physicgirl12: What possibilities of careers can I get if I study in psychology?
I am a Junior in High School, and I am getting confused about what I want to major in. I really enjoy psychology and I been wonder if I major in that feild what are the careers I can get out of it. Any ideas?
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Answer by whiplashed
Check out the following link.
It is commendable that you are beginning the career planning process at this stage in your life. That shows you have drive, organization, and intelligence. Good for you! You will need to draw on all those traits to realize success in graduate school and in the marketplace.
If you want to pursue a career in psychology it is important for you to recognize that you cannot work independently in the field with less than a master’s degree. A master’s degree will take you about 2 years beyond your college degree. With a master’s, you can be licensed to practice independently (do counseling, own your own practice, work in a hospital, work for an insurance company).
To be licensed as a psychologist, you would require a Ph.D. The time commitment from high school graduation to actual licensure as a psychologist is about 12 years in most states (10-11 in some). In other words, you are looking at the time equivalent of medical school.
Best of luck in your future educational and vocational endeavors,
~Dr. B.~
Research or counseling/therapy are the two major classifications. You can teach as well but to do so, you’ll have to publish or practice in your field.
If you choose research – you can do observational or medical research. Medical research would involve genetics, biological, neurological or chemical testing. Alzheimer’s/memory, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and anxiety disorders are popular areas of research.
If you choose counseling, as another answerer stated, you’ll need at least a master’s. Most courses of study include a practicum and internship beyond the two years of class work for an additional 2-3 years as well as a state/federal test of knowledge. A year of that work is unpaid. The second and third years are at minimal pay for the field. Count on deferring student loans until you’re fully licensed.
LCDC is the only 2 year (associates) degree that will let you counsel with a license – it’s a licenced chemical dependency counselor.
The main master’s degree counseling careers are LCP, Licensed Professional Counselor; MFT Marriage and Family Therapy; LSW Licensed Social Worker (IIRC). They all have association websites that are searchable – for example AAMFT for Marriage and Family Therapists. You can read more about the professions and research accredited schools there.
PhDs (doctorate) typically take 8-10 years post bachelor’s. Stipends and fellowships are available to help with the cost. Research/publishing is required. PhDs are not necessarily trained in counseling or therapy.
Answer by rob_harwellDon’t try to get into the field, it’s closed.
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