7 answers
Ryleigh
Student
High Point, North Carolina
3
Questions
Asked
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What second major or minor should I pair with psychology?
I'm currently a junior in high school and a dual-enrollment student with my local community college. We did an assignment in the CC where we needed to plan out how exactly we would transfer to a four year university. When doing so, I was looking at the college I would like to go to and in their Bachelors degree in psychology, they require a second major, minor, or other "certified program." I'd like to be a clinical psychologist, and I'm not sure which second major or minor (possibly program?) would pair best with the clinical psychology part. I was considering biology, but I'm not sure if it would be better to major or minor in it along with the psychology major. I appreciate any advice or feedback, even if it doesn't fully answer my question. :)
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7 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
445
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ryleigh,
Combining psychology with biology is a powerful approach, particularly for someone aspiring to become a clinical psychologist. A strong foundation in biology, especially with a focus on human physiology or neuroscience, can deepen your understanding of how the brain and body function—key aspects in clinical practice.
Here are some paths you might consider:
1. Biology Major or Minor: If you're interested in the biological underpinnings of psychology, such as how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, pursuing a major in biology could be extremely valuable. Even a minor would provide a solid base with fewer course requirements.
2. Neuroscience: If your school offers a major or minor in neuroscience, it’s an excellent option. This interdisciplinary field bridges biology and psychology, focusing on brain function, which directly ties into clinical psychology.
3. Social Work (Minor or Certification): A minor or certification in social work can provide insight into how social factors impact mental health, while also equipping you with practical skills for working with clients in diverse settings.
4. Public Health: If you’re interested in tackling mental health on a broader scale, public health can complement psychology by focusing on systemic approaches and prevention strategies at the community or population level.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on which aspects of clinical psychology you find most compelling.
Best wishes!
Combining psychology with biology is a powerful approach, particularly for someone aspiring to become a clinical psychologist. A strong foundation in biology, especially with a focus on human physiology or neuroscience, can deepen your understanding of how the brain and body function—key aspects in clinical practice.
Here are some paths you might consider:
1. Biology Major or Minor: If you're interested in the biological underpinnings of psychology, such as how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, pursuing a major in biology could be extremely valuable. Even a minor would provide a solid base with fewer course requirements.
2. Neuroscience: If your school offers a major or minor in neuroscience, it’s an excellent option. This interdisciplinary field bridges biology and psychology, focusing on brain function, which directly ties into clinical psychology.
3. Social Work (Minor or Certification): A minor or certification in social work can provide insight into how social factors impact mental health, while also equipping you with practical skills for working with clients in diverse settings.
4. Public Health: If you’re interested in tackling mental health on a broader scale, public health can complement psychology by focusing on systemic approaches and prevention strategies at the community or population level.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on which aspects of clinical psychology you find most compelling.
Best wishes!
I was aware of neuroscience being a potential option, but wasn't too sure on it. But now seeing how it has such a strong bond with clinical psych after looking it up a bit, it is definitely higher on my list. Thank you very much!
Ryleigh
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
Joseph Ford
162
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Here are some choices that would go well with a major in psychology:
Either would provide you with a good understanding in the field.
Business
Education
Nursing
Biology
Criminal justice
Public health
Marketing
Law
Either would provide you with a good understanding in the field.
Business
Education
Nursing
Biology
Criminal justice
Public health
Marketing
Law
Thank you lots, Joseph! I haven't even considered pairing psych with nursing, but I will be now!
Ryleigh
Perry Zuckerman
Psychiatrist
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Perry’s Answer
Hello Ryleigh,
I see that you are in North Carolina. I hope that you and your family were not harmed by the hurricane.
Now, it depends on how you see Psychology as being. As an MD- Psychiatrist, I see Psychology as a natural expression of our brain's functions. We all have unique genetic => biological predispositions which shape the way we are more likely to respond to the environment around us, and thus our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Behavior is every bit as genetic as your eye color or height. Without going into detail here, you could read about how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are controlled by specific parts of the brain. So what comes from all that I'm saying is that yes, a minor in *Biology* is the best and most logical choice. And this will include some decent learning about brain physiology.
