Is it a good idea to major in Psychology?

Question

I've always loved psychology, it's so interesting to me.. Is it a good idea to major in psychology? People say it's difficult because to become a sucessful psychologist, you need to get a pHD in it. I've been told that that's pretty difficult and that I should really reconsider and look at a different major. Can anyone please explain the whole process in detail?

Answer 1

You do need a higher education degree to really do anything with psychology. You don't necessarily need to get a PhD which is research focused.

The big problem with it as a major is that it attracts a lot of goof offs and is overpopulated. So unless you're better at it than most people, there is some competition. Less so, if you want to do something other than clinical psychology.

But consider your alternatives. There are lots of other fields that don't help people get jobs an easier. So if you love it, then go for it.

Answer 2

Majoring in psychology is not the best idea. I did it and do not regret it but like a major in English, you can barely do anything related without a Masters and at least 2 years experience. Psychology degrees are for people who are going to pursue higher education. If you are then go for it. If not you will end up working for a non profit making very little money. It is interesting yes and if you want to pursue a career in a related field then it is okay. Another possibility would be to major in social work or another social science.

Answer 3

Everyone here is correct about what they are saying. To get into a decent doctoral program after college you'll need at least a 3.5 gpa. If you want to go into a master's program you'll need at least a 3.0. If you can do this then consider the psychology major. In grad school you must keep at least a B or a B- average or you will get thrown out. If you are able to do all of this and you have a genuine passion for the field then go for it. If not, it isn't a degree to choose because you can't make up your mind.

Answer 4

When I started college, my counselor told me that PhD stood for "Pretty hard to Do". I was shocked because she was trying to discourage me from majoring in Psychology saying that there was a lot of competition in that field. I took some of the required Psych courses, but regrettably, I didn't stick with it.

If that's what you want to do, I'd say GO FOR IT. If you're serious, you can accomplish whatever you set your heart on.

Answer 5

My sister was a psychology major. She got her master in psychology too. She just completed her some-thousand hours prerequisite and just took the test. She work long hours doing counseling for abused kids- she loves little kids and therefore she loves doing this but I think it steressed her out as well. She doesn't get paid much right now- actually I make twice as much as she does & I'm an corporate accountant, & I don't work as much as her! Anyway, I think if you really loves it then you've got to do it... you just have to be very committed like my sister. God Bless her!

Answer 6

I'm almost finished with my doctorate and I won't lie. It has been difficult. My undergraduate degree involved a lot of papers, an internship, and designing, running, and analyzing 2 studies. My graduate school career has involved 4 years of difficult classes (anything under a B- is failing), 2 years of externship, followed by one year of internship, and a very long, 100+ page paper. If you are willing to put forth the effort, its worth it.

Answer 7

I had the same question and I really didn't like the reputation or the "goof-offs" in the field. Psychology may be really theoretical too, depending on where you study it. I opted for Cognitive Science and Sociology instead, and I am very very happy with my decision. You may also like Anthropology. Psychology is not bad, if you really love it and are serious about it, then try it out.

Answer 8

I majored in paychology just to finish my degree, realized I loved the field, but needed to further my degree to get anywhere, now working towards the never ending masters degree (with 1000 hours of internships), then two years of supervision and then a big test for license.

Answer 9

if you decide to get a degree in psychology, plan on going on and at least getting a master's degree. it's hard to find a job with a bachelor's. pretty much all i have found is case management type positions.

Answer 10

Sure. But you won't find a decent paying job unless you get licensed.