Will I Get To Travel As Part Of My Degree
Travel is not a compulsory part of a Psychology degree, but there are plenty of options for students whod like to incorporate travel into their studies. For instance, many universities offer Psychology with a year abroad. Psychology is also a popular option for a joint honours degree with a language, which almost always includes spending a year in a country where the target language is spoken.Aside from international travel, some universities offer Psychology with a placement year, which gives students the chance to spend time in industry, which could be in psychological research or in the NHS.
You Will Develop A New Perspective On Mental Illness
Studying psychology will allow you to tear down many of the myths that people believe about mental illness. You will understand, for example, the differences between what is a syndrome, a disorder and a disease. You will realize that medication doesnt cure certain diseases, it only treats them. You will discover for yourself the complexity of making a diagnosis, and the multiple nuances that there are in a depression, an anxiety disorder or a schizophrenia.
What Are The Most Common Career Fields For Psychology Graduates
As you see below, psychology graduates work in a wide variety of fields. The common career fields shown below includes both alumni who completed their education with a bachelor’s degree and those who continued on to earn a graduate/professional degree.
Other career fields indicated by psychology alumni include:
- Law Enforcement/ Corrections
Recommended Reading: Figure And Ground Psychology
Electives For Psychology Majors
Many students choose to take elective courses that are related to their future career goals. For example, a student with an interest in consumer psychology might focus on electives in areas like marketing, advertising, social psychology, experimental design, and statistics.
Other students might opt to take some elective courses in psychology along with classes in other interest areas. For example, a student interested in pursuing a career in art therapy might take fine arts classes as part of her undergraduate electives.
Some of the electives that might be of interest to psychology majors include courses in:
- Sociology
The Areas Of Study In Psychology
Choosing to study psychology can be a little bit daunting, especially if you are new to the field. There are so many areas of psychology to study that they have been organized into ten areas for quicker analysis:
- Clinical psychology
- Social psychology
- Health psychology
Because there are so many branches of psychology, you will eventually have to choose which kind you would like to study. Your studies will get more specific in your chosen field as you attend more school and get more degrees, which you will definitely need to do in order to be qualified for most psychology careers.
Recommended Reading: Age Word Problems Worksheet With Solutions
Are You Thinking Of Studying Psychology
- Are you thinking of studying Psychology?
Psychology is the study of the human mind, mental processes and resulting behaviour.
Its long been one of the UKs most popular degree courses, with more than 60,000 students enrolled on Psychology courses across the country. Its a degree that offers flexible options on graduation, with 20% of graduates becoming practising psychologists. Other psychology graduates choose amongst a wide variety of jobs, from the Civil Service to management and HR. However, the popularity of the course does mean that unlike most science degrees, theres no shortage of Psychology graduates which means that job prospects arent as good for Psychology as for other science subjects.It is important to remember that the study of Psychology is rooted in the sciences, which means students should be prepared to analyse statistics or be adept at maths. For students interested in Psychology but less keen on the science side of the subject, some universities offer Psychology as a BA rather than a BSc.
How To Succeed In Psychology Courses
So youve decided that psychology is the right path for you. Wonderful! Studying the mind can be extremely rewarding, as it grants insight into how people think and behave the way they do.
Luckily for you, Ive blazed the trail and have made it to the other side in mostly one piece. Im here to share what I learned from both my successes and mistakes, so you dont have to totally wing it!
Here are my top four tips for budding psychologists. Following these will save a lot of pain later in your academic career.
You May Like: Elton John Kids Adopted
Careers You Might Not Expect
In fact, people with psychology majors succeed in all sorts of careers, most of which dont directly involve studying the mind.
But First: About Cross-majors
Knowing a thing or two about the way the mind works is definitely a plus. But again, the reason psychology opens doors to the careers below is because of the skills you gain, not always because of what you studied.
Specialized knowledge is required for several of these jobs. You may need a second major or minor or an advanced degree to pursue many of these careers. The skills you gained studying psychology complement your specialized study, setting you apart.
1. Social Worker
This is an incredibly broad title that could refer to many different types of social service work. Social workers are often referred to as case managers, because they take on an individual or familys diverse needs as a case and connect these clients with resources . When licensed, social workers often take on roles similar to mental health counselors themselves.
2. Teacher or Trainer
Although you need an education degree to teach in a public school, there are many teaching or training roles that psychology will help prepare you for. Teachers in religious environments, for example, dont always need to be licensed. And a psychology major can provide an excellent knowledge base to go into new hire training in a government or corporate setting.
3. Childcare Worker
4. Ministry Professional
5. Human Resources Specialist
7. Law Enforcement Officer
Why I Study Psychology
Why I Study Psychology is a collection of short essays. Each student explains their motivation for choosing pscyhology.
Lerna Team
As part of a national essay competition, current and future psychology students were asked to explain their study motivation. Each student describes in 250 words or less why I chose psychology as a major and how I’m motivated to succeed at psychology studies.
