Psychology, or the study of the human mind and how it functions, remains an incredibly popular college major for multiple reasons. The practice of psychology is performed professionally by psychologists. Many individuals who major in psychology may enter the major as a career step to this path. Medical physicians who practice psychology are referred to as psychiatrists. This major also provides an early foundation for that career path. However, there are multiple reasons to study psychology and multiple advantages to choosing it as an undergraduate major. This paper will discuss the benefits of the major, as well as the various career paths that are open to psychology majors.

One important benefit from a psychology major is that it teaches the student about the human mind and why people act in various manners. Not all psychology majors will become psychologists. However, all psychology majors will develop an increased awareness about human behavior and thought patterns. All people must interact with others, whether it is in a family dynamic or at a workplace. People respond to these interactions in a wide number of ways. Often, the ways that a person may respond may appear illogical and even neurotic to the average person. However, the person who has studied psychology has a tremendous advantage in this area. This person can recognize the various types of psychological responses and perhaps understand why the person acts the way he or she does.

This allows the person with a psychology background to choose the proper way to respond to the other person. Obviously, humans act in a wide variety of manners in both irrational and also planned ways. For instance, the person may not know why he or she is bothered by a specific action at work. Others, however, may respond in a certain way in order to elicit a response from another person. Workplaces are extremely challenging and competitive environments at times. However, if a person with a psychology background recognizes why the other person has acted in a certain manner, the psychology major can tailor the response to ensure that the situation does not escalate or continue in a nonproductive way. There are plenty of books related to the psychology of dealing with one’s co-workers (and family). A person who majored in psychology is in a much better position than someone who merely read a book!

Psychology also offers the individual insight into himself or herself. As the person learns about the human mind, how it works and why people behave in specific manners, the person may also begin to recognize both harmful and helpful thought patterns in himself or herself. This may lead the person to an increased level of self-awareness. Self-awareness is a vital skill for any person to have. It allows the individual to learn what areas the person needs to strengthen. It also shows the person what areas of life where he or she possesses strength and resiliency, crucial skills for the modern world. Individuals who are more self-aware are more likely to accomplish their goals and dreams. They are less likely to engage in self-sabotaging behaviors, as they understand their motivations.

The third reason why psychology is a useful major is because it opens up a wide range of career opportunities. A person may enter a vast field where psychologists and those trained in psychology work. These areas include industrial psychology, school psychology, private practice, organizational behavioral fields, law enforcement and virtually every other field. All fields have the opportunity to benefit from the guidance that psychology can offer.

As stated, there are a number of career opportunities from which a psychology major may choose. One of the more exciting ones is working in law enforcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) hires psychologists and gives them additional training in the field of criminal profiling. Criminal profiling is an area where psychologists determine the likely demographic makeup of a serious criminal, such as a serial killer (Webb, 2015). However, a psychologist may also choose to work in a school setting, ensuring that children have all the vital skills necessary for their success. These fields have similarities, of course. They both rely upon the knowledge of the human mind to determine why a person, either a killer or a school child, are behaving in specific patterns. However, they are also quite different! While one deals with one of the most depraved minds known to modern psychology and likely involves some disturbing work, the other job deals with children. Children may have problems, but they are also wondrous, imaginative, innocent beings with a lifetime of potential before them.

To work as a psychologist, a minimum of a master’s degree is required. Many individuals choose to continue to the doctoral level. Obviously, a person with an undergraduate degree in psychology may work in a number of areas, but not practice as a psychologist. There are a number of degrees available that allow a person to practice in the field of psychology. These include master’s degrees in social work, counseling, psychology and related areas. A person may also obtain a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology degree as a terminal degree. Often, individuals with a doctoral degree may choose to teach at the college level and work in private practice as well. This would increase the earning potential for the person. The average salary for a practicing psychologist in 2010 was approximately $69,000. The high end of the salary scale was $110,000. Obviously, these salaries vary based upon education, experience and location. It is also important to recognize that some areas may be more lucrative than others. If a person owns and operates a mental health facility in an area with wealthier clients, the person may charge more. However, if a person chooses to work with low-income clients in a government clinic, the salary may not be as high. The person should choose where and how to practice based upon his or her interests, goals and desires, not the salary though (Psychology Careers, 2014).