Jnelsonmarka

What's going on people? I am going to get my Associate of Arts Degree this semester and it will be in psychology. I have already been accepted to a four year university for next semester and I will be there next semester. However, my major is currently psychology and I'm not sure if I want to keep it because I'm only going to be able to go part time now because the 4 year University's tuition is double my old school's tuition. This means that I won't have my degree for another 4 years, which really sucks. Now, I'm not the type that usually finishes what they start but if I get a degree I certainly want it to be in something worthwhile and that will help me to get a job.

The current plan is to get a bachelor's and then to finish a master's program and to become a licensed mental health counselor. However, if this doesn't come to fruition, and I only get a bachelor's degree, then I want it to be in something that I can use. So what are bachelor's degrees that are similar to psychology that you can use in the real world to get you a job? But at the same time would allow me to go onto grad school and get my master's in clinical psychology if I still wanted to at the end?

goingnutsmom

If you want a marketable degree in the social sciences, consider a BSW (Social Work). I have a BS in psychology that was basically worthless in terms of getting a job that actually was able to pay bills. I also have a MSSW from UT and I'm now an LCSW. This is a very marketable degree, especially if you are bi-lingual (in Texas, very necessary). Now you will not get rich, ever. But can be a very rewarding career. Look into all the requirements for the different degrees- bachelors, masters and PHD programs as well as the different licensures out there- BSW, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PA ... Good luck.

Jnelsonmarka

Oh God no! I can't do social work! I need a job that makes good money!

sciencenerd

Have you considered Nursing? That can lead to many career paths.

Jnelsonmarka

Thought about nursing, but they have a waiting list to get into the nursing program in most schools, and I don't want to be out of college for a semester.

goingnutsmom

Well, if your objective is to make "good money" then going into the mental health field is probably not the way to go. Even a masters in clinical psychology will not get you there. Only things I can think of in this possible range is as a psychiatric nurse (masters level) and psychiatry. Also a PhD in clinical psychology can give you a good income in private practice once you have developed your professional niche. Insurance companies are reimbursing less and less. Working in school districts as a PhD psychologist can also possibly make a good income. And academics with tenure positions (PhD and research) is another possibility.

You need to decide what a good income is and look into the various degrees in mental health that may be able to attain this. But on a cautionary note, I can't think of any of my mental health colleagues who are living large. You usually don't work in this field to get rich. It's more of a calling/passion/fulfillment thing.