The best, most inspiring essays are published here. As you can see, psychology students are often motivated by personal experiences and a wish for healthier, happier communities.
The essays demonstrate the value from having a vision for your career whether it’s detailed or “big picture” before you start a psychology degree. Having a long-term goal in mind offers a reliable source of study motivation.
Also Check: How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work Physics
So What Can You Do With A Psychology Degree
There are many different options available to psychology degree holders, depending on your specializations and interests, such as:
Although many roles will be available to you with an undergraduate degree, some more highly specialized roles may require further study. Of the psychology careers which dont require further study, training is usually available on the job to ensure you continue moving forward in your career.
Read on for some insight into the types of careers open to you with an undergraduate psychology degree .
Day In The Life Of A Forensic Psychologist
What is a forensic psychologist like? A day in the life of a forensic psychologist varies their work setting, job title, and specialization. Forensic psychologists often specialize in civil, family, or criminal casework. They interact with attorneys, judges, victims of crime, and criminal offenders. Forensic psychologists working in research and academics also interact with other psychology professionals, research assistants, and students.
Forensic psychologists attend court cases to provide expert testimony, perform child custody evaluations, assess intervention program efficacy, and screen law enforcement applicants. Other common forensic psychologist duties include:
Don’t Miss: Four Primary Goals Of Psychology
Doctor Of Public Health
If you seek a career in helping people, but don’t want to engage on an individual level as counselors and therapists do, a career in public health might be right for you.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the professionals that study and seek to improve public health have been spotlighted in the media. The academic discipline explores the various threats to the health of a population, including infectious diseases and mental health.
Assistant professor of pediatrics and EMS medical director Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah told U.S. News that “there is no time like the present” to enter the field. “With the repercussions of COVID, we’re going to need more public health specialists in developed and developing societies,” she said.
An educational background in psychology is a boon for a career in public health, as mental health is a major factor in a person’s overall wellness. With a doctorate in public health, you could become a public health researcher, an epidemiologist, a bioU.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsian, or a public health consultant.
Developmental Psychology Online Courses
As a student in National Universitys developmental psychology class online, you will study the core concepts of developmental psychology. You will analyze and discuss the strengths, and the weaknesses of the major theories of lifespan development, as well as learn about the impact of biological and genetic influences, such as ethnicity, and gender, alongside other cultural factors, on physical growth, cognition, and behavior. You will then assess how current research supports and critiques these theories.
Significant areas of study in the National program include:
- Nature versus nurture: Seeks to understand how our genetic inheritance interacts with our experiences to influence our development throughout life.
- Continuity versus stages: Explores the difference between the skills that are continuously and smoothly added throughout our life experience versus more dramatic and sudden changes based on quick responses to specific interests.
- Stability versus change: Examines which characteristics stay with us throughout our lives and what changes as we get older.
Recommended Reading: How Do Noise Canceling Headphones Work Physics
Psychology Major Alumni Survey
Psychology alumni from Ohio State pursue many different types of careers! We encourage our current and prospective psychology majors to explore the varied paths of our psychology alumni.
In 2017, the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office conducted a survey of over 7500 Ohio State psychology graduates who received a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree between 1997 and 2016. These alumni were sent an email invitation to complete an online survey regarding their academic and professional experiences. The data from 820 Psychology alumni are compiled below to address frequently asked questions about careers in psychology.
Psychology Is A Science
Just like biology or geology, psychology is a science. Specifically, its the scientific study of the mind.
There are countless misconceptions about what psychology actually is. Sometimes its thought of as asking clients how does that make you feel? as they lie on a couch, while some people get psychology mixed up with psychic readings.
Given how often the field is misunderstood, what psychology is can most easily be defined by what it is not.
Psychology is not:
You May Like: Is Physics Harder Than Chemistry
A Final Thought On Psychology
Students of Psychology who want to stand out of the crowd of graduates will need to work hard to distinguish themselves, especially if they want to carry on to further study, but the same is true of most other popular degrees as well. Psychology is a popular subject for good reason: its fascinating to study, providing an insight into the way we think, behave and live.
Study For Recall Not Recognition
Learning how to study psychology effectively means studying for recall rather than recognition.
When studying for recognition, all youre doing is trying to memorize key terms or phrases so you recognize the correct answer when prompted. But not all exam questions offer you prompts.
Instead, you should study for recall. This is a deeper level of understanding that allows you to access information off the top of your head without any assistance.
Not only is this beneficial for instances in which your professor asks you to explain a concept in class or on an exam, but its also beneficial for multiple-choice prompts. This is because multiple-choice questions are often framed with very similar answers answers that are intended to trick you if all youve done is study for recognition.
But if you study for recall, youll have all the necessary details in your memory and youll be better equipped to choose the right answer and youll have a greater understanding of the topic as well.
