In college, what do future psychiatrists major in?

Question

I'm about to start college, and want to become a psychiatrist. In order to do this, what do I need to major in and how extensive of an education do I need?

Answer 1

You will need to go to medical school after college, so you would do best to have a science major like biology. Then you go on to medical school, after which you have to do a long residency.

Answer 2

You need to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist.

4 years of college

4 years of medical school

3 or 4 year residency (don't remember which)


You major doesn't matter for medical school admissions. However, if you don't want to go to medical school and still work with people and mental illness, you could always major in Psychology, and get a Master's or a PhD in clinical psychology.

The difference is that psychologists do not prescribe medications, and psychiatrists do (because they are licensed MDs).



Edit. The post below me is incorrect regarding the major necessary for medical school. I'm a medical student so I've already been through the process. Your major does NOT matter, only that you complete the pre-requisite classes. I have classmates that majored in things like Psychology, English, Spanish, and Business.

Arrg, people, stop spreading false rumors! Statistics say that of those who apply about 50% of every major gets in...no major has preference over another. The only reason why there might be less non-science majors is simply because less of them apply, not because less of them get accepted.

Answer 3

Psychology would probably be best. If you're looking for more vigorous fields... you can double major in psych and math, if you have time. The important thing is that you get good grades. A 3.8-4.0 with psychology is certainly better than a 3.3 in any other major that might be more vigorous but you won't do as well in.

Answer 4

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Therefore a pre-med program is probably your nest choice. While theoretically one can major in anything and go to medical school, in reality almost all med school students were biology or chemistry majors.

You might also consider clinical psychology or clinical social work graduate school.