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Would majoring in psychology be worth it?
Would a psychology degree still be worth it? Even though its said to be pretty competitive? What can you do with a psychology degree?#psychology #college
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Hi Brianna:
Psychology is one of social sciences that is considered to be very flexible, especially outside the field of psychology. During my career I have seen many students major in this degree, and they are involved in a variety of different occupations.
Careers open to Graduates with a B.A. or a B.S. and in which psychology was a emphasis can be in different occupations, either in the public or in the private sector. The skills and knowledge you will acquire in this degree provide preparation for a variety of career fields, including:
* Personnel Management,
* Labour Relations
*Human Resources
* Social Services
* Technical Writing
* Law Enforcement and Corrections
* Probation, and parole careers
*Business Marketing and public relations
*Gerontology
* Health Services and Administration
* Foundation Fundraising
* Attorneys and legal careers
* Education, including high school teacher and college professor
* Academic counselors and advisors
A bachelor’s degree in psychology often provides the initial preliminary step to other professional careers such medicine, law, business, social work, and education. One of my past physicians majored in psychology and used it as a bridge to become a doctor. Others use it to go into nursing and other professional occupations in the health sciences.
In reference to practicing psychology or becoming a therapist, to be hired, you will need at least a master’s degree (M.A. or M.S), and in many states the certification will require a Ph.D. (a doctoral degree). So, if you wish to work as a psychologist you should plan on going to graduate school.
In regards to answering and summarizing your question, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is relevant to many different careers and occupations. Psychology students, are required to have excellent writing skills and acquire a broad range of knowledge in various areas of psychology. In order to major in psychology you will need to have the ability to analyze problems and to think critically, the ability to interpret and evaluate research, utilize your current math skills, including statistics; have an understanding of the genetic, biological, and social influences on behavior; and a have an awareness of interpersonal, developmental, and cultural differences.
In conclusion, a degree in psychology is excellent preparation for a variety of professional programs including law, medicine, business administration and management, social work, law enforcement, legal services and education. I hope my answer has generated some ideas for you, and has assisted in helping you to pursue your future goals and career.
Paul
Review the requirements to obtain a psychology degree at your selected college or university
Determine what occupation you would like to pursue (business, education, law, health sciences etc...) and how a psychology degree can assist you in achieving it
Plan an academic path with an advisor and determine which area of psychology you would like to pursue. Ask questions about occupations past students have pursued
Go to a college career center and see which jobs or occupations past psychology majors have obtained
Look at various graduate programs, review their requirements, and the academic standards needed to gain admission
Psychology is one of social sciences that is considered to be very flexible, especially outside the field of psychology. During my career I have seen many students major in this degree, and they are involved in a variety of different occupations.
Careers open to Graduates with a B.A. or a B.S. and in which psychology was a emphasis can be in different occupations, either in the public or in the private sector. The skills and knowledge you will acquire in this degree provide preparation for a variety of career fields, including:
* Personnel Management,
* Labour Relations
*Human Resources
* Social Services
* Technical Writing
* Law Enforcement and Corrections
* Probation, and parole careers
*Business Marketing and public relations
*Gerontology
* Health Services and Administration
* Foundation Fundraising
* Attorneys and legal careers
* Education, including high school teacher and college professor
* Academic counselors and advisors
A bachelor’s degree in psychology often provides the initial preliminary step to other professional careers such medicine, law, business, social work, and education. One of my past physicians majored in psychology and used it as a bridge to become a doctor. Others use it to go into nursing and other professional occupations in the health sciences.
In reference to practicing psychology or becoming a therapist, to be hired, you will need at least a master’s degree (M.A. or M.S), and in many states the certification will require a Ph.D. (a doctoral degree). So, if you wish to work as a psychologist you should plan on going to graduate school.
In regards to answering and summarizing your question, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is relevant to many different careers and occupations. Psychology students, are required to have excellent writing skills and acquire a broad range of knowledge in various areas of psychology. In order to major in psychology you will need to have the ability to analyze problems and to think critically, the ability to interpret and evaluate research, utilize your current math skills, including statistics; have an understanding of the genetic, biological, and social influences on behavior; and a have an awareness of interpersonal, developmental, and cultural differences.
In conclusion, a degree in psychology is excellent preparation for a variety of professional programs including law, medicine, business administration and management, social work, law enforcement, legal services and education. I hope my answer has generated some ideas for you, and has assisted in helping you to pursue your future goals and career.
Paul
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to explain and also recommending next steps that I can take! This definitely helped in my decision making and also making it be less overwhelming.
Brianna
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Brianna,
It is true that Psychology is very competitive, and only very few eventually emerge as certified psychologists. To be a psychologist, you will need to attain both a Bachelors and a Masters. A lot of money and years will have be spent in this process to become recognised as one, but I think it is definitely worth it if that is your dream. Otherwise if you are still unsure about what you really want as a career, you can also get a Bachelors in Psychology which can lead you to many pathways- from the media to human resource to healthcare to the social service sector. But do note that you cannot be able to practice as a psychologist, counsellor or therapist with just a Bachelors.
It is true that Psychology is very competitive, and only very few eventually emerge as certified psychologists. To be a psychologist, you will need to attain both a Bachelors and a Masters. A lot of money and years will have be spent in this process to become recognised as one, but I think it is definitely worth it if that is your dream. Otherwise if you are still unsure about what you really want as a career, you can also get a Bachelors in Psychology which can lead you to many pathways- from the media to human resource to healthcare to the social service sector. But do note that you cannot be able to practice as a psychologist, counsellor or therapist with just a Bachelors.
Thank you so much! I'm definitely still a bit unsure about the career I really want, but Psychology is one that I think I would enjoy. Thank you again for answering!
Brianna
Updated
Emily’s Answer
If you see yourself making an impact on the world through psychology, then you should definitely pursue! I am pursuing to become a school counselor and own a practice on day, giving one- on- one sessions with my clients. If you have a plan on what you're going to do with psychology, you should definitely go for it. I believe that it is extremely rewarding, especially if you're passionate about it.
Thank you so much for the advice! I wish you good luck on becoming a school counselor and having your own practice!
Brianna
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Brianna,
I think it is worth it. It is a great launching pad into many different graduate studies. A Bachelor's Degree alone may only yield certain options, but I think a foundation in Psychology can be of great help across many fields. A major or minor in Psychology could be of great assistance in many different fields of study. At the same time, if you pursue Psychology or Counseling further into your graduate studies, you can also teach or practice in a variety of settings. Of course, in terms of practicing, it may take time to build up to the level you want to get to, but there are options! Good luck!
I think it is worth it. It is a great launching pad into many different graduate studies. A Bachelor's Degree alone may only yield certain options, but I think a foundation in Psychology can be of great help across many fields. A major or minor in Psychology could be of great assistance in many different fields of study. At the same time, if you pursue Psychology or Counseling further into your graduate studies, you can also teach or practice in a variety of settings. Of course, in terms of practicing, it may take time to build up to the level you want to get to, but there are options! Good luck!
Thank you so much!!
Brianna
Updated
Vernie’s Answer
It depends on your career goals.
Nowadays, a Psychology degree alone is not going to give you a lot of opportunities. Most likely, you would have to attend grad school in order to get your foot in the door.
The good thing about majoring in Psychology is that it will give you a lot of options as far as career goes.
Goodluck!
Nowadays, a Psychology degree alone is not going to give you a lot of opportunities. Most likely, you would have to attend grad school in order to get your foot in the door.
The good thing about majoring in Psychology is that it will give you a lot of options as far as career goes.
Goodluck!
Thank you so muchh!!
Brianna