However, others see Psychology as more of a social science than a life science. A minor in one of the social sciences may not be a bad choice. The one that comes to mind for me is *Sociology*. But I think other responders here will be better suited to give you advice on a minor in one of the social sciences. A little perhaps more unorthodox thought [which might give you a unique perspective and edge] might be a humanity: *Philosophy*.
I hope this helps. Keep actively finding out information and you will have success whatever choice you make.
Perry
I see that you are in North Carolina. I hope that you and your family were not harmed by the hurricane.
Now, it depends on how you see Psychology as being. As an MD- Psychiatrist, I see Psychology as a natural expression of our brain's functions. We all have unique genetic => biological predispositions which shape the way we are more likely to respond to the environment around us, and thus our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Behavior is every bit as genetic as your eye color or height. Without going into detail here, you could read about how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are controlled by specific parts of the brain. So what comes from all that I'm saying is that yes, a minor in *Biology* is the best and most logical choice. And this will include some decent learning about brain physiology.
However, others see Psychology as more of a social science than a life science. A minor in one of the social sciences may not be a bad choice. The one that comes to mind for me is *Sociology*. But I think other responders here will be better suited to give you advice on a minor in one of the social sciences. A little perhaps more unorthodox thought [which might give you a unique perspective and edge] might be a humanity: *Philosophy*.
I hope this helps. Keep actively finding out information and you will have success whatever choice you make.
Perry
Thank you for your concern-fortunately where I am it didn't hit as hard as the western side of NC.
I've always been more interested in the biological side of psych, however, I'm still open to the more social science aspect of it as well. I do not know much about philosophy, but I will make sure to read more into what exactly it is and its correlation with psych. You were a great help, Perry. Thank you lots! :)
Ryleigh
Ava O’Hara
School psychologist
9
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Ava’s Answer
I would highly recommend pairing a major in psychology with a minor in counseling or a foreign language. This is especially important if you are looking toward going to graduate school. Supplementing with either of these options will give you a competitive edge. (I did both of these minors and it was well worth it!)
Thank you so much!! I was considering doing a foreign language-Spanish. I see how it could be helpful in trying to find jobs, plus it opens a whole new door to more people to help!
Ryleigh
Nancy Refki
2
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
What a great question! I paired psychology with economics back in the day!
Today, I think pairing it with business (especially if you are thinking of opening your own practice), foreign language, public health, or marketing certification are all great options. Good luck!
Today, I think pairing it with business (especially if you are thinking of opening your own practice), foreign language, public health, or marketing certification are all great options. Good luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Ryleigh
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1802
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryleigh !
At this time you have been assigned to choose your path transferring to a four year university, a double major and a minor that the college requires. Firstly, let me say that you should definitely complete your assignment, but don't let it be set in stone. A double major is more work and time than people think and you'll want to achieve very good grades in college before your Masters Degree for clinical Psychology. I'm just pointing out that it's great if you KNOW what you want to major and minor in, but you shouldn't force yourself to choose now because you've been assigned to. Do and hand in the assignment, but know that you have options and time to think about this. I always advise to not double major and never heard of mandatory double majoring for psychology or any other major. Not sure why that would be.
A good minor for psychology would actually be Ethnic Studies. I think it's pretty similar to Sociology. I think that you should decide what to minor in, though. It's hard to advise this because you didn't mention the college you're figuring this all out for so there's no telling what programs they have. My advice is to go to a college for a Bachelors in Psychology that doesn't have a mandatory requirement of double majoring and minor in something you choose and forget double majoring. Minors are usually not mandatory either.
