Anybody with a degree in psychology?

[Dice]

Bachelor or Masters? I’m doing some research on the field and wanted to know what your experience was academically and what are the expectations once you obtain your degree. Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

[TMagic]

Honestly, all throughout college people have always talked about getting a degree in psychology is the biggest waste. When I say that, I mean that when you graduate that degree is not going to put you ahead, especially compared to other majors.

Hell, it wasnt that long ago that on yahoo's money page, it had an article on the worst college majors. It had a top ten list and about 5 or 6 were psychology majors. The rest were art and language majors.

I have a friend who got his masters in psychology. Couldnt get a job. And I remember my first job while going to school was at target. I worked in the back and met one other guy in his 30s. Somehow we got on the subject of school on my first day and he says, "Yeah I went to college and got my degree in Psychology. So that should explain why I'm working here." Lol

So if you REALLY have your mind set on psychology, just know that if you're trying to make good money, you're going to be going for your doctorate which entails about 8 years or more depending on the pace you go. Otherwise, I honestly can say its not worth it.

(No offense to any Psych majors out there. Lol)

[Blitz1942]

Quote: Originally Posted by TMagic

Honestly, all throughout college people have always talked about getting a degree in psychology is the biggest waste. When I say that, I mean that when you graduate that degree is not going to put you ahead, especially compared to other majors. Hell, it wasnt that long ago that on yahoo's money page, it had an article on the worst college majors. It had a top ten list and about 5 or 6 were psychology majors. The rest were art and language majors. I have a friend who got his masters in psychology. Couldnt get a job. And I remember my first job while going to school was at target. I worked in the back and met one other guy in his 30s. Somehow we got on the subject of school on my first day and he says, "Yeah I went to college and got my degree in Psychology. So that should explain why I'm working here." Lol So if you REALLY have your mind set on psychology, just know that if you're trying to make good money, you're going to be going for your doctorate which entails about 8 years or more depending on the pace you go. Otherwise, I honestly can say its not worth it. (No offense to any Psych majors out there. Lol)

Pretty much this. If you you want to go into psychology, you better be ready to go through at least graduate school or even higher to actually have a chance at a decent job.

It's a step above Art majors though, since there really isn't much for an Art major to do in modern times.

[Dice]

I had thought about it myself but I heard too many negative things about it. But it was mostly about money and career. I just had a general interest in it and wanted to pursue a Masters degree and probably a PhD in it. Something just to add to my resume because I already have a good career in IT. So if I need some money I can always turn to technology.

This is more for some young men I'm mentoring who's going into their junior year of high school. I just want to get some input on those who been through it.

[Buckeyes_Doc]

One of my best friends got a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and he said it was the biggest waste of 4 years.

[Lieutenant Dan]

Nothing wrong with pursuing a degree in psych if that's what you dig, but to be marketable you should double-major with a business degree or another broader degree. Or, minor in psych and major in something else.

A business/psych combo is great for getting into human resources positions, amongst others.

[ballerzinc]

Don't! Pick a major in need or don't go to college and gain experience in a field. The value you get for the money your going to spend is just not there anymore.

[Blaze125]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lieutenant Dan

Nothing wrong with pursuing a degree in psych if that's what you dig, but to be marketable you should double-major with a business degree or another broader degree. Or, minor in psych and major in something else. A business/psych combo is great for getting into human resources positions, amongst others.

That's what I did. I mainly majored in psychology because I really enjoy the subject, but I also majored in Accounting since I'd rather pursue a career in that.

I did learn a lot of practical uses for psychology with the major. My school (Western Michigan) is extremely behavioral oriented, and everything I learned was very interesting. I also got to do a practicum where I worked with shelter dogs and trained them to be more attractive to adopters, which I included on my resume as something that helps my background. If you enjoy it, I think it can't hurt to include it with another major or a minor.