Psychology is a scientific study of human behavior and mind. It covers a plethora of subfields – including social psychology, clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, child psychology, and even sports psychology. A lot of people think that it only comprises theoretical knowledge, which is a misconception. Through research, experiments, and studies, psychologists aim to find the cause-effect relationship between humans and their social surroundings. With the help of their findings, they analyze the behavior of humans. They also find solutions for behavioral issues and offer therapy to help individuals get better. Psychologists in different fields work in different settings – ranging from a controlled laboratory to institutions (such as schools and colleges).
It is a subject that offers you the opportunity to step into a wide range of fields. You don’t necessarily have to become a psychologist after earning a bachelor’s degree. You could become a therapist or even a recruiter; the choices are endless. Regardless of one’s goals, the subject is undeniably fascinating, and by the end of the course, you will have learned the essential skills required by most employers.
In this article, you’ll find out everything that you need to know about preparing for a Psychology degree.
Preparing For An Undergraduate Psychology Degree
Students aspiring to a career in Psychology must prepare for it right from high school. The best way to do that is by taking courses relevant to the degree. Sciences and Sociology may be suitable as they provide better insight and give a competitive advantage to students. An undergraduate degree is only the first step into a world of ever-increasing career options. One merit of a psychology major is that it lets students choose different career paths even after they have completed the undergraduate course. It can help students become well-versed with human behavior and learn skills like team management, communication, and leadership; all of which are valued by organizations.
Take Appropriate Classes In High School
Students must start preparing for their undergraduate degrees right from high school. If you’re interested in pursuing a BS degree in Psychology, you may need to be good at math. It is required for statistical analysis so that psychologists can make sense of the findings. This helps them convert their observations into numbers and, in turn, make it easier to find solutions to problems. If you cannot think of the best available subject on the list, reach out to a career guidance counselor in your school or locality.
Your high school subjects and performance can help you determine your strengths and weaknesses and set a route towards your goals accordingly.
Several high schools offer advanced placement courses. Students may take these courses to familiarize themselves with the subject and work in an environment similar to a college classroom. In some cases, one might be able to earn credit even before getting into a college course.
Read As Much As Can
The internet is chock-full of research papers, journals, and scholarly articles that can prepare you for your undergraduate degree. Since you will be dealing with scientific terminologies, it is best to expose yourself to new knowledge and information so that you are more efficient (and less clueless) when you are in university.
Make Sure That You Qualify To Enroll In The Program
Universities require a minimum GPA to enroll in the undergraduate degree. Students can learn more about the prerequisites for the degree through catalogs or prospectus provided by the institution. The coursework may also include advanced subjects, and there may be a minimum GPA requirement that students need to meet to graduate.
Know The Coursework Requirements
Here are some of the prominent schools in Texas which offer a psychology program:
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Rice University
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- University of North Texas
- Texas A&M University
- Austin College
- Baylor University
- Hardin-Simmons University
At Texas State University, the psychology department offers a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree requiring a 36-credit hour coursework. The Bachelor of Science degree requires you to choose a science-based minor subject.
The University of Texas In Tyler has a semester credit hour requirement of 120 hours. Students seeking to pursue a BS degree in Psychology need to have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
At the University of Texas in Dallas, the bachelor’s degree in psychology has a credit requirement of 120 credit hours whereas the minor requires 18 credit hours.
The University of North Texas has a BA and BS in Psychology. Students planning to opt for a doctorate are encouraged to pursue the BS program. The University allows them to learn and research along with faculty members and even publish their research findings in prominent psychology journals.
Likewise, the minimum GPA and credit hour requirement may vary for different universities. International students may need to give their TOEFL scores to the department as well. Before you apply, make sure to read the prospectus to ensure that you’re eligible for the course.
Work With Organizations In The Field
Volunteering with organizations can be a great way to get some hands-on experience before you begin your career. You can work with non-profit organizations which work in the mental health field. It would allow you to determine the skills you need to develop over time and ascertain whether you are passionate about the subject. You can even look for scientists and researchers in the field and understand how they carry out their research. Your school counselor can also help you to take part in activities that involve the area of interest.
Bachelor Of Arts Vs. Bachelor Of Science
Students are often confused between a BA and a BS degree. The difference between the two is that a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology is more science-based.
It offers a comprehensive scientific program that allows students to get into research. A BS in Psychology involves science, mathematics, and statistics and involves a more technical aspect of Psychology while a BA in Psychology revolves around social sciences and language arts. A BS degree is suitable for those who are interested in clinical and applied psychology and research methods while a BA degree is for those who want to diversify the number of choices they have. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree can choose career paths including law, HR management, Business, etc.
What Do You Study While Pursuing A Degree In Psychology?
While pursuing a Psychology major, candidates study the human mind, behavior, thoughts, feelings, and how their environment impacts them. A psychology major consists of the history of psychology, theories by psychologists, statistical and research methods, human sexuality, drugs and human behavior, and other areas. The course curriculum may change with time, so it is advisable to contact the university you’re applying to to know the exact syllabus.
Depending on which degree program you choose, the coursework can include research methods, historical context, theories, statistical methods, etc. Students may need to conduct research, experiments, measure and analyze the findings, and even publish their research findings at times.
While studying the history of Psychology, students will learn about classical experiments by renowned psychologists such as Gordon Allport, Albert Bandura, Sigmund Freud, and others.
