<p>So right now I’m an English major. Although I plan on taking some psych courses, I don’t have research experience or anything like that, such as a minor. I’d eventually like to do something in the marketing/human resource field. Do you think that getting my MA/PhD in something like social psychology would be ideal or a waste of time? (MBA requires work experience.)</p>
<p>You should realize that HR is super competitive to get into. A masters would probably help, but an internship is what would do it for you.</p>
<p>really? HR is hard to get into?</p>
<p>That is what I have heard from friends that went that route.</p>
<p>so would it be a waste of time/$ to get a PhD?</p>
<p>Getting a PhD in social psych is overkill for going into HR or marketing. Generally a PhD is funded so it’s not a waste of money (aside from forgone salary) but is a huge waste of time if you dont want to go into research, be a psychologist, or become an academic. Work after undergrad and get your MBA at 25 or 27.</p>
<p>An MA in industrial/organizational (I/O) psych could be relevant to HR but not necessarily. Social psych wouldn’t really be that relevant. Oh, and you’ll need undergraduat research experience, even for an MA (though perhaps a little less so than a PhD).</p>
<p>how am I supposed to branch into related fields (w research) if I’m an English major who’s interested in the marketing aspect?</p>
<p>Look at what psych, soc, and business faculty at your school are researching and email them (politely!) to see if they would be willing to let you help. Also, look at the pre-reqs for I/O psych programs and make sure that you take them.</p>
<p>bumpx10chars</p>
<p>bump again; I’m just trying to fig out this whole life thing</p>
<p>it sounds like what you need is an MBA. as you’ve noted, you need work experience first to get into most MBA programs. so what you need right now is to wait on grad school for a bit and find a job. the MA or PhD in social psych would not be useful to someone wanting to pursue HR or marketing. i’m afraid your best option is to leave the womb of academia and go into the workforce.</p>
<p>yes…you need an MBA…</p>
<p>you can get a desk job with an english major (firms need someone to look over their documents) </p>
<p>and then go from there. HR has ok job b/c it’s kinda boring.</p>