I want to go into counseling psychology but my university doesnt offer it. what should i major in?
My university only offers the following as majors: Behavior Analysis, Neuroscience & Behavior, Developmental, Sensation & Perception, Social, and Cognitive & Cognitive Neuropsychology. Which should i major in and what kind of classes should i take that will prepare me most for it? Also, what kind of psychology is best for Advertising?
Kenny said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 6:48 pm
switch universities. Your going to be doing this for the rest of your life. If counseling psychology makes you happy I say go for it, even if it will cost more money to go somewhere else. (I’m in the process of transferring for that exact reason)
Zach The Riffer said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
well if the job you want will only take you if you have the psychology/counseling degree, then I would find another college no matter how much it costs because the only way is to follow your dreams. But if the jobs will take you on neurology stuff, then I would just take the neuropsychology class, but hey, that’s just me. lol, hope this helps!
James C said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 7:36 pm
Major in finding a college that does and ask them
Dheon said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 7:49 pm
it’s so ironic you like counseling psy
…and now your the one being counseld.
well, its a touch decision making on choosing what university and major to go into.
i think it is better for u to try social psychology first. and if it wont suit u, proceed to another field.
my uncle took social psy first and he’s professional now…
.
Dream-Dance-Love-Live said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
Social,Dvelopmental and Behavior Analyssis will best help you. My mom majored in psychology and I studyed and when to classes with her so this is from what I know. Good luck with this all.
Psychogirlfrog said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
Hey there,
I know what a difficult decision this is for you and believe me I feel your pain. I was almost in the same position as you. I knew I wanted to go into psychology but had no idea that there were so many different options out there for me.
If I had to do it all over again I would have taken a career occupational skills test that would measure my likes, abilities, and compatability.
I did not take this test until I was in grad school. And, do you know that there were 3 people in my class that scored very very low in the psychology field which meant that they were probably destined to not be happy. Come to find out, one of my colleagues doesn’t really like people that much. (I know crazy right?) So she changed her major to a more human resource psychology.
I went to Auburn for one semester and the only trac they offered was social work. Then I transfered to Troy University and got my degree in psychology and then my masters in Counseling and human development. I got really good advice about the masters because I had just assumed I would get my masters in psychology. But, in Alabama and in other states you can get licensed and practice without being a psychologist.
Is it possible for you to take a few classes so that you could find out what really interests you?
I know that the money is in Occupational psychology where you work for corporations and such. (I hated that class so much)
One of my favorite classes was Comparative psychology and I had no idea that we have more in common with other species than differences.
Sorry to write so much but you should also know that most of the classes you will take will overkill the major theorists like Freud, Erickson, Adler, Beck…. etc. But, there are many many many more theories out there that I have found that work really well in conjunction with the old faithfuls.
One last thing…… Insurance companies and the government almost always want you to do some kind of measurable therapy. In other words….. they love Cognitive and behavioral therapies. Behavior analysis sounds really interesting to me too.
Good luck and whatever you do……. Keep on asking questions. You don’t want to travel on the wrong path any longer than you need just becuase the system is so hard to figure out.
Charley
Ty said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Are you an undergrad? Most universities don’t get that specialized for undergrads. They simply have a psychology major. Social psychology is probably best for advertising. Cognitive psychology and/or behavior analysis or neuroscience and behavior for clinical will be best if you plan on going into clinical for grad school.
If you are looking at grad schools now, the others are right. Find a school that has a clinical psychology program.
qwiklimegirl said,
Wrote on November 4, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Consumer Psychology is best for advertising, but also study Behaviorism. The only Counseling program as far as I know is at Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh. I used to do counseling but I became so sick of hearing about peoples petty problems I now fill surveys and that pays me enough for my modest needs. You can practice counseling online at a variety of sites related to psychiatry. Cutting groups are common and someone will probably be interested in having a private counselor. Are you sure you wouldn’t be happier doing research?