2 answers
Kristina
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if I want to be in behavioral neuroscience, or psychology ?
I am 28 and have decided I’d like to go back to school. I’d love to study psychology, but more specifically behavioral neuroscience. I know this is a challenging field of study, I am starting off with only a few classes so I can get back in the swing of things and not overwhelm myself. I believe I would be an amazing psychologist, but my deepest interest lies in the brain itself. The emotional labor of therapy is something I don’t think I could handle long term. I’m afraid of biting off more than I can chew with neuroscience, especially after being out of school for quite awhile.
Should I major in psychology and minor in biology or chemistry until I find where my interest lies most? I’m feeling very nervous about going back to school, and I’m afraid I’ll waste time going down the wrong path.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1915
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kristina !
I am happy to know that you are starting to take a few courses now. You do have some decisions to make and some things to consider about a career in behavioral neuroscience.
Do you want to go for a Doctorate or Masters for this career ? You've mentioned that you would mostly want to work in research, not as a therapist. To become a psychologist or behavioral neuroscientist would be a twelve year course of study and dedication. You will have to consider how this would fit into your personal life and if you have the financial means to fulfill this path. You would also have to do a lot of therapy with people and you've mentioned that that is not something you would want to do. It is demanding whether it's long term or short term. So, first you will need to figure out how long you want to stay in college for a career and how you will support yourself and the college expenses.
As for a major, you can get a bachelors degree in Behavioral Neuroscience during which you can do research while in college. You'd have to attend a college that has that major and that may mean relocating. You can get a position as an associate researcher, not the highest level you can go unless you obtain a PhD. Also consider that the positions that you apply to will have applicants that have a Masters and PhD, so there's really a decision you'd have to make about length of time in school. There is a level of competition in research, so read more about it and take it into consideration. You're already feeling that it would be intense and if you want to make the commitment, make a decision and be true to yourself about it.
To become a psychologist, you would go to medical school and it would be about a 12 year commitment from beginning to when you become a licensed PhD. With a Masters in Psychology, you can teach and you can research online the positions you can have with a Bachelors or Masters in Psychology.
A good way to determine what to do may be to figure out if you can fit the education process into your current life and what you expect to have in your personal life now or a couple of years from now. You are right to consider it a huge commitment, because it is. It's also an expense and you are right in considering if this path would really be for you. But with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, you can get work in career counseling, psychiatric technician, rehab specialist and case management. Also consider working in a Sleep Center or with people that are experiencing cognitive loss.
It will ultimately be your decision, but if you take everything into consideration, I am sure you will make the best choice for your particular wants and needs for your future. I wish you all the best !
I am happy to know that you are starting to take a few courses now. You do have some decisions to make and some things to consider about a career in behavioral neuroscience.
Do you want to go for a Doctorate or Masters for this career ? You've mentioned that you would mostly want to work in research, not as a therapist. To become a psychologist or behavioral neuroscientist would be a twelve year course of study and dedication. You will have to consider how this would fit into your personal life and if you have the financial means to fulfill this path. You would also have to do a lot of therapy with people and you've mentioned that that is not something you would want to do. It is demanding whether it's long term or short term. So, first you will need to figure out how long you want to stay in college for a career and how you will support yourself and the college expenses.
As for a major, you can get a bachelors degree in Behavioral Neuroscience during which you can do research while in college. You'd have to attend a college that has that major and that may mean relocating. You can get a position as an associate researcher, not the highest level you can go unless you obtain a PhD. Also consider that the positions that you apply to will have applicants that have a Masters and PhD, so there's really a decision you'd have to make about length of time in school. There is a level of competition in research, so read more about it and take it into consideration. You're already feeling that it would be intense and if you want to make the commitment, make a decision and be true to yourself about it.
To become a psychologist, you would go to medical school and it would be about a 12 year commitment from beginning to when you become a licensed PhD. With a Masters in Psychology, you can teach and you can research online the positions you can have with a Bachelors or Masters in Psychology.
A good way to determine what to do may be to figure out if you can fit the education process into your current life and what you expect to have in your personal life now or a couple of years from now. You are right to consider it a huge commitment, because it is. It's also an expense and you are right in considering if this path would really be for you. But with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, you can get work in career counseling, psychiatric technician, rehab specialist and case management. Also consider working in a Sleep Center or with people that are experiencing cognitive loss.
It will ultimately be your decision, but if you take everything into consideration, I am sure you will make the best choice for your particular wants and needs for your future. I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much for your insight and encouragement! Definitely gave me lots to think about, I appreciate it ❤️
Kristina
Joanne Leniewski
HR Director
5
Answers
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Go for the one that interests you the most - this way you are more likely to enjoy the course and be motivated to do the work. You can normally change elements of your course once you are on it too, so don't worry about being stuck once you start.