So my advice is to follow through with this assignment as you would any other and know that you need time to really think about your path. That you are asking this good question here is indication that you deserve the time to be inspired for a minor. It's not beneficial to make a personal decision in haste because someone has told you to.
I hope this is something worth taking into consideration and I wish you all the best !
At this time you have been assigned to choose your path transferring to a four year university, a double major and a minor that the college requires. Firstly, let me say that you should definitely complete your assignment, but don't let it be set in stone. A double major is more work and time than people think and you'll want to achieve very good grades in college before your Masters Degree for clinical Psychology. I'm just pointing out that it's great if you KNOW what you want to major and minor in, but you shouldn't force yourself to choose now because you've been assigned to. Do and hand in the assignment, but know that you have options and time to think about this. I always advise to not double major and never heard of mandatory double majoring for psychology or any other major. Not sure why that would be.
A good minor for psychology would actually be Ethnic Studies. I think it's pretty similar to Sociology. I think that you should decide what to minor in, though. It's hard to advise this because you didn't mention the college you're figuring this all out for so there's no telling what programs they have. My advice is to go to a college for a Bachelors in Psychology that doesn't have a mandatory requirement of double majoring and minor in something you choose and forget double majoring. Minors are usually not mandatory either.
So my advice is to follow through with this assignment as you would any other and know that you need time to really think about your path. That you are asking this good question here is indication that you deserve the time to be inspired for a minor. It's not beneficial to make a personal decision in haste because someone has told you to.
I hope this is something worth taking into consideration and I wish you all the best !
The four year I'd like to transfer to after graduating is Western Carolina University. They have a PsyD program that I think I'd like to purse after completing the bachelor's (and masters, or whichever degree comes after it, I cannot remember LOL). In the bachelor's degree program in psychology they require that along with the major in psych you also take another major or minor, which confused me as well. After looking up why exactly they do that, I learned that some colleges do that since it can have many benefits (if you'd like, you could also look it up. It helped me understand why a lot!) I really appreciate your response, and I will make sure to set some time aside to look more into Ethnic Studies and how it can compliment Psychology. Thank you!
Ryleigh
That is wonderful ! I wish you all the best with the double major !
Michelle M.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
71
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Ryleigh, I am going to take a different approach with my response! Anything! Choose something you find interesting and whatever that subject is, it will be useful to you at this time, and perhaps in the future as well. The most important thing will be that you find your studies to be worth your time- and this is going to be an individual, unique answer for everyone. Any of the above subjects mentioned would be fine/great/good; but also a shout out to fine arts, theater, or dance as well! As an art therapist who has worked with drama therapists and expressive arts therapists (and psychologists), having the ability to work somatically and creatively with patients can be an absolute game changer. If you excel academically, it truly will not matter what specific courses you took, but that you keep working towards what you want- whether a doctorate degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) or something similar. Schools also want students who have their own, unique skillset, values, and beliefs about what it means to be in a healing or helping role. A well-developed person is going to thrive in this field! And wellness and personal development is a lifelong process. My advice is to go with your gut; go with whatever gets you most excited! There are all kinds of patients, and we need all kinds of providers and clinicians who can meet their needs. Cultivate the things that make you, you! Your own path will take you where you need to be. Spirituality is being brought into the therapy room, particularly with regards to grief/loss and hospice work; a minor in religious studies might provide a foundation in different belief systems. Marketing, communications, and business are also extremely useful to know as many practitioners enter private practice; therapy is a business like any other. Animal Behavior or Child Development could benefit you as well, if you plan to work with youth and families, or break into equine-assisted therapy, for example. The possibilities are endless! There is no perfect right answer other than to follow what speaks to you.
I don't think I've even heard of an art therapist, but oh did you just open a whole new door to me! I find it absolutely fascinating, and I will 100% be researching more in depth about art therapists. I also will be sure to look into child development, I'm actually taking it as a class next semester at my high school so that should also open my eyes a bit on that aspect. Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful!
Ryleigh