Discover surprising details about getting a BA in Psychology and working in the field from current psychologists and our own professors at Florida National University. What are some of the things that they weren’t expecting before they got into the program? What are some of the skills they picked up along the way or see that have been extremely useful in the career?
Math in Psychology?!
Students are often surprised at the amount of math that some university programs require. At FNU, your core math-related classes are basic: College Algebra and Introduction to Statistics. These math skills will be used lightly within the classes to understand important research papers and, on the other side, as part of your method in studies you plan to publish.
At FNU, we offer optional classes to strengthen this academic and scientific side of psychology, if you so wish. Seeing the utility it could have on your career path, you can choose to take Psychological Tests and Measurements or Statistics for the Behavioral Science as electives.
FNU is currently creating a program to involve students in research in various fields, including psychology – so this is the ideal moment to take part in the exciting developments at FNU!
>> View FNU’s bachelor’s degree coursework requirements.
It’s a Long Road to Licensure
The EPPP, the exam that licenses psychologists in Florida, can only be taken by doctoral candidates. So, yes, that means that first that the 4-year bacherlor’s degree is just the first step. Then the typically 2-year masters, then entering a program for a PhD.
At FNU you’ll be surrounded by mostly students who are dedicated to the psychology degree, which is helpful when that is also your goal. You will find that your professors will play a very strong role in your success in any program at FNU. Our professors are often touted by students for being their support and encouragement throughout their degree. Likewise, the kind of dynamics you have with other students plays into your enjoyment as you are pursuing your degree.
FNU Psychology Program Director, Dr. José A. Perez states that “At this time, about 85% of the students are planning to continue a career in the field of psychology pursuing a Masters degree and Doctorate degree.”
The FNU program prepares students specifically for work in
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Mental Health Technicians
- Addiction Studies
- Behavioral Analysis
“Our classes are limited to a small group of students to attend the needs of every student separately and personally. Our instructors are experienced in the field and offer a great amount of real world applicable knowledge,” the professor and program head, Dr. Perez underscores.
Florida National University is an accredited university (by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission for Independent Education) with full authorization to award certificates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Your degree will be valid at any university you apply to thereafter.
>> Email Dr. Perez about enrolling in FNU’s Psychology degree program.
Once you have the license, the degree pays off rather nicely. Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com report a rough average income for psychologists between $85,000 – $90,000 per year. The higher echelons of psychologists make up to $140,000 annually in the state.
Despite the long path towards a license to practice as a psychologist per se, it doesn’t leave you out in the cold and unable to use the skills you’ve learned in your BA. There are many quasi-psychology careers that can begin with a four-year degree in psychology, namely
- counselors
- social work
- research analysts
- teaching
- trainers
- behavior and mental health technicians
Aside from careers directly related to psychology, there is also a demand for employees with psychology degrees in business and sales.
Hypochondria
As you are reading on depression, bipolarity, panic disorders, phobias, OCD, schizophrenia, eating and anxiety disorders, you will convince yourself that you suffer from one of these. While there is a fraction of a chance it may well be true, a bit of hypochondria is common among students when first being introduced to the concepts.
Generally, digging into the complexities, the true triggers, sources of these disorders and using a psychologist as a soundboard wipes away these conjectures with confidence.
How Important Trust is in Psychology
Within seconds, people tend to make judgments on trust, assumptions about a person’s character, how proximate they are to themselves, etc. There are some people that irradiate trustworthiness. However, this is something that can also be built through reliability, honesty and ethical behavior.
Psychologists have written about finding the balance between empathy, friendliness and professionalism. There is a fine line that can sometimes seem blurry, but it’s there nonetheless. Although part of a patient’s decision to trust is inherent within the first minutes -if not seconds- it is your task to gently build. Some people find this a daunting task, others might be willing and able to do so, and for others it comes naturally.
Now that you know what most psychologists would have liked to know before starting their career, are you ready to start looking into our program? You’ll get all the guidance you need before, during and after your studies.
Call us to speak about your interest in psychology as a career at 305-821-3333 or write us here.
Financial Aid
See if you qualify for any of the financial aid options at FNU. We offer scholarships and tuition incentives to government employees, U.S. Armed Force and if your company isn’t part of our alliance, consider starting that process with us.
