most to work with, including children, teens, adults, older people, in educational setting, outpatient clinics, colleges, hospitals, etc.
So I believe a major in psychology is a great place to begin, and it's okay to change your mind later if something else turns out to fit your interests and abilities better. At a four year college, the freshman and sophomore years are meant to give you the time and opportunity to try different courses and areas of interest before you have to focus on specific degree requirements as an upperclassman. Best wishes to you.
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Regina!
I completely understand you! It is an exciting trip to start college as a psychology major, and it is perfectly acceptable to have reservations, particularly if family members are doubting your decision. Like any major that demands commitment and work, psychology may be difficult. Whether or not you are passionate about it is what counts most.
Advice for Starting College as a Psychology Major
1. Believe in Your Choice: Do not let other people deter you if psychology piques your interest and you imagine yourself working in a related sector. Discovering what fascinates you and what works best for you is the goal of college. Furthermore, there are several employment options in psychology outside of therapy, including research, business, forensic psychology, and human resources.
2. Be Ready for a Mix of Science and Writing: Research, statistics, and paper writing are all part of psychology, which is more than just knowing people. In addition to writing essays evaluating psychological theories and case studies, be ready to take classes on biology, neuroscience, and research techniques.
3. Manage Your Time Well: A lot of reading will be required for psychology classes, and college will be a significant change. You can stay on top of assignments and tests by using a calendar or a digital tool.
4. Explore Different Psychology Paths: Exploring many areas of psychology throughout your first year is ideal. Cognitive science, clinical psychology, or even industrial-organizational psychology may pique your interest. Remain open-minded and do not feel compelled to know everything at once.
5. Find Support and Like-Minded People: Participate in study groups, psychology clubs, or establish early relationships with instructors. Your journey will be considerably simpler and more pleasurable if you have a support network.
6. Consider Future Career Paths Early: Graduate school is necessary for many jobs in psychology, so start considering if you would be open to it. Nonetheless, a bachelor's degree alone can be used for a variety of jobs, including those in market research, human resources, and mental health support.
7. Prove Them Wrong!
The best way to deal with your family's concerns about psychology being too challenging is to perform well in your classes and demonstrate your commitment to them. Families may only want to ensure that you are making a stable decision; if you succeed, they might even become more encouraging.
Psychology is a fantastic major if you are interested in the human mind, behavior, and mental health. College is your journey. Do not give up because people question you; if it delights you, keep going. You can always switch later if necessary. You can do this!
Best wishes!
I completely understand you! It is an exciting trip to start college as a psychology major, and it is perfectly acceptable to have reservations, particularly if family members are doubting your decision. Like any major that demands commitment and work, psychology may be difficult. Whether or not you are passionate about it is what counts most.
Advice for Starting College as a Psychology Major
1. Believe in Your Choice: Do not let other people deter you if psychology piques your interest and you imagine yourself working in a related sector. Discovering what fascinates you and what works best for you is the goal of college. Furthermore, there are several employment options in psychology outside of therapy, including research, business, forensic psychology, and human resources.
2. Be Ready for a Mix of Science and Writing: Research, statistics, and paper writing are all part of psychology, which is more than just knowing people. In addition to writing essays evaluating psychological theories and case studies, be ready to take classes on biology, neuroscience, and research techniques.
3. Manage Your Time Well: A lot of reading will be required for psychology classes, and college will be a significant change. You can stay on top of assignments and tests by using a calendar or a digital tool.
4. Explore Different Psychology Paths: Exploring many areas of psychology throughout your first year is ideal. Cognitive science, clinical psychology, or even industrial-organizational psychology may pique your interest. Remain open-minded and do not feel compelled to know everything at once.
5. Find Support and Like-Minded People: Participate in study groups, psychology clubs, or establish early relationships with instructors. Your journey will be considerably simpler and more pleasurable if you have a support network.
6. Consider Future Career Paths Early: Graduate school is necessary for many jobs in psychology, so start considering if you would be open to it. Nonetheless, a bachelor's degree alone can be used for a variety of jobs, including those in market research, human resources, and mental health support.
7. Prove Them Wrong!
The best way to deal with your family's concerns about psychology being too challenging is to perform well in your classes and demonstrate your commitment to them. Families may only want to ensure that you are making a stable decision; if you succeed, they might even become more encouraging.
Psychology is a fantastic major if you are interested in the human mind, behavior, and mental health. College is your journey. Do not give up because people question you; if it delights you, keep going. You can always switch later if necessary. You can do this!
Best wishes!
Updated
Peerapong’s Answer
If you have your purpose to study in psychology, there isn't a reason to change your goal. If not just find your purpose.