Should You Major in Psychology?

Jul 15, 2024

Should You Major in Psychology?

Presenter

  • Dr. Ali Mattu, Clinical Psychologist
    • Psychology major at UCLA
    • PhD in Clinical Psychology
    • Assistant Professor at Columbia University
    • Mentored many students

Introduction

  • Questions to answer:
    • Is a psychology degree worth it or is it useless?
    • What can you do with a psychology degree?
    • Can you find a job with a psychology degree?
  • Dr. Mattu's origin story:
    • Almost flunked out of high school
    • Community College: De Anza
    • First class: Introductory Psychology, taught by Professor Wendell Gosling

Why Psychology is Popular

  • Intro classes offer a superficial appeal
  • Promotes self-understanding and understanding of others
  • Offers a sense of "superpower" in understanding human behavior

The Problem with Psychology as a Major

  • Early courses are easy and appealing
  • Upper-level courses are more difficult
    • Examples: Biological psychology, statistics in psychology
  • Universities monetize introductory courses

Breadth of a Psychology Major

  • Core understanding: Scientific study of thoughts, feelings, behavior
    • Cognitive Psychology
    • Biological Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Social Psychology
    • Clinical Psychology
  • Skills Gained:
    • Critical thinking
    • Communication
    • Scientific method and ethics
    • Theory
    • Evaluation of research

Applications Beyond Psychology

  • Degrees prepare you for further study within varied subfields
  • Psychology as a hub science
    • Connected to fields like marketing, AI, sociology, public health, neuroscience, psychiatry, education, nursing, anthropology

Types of Students Who Should Major in Psychology

  1. Students planning on graduate training in Psychology
    • Scientists or mental health practitioners
    • Advice: Get lab and clinical experience early
  2. Pre-professional students (law, medicine, etc.)
    • Psychology can be a secondary or double major to boost GPA and fulfill interest
  3. Students not planning further education
    • Job prospects similar to other liberal arts/sciences
    • Importance of acquiring practical experience during college
      • Internships in journalism, advertising, AI, user interface design
      • Determine career fit and application of psychology

Conclusion

  • Psychology is both liberal arts and science but lacks a clear direct career path
    • Offers broad skills, flexible applications
  • Important to get real-world experience to shape career pathways
  • Resources:
    • "Psychology Major's Companion"
    • Other helpful videos and community: Dr. Ali Mattu's channel

Call to Action

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