Do you need to know math to major in psychology?

Question

I am interested in psychology and thinking about majoring in it for college next year... Does that require me to be any good at math or take any advanced courses in the subject? I really suck at math..

Answer 1

Not a lot.  Probably mostly for statistics, which is important in the psychology field these days.

To be sure, check out the college you anticipate going, what curriculum is required, or call or email a counselor.

Answer 2

Jed, sorry buddy to tell you this.  I have an AS in Education, a BS in Psychology, a BA in Theology, a MA in Clinical Counseling, a MA in Divinity, and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.  The hardest course I ever took in many years on school was my Graduate Work in Psychological Statistics.

You better find a Math tutor now before it is too late.

Answer 3

A BA in psych will not require much in the way of math skill. You will probably need to tally lab results, and calculate descriptive statistics such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation and correlation.

If you go on, you'll likely need to study multivariate statistics and inferential statistics, to be able to consider how several variables cluster or function as a system, and be able to judge the significance of your results or if you can infer generalizations from your results.

Many people obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology without strong math skills. Those leaning towards research need stronger skills, but can use the help of consultants in the case of the softer disciplines. Those leaning towards a private practice can master most of their statistics skills in a manner that is functional rather than what we think of as mathematical. But you do need to get through your classes, even if it's with the help of a tutor and you really don't understand the math behind it. (In one ear and out the other after your exams like a monkey.)