Preparing For A Master’s Program
A graduate degree in Psychology is a 2-3-year program taken after an undergraduate degree. Like a bachelor’s degree, there are two kinds of master’s programs: Master of Arts and Master of Science. The latter is focused on a scientific approach, whereas the former focuses on social sciences and language arts. In general, graduate schools require candidates to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. However, this may vary for different universities. If you’ve been struggling with low scores in your undergraduate program, consistently scoring good grades can help you to prove that you’re willing to improve. Before taking up any program, consider going over the course curriculum, and credit hour requirements. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and have scored enough to qualify for the program.
During the program, you may have the choice between a thesis and a non-thesis. Most master’s programs require one to submit a thesis. This document is evidence of the candidate’s proficiency in the field of Psychology. Programs that focus more on application rather than research may not require a thesis.
To apply to the graduate schools of your choice, you may need to give the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the results of which are sent to these schools. You can take the exam more than once to ensure that the best marks are forwarded to the institution of your choice.
Preparing For A Doctorate Degree
Pursuing a doctorate in Psychology opens doors to plenty of opportunities. Additionally, doctorate degrees can help you land a high-paying job. There are two types of doctorate degrees: Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Psychology.
A Ph.D. in Psychology is suitable for candidates interested in scientific research or teaching, whereas a PsyD program is for those who wish to offer psychological services.
The duration of the degree may range anywhere from 3-8 years depending on the course requirements. To qualify for the program, candidates typically need to have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Universities may require students to submit their GRE scores, SOP, recommendation letters, etc., and have previous research experience. Some programs may include a one-year predoctoral internship which must be completed before a student is awarded the degree.
Is A Degree In Psychology Worth It?
Psychology happens to be a prized course in the US. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there would be a 14% increase in the availability of jobs through 2026. It implies that candidates would have a handful of opportunities to choose from once they graduate.
The career possibilities include sales, teaching, HR management, clinical therapy, research, social services, organizational counseling, and much more! Nearly every organization requires a psychologist to help them enhance employee productivity and ensure that the work environment is healthy and positive. It can be beneficial for students to learn other important skills while pursuing a major so that they are prepared by the time they want to look for a job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published the Occupational Outlook Handbook which suggests that the median annual income in 2018 of clinical psychologists was approximately $76,990. However, the average income can go up to $120,000 (or even higher) depending on the region and subfield. Some may even earn as much as $250,000.
Becoming A Psychologist After A Degree In Psychology
Completing a degree in Psychology is the first step towards your goal. However, you must start planning ahead of time so that you have plenty of opportunities once you graduate. Whether you want to pursue a master’s or a doctorate, it is important to enhance your skill-set over time. It would help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if you think you’re good at research and analysis, you can polish these skills and choose an occupation that helps you utilize them to the fullest.
Legally, one needs to have a doctorate in Psychology to become a psychologist. However, there may be states which offer students with a Master’s degree to earn a license.
To become a psychologist, students typically need a doctorate. They can pursue a Master’s degree after earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Universities offer programs with different areas of expertise such as counseling or school psychology.
Some universities offer dual programs which allow you to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate at the same time.
Psychologists may work independently or in an organization/group. Typically, counseling psychologists have clinics where they offer mental healthcare services to the public. I-O psychologists work in organizations and ensure that the work environment is congenial for the employees. They also work on increasing efficiency and solve problems that arise. Sports psychologists work with athletes and sportspersons to improve their mental and physical well-being.
A Psychologist may need a license or a certificate to practice. There may be different requirements in different states to obtain these documents. In general, the Psychologist may need to earn a doctorate, complete a pre/post-doctoral internship, and pass the exam for Professional Practice in Psychology. Students who have been awarded a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than Psychology may need to take some courses as a requirement.
Licenses and certificates ensure that you provide high-quality services to the public while enhancing your credibility in the market. The American Board of Professional Psychology has an early-entry program that allows students to start the certification process by simply filling out an application. The application fees are $25 – five times less than the usual charges. This program makes the process easier for students by allowing them to inform the board of their progress.
The ABPP awards certifications in multiple areas of specialty. Psychologists who wish to work in hospitals and clinics may require board certification.
To have a license in Texas, it is required to have 60 credit hours in your graduate degree program, with a maximum of 12 hours of Internship. Make sure that you choose a degree, accordingly, keeping in mind the credit hour requirements.
Those who wish to become school psychologists in Texas need to complete a Psychology program that has either been approved by APA or NASP.
Psychologists Vs. Psychiatrists Vs. Psychotherapists
Students are often confused between these three terms. Although these professions may provide services that overlap, the terms cannot be used interchangeably. The APA requires psychologists to have a doctorate in Psychology. Some states may allow individuals with a master’s degree to use the title. Psychologists research the human mind and behavior, and in some states, they may prescribe medications as well, but this is more of an exception.
Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are professionals with medical degrees who focus on the biological aspect and can prescribe medications for mental illnesses.
“Psychotherapist” is an umbrella term that refers to a trained individual who provides psychotherapy. It includes psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and more.
Other individuals work in the field of Psychology such as counselors, and social workers. The main difference lies in specialization. Psychiatrists, for instance, are specialized in providing medications to treat mental illnesses, whereas Psychologists specialize in research, analysis, and evaluation. The main goal of both of these professionals is to provide mental healthcare services to the public.
Final Thoughts:
Psychology is an intriguing subject which deals with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals. The scope of this field is vast, and students have a range of career options they can step into. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Psychology, it is best to start as early as possible. Gather the right resources and surround yourself with influential mentors in the field who can guide you in your journey. Building your career right from scratch may take a while but once you graduate, you will have a competitive advantage over your peers.