Questions regarding a psych major.

[psychattempt]

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Let me preface my post by stating that I'm merely a very confused senior in high school (who likes to be prepared for future events, however far away they may be), so please forgive me for any questions that you may find scoff worthy or trivial.

What would be an appropriate second major or minor to complement a psychology major? I've been considering taking at least a few business courses, which may possibly serve to give me an upper hand in the horrendous and competitive job market that I've heard so much about on these forums. I'm also very interested in philosophy, but I'm not entirely sure how much relevance that has to clinical psychology.

I've heard that it's possible to go straight from a B.A/B.S in psychology to a Ph.D program, without having to attain an M.A in psych. I'd imagine that something like this would be incredibly difficult and, I presume, rare, but if it's an opportunity to save thousands of dollars in loans and debts, I'm all ears.

I've also heard that employers are opting to choose psychologists with M.As in psych rather than people with Ph.Ds. I realize that these two degrees are vastly different from one another, but does this mean, given the current market, that it's more viable to attain an M.A over a Ph.D?

And finally, I know that the beginning pay for psychologists is absolutely rancid given the fierce competition, but will it be sustainable? And by sustainable, I mean will I be able to live a modest lifestyle?

Thank you very much!

PA.

 

[Psychology 76]

Let me preface my post by stating that I'm merely a very confused senior in high school (who likes to be prepared for future events, however far away they may be), so please forgive me for any questions that you may find scoff worthy or trivial.

What would be an appropriate second major or minor to complement a psychology major? I've been considering taking at least a few business courses, which may possibly serve to give me an upper hand in the horrendous and competitive job market that I've heard so much about on these forums. I'm also very interested in philosophy, but I'm not entirely sure how much relevance that has to clinical psychology.

I've heard that it's possible to go straight from a B.A/B.S in psychology to a Ph.D program, without having to attain an M.A in psych. I'd imagine that something like this would be incredibly difficult and, I presume, rare, but if it's an opportunity to save thousands of dollars in loans and debts, I'm all ears.

I've also heard that employers are opting to choose psychologists with M.As in psych rather than people with Ph.Ds. I realize that these two degrees are vastly different from one another, but does this mean, given the current market, that it's more viable to attain an M.A over a Ph.D?

And finally, I know that the beginning pay for psychologists is absolutely rancid given the fierce competition, but will it be sustainable? And by sustainable, I mean will I be able to live a modest lifestyle?

Thank you very much!

PA.

Welcome to the forum 🙂

All of your questions have been addressed ad nauseum so the search tool would be a good first bet. First though, read more about psychology and take intro to psych to see if you like psychology. If you don't like it, then none of your other questions really matter.

As for a double major/minor ect. I was in the same position as you actually. Debating between business and philo to combine with psych. I ended up doing a sociology minor because it was interesting and fit into my schedule well. It really doesn't matter if you have an extra major or minor as long as you know what you need to know. Business might be good for learning skills needed in private practice I would imagine.

 

[psychattempt]

Thank you for the input! I'll be sure to do a slightly more thorough search before I start a new thread next time.

Welcome to the forum 🙂

All of your questions have been addressed ad nauseum so the search tool would be a good first bet. First though, read more about psychology and take intro to psych to see if you like psychology. If you don't like it, then none of your other questions really matter.

As for a double major/minor ect. I was in the same position as you actually. Debating between business and philo to combine with psych. I ended up doing a sociology minor because it was interesting and fit into my schedule well. It really doesn't matter if you have an extra major or minor as long as you know what you need to know. Business might be good for learning skills needed in private practice I would imagine.

 

[virtuous]

I am interested in clinical psychology. What are the steps that I need to take?

 

[jdawgg]

I am interested in clinical psychology. What are the steps that I need to take?

Use the search function.

 

[erg923]

The search function is the key to admission! All dilligent psychology undergrads who succesfully appply to Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology have extensive experience in search function utilization and technology.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

While tongue in cheek, many successful psych applicants are the ones that ferret out information and put in the time researching the field, the programs, etc.

There is a link in my signature to the search. I recommend spending a few hours reading through threads.

 

[lizzo76]

I think that you are mistaken about a couple things.

First of all MOST PhD programs in psychology are direct-entry from undergrad. You get your MA along the way. You're not "skipping" it and saving money. (And by the way, many doctoral programs are funded.)

Second, very few schools offer terminal MA degree programs in Psychology. They are not unheard of, but you cannot be a licensed psychologist (or even really call yourself a psychologist) with only an MA. Are you referring to masters programs in other areas, like social work, or family therapy? They're entirely different animals.

As for a complementary major - I would definitely suggest biology to really open up your options. I only wish I had taken more bio classes in college.

 

[Jalpari]

I think that you are mistaken about a couple things.

First of all MOST PhD programs in psychology are direct-entry from undergrad. You get your MA along the way. You're not "skipping" it and saving money. (And by the way, many doctoral programs are funded.)

.

And whats the duration of PHD, which includes Masters ?

 

[erg923]

Minimum time it will take is 5 years (4 years plus one internship year). Although the average is more like 6 (5 years plus one internship year).