What is Psychology Really?

By Latanya Peacock

In theory what is it?

Psychology is the science of studying human behavior, as well as mental processes. It is concerned with how people perceive the world around them and how they react to it.

What is it used for?

It is mainly used in mental health, academic research, marketing and various other fields. It's abroad major that can be used practically anywhere.

What does the major actually entail - work-wise?

Psychology majors can expect to take courses in relating to cognition, research methods, psychological statistics, and abnormal psychology. Some elective courses may be sports psychology, industrial/organizational psychology (a combination of business and psychology), human sexuality and social psychology. Overall, it may be mandatory for most psychology majors to do a lot of writing and researching. Also, students may be required to do a variety of projects in their seminar classes. If you hate researching/writing, then this is not the major for you.

What kind of jobs do you get with it?

With only a bachelor's degree, jobs can be limited at this level. However, some of the jobs that graduates can expect at this level includes: social service case manager, mental health technician, child care worker, elderly case manager and research assistant.

In order to be a counselor or therapist, individuals must obtain at least a master's degree in counseling, with certification. If individuals desire to become a psychologist, they must continue on to obtain a doctorate degree.

What are the fellow students like (personalitywise) in it?

People that study psychology come from all walks of life.

Common Misconceptions

People tend to think that just because psychology is a social science, it is an fairly easy major. This is definitely not the case. While the subject is interesting, it is certainly not am easy major. People major should be prepared to work extremely hard.

Another misconception is that people think that you can become a counselor on the bachelor's degree level. Most therapist positions require you to have a master's degree.