Psychology major (undergraduate) seeks advice on minor area of study

Hello Stephen from UT as well!

I actually thought about a similar career and looked into options here too. I think to do what you want to do your best option is a Masters in Social Work. You will have to do some graduate work in order to be a counsleor. Graduate work in psychology (a liberal arts dept, right?) typically leads to academic work rather than clinical. Short of going to the college of natural sciences, sociolgy would probably be a good option.

But I don't think what major you are is going to make any difference in your ability to get into a graduate program as long as your degree is a BA.

I majored in psychology many moons ago w/the plan of becoming a psychiatric social worker (MSW) but I got sidetracked and never got past the bachleors. in addition to a minor, you might want to look at internships or volunteer work in the clinical field or related areas of social service like the criminal justice system.

one of my most valuable experiences in college was working as a researcher on a long-term social psych study. I did this both for credit and then as a part-time job in the summer. Oddly enough it did have practical application in my career as a journalist -- where I started to learn the art/craft of interviewing people. good luck!

I think sociology is a good choice. Another thing to consider would be a foreign language--probably Spanish would be the most useful. I would definitely try to add some classes in Spanish at least (or another useful language).

I have friends for worked as counselors prior to (or in lieu of) receiving their MSW. There's also a certificate in substance abuse counseling that you might want to look into after you graduate. Probably best to get a job in the field after you graduate and then see what additional schooling you need in order to do what you want to do.

Good luck!

thanks guys! i will reply to these in detail in a little while, but in the meantime, is there anyone else out there with advice for me? and thanks in advance :)

I think that literature, English or philosophy would enhance a psychology degree.

can you minor in law or s'thing to do with medicine? would seem more useful than eng lit.

don't believe this is an option in his college. also there really aren't undergad studies in those areas.

Definitely do some internship/practicum based learning, so you are sure about your ideals matching the realities. Not to be harsh, but there's a huge burn-out rate in social service type psych. jobs.
Town/Gown, in many ways!
A sociology minor might be too narrow...(for you).Is there something else that delights your soul and that you really want to study? Philosophy? Literature?
Enjoying your time in college is important, so think of something that will enhance YOU, rather than enhance your degree. Good luck!

HEY! Let me advise! Warnings follow.
Be mindful of what debts you rack up going into social services/social work becuase you will probably not be paid enough to pay back your debts. Everyone I have talked to who has an MSW tells me not to do it. Only do it if the state will pay for it or you get scholarships.

If you want better work, become a psychiatric RN or a school psychologist. AT least you can pay off your loans. Or stay in academia, do research. Well, anyway thats my opinion.

I got my BA in Psychology (initially wanted to do I/O), and realized that it wasn't what I wanted to do by the end of my third year. I'm now a social worker. I think I'm gonna stick it out for at least a year to see if it's really what I want to do with my life, and if so, getting my MSW on a Title IV-E.

The pay for someone with an MSW isn't spectacular, but it's not as shit as people say. But if money's your main concern, social services would not be a good fit.