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Is psychology a good major?

Is psychology a good major? I am really passionate when it comes to studying human behavior but as a child of immigrant I have to make sure that I won’t struggle financially. I hear a lot of people talking about how this major is not good and finding jobs is hard and they don't pay a good amount. I don’t want to sacrifice my passion for money but I have to be realistic and consider financial aspects too. Thank you.

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Kyla’s Answer

Hi!
I can definitely understand the emotional struggle of being a first-generation American and selecting an educational path that will produce the best economic outcome for you and your family. I pursued an undergrad and graduate degree in psychology and currently work in HR. While monetary gains are essential to life, interest, passion, and values should not be minimized either. Majoring in psychology has the ability to increase your ability to transition into a number of professions. Focus less on the formal degree, and chase after the skills and experiences you believe will set you up for success in the long term. This can be done through volunteer opportunities, formal/informal internships, and professional networking conversations.

Earning an undergraduate in psychology may likely require you to earn a graduate degree to increase your earning potential; however, companies often provide financial support to help you pursue higher education. Also, don't factor out working for a higher education institution. For example, the institution you graduate from may have full-time openings, which would allow you to work full-time and go to school and a free or highly reduced rate. Start building your higher education network within your school and others so that you can learn about the potential opening. Plus, the bonus to this option is that you gain experience and a degree simultaneously.

Here are a few additional industries you can explore.
Behavioral economics
Human resources
IO Psychology

Best of luck!
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Dana’s Answer

If you plan on working as a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, then yes for sure. I have a degree in Psychology and I thought it was going to help me in my HR career. It didn't make the greatest difference, but it may have helped me here and there.
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Ying’s Answer

Personally, I am someone that have asked myself this question many times and still do till this day. I am currently majoring in Psychology right now and I enjoy it a lot. But I believe that time and money is very important as we don't wanna waste it. I think pursing what you love to learn and do is also very important as well. If you're really committed on Psychology I say why not take the time to see if you enjoy it as much as you thought. As there are always time to change your major as well.

If you're someone that doesn't want to commit and try it out. I say take the time to do an internship or even do your own research about the topic. As you know yourself the best. One piece of advice I would give you would be give yourself time there's no need to rush what you want to do later in life. Psychology would always be there as a major. There might be a lot of work and time you might need to put in order to get a decent job. But if you're fully committed to Psychology. Then I totally think it's worth it.
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Iker’s Answer

Psychology can open up many career choices, both in the Academic / Research fields but also employed in the private sector. For e.g., aside Human Resources, companies also value a lot of Psychology studies for User Experience (UX) Research (e.g., doing investigations about how users are using apps)

In addition, with Psychology training you can also build-up your own business if you specialize in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy to work with your own patients.


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Kathleen’s Answer

Hi, Psychology can be broken into 3 career paths. Counseling/Therapy, Research or Human Resources. All of these avenues require a minimum of a Masters degree. As a undergraduate degree, psychology is useful as a general humanities degree. The degree requires a significant amount of writing which is always great as a general entry into any career or business. Doing a intern will help any future job search.

Good luck 🍀
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Megan’s Answer

To be completely honest unless you plan on obtaining your masters or PhD in Psychology there are very few opportunities with a Bachelor degree only. Depending on what your passion is Nursing or Social Worker is a much more lucrative career with many more job opportunities. Good luck!
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