Isabela
What can you do with a major in psychology and minor in music?
#career-counseling
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Exploring Career Counseling
Snapshot
A blend of psychology as a major and music as a minor can equip you with a distinctive set of skills that can be utilized across diverse career paths. One such path is career counseling. Career counselors guide individuals through their career choices, helping them recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their education and career prospects.
Skillset and Knowledge
Holding a major in psychology and a minor in music, you gain a profound understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivations. Additionally, you acquire a robust background in music theory, performance, and history. These skills can be harnessed in career counseling to assist clients in comprehending their interests, values, and abilities, and how these align with various career paths.
Career Prospects
As a career counselor with a background in psychology and music, you can find opportunities in diverse environments such as colleges and universities, high schools, non-profit organizations, and private practices. You may also choose to specialize in counseling musicians or other performing artists.
Education and Training
To embark on a career as a counselor with a psychology major and music minor, you'll typically need to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. This may involve undertaking courses in career development, assessment, and counseling techniques. Certain states may also necessitate licensure or certification to practice as a career counselor.
Salary Projections
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for career counselors stood at $58,120 in May 2020. However, salaries can fluctuate based on factors such as location, employer, and experience level.
Authoritative References:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Career Counselors (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/career-counselors.htm)
- American Psychological Association: Careers in Psychology (https://www.apa.org/topics/careers/)
- National Career Development Association: Career Counseling (https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/career_counseling)
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Nija Jackson, MSW, LCSW
Nija’s Answer
Hi Isabela,
You are asking a great question and I am pretty sure that there maybe other individuals wanting to know about it like you. Having a double major in psychology and a minor in music is an interesting combination. I believe both psychology and music meshes well together because it gives you the opportunity to utilize and explore how people feel, think and respond when you are providing a service in your upcoming career. Both combinations make sense and works well together. You are more marketable to obtain more job opportunities. With a major in psychology and a minor in music; you can explore the career path of being a music therapist; a teacher; recreational therapist; musical trainer, etc.
If you are strongly considering the field of psychology, you would need to further your education beyond a bachelor's degree in order to establish a career in both areas. It is up to you to have the passion and the desire to continue to pursue a degree in psychology and a minor in music. If this is your ultimate desire and interest, then go for it. Good luck to you and I wish you well in your academic studies and your career.
I hope this response helps you get a better sense of how you can utilze majoring in psychology and minor in music.
Nija recommends the following next steps:
Melanie Deguzman
Melanie’s Answer
One of the fields you could go into is a therapist with a focus in music. This will involve getting a Master's degree and possibly a doctorate, but it will be well worth it. This will allow you to work with people and put your use of music knowledge to the public. It is important to make sure you go to an APA accredited university for your masters, so you can gain licensure, but otherwise, your options are wide open.