What college is good for psychology, and what education is required?
I live in United States, and I was just wondering which colleges “specialize” in psychology. I’m only in 8th grade…but 8th grade is a prep. for high school which decides which colleges you can choose from…so yea, I’m thinking about it for fun and to be safe.
Anyway, yea. Which colleges are best to go to if I wanted to major in psychology, and what education and stuff is required for it?
Also, what’s the difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and school counselors? Which is most involved in talking out problems with people? Opinions…suggestions for an almost clueless 8th grader?
Thanks
Bill said,
Wrote on April 8, 2010 @ 5:19 am
A psychiatrist prescribes medications.
A psychologist does not.
A therapist has talking “sessions” with patients (this would be the answer to your “most involved” question)
School counselors are, well, people who help counsel students in time of need.
There are several schools out there that are excellent for psychology. I would search locally first.
You don’t need any special type of education throughout high school. You’ll go to college and major in psychology, get your bachelor’s degree in four years, then move on to grad school.
After a few years (usually 2) you’ll get your master’s degree.
Then comes extra classroom time and the most important research paper of your life- Your dissertation. That’s done in order to get your doctorate degree.
Now, you’re a psychologist/psychiatrist.
Go fix people.
fun_seekr79 said,
Wrote on April 8, 2010 @ 5:28 am
It’s great that you’re thinking this far ahead. It’s true that there are a lot of different ways to practice psychology. Psychiatrists are physicians (MDs) and must complete a residency after completing medical school. They are allowed to write prescriptions for medication (unlike the other specialists you mention), but I don’t believe the majority do talk therapy with their patients. Psychologists usually have a master’s or doctorate degree and do a lot of talk therapy using several methods (such as psychodynamic, etc). There are a lot of other certificates programs like LCSW and MFT that are geared toward helping people with specific problems. The educational requirements vary.
As for college, any good liberal arts college is a good choice. Don’t overlook your state’s public universities too if they are well-regarded. Looking back at my college years I learned that I got out of college what I put into it. It’s easiest to do this if you feel comfortable and happy at the school you choose. So when looking at colleges, definitely visit them. Academics are really important but also you will be there for four years learning and growing as a person. Pick a school you like!