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How can I make sure that I can still work in education with a psychology degree?
I'm in college currently taking classes for psychology major. I wanted to do education but in order to do education, I needed to double major. I don't want to double major, but I still wanna work in a school.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sayeda !
I am happy that you are reaching out for advice about this and would be happy to share some advice with you. You cannot be sure of any way that your career would go and choosing to want to work in education at a school is wonderful, however there are so many various ways a career like this could go. You cannot predict or decide where you would work before you complete your academic path and before you start working. During the course of your college years, you will either broaden your career outlook or stay with the one place you'd want to work in. No one and no factors can guarantee you a career in a school or anywhere else.
So you want to work in education as a career and you're majoring in psychology. You must think about the position you'd want to have in a school, but I still say that you should rethink your major for this and consider Education as a major if you want to work in Education. It's great that you are not double majoring, as I wouldn't advise it because college is for learning, not bunching up a ton of classes and work.
For anything in psychology, you would need at least a Masters Degree or a PhD. For education, teachers need either a Masters or PhD depending exactly where and what level you'd want to teach. Your major should be in Education to become a teacher plus you'd need a teaching credential. With the advanced degree in education, you could possibly maybe work in administration if the opportunity is available. A Bachelors Degree in Psychology is not enough to obtain any specific career. You could possibly get an entry level position somewhere, but you can't be assured it would be in a school. There are school Psychologists but sometimes they are consultants, part time or per diem, not full time in a school.
Read the employment notices for jobs in schools and get an idea about what the education requirements are. You will be best informed if you look into this because your major interests, education and psychology, are very specific fields. You can always get your degree in Psychology and minor in Education and obtain a teaching credential, but with a major in Education, it will give you the complete skill set and practice to teach. Both psychology and education are not vague positions or limited to a school building, so I would say that during the course of being a student, you will learn more about both careers and be able to make some beneficial decisions. Be open minded and flexible. Try to see yourself in more places then just a school. There are many types of schools, too, so this is the time to really explore this. Don't gear your major to what you hope you'll work in, get a viable degree that will qualify you for a career.
As a side note, you do not have to double major for an Education degree as evidenced by so many educators I know who didn't double major. And that is also in New York where you live.
I am happy that you are reaching out for advice about this and would be happy to share some advice with you. You cannot be sure of any way that your career would go and choosing to want to work in education at a school is wonderful, however there are so many various ways a career like this could go. You cannot predict or decide where you would work before you complete your academic path and before you start working. During the course of your college years, you will either broaden your career outlook or stay with the one place you'd want to work in. No one and no factors can guarantee you a career in a school or anywhere else.
So you want to work in education as a career and you're majoring in psychology. You must think about the position you'd want to have in a school, but I still say that you should rethink your major for this and consider Education as a major if you want to work in Education. It's great that you are not double majoring, as I wouldn't advise it because college is for learning, not bunching up a ton of classes and work.
For anything in psychology, you would need at least a Masters Degree or a PhD. For education, teachers need either a Masters or PhD depending exactly where and what level you'd want to teach. Your major should be in Education to become a teacher plus you'd need a teaching credential. With the advanced degree in education, you could possibly maybe work in administration if the opportunity is available. A Bachelors Degree in Psychology is not enough to obtain any specific career. You could possibly get an entry level position somewhere, but you can't be assured it would be in a school. There are school Psychologists but sometimes they are consultants, part time or per diem, not full time in a school.
Read the employment notices for jobs in schools and get an idea about what the education requirements are. You will be best informed if you look into this because your major interests, education and psychology, are very specific fields. You can always get your degree in Psychology and minor in Education and obtain a teaching credential, but with a major in Education, it will give you the complete skill set and practice to teach. Both psychology and education are not vague positions or limited to a school building, so I would say that during the course of being a student, you will learn more about both careers and be able to make some beneficial decisions. Be open minded and flexible. Try to see yourself in more places then just a school. There are many types of schools, too, so this is the time to really explore this. Don't gear your major to what you hope you'll work in, get a viable degree that will qualify you for a career.
As a side note, you do not have to double major for an Education degree as evidenced by so many educators I know who didn't double major. And that is also in New York where you live.
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You need to double major or go to grad school. There are a lot of jobs for people with bachelors degrees that work in schools. The school district could care less what the degree is in. Without the college degree needed you are not considered "licensed". This means you make less than 30K a year because you don't work year round. You'll still get benefits but no pension.
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hi Syeda,
As education struggles to get certified teachers in place, new ways have been devised to accomplish this goal. You can finish your psychology degree, and then enter a teacher certification program. These programs focus on the basics of education and may require some student/demonstration teaching. Using your listed state as an example, you might find this site helpful: https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/certification/new-york-alternative/ . Each state has its rules and requirements, so if you are exploring other states or areas, type in the state name, education, teaching, and possibly alternative certification.
In any case, you are looking at more schooling; however, some jobs will get you into an education setting so you can evaluate if that is really what you desire i.e., substitute teaching, educational assistants, paraprofessionals, etc. These jobs are low paying and usually without benefits, but allow you to experience the setting. Some have found balancing an educational job with another job at the beginning necessary. Hope this helps you find your path.
As education struggles to get certified teachers in place, new ways have been devised to accomplish this goal. You can finish your psychology degree, and then enter a teacher certification program. These programs focus on the basics of education and may require some student/demonstration teaching. Using your listed state as an example, you might find this site helpful: https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/certification/new-york-alternative/ . Each state has its rules and requirements, so if you are exploring other states or areas, type in the state name, education, teaching, and possibly alternative certification.
In any case, you are looking at more schooling; however, some jobs will get you into an education setting so you can evaluate if that is really what you desire i.e., substitute teaching, educational assistants, paraprofessionals, etc. These jobs are low paying and usually without benefits, but allow you to experience the setting. Some have found balancing an educational job with another job at the beginning necessary. Hope this helps you find your path.
Updated
Victory’s Answer
There are several ways you can still work in education with a psychology degree. You could pursue a career as a school psychologist, educational counselor, or special education teacher. Additionally, you could work in educational research or curriculum development. Another option is to pursue further education and obtain teaching certification or a graduate degree in education. hope this helps and Goodluck with your pursuit !