Psychology: career of the future?

Question

I recently told someone I want to be a psychologist. He said it was the career of the future. On the other hand, my dad wants me to study something else, and says that I will not go far. I really want to do this, but I'm not sure if it will pay well. Any suggestion? personal experience?

P.S: i want to work with either kids, or possibly with criminals in jail.

Answer 1

if you are an easy person to talk to and a good listener kids are the way to go...follow your heart, you'll know when it is time.

Answer 2

Psychology is a great career. I wanted to become a psychologist, but decided for Law, this was more of a personal choice than anything else. As far as money is concerned, you should know that as with any other career, the longer you go to school the more you will earn. There for, if you decide to go for psychology and you would like to earn a good amount of money, it would be a good idea to aim for a master's or Ph.D in psychology.

Accoarding to the US Department of Labor, Median annual earnings of wage and salary clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006 were $59,440. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,300 and $77,750. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,730. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists were:

Offices of mental health practitioners $69,510

Elementary and secondary schools 61,290

Local government 58,770

Individual and family services 50,780

Outpatient care centers 50,310

Median annual earnings of wage and salary industrial-organizational psychologists in May 2006 were $86,420. The middle 50 percent earned between $66,310 and $115,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,620.

A doctoral degree usually is required for independent practice as a psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, health care services, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government. Psychologists with a doctoral degree often work in clinical positions or in private practices, but they also sometimes teach, conduct research, or carry out administrative responsibilities.

A doctoral degree generally requires 5 to 7 years of graduate study, culminating in a dissertation based on original research. Courses in quantitative research methods, which include the use of computer-based analysis, are an integral part of graduate study and are necessary to complete the dissertation. The Psy.D. degree may be based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In clinical, counseling, and school psychology, the requirements for the doctoral degree include at least a 1-year internship.

People with a master’s degree in psychology may work as industrial-organizational psychologists. They also may work as psychological assistants under the supervision of doctoral-level psychologists and may conduct research or psychological evaluations. A master’s degree in psychology requires at least 2 years of full-time graduate study. Requirements usually include practical experience in an applied setting and a master’s thesis based on an original research project.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs. Bachelor’s degree holders may also work as research or administrative assistants for psychologists. Some work as technicians in related fields, such as marketing research. Many find employment in other areas, such as sales, service, or business management.

If you want more information about psychology, you should visit this link:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm#earni...

The U.S. Department of |abor's occupational outlook handbook has everything you need to know about mostly every career that's out there.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Do what you love. I'm currently working 2 jobs to get my JD.

Answer 4

I would look into Sociology classes as well. Sociology is used in a variety of jobs. Then take your psych classes. That is what I am doing.

My goal is to become a counselor down the road.

Answer 5

I have a friend who is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and another who is in school to become an LCSW.  They have both told me that becoming a psychologist is not a good idea- that the field will be "dead" in that sense in some time.  However, they have both told me that becoming an LCSW is a great way to go.  There are jobs out there and plenty of things you can do with that title.  I am not quite sure of the difference between the two, but it's something to look into.  Good luck!  And follow your passions- you can't go wrong!

Answer 6

A lot of employment for psychologists depends on government funding.  And although government jobs have been secure in the past.  I'm not so sure that this will continue to be the case in the future.

Various governments at the municipal, state, and the federal levels have been borrowing huge amounts of money.  And now their tax revenues are declining due to slowing economy.  Which means that sooner or later these governments will need decrease their spending.  Raising taxes sky high is not really an option for them because this will only damage the economy more.

Perhaps many psychologists will end up unemployed as a result of government cut-backs.

There is a shortage of technically skilled workers in USA.  Such as scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.  And if you want to have a career of the future.  Then I suggest that you study one of these technical professions.

Answer 7

Oh , I too want to be a psychologist =) is a career too good for me

But for you father...I don't know that think , sorry