How can I become a journalist/author/writer for psychology research?

Hello Ray!

This is a great question! Jane offered a lot of great advice. I would go a step further and say that while you are in undergrad that you volunteer, or take on internships in writing. The year book, a blog for the school, or even pamphlets as they relate to psychology. Go ahead and get more than APA formatting under your belt as well. AP and Chicago styles are important in journalism.

You could even team up with a faculty member who loves doing research but doesn't like writing and get yourself a peer-reviewed publication before you graduate.

You can major in journalism and minor in psychology if you like. This way, you still have all of the grounding of a psychology degree with the skills you will learn through journalism.

All the best,

Mary

Hi Ray,

It’s great that you’re interested in Psychology and writing because the two hand in hand. Although it’s different writing than an English major would require, there are plenty of writing assignments in Psychology. Most programs will offer a thesis as your capstone, and this could would a research paper of 40-100 pages in length. It’s published and kept in the school’s archives as well. In your classes and in the thesis writing process, you’ll hone your writing and research skills for sure.

That said, if you want to do a minor as well, you’re welcome to. The subject can be something you feel in conducive to your larger studies or a subject you love. You might find places where your major and minor intersect, but at the very least a minor will be classes you enjoy that also boost your overall GPA.

Good luck in your studies!