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lyla
Student
Enfield, New Hampshire
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How would one go about earning a 4 yr degree in psychology?
How would one go about earning a 4 yr degree in psychology?
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
742
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Once you start into college, start the process of completing your General University Requirements. This should take two years. You can include some psychology courses into your social science requirements.
In your third and fourth year is when you can declare a major and start working on a psychology major. You can also determine what kind of concentration you wish to focus on. Psychology is a very flexible major, you can go into many occupations with it.
In your third and fourth year is when you can declare a major and start working on a psychology major. You can also determine what kind of concentration you wish to focus on. Psychology is a very flexible major, you can go into many occupations with it.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
To get a psychology degree, you will need to find a relevant program. Check the application requirements of your chosen program and get ready to apply. Try to meet the deadlines and the other academic requirements.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
327
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi lyla:
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for a Psychology major:
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Harvard University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Princeton University
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
- University of Wisconsin (Madison)
- Columbia University
- Duke University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Psychology!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Earning a 4-year degree in psychology is a rewarding educational journey that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
**1. High School Preparation:**
- In high school, focus on taking relevant courses such as psychology, biology, mathematics, and English. These courses will provide a strong foundation for your college-level studies.
**2. Research and Choose a College:**
- Research colleges or universities that offer psychology programs. Consider factors like location, size, reputation, and available resources.
**3. College Application:**
- Apply to the colleges of your choice, making sure to meet application deadlines. Most institutions will require your high school transcript, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
**4. Declare Your Major:**
- Once you're admitted to a college, declare psychology as your major. This typically happens during your freshman or sophomore year.
**5. Curriculum and Coursework:**
- Follow your college's curriculum for psychology majors. You'll take a variety of courses that cover different areas of psychology, including introductory, research methods, and specialized courses in your chosen subfield.
**6. Gain Practical Experience:**
- Participate in research projects, internships, or volunteer opportunities related to psychology. Practical experience can enhance your understanding of the field and make you a more competitive job candidate.
**7. Electives and Specialization:**
- Consider taking elective courses that align with your interests within psychology. This can help you specialize in a particular area, such as clinical, cognitive, social, or industrial-organizational psychology.
**8. Maintain a Good GPA:**
- Strive to maintain a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies, as this can be important for graduate school applications or future job opportunities.
**9. Connect with Professors and Mentors:**
- Build relationships with psychology professors who can provide guidance, mentorship, and potentially write recommendation letters for graduate programs or jobs.
**10. Senior Thesis or Capstone Project:**
- Many psychology programs require a senior thesis or capstone project. This allows you to conduct independent research and showcase your understanding of the subject.
**11. Graduate or Enter the Workforce:**
- After completing your bachelor's degree, you have several options. You can enter the workforce in entry-level positions related to psychology, pursue a master's degree, or apply to graduate programs for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology.
**12. Graduate Studies (Optional):**
- If you choose to pursue graduate studies, prepare for entrance exams like the GRE, and carefully research graduate programs that align with your career goals.
**13. Licensure (If Pursuing Clinical Psychology):**
- If your career goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you'll need to complete additional requirements, including supervised clinical experience and passing the licensing exam in your state.
Remember that a bachelor's degree in psychology can open doors to various career paths, including counseling, research, human resources, education, or marketing. It's essential to remain open to different opportunities and continuously build your skills and experience to excel in your chosen field.
**1. High School Preparation:**
- In high school, focus on taking relevant courses such as psychology, biology, mathematics, and English. These courses will provide a strong foundation for your college-level studies.
**2. Research and Choose a College:**
- Research colleges or universities that offer psychology programs. Consider factors like location, size, reputation, and available resources.
**3. College Application:**
- Apply to the colleges of your choice, making sure to meet application deadlines. Most institutions will require your high school transcript, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
**4. Declare Your Major:**
- Once you're admitted to a college, declare psychology as your major. This typically happens during your freshman or sophomore year.
**5. Curriculum and Coursework:**
- Follow your college's curriculum for psychology majors. You'll take a variety of courses that cover different areas of psychology, including introductory, research methods, and specialized courses in your chosen subfield.
**6. Gain Practical Experience:**
- Participate in research projects, internships, or volunteer opportunities related to psychology. Practical experience can enhance your understanding of the field and make you a more competitive job candidate.
**7. Electives and Specialization:**
- Consider taking elective courses that align with your interests within psychology. This can help you specialize in a particular area, such as clinical, cognitive, social, or industrial-organizational psychology.
**8. Maintain a Good GPA:**
- Strive to maintain a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies, as this can be important for graduate school applications or future job opportunities.
**9. Connect with Professors and Mentors:**
- Build relationships with psychology professors who can provide guidance, mentorship, and potentially write recommendation letters for graduate programs or jobs.
**10. Senior Thesis or Capstone Project:**
- Many psychology programs require a senior thesis or capstone project. This allows you to conduct independent research and showcase your understanding of the subject.
**11. Graduate or Enter the Workforce:**
- After completing your bachelor's degree, you have several options. You can enter the workforce in entry-level positions related to psychology, pursue a master's degree, or apply to graduate programs for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology.
**12. Graduate Studies (Optional):**
- If you choose to pursue graduate studies, prepare for entrance exams like the GRE, and carefully research graduate programs that align with your career goals.
**13. Licensure (If Pursuing Clinical Psychology):**
- If your career goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you'll need to complete additional requirements, including supervised clinical experience and passing the licensing exam in your state.
Remember that a bachelor's degree in psychology can open doors to various career paths, including counseling, research, human resources, education, or marketing. It's essential to remain open to different opportunities and continuously build your skills and experience to excel in your chosen field.