Psychologist: Exploring Paths When Psychology Isn’t an Option
My daughter will begin dual enrollment this fall, and since she’s been homeschooled, she can fulfill a significant portion of her BA requirements at our local state college. She’s expressed interest in becoming a psychologist, but unfortunately, our area doesn’t offer a four-year program in Psychology. Considering she might change her mind about her career path, I feel it’s important to lay a strong foundation for other options.
The two programs closest to her interests are a BA in Biological Science and a BA in Social and Human Services. I’m wondering which direction I should encourage her to take. Each program comes with its own math and science requirements, so it might be beneficial to choose one that aligns well with her potential interests.
She’s young and may eventually lean toward fields like computers, criminal justice, or even business. While I’m inclined to lean towards the BA in Biological Science, given its alignment with medical pathways, I also see that the Human Services degree might suit her personality better, especially if she doesn’t wish to pursue medical school fully.
Her first two semesters will be the same for both options, so I have until the summer to decide on the next math class, which varies between the two tracks. Any advice on which path I should guide her towards would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re navigating an important decision for your daughter! Since she’s still exploring her interests and may change her mind, it’s essential to consider both short-term and long-term options when selecting her degree path.
A BA in Biological Science provides a strong foundation in the sciences and could be beneficial if she later decides to pursue a career in healthcare or a related field. This degree would be advantageous if she’s interested in areas like mental health, as it could seamlessly lead into medical school or other health-related programs. If she’s inclined towards research or clinical roles in psychology down the line, this path could be very supportive.
On the other hand, a BA in Social and Human Services aligns more closely with her immediate interests in psychology and could provide practical skills in working with individuals in various settings, such as counseling, community service, or social work. This degree might resonate more with her personality and could lead to fulfilling career options in human services, advocacy, or non-profit work.
Since her first two semesters will be the same, it’s wise to wait until the summer to decide on her next math class based on her interest and direction. In the end, encouraging her to keep an open mind while pursuing courses in both areas could provide valuable insights into her preferences. Additionally, it might be helpful for her to engage in extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer opportunities to explore various fields before committing to a specific degree. Whatever she chooses, the skills she develops will be valuable in a variety of careers. Good luck!