Undergraduate requirements for PhD/PsyD program

[Preston T]

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Is it possible to get into an accredited PhD/PsyD program with just a minor in psychology and without doing research in undergraduate school? What about for a master's degree program? The reason I ask is because I want to pursue a career in acting with psychology as a backup. Thanks in advance.

 

[erg923]

You would need to take the neccesary prereq courses for doctoral study before entering. Similarly, without research expereince, you would not stand a chance for ph.d programs. Psy.D program are more leinent, but you would still at least need some research experience.

This isnt really a career that can be a "back-up." 5-7 crueling years of doctoral training should not be taken lighly, and one must demonstrate (both to themself and admissions committees) that they are appopriately dedicated to it.

 

[PrisonPsych]

I always thought waiting tables was the back up for being an actor. 😀

 

[futureapppsy2]

Pre-reqs vary by program/school, but they commonly include intro (duh), developmental psych, personality, abnormal psych, psych stats, research methods, and (less commonly) tests and measurement.

 

[cara susanna]

Yeah... I would suggest getting a useful 4 year degree as a backup for acting, not a PhD 😉

 

[aagman01]

A masters sounds like it may be a good path for you. It can gain you entry into the field and experience if the acting thing doesn't pan out.

You can potentially gain clinical and research experiences you would need to enter a doctoral program if you find that the acting thing doesn't pan out (if you wanted to enter a doctoral program).

Best to you!

Yeah... I would suggest getting a useful 4 year degree as a backup for acting, not a PhD 😉

 

[cara susanna]

I guess I don't see the compatability of an actor's lifestyle and being a therapist. I mean, what would you do, tell your clients "Sorry, I can't see you next week--I'm playing Tevya at the Paper Mill"? If you want to pursue community theatre as a hobby, that would most likely work, but professional acting gigs? I'm not so sure.

Edit: Assuming the OP wants some sort of clinical program, of course.

 

[Preston T]

Yeah I was thinking of majoring in drama, minoring in psychology, and pursuing my acting career immediately after college. I thought if for whatever reason I changed my mind, then I would apply for the doctoral program. However, I'm just a scattered brained high school junior right now so I might have a totally different career in mind by the time I get to college.

Anyway, thanks again for the responses and thanks aagman.

 

[cara susanna]

Oh, if you're a junior in HS, you have a lot of time to figure it out.

I would say though that acting lends itself better to a hobby than psych does, if that helps. I faced the same decision between psych and music, and now I'm studying the former and pursuing the latter as an avocation.

 

[psychmama]

Hi. For whatever it's worth, one of my classmates decided to get his Psyd after several years of a successful acting/singing career. So, you never know how things will turn out. Good luck!🙂

 

[futureapppsy2]

Oh, if you're a junior in HS, you have a lot of time to figure it out.

I would say though that acting lends itself better to a hobby than psych does, if that helps. I faced the same decision between psych and music, and now I'm studying the former and pursuing the latter as an avocation.

Ditto with me and writing--if I get into a psych program, that is . (Though I must say that being a good writer has been quite helpful in psych so far)