What is a good minor for a Psychology major?

Question

I'm a Psychology major at my university. I have not decided on a minor, or if I want/need one. I want to be a counselor, though I don't know in what area (prison, school, industrial, et cetera).

I would like to have a minor, but I don't know what would be best. I speak some Spanish and love the language. I'm really interested in art (maybe art therapy?) and I love writing. But can I even use any of these skills for my career in counseling?

What are some common minors that go well with a Psychology major intending to be a counselor?

Answer 1

Depending on where you live, but in the US, you need to have a Masters to do counseling so your undergrad is just preparing you for that. A minor will not help you out. If are thinking of a minor, it isn't very many more classes to get a double major (usually about two classes, 6 credits). Then if it is in things like Spanish or Art, you have proof that you are an "expert" in those areas, minor wont do this. This will allow you to use those skills without having licensure issues or having people claim you are making false statements about you skills.

As others said, a lot of psychology majors do end up going on to do a lot of research. This is how they become known. If this is anything you might even be interested in, take all the writing classes you can. Becoming published is difficult, you not only need to do quality research but write well.

A minor will not effect where you go. It is called a minor because it doesn't matter much.

Remember, you are not locked in to anything. A degree can help you, but you are the one who actually decides where you end up. One choice of a minor will not effect that, most of the time places will not even care what your minor was, or even ask about it.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

I don't really think you need a minor either.  But if you need the classes or just want to take them, here's what I suggest (because you might be able to fill your elective requirement AND get the minor without wasting money)-

Sign language/ audiology/ speech impairment (for hearing impaired), a minor in business management is always helpful or just good to have.  Maybe a minor in journalism so that you can write articles for a psychological journal?

Answer 3

First of all, you don't need a minor.  99% of the time, it is a complete waste of time and money.

Second, if you're going to do a minor, only do it in something specific to what you want to do in life.  I believe Cal State Northridge has a s*x Therapy minor, specifically intended for people who want to become s*x therapists.  If your school has something like that for whatever you intend to counsel, go for it.  Otherwise, save your cash and go for a Master's instead.

Answer 4

I believe that writing is actually a good skill to have as a counselor. You will find yourself amongst plenty of opportunities to write many pages of descriptions and your ideas about certain issues.

Spanish would be excellent to have, since whites are now a minority in America!

Art is often incorporated into talk therapy, and you can have your client sit down with a piece of paper and some crayons/pens and ask them to let you have the drawing by the end of the session. The details and texture of the drawing will give you further insight into the person.

Plus, if you're going to council someone with a multiple personality disorder, their 'little kids' often need to draw to explain what happened. Or play dough to create a scenario.

Philosophy and Sociology would also be good, if you are interested, but I'd say that you are well equipped if you follow your interests!

Good luck! :D