Also Check: Does Quantum Physics Prove God
Where Can It Lead
A degree in Psychology does not require you to have studied Psychology A Level. However, many courses ask for a science subject, of which Psychology is one. A Level Psychology will provide you with the skills required of an undergraduate – an inquiring mind and the ability to use scientific research findings to support and challenge various claims about why people behave the way that they do.
Career Paths In Psychology
There are many career paths you can take when you have a degree in psychology, and they are generally sorted into two different categories: application-based, and research-based.Research-based psychologists conduct research and perform studies to learn more about the brain and human behavior. Application-based psychologists, such as therapists, then use the research to try to provide solutions for people and organizations.Studying psychology does not necessarily mean you will work in a laboratory. Because psychology is present practically everywhere, it can be studied in a variety of settings. Research psychologists collect data through several methods, including:
- Case studies
Also Check: Did Michael Jackson Have Biological Kids
Do I Need Psychology A Level To Do A Degree In Psychology
You dont normally need to study psychology at A level, or in your Scottish Highers or International Baccalaureate , to do a degree in psychology. Of course, its a good way to find out if you enjoy the subject and start developing some knowledge. However, you can always read up on psychology in your own time to see if it interests you, and at university you wont be expected to have any prior knowledge.
If you dont include psychology in your A level choices, its worth considering taking maths or a science subject see below for more details.
What Kinds Of Therapists Are There
Since therapists can help a wide variety of people, there are several specializations within the profession.
This includes psychotherapists, behavioral therapists, cognitive-behavioral therapists, interpersonal therapists, mindfulness-based therapists, recreational therapists, child therapists, marriage and family therapists, and occupational therapists.
Many of these therapist positions have similar educational and career paths, but some have specific requirements as well.
Don’t Miss: Michael Jackson’s Biological Son
How To Become A Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists help people overcome problems in their lives, whether they are mental or interpersonal . For example, a psychotherapist might help someone figure out why they have so much stress or how to deal with an unhealthy relationship with a coworker. Therapy typically follows the format of weekly, hour-long sessions.
To become a psychotherapist, one should first earn a bachelors degree in psychology or a related field. From there, one can start earning their masters degree in psychotherapy. While earning their masters degree, one will start accruing relevant clinical experience necessary for licensing.
In the United Kingdom, for example, one needs a masters degree in psychotherapy and 450 hours of practice to be registered as a licensed psychotherapist by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy .
In the US, the requirements to become a psychotherapist typically involve a pre-degree requirement of anywhere from 1000-1500 hours, and then another 1500 hours of supervised experience after obtaining your degree.
Typically, a candidate who has finished their supervised hours will get approval from the licensing board of their region to sit for a standardized clinical licensing exam before they are officially licensed to practice. They may practice in the interim before licensure with a conditional license usually containing the title associate or intern before their credentials.
For more information on psychotherapy certification, visit this website.
Alternative Doctoral Programs For Psychology Majors
We’ve discussed the main career paths open to you if you hold a master’s degree in psychology and are ready to enter the workforce. However, what if you are interested in pursuing a doctorate but decided against becoming a clinical psychologist or researcher?
There are still plenty of other routes you can pursue with a master’s degree in psychology under your belt. The following are just some of the options available to you, not an exhaustive list.
Also Check: Compass Rose For Kids
What Does An International Psychologist Do
Part of the job of international psychologists is to study trends within different countries. They need to get a sense of what the predominant factors are pertaining to beliefs, science and social order. … One must study how a country will react to certain events that happen in the world and within their own cultures.
Psychology Degree Entry Requirements What A Levels Do You Need
Some universities dont ask for any specific subjects in your A levels, Scottish Highers or IB others want at least one or sometimes two science subjects.
The details of which subjects are classed as sciences vary from university to university.
- Maths, psychology, physics, chemistry and biology are usually included.
- Geology, geography, environmental science, electronics, computing and economics are included in some cases.
- Other subjects can occasionally be included.
Universities may also specify what grades you need in English, maths and/or science subjects at GCSE or National 5 level.
Also Check: How To Calculate A Half Life
Psychology Careers In Healthcare And Therapy
Chartered psychologist
With further study and training youll be able to gain qualification as a chartered psychologist. Within this highly specialized role, youll work with people of all backgrounds, both patients and clients. Youll analyze behaviors, thoughts and emotions in order to better understand and advise on certain actions and/or psychological issues. As a chartered psychologist, youll have the option to specialize in a number of areas, including occupational psychology, educational psychology, sport and mental health.
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist will work with individuals, couples, groups or families, to help their clients overcome psychological issues, including emotional and relationship-related issues, stress and even addiction.
Depending on what you choose to specialize in during your degree, as well as your personal interests, you can choose to act as a psychotherapist using a number of approaches. These include cognitive behavioral methods, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies, as well as art therapy, drama therapy, humanistic and integrative psychotherapy, hypno-psychotherapy and experiential therapy.
Social worker
Counselor